Favorite car audio brands (2022)

Mittens · Sep 26, 2022

I'm looking for info on brands in general. Who makes good amps and speakers? It's been a decade since I looked into car audio and everything seems upsidedown. I know it's 99% subjective, but I want to know the general consensus on what's trash and whats decent.

The specific brand I'm trying to research is Image Dynamics. Back then they were considered pretty daggum good, but it looks like they may have changed hands and are slipping. I'm finding nearly zero info on them written in the last 10 years or so. Same with Zapco. It's looking like Alpine is headed that way too.

Kicker was still in walmart then and not great, but now looks like they are toward the top.

audiophile · Sep 26, 2022

Kicker is great for the money. They have other lines than the ones carried in Walmart etc. Pioneer still makes good amps and speakers. Digital Designs also make great speakers. Depending on your budget, JL Audio and Memphis audio as well as HiFonics.

Mittens · Sep 27, 2022

The DD Red Line and Pioneer D series look good.
Rockford Punch and Power too. Prime looks like it has quite a smaller magnet.
Memphis PR has a lower (advertised) RMS power, but is on the list.
Focal Access and Auditor (really not a fan of anything more than 2-way. seems gimicky)
Kicker gets expensive to get a butal surround.

My price range is $100-$150/pair for 6x9, but hopefully on the lower end. This is probably my speaker list... plus Image Dynamics if I can find out how they're doing. It's a shame Alpine got kicked off.

Jeremy Oxton · Feb 10, 2023

Memphis audio kinda spendy but great products

DILLIGAF · Feb 11, 2023

Subs - Alpine Type Rs - My 12" type Rs are now 13y old and still kick .... Ive burned out Kickers with that same Memphis 1000d amp.
Components - Focal
Amps - Memphis class D's
Decks - Alpines or Pioneers

Mittens · Feb 11, 2023

I got an alpine deck and type S in the doors about a year ago in another truck and was a bit disappointed. Put a pioneer in this truck and it’s awesome. I went wild ID in the doors and they’re awesome. Will probably be quite a while, if ever, till I mess with a sub.

gofishn · Feb 11, 2023

Speakers? ALpine Type R's, if amped
Focal if not amp'ing, Kicker either way

Head end units? Kenwood, man. and the heck with the rest.
Amps? Alpine or Rockford Fosgate

Fediej · Feb 11, 2023

I have an old school soft spot for Clarion and Blaupunkt. Not sure if either is relative today.

REDinAZ · Mar 14, 2023

Fediej said:
I have an old school soft spot for Clarion and Blaupunkt. Not sure if either is relative today.

I just like saying Blau"punkt".

bcbouy · Mar 14, 2023

my previous 2012 slt had a Kenwood head unit with android auto,pioneer low profile sub mounted under the passenger seat and 6 hertz speakers and i had no issues with it.that was the first aftermarket system i had installed in years.sounded good to me,but i'm 80% deaf in my right ear.it was all integrated into the steering wheel controls.

kirk35 · Mar 15, 2023

Head units- Pioneer, I wouldn’t even consider another brand.

Speakers- JBL Club 6930 is what I used in my 2011, and I will probably use the new 6932 in my 2022. I’ve also had good luck with Pioneer D series.

Amplifier - Rockford Fosgate

Lsujker · Mar 19, 2023

I run Polk speakers on all my Jeeps. Components are great if you can squeeze them in. I find polks very balanced but everyone’s ears are different.

Had many head units but I find kenwood makes the best head unit. Really this part is heavy preference. In the day, pioneers were the best.

Now for amps. This is the expensive part. Stick with the big name brands. Had more bad than good. I like kicker for my Jeeps. They seem to produce the most power for the money.

Wiring is very important. Don’t spice from the highs of a factory unit. Run multiple amps and bridge if you can. Power makes a difference.

Rayzaa · Mar 19, 2023

Kenwood double din head unit , I don't go top of the line, it's middle of the road but had to have it android auto compadible.

Love JBL speakers but went with Infiniti front and back. My truck has the 4 speaker system. Could of added dash speakers but didn't. Maybe someday but then I'd l
Have to change out my front door speakers to more bass speakers.

Favorite car audio brands (2022)

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