Car Audio Noob with around $800 to spend, seek disinterested advice

[somethingsnappy]

Hey, if anyone can bear with me and offer advice I would GREATLY appreciate it. I'm trying to navigate the complexities of car audio systems and I know nothing about it (literally nothing) and am struggling to see beyond sales tactics and sleazeballs to see what's the best advice..

I'm looking to spend around $700-900 all together including install. I have a 2010 Honda accord coupe with the default factory audio system. I like to play my music very loud and am looking for an audio system that will facilitate that without being blown out in the following months. In an ideal world I also want much clearer quality than the factory set that the car came with.

My car radio is currently BROKEN. I'm told that, unless repaired, this will need to be replaced with a kit for my car (110~ dollars) as well as one of those radio front panel devices (~90 on amazon for one with bluetooth, aux option, etc) and install prices just to get the radio working again. We're told that we can replace the whole radio front (which involves buying the kit and the front panel and install) OR we can attempt to repair it, but that'll cost 50 dollars to just get a quote and we're unsure if that's the best option in terms of quality and price, bearing in mind we intend to improve the quality and are unsure if a repaired old factory radio will hold us back.

We've been to Best Buy and a local audio place, both which gave us vastly different diagnoses and "best" options. Best Buy told us that a speaker/amp combo would be our best bet; the local guy at a different store told us a subwoofer was the way to go. Both packages were around 800 each. Local guy says that if you replace the radio and get a subwoofer (and stay with factory speakers and no amp) then it'll be everything I need. He sounds to me like he's full of crap and I don't trust him in the slightest. I want the quality to be better (if possible) and I'm not looking solely for the back-rattling car-shaking bass; a clearer sound is more important to me, although I want power. Best Buy suggested pioneer speakers (I think around 80 on Amazon) and an amp that was around 110 on Amazon (200 in-store list price). Local audio guy told me that best buy's package will be blown out if I like to play music loud and will not have the power behind it that I crave.

To add to the complexity, if I go with local audio guy's subwoofer package, I know I can buy pioneer speakers on amazon for not too much money. I brought this up and he said do not buy them off Amazon, because they equally distribute sound power throughout the car whereas I would want a more front-weighted system. He suggested a 300 dollar speaker set to buy from him once I spend the 800 on the new radio and subwoofer. I want to know, if I follow his subwoofer package, if it'd be a good idea to spend the extra 100 on amazon for normal car speakers, and if that'll increase the quality, or if they'll just blow out.

My mom knows a guy that used to install audio, so I'm assuming installation costs will not be slightly lower than the bigger guys are quoting me at. However I'm ENTIRELY lost on how to proceed and do not feel confident trusting either Best Buy or the local audio place.

Please-- any advice on the best route to look into would be appreciated. I know 800 is not much but I'm definitely spending it on SOMETHING for the car's stereo so I want to get as much out of it as possible. Please, please weigh in with advice. THANK YOU!!!!!!

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[mylows10 5,000+ posts]

Try a decent deck like the cz702 around $160. A set of components for the fronts. $150-$300 a 4 channels amp $200+ and then add a sub later if wanted. You'll also need the dash kit and integration kit $150 and all the amp wires(kit) $60

Don't worry abou tamping the rear speakers it will sound better if not done add the sub later you may want the deaden the doors as well around $100 if you do it yourself

 

[thatguy12 10+ year member]

you can actually get a honda dash kit way cheaper than 110$. crutchfieldhas them for a good price and they include the harness and mastersheet

 

[Dimwit]

Try a decent deck like the cz702 around $160. A set of components for the fronts. $150-$300 a 4 channels amp $200+ and then add a sub later if wanted. You'll also need the dash kit and integration kit $150 and all the amp wires(kit) $60 Don't worry abou tamping the rear speakers it will sound better if not done add the sub later you may want the deaden the doors as well around $100 if you do it yourself

I agree with this ^^^^^

I have personally used the Alpine SPR-60C speakers and they did much better than the premium audio system I used to have in my car (they cost roughly 160). I've also heard good things about Mb Quart. The MB Quart QS216 looks to be a good set for around $270. Im sure others will have different suggestions but just to give you two ideas on both ends of the price range he listed above. Good Luck with the setup! If you have any questions feel free to Pm me. I was there once so I may be able to help you out or at least point you in the right direction.

