BrianSD_42
New member
Info
:banana:
Hi,
I just sent the OP this email. I think it about covers the options as I see it.
I am not an audio professional just an amateur enthusiast. If you want opinion from a PRO go talk with the scientists and engineers at AVSforum.com
********
Anthony,
If you have a $1000 to spend I would do it like this.
Head Unit $250-$350
4 Channel Amp $300
Front Speakers $150-$200
Rear Speakers $125 (best idea is to skip for now and use cash on head unit or amp ... you can't hear them anyways)
4 Gauge wiring kit $75
Speaker Wire $25
Trust me .... if you try to put in subs and speakers for $1000 you will only be able to buy SH$T gear. Get everything but the SUBS now and then in a few months buy the subs with additional money.
I used Crutfield, they are very good except that you will need to cut for the rear speakers because factory is only a 4" which is such a ****ty small size that no-one should ever use it. Brands matter !!!!
Things to look for in a Head Unit:
Signal to Noise Ratio. This is where Alpine and Kenwood Excelon really Kick-ASS over Pioneer. If you look it up you will see that the Excelon & Alpine have a SN of 105-110db vs Pioneer at 93-95db. This is a measure of how "clean" the sound is. Since you are going to be running a 4-Channel AMP you will have plenty of current. A poorer SN-ratio will result in more noise at higher levels. WATTAGE - this will not matter if you have a 4-channel AMP since you will be using the amp not the head unit for powering the speakers.
This high SN-ratio will mean that you can turn the volume up to ear-hurting levels with the sound staying crystal clear and static free. This is of course only on audio tracks that were recorded top notch. A good example for Rock music is Vicarious by Tool @ 320 kpbs MP3. This track will sound really awesome at high volumes. Also any song by queen was probably recorded very well.
Speakers - you WANT to get front components. Getting the tweeter to fit in the factory spot is easy to do if you are crafty and have either double sided 3M mounting tape or perhaps a glue gun. The woofer will fit perfectly. Use Crutchfield to ensure a solid fit. Rear speakers - I suggest you get 5.5" rear speakers and cut the doors to make them fit. Then use some type of rubber molding to fill any gaps.
Amp - You will want to start with a 4 channel AMP and run new speaker wires. It might be tempting but I would not get a "all-in-one" AMP that does 4-channel and a SUB. I think you should start with the 4-channel of AT LEAST 75x4 RMS. Do you know what RMS is? This is very important, use WIKI to read more. The point is that you want 75x4 RMS or higher.
More on AMPS -->
1) you get what you pay for
2) manufactors do sometimes lie about the RMS output and quality
3) major name brands lie less
4) Peek wattage is an irrelevant metric
5) stay away from EBAY and brands that are rare
Sound Deadening - I have done this. I used industrial roofing material. It worked great with no problems. There is a slight smell but it goes away after 2 weeks. I cannot recommend after-market deadening products because I have not used them. By using the industrial material, you will get 3 ft x 50 roll for $100. I would hold off on doing the sound deadening until after you install the stereo.
Install - you can DIY or pay someone. Do not pay best buy, they charge way too much. I would find a local shop that and ask them to do it. It is super easy so it will not be a problem.
Recommended sites to visit:
DIYmobileaudio
DIYMA.com - Car Audio Forum & 12 volt Community Board
AVSforum
AVS Forum
*******
:bat:
:banana:
Hi,
I just sent the OP this email. I think it about covers the options as I see it.
I am not an audio professional just an amateur enthusiast. If you want opinion from a PRO go talk with the scientists and engineers at AVSforum.com
********
Anthony,
If you have a $1000 to spend I would do it like this.
Head Unit $250-$350
4 Channel Amp $300
Front Speakers $150-$200
Rear Speakers $125 (best idea is to skip for now and use cash on head unit or amp ... you can't hear them anyways)
4 Gauge wiring kit $75
Speaker Wire $25
Trust me .... if you try to put in subs and speakers for $1000 you will only be able to buy SH$T gear. Get everything but the SUBS now and then in a few months buy the subs with additional money.
I used Crutfield, they are very good except that you will need to cut for the rear speakers because factory is only a 4" which is such a ****ty small size that no-one should ever use it. Brands matter !!!!
Things to look for in a Head Unit:
Signal to Noise Ratio. This is where Alpine and Kenwood Excelon really Kick-ASS over Pioneer. If you look it up you will see that the Excelon & Alpine have a SN of 105-110db vs Pioneer at 93-95db. This is a measure of how "clean" the sound is. Since you are going to be running a 4-Channel AMP you will have plenty of current. A poorer SN-ratio will result in more noise at higher levels. WATTAGE - this will not matter if you have a 4-channel AMP since you will be using the amp not the head unit for powering the speakers.
This high SN-ratio will mean that you can turn the volume up to ear-hurting levels with the sound staying crystal clear and static free. This is of course only on audio tracks that were recorded top notch. A good example for Rock music is Vicarious by Tool @ 320 kpbs MP3. This track will sound really awesome at high volumes. Also any song by queen was probably recorded very well.
Speakers - you WANT to get front components. Getting the tweeter to fit in the factory spot is easy to do if you are crafty and have either double sided 3M mounting tape or perhaps a glue gun. The woofer will fit perfectly. Use Crutchfield to ensure a solid fit. Rear speakers - I suggest you get 5.5" rear speakers and cut the doors to make them fit. Then use some type of rubber molding to fill any gaps.
Amp - You will want to start with a 4 channel AMP and run new speaker wires. It might be tempting but I would not get a "all-in-one" AMP that does 4-channel and a SUB. I think you should start with the 4-channel of AT LEAST 75x4 RMS. Do you know what RMS is? This is very important, use WIKI to read more. The point is that you want 75x4 RMS or higher.
More on AMPS -->
1) you get what you pay for
2) manufactors do sometimes lie about the RMS output and quality
3) major name brands lie less
4) Peek wattage is an irrelevant metric
5) stay away from EBAY and brands that are rare
Sound Deadening - I have done this. I used industrial roofing material. It worked great with no problems. There is a slight smell but it goes away after 2 weeks. I cannot recommend after-market deadening products because I have not used them. By using the industrial material, you will get 3 ft x 50 roll for $100. I would hold off on doing the sound deadening until after you install the stereo.
Install - you can DIY or pay someone. Do not pay best buy, they charge way too much. I would find a local shop that and ask them to do it. It is super easy so it will not be a problem.
Recommended sites to visit:
DIYmobileaudio
DIYMA.com - Car Audio Forum & 12 volt Community Board
AVSforum
AVS Forum
*******
:bat:
Last edited:
