New Sound System
 

Can anyone recommend a good stereo/sound system installer in the Annapolis area?

Try small independent shops, not the big box stores. The key is experience and attention to detail. Always done all of my own personally, that way I know it is done correctly. Have you already purchased the "system" and just want it installed? What needs installing?

I am only looking at small shops. I am seeking a shop to buy from and have install the system. Also, would someone with an aftermarket sound system tell me if I really need a subwoofer or could I just replace all speakers and install a new head unit and still have a very good sounding system?

askin if ya need a sub, kinda needs to be answered by yourself.......... what kind of music do you like and how much bass do you like ???

I know my question was vague. Classic rock and country - NO RAP. I'm thinking on doing the speakers and head unit now and adding the subs and amp when I have more $$$.

I listen to all music. I just got a 12" alpine typeR and alpine type s speakers amazing i will not sell the sub for the life of me.

If all you want for now is quality sound just go with the speakers and headunit. Then later on like you said get a sub and amp. That what i did.

I did my own install.

I went the Pioneer route. found components online, installed myself.
Pioneer head, 1- 10" Pioneer sub in the rear. The nice thing about them is the bus system they use to tie components together, controlled by the head unit. Stock door speakers.
Oh yeah 'Old' Rock and Country.

I have been playing with auto sound for over 20 years. Trust me...if you want something comparable to a decent home receiver, you want a sub. 6.5" speakers just can't effectively produce (or 6x9 for that matter) the subwoofer frequencies. Anytime you like you are welcome to listen to my system and I'll demo with and without subs...you want a sub for quality sound.

Where to put your money - Spend $$ on the amp(s), then the speakers, then the head unit.
1st off a head unit you are buying features only, period. Buy one that does what you want it to. The sound will differ so slightly you'll never notice the difference. 2nd spend $$ on amps - good ones with more than enough power (control your volume though manually). Then buy your speakers. You can get really good sound out of mid-priced speakers - most important is to listen to them 1st to be sure you like the sound (preference is very subjective). Lastly remember you are putting this in a diesel truck - it will never be competition quality since the exhaust note is probably louder than the stereo.

I hate to disagree with Milkmaze but the music you listen to doesn't matter, all music produces sub frequencies. If you want to hear it the way it was intended from the musician...you need a sub.

Thanks Keith! Any advice on a head unit that works well with an iPod? I've been looking at Boston Acoustic speakers for front and rear. Still up in the air on the sub woofer and amp brands. How/where did you mount the subs and amp? I get up to Middle River often as I have clients there. I'll keep you posted.
David

Take a look at my gallery. Two amps, one under each seat. Two 10" subs are mounted in a box custom made for the 2001 Dodge from a company called music moose (http://musicmooseaudio.com/dodge_ram_truck_d02.html). Just have to be careful on the subs because there isn't much room in the box, so match the sub to the box. As for the head unit, look at Alpine with "iDA" feature. They'll connect to an iPod and let you control it from the head unit.

hey kieth i need to download some info from you. im doing a custom setup in my truck, i dont have a back seat so i wanna do two subs under each rear window, plus i want a new head unit to do the ipod thing and maybe navigation. when i say i dont know anything about stereo, i mean it. but im doing re-doing my interior so i can hide the wires.

Any time just PM me. I live in Middle River. Glad to help out.