OK, it's 4 months after the initial question but I thought I would give an update. First of all, it took a full 4 months for my car to come in, then we had to evacuate Houston for a possible hurricane in late September (lots of fun, 18 hours in a car without running the AC so you don't run out of gas in 100deg heat with 95% humidity), then I picked up the car. I ended up going with all Alpine gear, component speakers, 4 channel amp, head unit and Nav system, Sirius, disc changer, and finally a self contained Infinity Sub system. I am very happy with all, not sorry I didn't go Dynaudio/McIntosh. My car is a convertible, and really with auto gear I have learned that unless it is a full sized SUV or Truck with room to position speakers correctly, "Slam" is more important than clarity or imaging. You are very limited on speaker placement, so why spend the extra cash.
I broke down and paid a professional who came highly recommended to put it in, and they did an "OK" job, at best. They put it in, but it took 3 days, and the system does not look seemless and finished, in any sense of the word. They didn't cut any corners, but they didn't go the extra inch either. I paid $450 for the install. I also had a great alarm put in, that worked out well, but I got a remote start on a manual, and may have it deactivated. Too much chance to start it in gear.
Everyone, thanks for your help!!
