luvjascha, when you said that you like "sound clarity and crispness in music", I assume you mean that you like your music to be brigher and more forward (with emphasis to higher frequencies = treble). I think the JBLs will fit you perfectly. They are really good for rock music.
I personally haven't listened to Focals or DLS. I have listened to a setup with Infinitys long back, and if I remember them right, I don't think their high-frequency output is as much as the JBLs. I think Infinitys mix in a little more of the mids as the expense of the higher frequencies. This is good if you like the vocals to come out well.
To really get good results overall, you will need a 4 channel amp. And you should install component speakers in the front. You won't be able to figure both in, at your budget, if you go for the costlier brands like Focal, Infinity and DLS. (Most of your money will be spent on the speakers - not a bad thing in itself, but a bad thing if you don't get the most out of your speakers with an amp later).
The GTO range from JBL is really good, and front comps and rear co-axes from JBLs GTO series will most likely keep you within budget even if you add a reasonably priced 4 channel amp. I'm not sure how much the JBL CS60.4 amp is, but it should be within your budget. You can also conside the GTO75.4 amp (which will be a little costlier than the CS60.4, but will give better results).
For speakers, you should also give Hertz a listen. My personal preference (based on how I like my music) is Hertz. Their DSK series is good. Their ESK series is better.
Since you have not mentioned any future plans for a subwoofer, you should ideally buy 6x9s for the rear, so that enough bass gets in.
If you do plan to add an amp, make sure you set apart about 2500/- to 3000/- for a reasonably good RCA cable and amp wiring kit. You can get a good kit from JBL itself. Another (costlier, but a little better) option is Audison. Yes, I know this is pushing your budget a little, but you will not regret the amount spent on the cables. You will regret soon, if you buy a cheap wiring kit (they will cause low buzzing and whining sounds in the music due to poor cable quality).
If you don't want to add an amp now, spend the money saved on the speakers (buy the next best set, or buy components for the rear), or on a better HU or on the same HU with B&W. I'm not knocking the Pio4850 per se, but you need to look at ALL grey (and even with-B&W) Pio products very carefully. You are most likely than not to be passed on a fake. I would recommend you spend a little extra on a unit with bill & warranty.
And before you decide, make sure that you go though the thread iraghava has mentioned in his post. It is somewhat the bible on ICE decision-making.
Last edited by hydrashok : 21st October 2006 at 16:20.
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