Spending $500 on Speakers/Amp

[zimdba]

I've got a 2004 with the JBL 10-speaker stereo. I had a Pioneer 5600BHS, and it worked like crap with the TYTO and OEM amp. Then the ASWC stopped working. So I ripped it all out & everything's back to stock.

Help me spend $500 on an amp & speakers - no sub. I figure I'm going to do the sub & amp upgrade anyway, so I just want to put the money towards the 6 speakers & an amp.

Assumptions - please correct me if I'm wrong:

* I'm going to lose the center channel and rear cargo-area tweeters? Is this any big loss?

* Front component speakers and rear 2-way coaxials. Would the front components be 6x9 + tweeter or 6.5 + tweeter?

* Do the speakers need to be the same brand, and the same line from the brand?

* I've heard good things about MB Quart, Alpine, etc. But I get lost in what level speaker is the best for the money. So suggestions on actual model numbers or speaker lines helps.

* Music style - emo, screamo, alt-rock - all at reasonable levels.

All suggestions welcome. Thanks.

 

[J053619]

Definitely check out crutchfield. They are awesome with customer service and installation guidance. As for not putting tweeters in the rear it shouldn't affect anything since you'll probably pickup speakers that already have a tweeter (coaxial). If you get 4 coaxial you won't even need to get 6 speakers (i'm assuming two of those are tweeters for the front doors), you'll only need 4 for the doors. Several people will say get a setup similar to your original so sound is similar to what you're already used to. That's what i did, and i only lost the center speaker. I probably wouldn't have noticed the difference though since I'm not an expert lol.

Also, are you not getting a sub?

 

[zimdba]

Also, are you not getting a sub?

Oh, I'm definitely doing the JL Audio sub/sub amp upgrade. I'm just not including it in my $500 budget.

Also . . I like Crutchfield - they're definitely helpful. But I'm also technically inclined enough that I don't want to pay MSRP.

 

[J053619]

Ah then you should be good. I used em since it was my first electrical project and shops around me weren't very helpful. I think [MENTION=93434]gshadow325[/MENTION] is big on helping with audio setups on here.

 

[Code2]

I've got a 2004 with the JBL 10-speaker stereo. I had a Pioneer 5600BHS, and it worked like crap with the TYTO and OEM amp. Then the ASWC stopped working. So I ripped it all out & everything's back to stock.

Help me spend $500 on an amp & speakers - no sub. I figure I'm going to do the sub & amp upgrade anyway, so I just want to put the money towards the 6 speakers & an amp.

Assumptions - please correct me if I'm wrong:

* I'm going to lose the center channel and rear cargo-area tweeters? Is this any big loss?

* Front component speakers and rear 2-way coaxials. Would the front components be 6x9 + tweeter or 6.5 + tweeter?

* Do the speakers need to be the same brand, and the same line from the brand?

* I've heard good things about MB Quart, Alpine, etc. But I get lost in what level speaker is the best for the money. So suggestions on actual model numbers or speaker lines helps.

* Music style - emo, screamo, alt-rock - all at reasonable levels.

All suggestions welcome. Thanks.

500 isn't going to get you much. you want a good head unit? or do you want good speakers. you have can the latter with 500 bucks.

I don't know about you stereo but my stock non jbl plain jane jams and jams good. all I have is a pioneer desk in there and people ask all the time if I'm running a box and what speakers do i have in there.

I always build a stereo around the head unit some speakers just sound terrible with certain brand head units once you get that then hold off and get a good set of speakers/amp when the budget allows.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

You can get some decent speakers for $500, but not an amp as well. If I were you, I would get a 5 channel amp and keep the center channel. I miss it a lot since I upgraded to a newer runner.

 

[Brian3676]

I have the same 5600BHS head unit as you. I agree, $500 is not going to get you much, but as a small amount more will get a a lot. I did the same thing you did and replaced just the deck, the system sucked so I did speakers, still sucked, so I broke down and did amp and sub. It sounds amazing now. I spend about $1100-1200, but that included the $400 deck. Take the deck out and I spend about $800, so if you have $500+sub/amp money I would say your spot on. The power from the amp pairs perfectly with what the speakers ask for. Clean crisp sound and the sub hits pretty dang hard for a 8". Sure you can get better speakers, but for my budget, and what it sounds like yours is, its a killer setup.

