Sound system advice.

[heyjpark1]

I don't want to spend a lot of coin upgrading my stereo, so that means I want to stick with stuff I can buy at Wal-Mart.

My goals:

1) get a deck that has a connection for Ipod, is satellite ready and has pre-outs for an amp.
2) upgrade speakers in rear to 6 x 9 and maybe 6 1/2" in front.
3) install amp

Questions:

1)Anyone have any recommendations on Wal-Mart stereos? Right now they have a few models from Dual, Sony and JVC.

2)How hard is it to modify the doors to fit 6 1/2" in front and 6 x 9" in the rear? I'm trying to avoid a subwoofer, thats the reason I want to go with bigger speakers.

3) Can I fit the amp under my Renix era front seat? Where else is a good location?

[snail]

1)Anyone have any recommendations on Wal-Mart stereos? Right now they have a few models from Dual, Sony and JVC.

^-- i personally would get a sony because ive had good experience from them in the past. they usually have a bunch of choices there that would suit what you are looking for

2)How hard is it to modify the doors to fit 6 1/2" in front and 6 x 9" in the rear? I'm trying to avoid a subwoofer, thats the reason I want to go with bigger speakers.
^-- getting a sub would be easier and more cost effective in my opinion if you are getting an amp anyway. it would sound immensely better than larger speakers and you dont have to worry about it blowing out (compared to trying to 'bump' speakers). i run a polk momo 10" bazooka tube in the rear mounted to where the spare tire mount is. another option is to get the subwoofer wedge thingy for that little space on the right side of the cargo area (ive heard a sub there may cause noticable vibrations of the shrouds there though). 4WD hardware and such carries the subwoofer for that rear wedge space

3) Can I fit the amp under my Renix era front seat? Where else is a good location?
^--i dont know about under a front seat, but under the rear bench is basically perfect. i keep my 600w under there fine and you shouldnt have any space issues. having the amp under the rear bench is also a great location for running to the sub in the back

hope some of this helps your decisions

[wolfpackjeeper]

I got a Pioneer headunit from walmart. I splurged and got the nice 200 dollar one. I reads any CD, controls an Ipod, and also has an aux in for a nother type of input. Several RCA outs too. I like it a lot. The best feature is silly though, I can turn off the power to the face at night, so it is not blindingly bright. They had several models lower than the one I got. Pioneer tends to sound the best on the radio, and I like them a lot.

Other than that, I would get a 10" sub and either mount it in the cubby on the rear right, or put it in a box. You can either mount the amp to the box, or put it under the rear seat. Then I would just get a new set of speakers, it will sound much better and be easier than trying to upgrade the speaker size.

[heyjpark1]

I got a Pioneer headunit from walmart. I splurged and got the nice 200 dollar one. I reads any CD, controls an Ipod, and also has an aux in for a nother type of input. Several RCA outs too. I like it a lot. The best feature is silly though, I can turn off the power to the face at night, so it is not blindingly bright. They had several models lower than the one I got. Pioneer tends to sound the best on the radio, and I like them a lot.

Other than that, I would get a 10" sub and either mount it in the cubby on the rear right, or put it in a box. You can either mount the amp to the box, or put it under the rear seat. Then I would just get a new set of speakers, it will sound much better and be easier than trying to upgrade the speaker size.

Hmmm... I saw that unit. Does it have the capability for aftermarket Satellite radio? Also, can you turn the sub off if you want to?

[snow276]

i have an alpine head unit. it has the ipod connection and its sat. and hd ready. i got it from crutchfield.

i would say go with a pair of subs.

[5-90]

I've used Sony (and Aiwa - Sony OEM) with good results, so you'll want to go ahead and consider that. You may find it more useful to find a head unit with a USB plug in the front panel - that would allow you to just plug in a "thumb drive" and play your tunes off of that without a batch of ancillary cables (if you break the drive, get another. If you want a larger drive, get another.)

Failing that, I'd think more along the lines of a 1/8" front panel stereo input jack than a dedicated iPod jack - what if your buddy (who doesn't have an iPod!) wants to play something for you?

I can't honestly give a recommendation for satellite radio - haven't played around with it at all.

You'll probably have the best luck using a sheetmetal nibbler to install upsized speakers in the front doors - check the mounting depth, and make sure the window won't hit them when you roll it down. I've fit various brands of 6x9 speakers in early liftgates (1996-earlier fibreglas) with just a little work - mainly, cutting the larger pocket out using a Dremel and a rotary cutter bit (gives best control over the dust generated, I think.) You'll be better off with a sheetmetal nibbler for the later liftgates, methinks.