 

[d77543020 10+ year member]

you can actually get a honda dash kit way cheaper than 110$. crutchfieldhas them for a good price and they include the harness and mastersheet

this is a good tip for anyone with an expensive harness or dash kit

 

[thatguy12 10+ year member]

this is a good tip for anyone with an expensive harness or dash kit

i buy all my radio supplies from crutchfield.com. there a little more expensive than say ebay, but you usually do get your harness for free. also crutchfield mastersheets are amazing, if you follow them you WILL be able to change your radio, take your doors off, etc.

 

[Slobalt]

Follow what mylows said find a deck you like for what ever your needs are and some nice front speakers I would same a pair of image dynamics ctx65cs component speakers would do the trick for you. For a h/u I like pioneer and alpine but that's just me. I've bought a ton of stuff off sonic's web site and I've never had a problem.

 

[Ahmed Johnson]

With that much you should start with a ho alt, then piece everything as you go.

 

[d77543020 10+ year member]

i buy all my radio supplies from crutchfield.com. there a little more expensive than say ebay, but you usually do get your harness for free. also crutchfield mastersheets are amazing, if you follow them you WILL be able to change your radio, take your doors off, etc.

they also sell the master sheets for only $10

 

[mylows10 5,000+ posts]

The harnesses are entirely dependant on your car. Some need only $10 harnesses while others need an integration system because of the computer. Which costs any where from $60 - $150

 

[Milk Mayne 10+ year member]

Usually deck purchases from SonicElectronix come with a free wiring harness and dash kit.

I would do what mylows is suggesting with a deck, decent component set, and a four channel. From the sounds of things, you may be satisfied with just new speakers (amped), negating the need for a substage. However, if you go with a four channel, it will leave you the option to upgrade with a subwoofer in the future, should you choose to do so.

 

[Brandon@GZUSA 10+ year member]

Both guys sound like they're not really listening to what you are after, your end goal.

Before I continue, I would advise against buying online, from anyone, if you want a local to install it. I highly suggest you find a retailer you can work with, explain to them what you want your system to do, your budget and go from there. Anyone who is being up front will tell you that your budget will limit you, it can be done though. Also, just in car it hasn't been said, you do not need the rear speakers. Do not simply add a sub and an amp to a factory speaker setup, you'll be pissed in the end.

I personally love the Pioneer DEH 80PRS and all of it's functions. It may be a bit more than you want to spend though.

For speakers, your options are limitless and honestly you'll be overwhelmed by all of the options. You can stay with the main stream brands (Alpine, Pioneer, Kenwood, etc) but you may be missing out on better, lesser known options.

The same is said for amplifiers an subwoofers.

If you have not had a sub prior to this, an 8" might surprise you.

 

[WhatsAminiTruck]

Get a Sony GS500R head unit (so you can have room to upgrade), get an obsidian 12, An LA-1000, some cheap *** COMPONENT mids (any brand... anything under $100 a pair will be crap, but way better than factory), and a cheap *** 4 channel.

Use the rest of the money for install, and then do the Big Three yourself.

DONE

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

simple solution, learn how to do it yourself, we're here to guide you, this is not rocket science lol. lots of tutorials on how to take out a head unit for your vehicle model on youtube. Save that installation money and get everything you need. Another vote for the clarion head unit mylows10 suggested. buy it from sonicelectronix and request for a dash kit, should be waaay less then 110 for a 2010 accord, its not a bmw where you need all the bells and whistles. Also pioneer speakers 80 and under sound like sh*t best buy, frys, and other unknowledgeable stores always seem to recommend them but... THEY EFFING ****, unless you get the upper/top tier components, i would not touch a pioneer speaker. You dont need rear speakers or if you really cant live without it, buy em later, the front speakers are the most important and should get the most attention.

here's a simple bang for buck buy list

head unit : Clarion CZ702 In-Dash CD/MP3 Car Stereo w/ Bluetooth & USB Port make sure to contact them about the dash kit

speakers : Image Dynamics CTX-6.5cs (CTX 65 CS) 6.5" CTX Component Speakers or

JBL P660C 6-1/2" 2-way Power Series Component Speakers System

speaker/subwoofer amp: Precision Power PPI P900.5 (p9005) 5-Channel Phantom Car Amplifier and a sub from parts express website (get a 15 if you want to save money and get a little bit louder.)

use the rest of the money for wires, amp kits, I dont think you'll even need the big 3 upgrade running this little power, use that money on a good sub enclosure, treating and deadening your doors, make a good baffle and seal.(just cutting a wooden circle to mount the speaker and putting weatherstrip tape covering the edges). This should result in a really nice sounding and decently loud system.

