First time car stereo replacer

[mafropetee]

I just recently acquired my mom's '01 Nissan Altima SE as my own, and the first (and probably only) thing it needs is a new audio system. The stock system wasn't bad, when it actually worked. Now most of the speakers are blown and I have to turn the bass all the way down to avoid a horrid rattling sound.

So here is my question: what is the cheapest solution I can go with while still getting good sound? I have other expenses to deal with, so I don't want to spend a LOT on this, but I do listen to music every time I drive and I would love for it to actually sound good for once. I listen to just about everything, with an emphasis on metal and quite a bit of rap, and either way I like a good amount of bass. I know I can get a new system and keep my current head unit, but I would like to replace that too since it tends to mess up as if the laser is scratched or something (I've tried cleaning it), plus I would like to have an aux input so that I can plug in my MP3 player. I don't really care about HD Radio or satellite, since I mostly listen to my own library of music. Oh and one more thing, how easy is it to install the system myself? Should I just go get it done somewhere, and if so, what is the best place to go to?

Thanks in advance for any help.

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[blazeplacid 10+ year member]

butdget,

do you have an ipod,

possible brand prefrance?

 

[mafropetee]

butdget, do you have an ipod,

possible brand prefrance?

I'd like to keep the price as low as possible, like under a grand. The cheaper the better but not so much that I end up unhappy with the system. I don't have an iPod and don't plan on getting one. I have no brand preference.

 

[blazeplacid 10+ year member]

so a grand....

you want new speakers all around and a sub?

remember you will need to buy wire

are you going to install it your self?

i say for a grand you can build a really nice set up

 

[Death_by_Bass 10+ year member]

so a grand....
you want new speakers all around and a sub?

remember you will need to buy wire

are you going to install it your self?

i say for a grand you can build a really nice set up

i agree for a grand you can have a nice sq set up

 

[mafropetee]

Any suggestions on brands, specific speakers, good head units, amps, and all that? I'm actually not that confident in my ability to install it myself and do it right, so I'd like to have it done professionally. Is Best Buy a good place for that, or will they rip me off?

 

[1rockford1 5,000+ posts]

no best buy bro.

 

[Elizabeth_D 10+ year member]

no best buy bro.

Yeah, WAY overpriced!

Order online at someplace like http://www.onlinecarstereo.com

 

[blazeplacid 10+ year member]

best buy is fine , people talk alot of crap about tem but they have never been. I had an alarm installed by best buy and it worked fine. back on topic

If you want to go to best buy thats fine, most head units come with fre install but you may have to buy some parts such as a wire harness and dash kit.

speakers...im not sure if they come with free install but they can do it

dont limit yourself to best buy most local shops have the free install when you buy from them

brands alpine,kenwood,clarion,pioneer,sony can be hit or miss, just mess with a headunit and see which you like best

 

[ENDER_XVICM 10+ year member]

Best buy will do a good job with the install. But what they will do for you will depend on what they are equipped to do. I work at a Best Buy and we will do basic stuff like HU install and speakers. we have the ability to custom fit larger speakers into stock locations. Some best buys can only put stock sizes in. others can dive into fiberglass work and the such. it all just depends on what yours does. The people doing the work in the bays are certified and wont screw up. I promise you that. Also they cant work on any car that is worth more than I think 50 grand.

With all that said I would still recomend getting your hardware online.

Go to best buy and price it all out with what you would want, with it installed and everything. Come back here and post the prices and grand total. i guarentee that we could show you online where you would pay less and get better quality.

As for installing it yourself. Your car has some pretty nice stock stuff for a beginner install. Your front doors will easily hold a 6.5". your rear deck 5.75".

I would recomend dynamatting your doors and trunk. Getting a good component set for the front. A single 10 or 12" sub depending on your preference. Proper amps, and a decent HU. This is all pretty easy to do. i even find it fun. The end result is much more rewarding I think as well.

here are a few suggestions on a budget to get you started.

Head Unit

http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=6184

Components

http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=6952

Component Amp

http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=6097

Sub

http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=2530

Sub Amp

http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=6101

That takes you to just under 700. Leaves another 300 for wireing deadener, some MDF and a box. there was someone on here offereing free boxes as well. all he asked was that you pay shipping.