GG> dynamic range of around 96dB. I just can't understand why they would
 GG> award maximum points for 140dB if *loud* wasn't high in their minds.
Maximum points in the SPL section (which I believe is only part of the 
Sound-Q Plus competition).  I think you can only get 30 points (out of a 
possible 600 or so).  I'd give you the exact numbers if I wasn't too lazy to 
go out to my truck and get my IASCA Competitors Guide :)
 GG> to be penalized for having a stereo that can't do 140dB.  I only
 GG> have 15 watts rms a channel (Clarion head unit and changer) in my car
Good choice of equipment, I'll give you that :-)  I have a Clarion CD head 
unit in mine, though it's a 30x4 unit.. but I run everything off of my amp, 
as the Clarion's built in amp has a  1% THD rating :-/
 GG> It'd never win any prizes, I'm sure, but it has good *quality* sound.
If it sounds good to you, then that's all that matters (IMO).
 GG> It doesn't even have a sub. The speakers cost me all of $200 total
 GG> (Blaupunkt 6x9s and 3.5" with dome tweeters).  One key is not to
Again, not bad choices.  My speakers cost me $300 altogether I think (Alpine 
6.5's, Audio Art 1" tweeters, 8" Bazooka tube)
 GG> (Blaupunkt 6x9s and 3.5" with dome tweeters).  One key is not to
 GG> install speakers in really bad locations (doors are the *worst* place
 GG> to put speakers.  I personally don't hear out of my knees....) It
Definatly, though if you cut holes near the bottom of the doors, you'll 
USUALLY get a little bit better quality.. here's a little diagram of how I'd 
do it if I was handy with tin snips :) 
|--------------------\
|                     \
|                      \
|  Window               \
|                        \
|-------------------------|
|                         |
|                         |  ---> Front of car
|                         |
|                    Spkr |
---------------------------
Lousy diagram, but... ;
In mine, I have the 6.5's in the factory door locations (which are up at the 
TOP of the door.. ugh), and the tweeters on the kickpanels, angled up toward 
the driver/passenger
 GG> Funny, as I was writing this message, some obnoxious flapper drove
 GG> down the street playing as loud as he could.
Those kind of people do give people who like car audio a bad name 
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