Before you fully commit to Wally World stuff, check out crutchfield.com. I've built quite a few stereo systems out of their catalogue for not a lot of coin, and been happy with the results. Yeah, it's mail-order - but it's worth the trouble, I think.

[heyjpark1]

I've used Sony (and Aiwa - Sony OEM) with good results, so you'll want to go ahead and consider that. You may find it more useful to find a head unit with a USB plug in the front panel - that would allow you to just plug in a "thumb drive" and play your tunes off of that without a batch of ancillary cables (if you break the drive, get another. If you want a larger drive, get another.)

Failing that, I'd think more along the lines of a 1/8" front panel stereo input jack than a dedicated iPod jack - what if your buddy (who doesn't have an iPod!) wants to play something for you?

I can't honestly give a recommendation for satellite radio - haven't played around with it at all.

You'll probably have the best luck using a sheetmetal nibbler to install upsized speakers in the front doors - check the mounting depth, and make sure the window won't hit them when you roll it down. I've fit various brands of 6x9 speakers in early liftgates (1996-earlier fibreglas) with just a little work - mainly, cutting the larger pocket out using a Dremel and a rotary cutter bit (gives best control over the dust generated, I think.) You'll be better off with a sheetmetal nibbler for the later liftgates, methinks.

Before you fully commit to Wally World stuff, check out crutchfield.com. I've built quite a few stereo systems out of their catalogue for not a lot of coin, and been happy with the results. Yeah, it's mail-order - but it's worth the trouble, I think.

Thanks! Do you think I would be better off with a sub as opposed to modifying the rear hatch as others have opined? Mind you, I'm not even in the slightest bit interested in rap or anything of the sort; nor do I need to win a bass competition. I do, however, like to enjoy quality sound.

Perhaps I could just buy a decent quality speaker that fits the OEM openings and use a sub for fill in bass...what do you think?

[wolfpackjeeper]

I saw more of an overall sound improvement from the sub than anything else, makes the music have a lot fuller tone. I do not listen to much rap either. As far as the Pioneer goes, it does have the 1/8th jack, you just run it into the glove box with the ipod cable. It does not have the USB jack, which would be nice, but it will carry satellite radio, and possibly bluetooth, but I have not tried. You might have to buy a control box to get the sat radio to work.

I am actually rearranging my build budget on my street mj to grab a sub box, amp, and sub to fit behind the seat. It really does make a nice addition, especially when combined with a good set of speakers.

[5-90]

Thanks! Do you think I would be better off with a sub as opposed to modifying the rear hatch as others have opined? Mind you, I'm not even in the slightest bit interested in rap or anything of the sort; nor do I need to win a bass competition. I do, however, like to enjoy quality sound.

Perhaps I could just buy a decent quality speaker that fits the OEM openings and use a sub for fill in bass...what do you think?

Hey - I don't go thumping down the road either!

I have a JVC headunit, JVC 5.25" poly-cone two-ways up front, and JVC 6x9 poly-cone three-ways in the liftgate. Add a Kenwood 450W one-channel amp and one Fosgate 10" driver in a tube for low-end fill - not to thump, but to really carry when someone fires up a bass line.

A quality large-driver speaker can give you good bass for most purposes, but a sub with a dedicated amp and crossover just can't be beat. Most people don't even know the thing is there unless a song with a very good bass line comes up, or I point the thing out to them (the tube is usually hidden under a few things. The tube is also readily removable, in case I need the cargo space.)

Whatever you choose, I do suggest you get a headunit that has at least one set of "pre-amp outputs" - that's where you'd plug in a sub amp. If you decide to add one later, the process will be greatly simplified, and the sound from the sub will be cleaner. Bass is non-directional, so it's just important that it fires into the cabin somewhere (and you're going to feel it more than hear it anyhow. I've been thinking of adding "seat shakers" one of these days, just for fun...)

However:

1) 5.25" won't do for getting a good low-end sound. Period. Not unless you're willing to drop several hundred bucks on a single driver.

2) Since you're not into competition (neither am I,) you don't have to worry about getting something exotic, like "spun titanium" cones or "carbon fibre" cones. However, you'll want a good poly cone - it will give you better and cleaner sound than the usual paper cone (poly is more rigid,) and is worth the minimal cost difference. Hell, I think paper cones are only used by the OEMs anymore, and that's even falling by the wayside...

3) Don't go dead dirt cheap on speakers. They're the final stage between the electronics and your ears, so don't be afraid to spend a few bucks. You don't have to spend a damned fortune - but you don't want to go totally cheap.

