ICE upgrade help desparately needed !

[gandolf_thewise]

hey gurus
delighted to finally be a part of team bhp. I have been in automotive nirvana since the last few weeks . And like every other newbie on this forum my concepts on ICE ( i never knew what it meant earlier ! ) have undergone a sea change. Till a couple of weeks ago i was pretty sure what i needed to get to improve the audio experience in my swift vxi. I then came across team bhp and lo and behold my concepts went for a mighty toss. I am now in a major dilema ( and thinking of taking up another job to pay for my extravagance... ) . Alright here goes :

my current setup :
HU : Sony .. very basic mp3 player probably not manufactured
anymore
Front and rear speakers : JBL Coaxials CS series fit in stock
locations.

i desparately need to upgrade my system . I listen to predominantly new age and world music , soft rock , occasional hip-hop and trance . I was looking for more bass to add. My budget is 10k-15k.

My options : Front Components ( pref . illusion 6.1 ) -6000/-
Rear ( stick with JBl co axials )
If possible a decent Sub ( 8/10/12 inches ) - 2500-4000/-
4ch amplifier 6000/-( anything cheaper ? )

My queries : *is it worthwhile sticking with the sony HU ? do i need to upgrade to a pioneer HU . If not i can save 6k-7k. That way i can afford an amplifier (4CH) .
*Will changing the HU to a 7950 pio significantly improve my audio experience ( in case i stick with the JBl coaxials ) .
*If i do get a pio HU is it advisable driving the compos off the HU. I can do away with the sub/amp for now then .
* How do the new pio HU ( 2008 ) fare compared with the 7950 .
*My last option is stick with the HU and JBL coaxials and add a SUb and amplifier. ( is it advisable ? )
*In Mumbai which installer is better BOOM or FM Drive ( prices and quality of work )
I know gurus i am one confused nut ! But i need your help. I am planning to drive to Tirupati this month and would love to have my system installed before the long drive.

Once again elated to be a part of team bhp and looking forward to more constructice contributions and participation. Happy new year to all team Bhp members !

[navin]

Originally Posted by gandolf_thewise

HU : Sony
Front and rear speakers : JBL Coaxials CS
My budget is 10k-15k.

My options : Front Components ( pref . illusion 6.1 ) -6000/-
If possible a decent Sub ( 8/10/12 inches ) - 2500-4000/-
4ch amplifier 6000/-( anything cheaper ? )

Without knowing which HU you got it is very hard to pass judgement on it. Some Sonys are decent, some are awful.

If you are happy with the HU for now, leave it. Given that your budget is limited (like most of us) the money will give you more bang if you get front components (6K), a 4 ch. amp (6K), and a sub (5K).

[Bass&Trouble]

Originally Posted by gandolf_thewise

*is it worthwhile sticking with the sony HU ? do i need to upgrade to a pioneer HU . If not i can save 6k-7k. That way i can afford an amplifier (4CH) .

You could do that at a later stage, right now an amp would be better.

Originally Posted by gandolf_thewise

*Will changing the HU to a 7950 pio significantly improve my audio experience ( in case i stick with the JBl coaxials ) .

Significant is subjective. Which Sony head unit is this? An amp would be better than changing to Pioneer.

Originally Posted by gandolf_thewise

* How do the new pio HU ( 2008 ) fare compared with the 7950 .

They're just fine.

Originally Posted by gandolf_thewise

*In Mumbai which installer is better BOOM or FM Drive ( prices and quality of work )

Both are good, charges are quite similar. There are many more good installers too. Which part of Mumbai?

[gandolf_thewise]

hey gurus
thanks a million for your prompt replies. i guess then i will agree to what u have said and will go for a 4ch amplifier + front compos + a sub. Can u suggest any other installer in mumbai ( western suburbs , bandra - andheri ) . Also any reliable dealer from whom i could buy my stuff at the best prices . I checked out a couple of stores at milan subway santacruz but wasnt really happy with the prices . (I havent seen many dealers stocking illusions other then pankaj bhai and zohir . )

[gandolf_thewise]

hey gurus ,
Thanks a million for your prompt replies. I will definitely take your advice and go for front compos/amp/sub. Phew ! That's the HU i have



Could u suggest any reliable dealer from whom i could purchase my stuff at the best prices . I havent come across many dealers who stock Illusions other then pankaj bhai and zohir . I went to a couple of dealers at milan subway but i felt i was getting a raw deal. Would u suggest any other installers in mumbai( bandra -andheri ) .

[Bass&Trouble]

Originally Posted by gandolf_thewise

I checked out a couple of stores at milan subway santacruz but wasnt really happy with the prices . (I havent seen many dealers stocking illusions other then pankaj bhai and zohir . )

Which stores at Milan? Try Shreyas Motors.