I have:
- JL XD700/5: 5 Ch. Class D System Amplifier- Paid $475 (was on sale)
- Infinity Primus PR6500cs up front- $119 but I got on sale for $99
- Infinity 6502ix 6.5" in the rear doors (crutchfield says they don't fit, but I promise they drop right in with no modification)- $99
- Kenwood KFC-XW800F sub in the stock box- $85 from the link below, again it drops right in with no modification needed to the box.
Amazon.com: Kenwood KFC-XW800F - 8" Subwoofer: Car Electronics

 

[zimdba]

I have the same 5600BHS head unit as you. I agree, $500 is not going to get you much, but as a small amount more will get a a lot. I did the same thing you did and replaced just the deck, the system sucked so I did speakers, still sucked, so I broke down and did amp and sub. It sounds amazing now. I spend about $1100-1200, but that included the $400 deck. Take the deck out and I spend about $800, so if you have $500+sub/amp money I would say your spot on. The power from the amp pairs perfectly with what the speakers ask for. Clean crisp sound and the sub hits pretty dang hard for a 8". Sure you can get better speakers, but for my budget, and what it sounds like yours is, its a killer setup.

I have:
- JL XD700/5: 5 Ch. Class D System Amplifier- Paid $475 (was on sale)
- Infinity Primus PR6500cs up front- $119 but I got on sale for $99
- Infinity 6502ix 6.5" in the rear doors (crutchfield says they don't fit, but I promise they drop right in with no modification)- $99
- Kenwood KFC-XW800F sub in the stock box- $85 from the link below, again it drops right in with no modification needed to the box.
: Kenwood KFC-XW800F - 8" Subwoofer: Car Electronics[/url

Thanks, that's exactly the approach I was looking for. $500 is a "soft" number so I'm flexible. Does the amp power the sub as well?

 

[Brian3676]

Thanks, that's exactly the approach I was looking for. $500 is a "soft" number so I'm flexible. Does the amp power the sub as well?

Yes, I have channel 1 powering the front components, channel 2 powering the rears and I have the 3rd channel bridged to power the sub. Like I said the RMS power for the speakers and the sub match almost flawlessly with the RMS the amp puts out. I dont have the center or the rear mini speakers (upper corner by the rear hatch) hooked up, but was thinking of hooking the center just straight to the deck speaker output since its a very low power speaker, but honestly the system sounds amazing and is night and day better than the stock so I dont think ill take the time.

 

[bpowa]

I have PVM216 MB quarts. It sounds very clear. You need an AMP for sure to run them. It has big bass for 6" I have not finished installing the rear doors yet. However It already have way more than enough sound with just the 2 fronts and a 8" sub. Amazon has a set of 4 PVM speakers for 207.00 you can definitely find a 5 channel amp for 300. I bought my amp on a glitch. 1000 watts 5 channel MB quart for 130.00.. But you can find it for around 250.

The amp has way more power than I need. However its quite large and will not fit under the seats.

Here is something to look at for compact.. I only got my amp due to price.. This one is smaller.

http://www.amazon.com/JBL-GTO-5EZ-5...&qid=1432050478&sr=1-4&keywords=5+channel+amp

Or if you want to tuck everything. you have to get a 4 channel amp and a separate mono amp for the sub. Have fun wiring..lol.

 

[zimdba]

Holy cow amps are expensive. I thought I only paid $250 for my JL XD600/6 a couple of years ago. I'll have to double-check. Maybe $750-$800 is more reasonable for a budget.

This summer I'm going to take out the interior & do some sound deadening & pressure wash the carpet. At that time it should be easy to wire everything.

 

[cpark_12]

Amps are outrageous! Try SonicElectronix...Their NVX brand is actually awesome!

NVX JAD900.5 (JAD9005) 900W RMS Full Range Class D 5-Channel Car Amplifier

I have a few sets of their speakers (coaxial and component) and I'd put them up against any of the mid level speakers out there.

Infinity KAPPA FIVE 1200W 5-Channel Class-D Car Amplifier

There's another 5 channel too.

For ease of placement and wiring, I'd definitely go with a 5 channel amp

 

[Darwalk]

I ended up copying a few others on here and used 3.5" speakers in the 4 "tweeter" locations. 2 in the front doors, and 2 in the upper rear pillars. I ran new wiring to the 2 rear pillars so that I could keep them incorporated in the system. I have the stereo faded to rear +2 so that I can hear everything front and back and I love it.

 

[theliman]

* Do the speakers need to be the same brand, and the same line from the brand?

I did a lot of research into speakers years ago when I got mine, and am confident that I got the best bang for my buck with Polk MM6501's. They sound incredible and I think I got them for only $200/pair (a quick search shows some still available at around that price, though I'm not sure they're still being made).

Also, for what it's worth, I did not replace any of the rear speakers (just the front two), and I think my system sounds awesome. Rear speakers still on for a full sound, but high quality for the ones I really hear the most. I'm sure audiophiles will cringe.

MM6501 - Polk Audio

 

[zimdba]

FYI: I got my JL Audio XD 600/6 from Sonic Electronix on 9/2013 for $370. My how prices have risen. I do like the idea of the XD 700/5.

As far as amps, it has to be a stealth install - under the seat or in the stock location. I garage every night, and only drive 6K miles/year. But I would be extremely butthurt if anything got stolen.

