LOL at this thread!
To the OP, as im sure youv noticed, audio gear is such a personal choice. Depending what you want out of it, some might consider 1500 too much, where as some might consider 5k cheap!
Im assuming you just want your average, run of the mill system.
You will save alot of money if you can install yourself, as it means you can hunt around shops like strahtfield, JB hifi ect ect and buy bits one by one as they go on sale.
Alpine gear would be fine, iv found there Type R stuff is great value for money, not too expensive but still decent SQ. If you want to spend less, alot of people wouldnt be able to hear the differences between the R and S type alpines so they are good aswell.
If your going to do the one by one shop around thing, dont lock yourself into one brand, some people will tell you not to mix brands ect, but from my experience (and lack of true SQ knowledge) i dont think there is anything wrong with mixing!
Oh and also, no point buying top line speakers then stinging on the amp, buy speakers subs and amps that are well suited to each other to get the most out of your money.
