Car Audio Newbee

Well, I am limited on space due to the car being a convertible, that is where the Bazooka idea came from. I am trying to stay under $3k. So I am done. I bought an Alpine IVA310 headunit (used), and the Alpine NVA 852 navigation system, and 6 disc changer. I am replacing the stock speakers with Alpine Components speakers (4) that fit, and an Alpine amp. For the subs, I am just replaceing the existing 8" subs in the door with MTX 8" subs and an associated MTX mono amp to run them (per the MTX guys recommendation).

Will I need to add a capacitor or battery for this, or am I OK? I guess a capcitor would be a good idea no matter what. Can't wait to get my new toy (car that it).

It looks like you should do good with your choices, I would suggest finding someone who really knows what they are doing to install and tweak your system. I went through 5 different installers before going to a Mcintosh dealer to get it right. I just got away from the car audio bug and decided to focus on a home system. I reached the top of car audio with a Mcintosh MX406, MC440M 6CH, a pair of Fabian Acoustics (Max Fidelity) 6 1/4 and 2 pairs of 1in silk dome tweets (these speakers are Dynaudio Clones), and a pair of 10in MB Quart PWD254DVC subs. I spent way to much time and money getting to this point but the sound was incredable for a car.

EXCELLENT POINT Blblues...completely overlooked in this thread...my bad.

Installation is important...even if you don't purchase your gear from the best installers...it is worth it for them to do the install on your gear...even if it costs more than the "free" install services offered by the big chain stores.

Like an idiot, I am going to try it on my own first. What's the over/under on how long it takes me to go to an installer???

I tried my first install also...as you say...like an idiot...it wasn't bad...but it wasn't the greatest...and it took a long time just for the deck install. Give it to the pros for a day and you'll be glad you did...well worth the money...how much you ask?...depends on the installer...get quotes...ask to see the installers system...then ask what it will take to have as clean an install as theirs as they are usually the best ones.