Busted a** factory system. Opinions on upgrading.

[Calamity]

Hey names Matt. I recently acquired a 91 Honda Accord LX coupe and the factory system is thrashed beyond thrashed. Factory grills and mounts are fine.

I am looking to completely replace: indash cd with multimedia ports (original head is double DIN I prefer single), Fronts 6 1/2" by 1 3/4", rear 6x9" by 4". Nothing crazy, I don't want an amp or sub or to run new wiring (yet).

Problem is I am a complete noob/laymen to the world of car audio. I was looking into Pioneer products (budget constraint of $300 or so) but I really have no idea what to purchase.

Model #

Indash: Pioneer DEH-2400UB

Fronts: Pioneer TS-G1644R (2 way)

Rearioneer A-series TS-A6964AR (3 way)

Is this a good set up? Will the head power the speakers fully? Does composite material on my cones matter that much? Should I look into other options? Should I buy 2 way, 3 way, 4 way speakers? Should I consider buying 6 1/2" for my rear speakers (multiple sites have suggested I do, but when the stock are 6x9" I have a tendency to want to upgrade not change them completely)

Open to all suggestions, keeping in mind that $300 budget.

I live in the Cincinnati area and I already have an installer who has great reviews but he kept trying to sell me on crazy high end expensive gear. It made me uncomfortable. So any local suggestions for an installer/retailer would be much appreciated.

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[Falcons 5,000+ posts]

your best bet is to get some cheap components and a cheap 2 channel amp. just do your from stage. trust me, you are going to want to amp your speakers.

 

[ace_800 5,000+ posts]

^^^x2 and research and learn, do the install yourself. Will save you money to put towards better equipment and learn how to install your own for the future

 

[Calamity]

much appreciated.

 

[maylar 10+ year member]

I would step up a few notches on the reciever. It's the heart of the system, you don't want to cheese out on that. See what you can come up with that toatals within your budget and do the install yourself. It's not rocket science and we're here to help.

 

[Calamity]

Okay after researching I am going with:

JVC KW-HDR720 for HU (kinda ifffy about it, 175 is around half my budget maybe there is a better HU for my money)

Kicker DS65.2 2-way component, for front and rear speakers, (apparently my sizes were off on those 6x9" only in the EX),

JVC KS-AX3104 amp

The kickers and JVC amp were the best deal I could find with dead on RMS and all that noise without destroying my budget.

How concerned should I be with SNR? HU i am after has a 98dB rating. How concerned should i be with preamp voltage? HU I want has two 2.5

I did research these ratings and their meanings but I only found a lot of beating around the bush "Yeah, it matters but, kinda it doesn't." answers.

The few reviews I can find on the kickers say they are pretty versatile little components, I may sacrifice a bit of bass but I am more interested in clean crisp tones over thumping down my neighbors door. hence the lack of any interest in any subs. I am a little curious about those Bazooka 10" 250 watt combos but didn't delve into details.

I am now turning my attention towards installing these components myself after a series of ridiculous "$500" quotes. Delving into the forum now. I am sure I will have more questions in the future.

Thanks to all who responded.

 

[Besbro 10+ year member]

I just completed my first install with help from this forum. I highly recommend you do the same. It is worth it in the end. You will know your system and car better and you save a bunch. It is not super hard either...

I personally like to use less mainstream comps, I found better quality for close to the same $$$. I do not know anything about those Kickers, they may be great but some Image Dynamics CTX65's or CDT CL6.25's would probably be great.

Good luck!!

Oops, I just looked, the Kicker comps are quite a bit cheaper than my suggestions...

 

[Beatin' 10+ year member]

who the funk is charging $500 for a simple installation!?!?

 

[neo_styles 10+ year member]

who the funk is charging $500 for a simple installation!?!?

Meh I don't think it's too out of the ordinary. Most people around here want 125-175 for the HU and 75 for the door speakers and that's just labor, not counting parts which they always overcharge for. It all comes down to charging what they need to stay in business by preying on poor saps.

OP, I agree that you should focus on a solid HU and a pair of good components for the doors. Look used for the HU so you can get something out of your normal price range and don't be afraid to throw up offers. For the comps, the ID CTX would be a smart choice for you. They're budget without sounding like budget.

 

[neo_styles 10+ year member]

Here you go:

HU:

http://www.caraudio.com/forums/head-unit-classifieds/564120-eclipse-cd3000.html

Comps:

http://www.caraudio.com/forums/speaker-classifieds/561768-pioneer-ts-d1720c-comps-2-sets.html

Hurry up on the comps. He only has one set left and they'd be GREAT for you. Plus with those two together you're 140 under max budget!