 

[Chromatic]

I'm in a similar boat as you. Though I have more knowledge of Car audio equipment,.. (Have had "systems" in the past..). But I'm looking to upgrade my factory setup in a 350Z -- I have the base model setup , and the speakers are trash.. meanwhile the prev. owner put a $750 touchscreen headunit (radio) in.. blows my mind. But I'm glad he did, saves me money on the that.

I have roughly the same budget to spend as well.

You will ALWAYS come out cheaper installing yourself,.. but I totally understand not wanting to, or being afraid of your abilities to do so. It's not difficult per se.. but it can be a pain for people like us who haven't done this at least a few times.. if not dozens or hundreds+ times.

Personally.. I limit my *install* budget at $300 -- Anymore than that is too much money to pay for installation of something *I* could do. No one has ever answered my "ballpark" figure for installing door speakers, amp, and a sub for me .. but I imagine it runs about $300 anywhere you go.. Bestbuy or local shop.

That said -- You have a 4 seater. So you have 4 speakers at least. I have 4 speakers as well.. just I'm in a 2 seater.

You need to get a decent headunit (the radio/cd/etc) but don't have to go spend $500 on it.. You can get a nice headunit with 4v pre-outs to run an amp properly for $199 or around that point.

What's missing from your equation that these guys are telling you -- is you need , really, BOTH of their recommendations combined.

Here's what *I* would do.

I'm assuming you are NOT going to install any of it.

I would go to both stores and shop around for JUST front speakers. Preferably what are known as "component" speakers.. all this means is the mid range "woofer" (speaker) is separated from the small (1 inch or so) tweeter. They will mount the 5-6.6" woofer in the doors down where the factory speakers are.. and then mount the tweeter up higher.. ideally in the A-pillers by your windows.

And that's ALL for the front. (These need to be amped.. go for a mid range speaker.. something in the $200-300 range.) LEAVE the rear spaekers as they are. Your front speakers you buy will probably need between 60-100watts (RMS) each.

Then you ALSO need a sub. Now you don't want some crazy bass , trunk rattling system. So you can get a lower end bass/sub. Something like an 8 or 10 " sub. Either will be just fine. Further, you don't need some 600watt RMS Sub.. Something that has 100-300 watts RMS of power will be absolutely perfect.

Then an AMP to run those 3 speakers.. (The fronts, and the one sub).

You see you are going to hear the front speakers way more than your rear. With your budget "ideally" you'd put rear speakers in, but the best bang for your buck is to leave them alone for now.. maybe forever. Driving around YOU are hearing your front speakers about 85%+ over your rear speakers.. Adding in the sub will pull the low range deep bass from those front speakers with the passive crossovers that come with them,.. and the sub will do the low end Thump you want.

In a home stereo setup this would be called a 2.1 setup. 2 front speakers and a sub.

So again -- 2 component front speakers, 1 8" (or 10" if you want) sub.. that isn't crazy expensive (around the $100-120 range) and an Amplifier that will run these three speakers properly. This is 3 speakers and an amp that you have about 1000 for. That CAN be done.. and it can be done to sound great. You want to work with either "free" installation if you spend X amount of money,.. or Figure on buying say $700 of equipment and $200-300 for installation.

If you can install this all yourself.. you can get all 4 door speakers, 2 amps, and a sub, headunit, and wiring kit for less than your budget.

You will probably have a tough time finding a head unit, 2 good front speakers, a sub + box, + amp and installation for under 900-1000 bucks.. but just walk in with your budget, and your goals. And don't be in a rush. You come in look around, they talk.. you leave. You come back.. don' t be afraid to leave again and research the speakers they proposed to you. The local stores salesman will be more willing to work with you on closing a "sale" if he knows you aren't desperate to get it done this second. Bestbuy employees (to my knowledge) don't make commission ,.. so they could care less.. the price is the price.

You are going to usually get more options at local independently owned audio shops than at chain stores like best buy.

Good luck