Good suggestions on speakers - keep them coming. Thanks.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

I have the same 5600BHS head unit as you. I agree, $500 is not going to get you much, but as a small amount more will get a a lot. I did the same thing you did and replaced just the deck, the system sucked so I did speakers, still sucked, so I broke down and did amp and sub. It sounds amazing now. I spend about $1100-1200, but that included the $400 deck. Take the deck out and I spend about $800, so if you have $500+sub/amp money I would say your spot on. The power from the amp pairs perfectly with what the speakers ask for. Clean crisp sound and the sub hits pretty dang hard for a 8". Sure you can get better speakers, but for my budget, and what it sounds like yours is, its a killer setup.

I have:
- JL XD700/5: 5 Ch. Class D System Amplifier- Paid $475 (was on sale)
- Infinity Primus PR6500cs up front- $119 but I got on sale for $99
- Infinity 6502ix 6.5" in the rear doors (crutchfield says they don't fit, but I promise they drop right in with no modification)- $99
- Kenwood KFC-XW800F sub in the stock box- $85 from the link below, again it drops right in with no modification needed to the box.
Amazon.com: Kenwood KFC-XW800F - 8" Subwoofer: Car Electronics

That's a clean install :yo:

 

[chillaxing]

This summer I'm going to take out the interior & do some sound deadening & pressure wash the carpet. At that time it should be easy to wire everything.

This right here is probably one of the most important things to haveing a great sounding car. Your gonna need to put aside $300-500 for sound deadener, sealing, and sound proofing the truck. With that said heres a setup

Hu: pioneer x2700bs
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pioneer-AVH...338?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27ff5fd9f2

Front speakers: Jbl p660c
New JBL P660C 6 5" Component Speakers System 6 1 2 inch 540 Watts Car Audio Pair 50036930116 | eBay

Rear speakers: Anything, dont even need them, don't spend more that $50

Speaker amp: PPI Phantom 900.4
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Precisi...H_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item541d80cf73&vxp=mtr

Sub: Alpine SWR-8D4
Alpine SWR 8D4 8" inch 1000 Watt Dual 4 Ohm Type R Car Subwoofer Sub SWR8D4 | eBay

Sub amp: jl jx500/1
JL Audio JX500 1D Car Audio Monoblock Class D 1 Channel Amp Amplifier 500W RMS 699440994002 | eBay

or ppi phantom 1000.1
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Precision-P...167?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item46392d4e2f

or this bridge to 4ohms: ppi phantom 600.2
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Precision-P...901?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item541f29fb6d

 

[bpowa]

I did a lot of research into speakers years ago when I got mine, and am confident that I got the best bang for my buck with Polk MM6501's. They sound incredible and I think I got them for only $200/pair (a quick search shows some still available at around that price, though I'm not sure they're still being made).

Also, for what it's worth, I did not replace any of the rear speakers (just the front two), and I think my system sounds awesome. Rear speakers still on for a full sound, but high quality for the ones I really hear the most. I'm sure audiophiles will cringe.

MM6501 - Polk Audio

Im no audio nut but leaving the stock ones on is just not doing your polks any justice. Its like a picture of hot group of girls with 1 fatty in the mix.

Also if anyone wants to go this route.. I have my stockers for sale. :boxer:


BTW.. those of you with the 5600bhs.. While I love mines, but he features of the mirror link sucks balls. It wont work properly with my iphone 6. It works ok on my iphone 5.. But not the greatest either. Anyone find it works well for android?

 

[ddnww]

oh, i'm definitely doing the jl audio sub/sub amp upgrade. I'm just not including it in my $500 budget.

.

i know jl is very popular, especially on this forum, i used to be a jl freak too, until i removed my blinders and opened my mind and ears, jl is hugely over rated and over priced. There are much better or equal products out there for much much cheaper. Just an fyi.

you can get some decent speakers for $500, but not an amp as well. If i were you, i would get a 5 channel amp and keep the center channel. I miss it a lot since i upgraded to a newer runner.

you can get some really good speakers and a great amp for $500 no problem, unless your jumping on band wagons for overpriced over rated gear.

this right here is probably one of the most important things to haveing a great sounding car.

that and proper installation and enclosure

 

[chillaxing]

i know jl is very popular, especially on this forum, i used to be a jl freak too, until i removed my blinders and opened my mind and ears, jl is hugely over rated and over priced. There are much better or equal products out there for much much cheaper. Just an fyi.




that and proper installation and enclosure

Yup, jl is a good company and makes good products, but really over priced. Only reason I run them is I got it used for really good price.

Yes, proper installation and tuning is the other part of good sounding vehicle.

OP, dont know why I thought you said you had a amp for your speakers. But I added a speaker amp for you.

To the person that said mirror lind sucks. It is, its trash and still doesn't work on the newer models. I have a newest model pioneer and mirror link still doesn't work well. Just use bluetooth or hardwire.