Thread: Advice on a decent mid-level stereo system

Time to upgrade the stereo. My head unit will stay the same, it is a Clarion CZ500. For the front speakers I'm going to follow Quiksr20's thread to the letter and pick up the CDT Audio CL-61A. For the rear deck I'm wondering if I should go for a 6.5 Midrange such as these (CDT CL-E6) of if I should go for a coaxial such as the CDT HD-65NX. I'm hoping to get decent bass sound (nice and tight, not boomy) without a sub, which is why I'm pondering the midrange rather than the coaxial, especially since the CL-61A's come with separate tweeters in the front. Thoughts? Other recommendations? I'm also looking to get a small amp to power the 4 speakers, if I can find one. Maybe something like this Alpine MRP-F300 300w 4 channel amp, which I could hopefully fit under the front seat or near the ECU and give enough power to give me the bass and clarity I want. If I go with a sub it would likely be like what ShawnB has with the power 8" powered Boss unit to go under the seat, but the newer version of that has not received the rave reviews that his older model has.

Thoughts? I'm looking for around a $500 system that sounds clear and crisp and can handle some Charles Mingus bass lines.

I had the 8" ed design subs and the alpine mpr 400 powering them in the rear deck or could put them in small sealed boxes. they are for sale as well.

those door speakers will run just fine off the headunit as well

OK, I've gotten rid of the idea of midranges for the rear deck and I'm actually thinking about buying two sets of the CDT CL-61A and putting one set in the door and the other set in the rear deck. Is there a reason why I shouldn't put these, and/or component speakers, in the rear deck?

absolutely not go for it should be nice and crisp sound all around

Thank you for your replies, I'm really excited to be able to be immersed in sound in my B13!

I would not waste money on speakers for the rear! Take the money you were going to spend on them and buy better front speakers and some good damping material to seal off the front doors. This will give you MUCH better bass response without that sub. You can get some really nice front speakers and an amp for $500. I would buy used if possible also and you can get more for your $$$.

https://www.woofersetc.com/p-4765-tempo-6-morel-65-2-way-component-system.aspx

https://www.woofersetc.com/p-10234-cl61mb-cdt-audio-65-cl-61a-classic-2-way-component-speakers.aspx

Amps.
https://www.woofersetc.com/p-9388-sqa-2130-cdt-audio-amp-2-channel-350-watt-amplifier.aspx

https://www.woofersetc.com/p-5288-kac-x20-kenwood-excelon-2-ch-1000-watt-amplifier.aspx

https://www.woofersetc.com/p-8903-16-pr2x100-memphis-100w-2-channel-full-range-class-ab-power-reference-amplifier.aspx

Well, I already got my system as described above and I'm very happy with it. The install was a bit of a pain, especially running new speaker wire to the doors. I still have to dial in the amp but I am very immersed in the sound. Wes, I have no doubt that those speakers you listed are better than what I have, but for now I am very happy with the upgrade. But I will keep those in mind for the Miata!