4) Going with a decent sized driver (5x8 or 6x9) in the liftgate can give you decent bass, but the response is still not there. If you want solid low-end fill, you'll need to move some air - and a single driver is enough (8", 10", or 12" - with 12" probably being the max for what you're thinking. 10" is likely plenty.) The crossover will keep midrange and high-end tones from 'contaminating' your bass, and the amp will help the driver move air more effectively. For maximum cleanliness and clarity, a bass signal should be cleaned and amplified (a treble signal should be treated the same way, but you're not setting up a high-buck component system.)

How's all that grab you?

[bgwyllys61]

wally world here has a combo pack, sony cd player and 2 5.25 speakers for 150 bucks, has usb port in the front, and will control your mp3 player, or ipod through the deck, also has sub output, i bought this unit for my boat, sounds pretty good considering its all open

[wolfpackjeeper]

another good place to look is tweeter and best buy. I have gotten some great deals on their clearance and open item racks. A lot of it is overpriced, but there are some gems in there as well.

[IslanderOffRoad]

Instead of buying brand new cheap stuff from Wal-Mart, buy used stuff online.

www.caraudio.com is a great forum for it, check their classifieds for some screaming deals.

I picked up a JL 10-W1 in a truck box local off craigslist for 60 bucks.

6.5"s in the front door is easy, just screw them in, find some shallow ones so they clear the door glass when rolled down.

[Doose-doe]

SCREW SONY XPLOD... i have a set in my 97 xj and they suck horribbly, they stopped working after two weeks and they want me to pay to get them fixed. I personally love alpine but its a little more pricey but worth it in my opinion.
my 2cents

[Skwerly]

I have had WONDERFUL experiences with Pioneer Audio - and they aren't expensive, either! Jensen amps pack a hell of a punch for the money, as well.

[NW-ZJ-SCOTT]

Everything Audio wise is going to be personal oppinion, i Hate sony. but for Cheap cheap I think Jensen is underrated, Now, on the other hand. Im not a Huge Alpine fan, but i love Kenwood. normally its the other way around.

So, with my $0.02 in this..
If your spending less then $200 on a Deck, Make it a kenwood. Period. I have owned about 12 kenwood decks in the last 5 years. (cars come and go) and have never had an issue. they are bricks.

Speakers are also Personal preference. I couldnt actually Suggest something to you Brand wise, because like stated. just spend the extra. you will be amazed at difference. I like Infinitys the most. But for the price, the Entry level Kickers are amazing!

Speaker size. what your suggesting with 6x9s and 6-1/2s is the exact setup i have/ and my brother inlaw aswell. without a sub, the sound is Very clean, We went with 6x9 Boxes Sealed, instead of installed in the hatch. The bass is Present, without being distorted and its exactly the right Marriage between Lows-mids-Highs

I personally plan to Upgrade to a Kicker solo L7. But im a bass junky.

NO the amp will NOT fit under your seat. Hell.. an altoids can hardly fits.

Now, Ipod connection, or Aux input. what do you own? Do you own an Ipod? If so. by all means GO WITH THE IPOD HOOK UP. it is SO nice to just throw your Ipod in the glovebox and control it with the deck! BUT it wont Control anything else. so an AUX input is Most likely the perfect Feature for you!

[boomer1]

I run a pioneer head unit with a ipod hookup in the glove box
160 watt kenwood speakers all around
and 2 12's powered by a 600 watt amp!!!!
lol little too much bass have to turn it down or it gives me a headake lol

[wolfpackjeeper]

600 rms or 600 peak? My wife has 2 12's with a 1k watt amp...

[heyjpark1]

Everything Audio wise is going to be personal oppinion, i Hate sony. but for Cheap cheap I think Jensen is underrated, Now, on the other hand. Im not a Huge Alpine fan, but i love Kenwood. normally its the other way around.

So, with my $0.02 in this..
If your spending less then $200 on a Deck, Make it a kenwood. Period. I have owned about 12 kenwood decks in the last 5 years. (cars come and go) and have never had an issue. they are bricks.

Speakers are also Personal preference. I couldnt actually Suggest something to you Brand wise, because like stated. just spend the extra. you will be amazed at difference. I like Infinitys the most. But for the price, the Entry level Kickers are amazing!

Speaker size. what your suggesting with 6x9s and 6-1/2s is the exact setup i have/ and my brother inlaw aswell. without a sub, the sound is Very clean, We went with 6x9 Boxes Sealed, instead of installed in the hatch. The bass is Present, without being distorted and its exactly the right Marriage between Lows-mids-Highs

I personally plan to Upgrade to a Kicker solo L7. But im a bass junky.

NO the amp will NOT fit under your seat. Hell.. an altoids can hardly fits.

Now, Ipod connection, or Aux input. what do you own? Do you own an Ipod? If so. by all means GO WITH THE IPOD HOOK UP. it is SO nice to just throw your Ipod in the glovebox and control it with the deck! BUT it wont Control anything else. so an AUX input is Most likely the perfect Feature for you!

Actually, I rarely use my Ipod, really I just want the Aux input for my satellite radio.

Also, Islander got me thinking about buying used stuff, so I cruised into a hock shop yesterday-boy do they have some bargains. The problem is that I have to write down all the model #'s of the head units they have there so I can get on the internet and look the specs up.

[IslanderOffRoad]

Also, Islander got me thinking about buying used stuff, so I cruised into a hock shop yesterday-boy do they have some bargains. The problem is that I have to write down all the model #'s of the head units they have there so I can get on the internet and look the specs up.

The car audio junkies are always upgrading, there is a huge amount of used stuff out there.

Don't rush, do your research, and pick the best item for the price. I went new with my amp as I found it for $100 cheaper than Crutchfield at Sonic Electronix.

[NW-ZJ-SCOTT]

You can also Check out Craigslist! alot of people think thats scary, but i have always had goodluck.. well.. kinda.. i got screwed once. but it was MY fault. Test before you buy!

[heyjpark1]

My problem with buying used is that I know so little about the shit that I have to look the specs up on the internet. So for hock shops that means writing the model #'s down then going to my computer and looking them up. I have been watching craigslist, but I know from buying other things on craigslist that a lot of people want nearly new prices for their shit.

On a related note, do I need two preouts to run two amps (I'm thinking one for the sub and one for the speakers) or do I just run them in parallel?

[NW-ZJ-SCOTT]

Try to find a deck with Front/rear/Sub preouts. Thats pretty standard today!

[snail]

just an fyi most things on crutchfield can be found cheaper elsewhere
ive used crutchfield as a search/readup for products and bought them cheaper from other random websites

[FlexdXJ]

just an fyi most things on crutchfield can be found cheaper elsewhere
ive used crutchfield as a search/readup for products and bought them cheaper from other random websites

That's the way to do it. I bought my head unit from crutchfield because it was a good deal. I wouldn't buy amps and subs from there though!

[srimes]

the sony xplode line sucks. there may be some good products in there, but I got a head unit and speaks for the wife's car and they suck. Pioneer is a good value brand, I've had good luck with them.

You don't need an amp for anything but the sub. Just run them off the head unit. I have a 90 panasonic cd player from walmart pushing 6.5" 2-way pioneers front and rear, also from wallmart. I got a cheap amp used off craigslist for the sub, which is the only high end component of the system. It sounds good up to hearing-damaging levels, and it was all pretty cheap. Here's my no-space 15" sub install: http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=954359

[FlexdXJ]

:huh:there is no way that that is enough airspace for a 15in sub!

[srimes]

:huh:there is no way that that is enough airspace for a 15in sub!

did you read the thread? It's an infinite baffel setup, there's " infinite" airspace on the other side. It plays fast and clean with none of the colorations of a regular box, and goes very low. It wobbles the roof on single digit hz notes, and would be louder with a less crappy amp.

[rideboarder589]

i would personally go with the sony xplod. ive never heard any complaints about them and most come with the ipod connector and things you want.

im not sure what your getting an amp for if you dont plan on buying a sub unless your amping your speakers.
but since your getting an amp i would go ahead and buy a nice cheap xplod sub and not worry with all the cutting to make your speaker holes bigger.Plus, youll have to go kinda expensive to get a set of 6x9s with enough bass to make up for not having a sub.
Take the easy rode and shell out the other 60 bucks for a sony sub
and try http://onlinecarstereo.com, its where i get all my stuff, everything is brand new but like 40% off because it doesnt come with a warranty and ive never had a problem to need the waranty anyway

[FlexdXJ]

did you read the thread? It's an infinite baffel setup, there's " infinite" airspace on the other side. It plays fast and clean with none of the colorations of a regular box, and goes very low. It wobbles the roof on single digit hz notes, and would be louder with a less crappy amp.

Oh i see i guess i'm just used to a sub needing a box! I still don't think a 15 there is that necessary!

[srimes]

Oh i see i guess i'm just used to a sub needing a box! I still don't think a 15 there is that necessary!

can't really argue with that. I'd rather have too much speaker than not enough. It's not like it takes up any more room as there's no bulky box. And IB subs aren't as loud as thoes that use a box. Judging by volume one might think I had 2 12s.