Help...I'm knew to this

[SocialStealth]

Hey guys, I'm new here and know pretty much nothing about audio systems...

But I want to install a new head unit with an aux port for my ipod. I currently have a stock fm/am/cd player in my 2002 Mazda Protege, as well as my stock speakers.

I usually listen to my music at full-blast, but the sound is lacking quality.

I was wondering if you guys could give me some general knowledge about car audio systems, and recommend some brands or specific items.

1)

I've noticed head units have specifications like "20 RMS/50 peak" and "CEA Compliant"

Whats CEA compliant mean?

I know the 20 RMS is the constant power, and the 50 is for sudden bursts, but I'm unsure as to what that really means...

Does "20 RMS" mean that the dash can only supply enough power for a speaker with 20 watts? How can I find out how much power a head unit can supply to speakers, and how do I know if I need an AMP or not?

2)

I'm unsure how channels for preamp outputs work...

My car's stock system has 1 speaker in each front door and 2 speakers in the back above the seats, and the speaker panels for the back doors are empty (though there is a space for speakers there)

If I wanted to put speakers in the front door panels, the back door panels, and in the back above the seats, would I need a head unit with 6 channels?

I just want the best bang for my buck (and to be able to play my ipod through my car speakers with decent quality). I'd be willing to spend $200-$400 in all.

As for the music I listen to, I like a lot of hardcore/screaming bands and I always turn the treble up. I also listen to a lot of acoustic songs...So base isnt THAT important to me, but I like a little in there.

I know its asking a lot but it would mean the world to me if you could help me get rid of this stock-quality rubbish I'm stuck with!

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[baneshecker 10+ year member]

Search My Little Friend...

Will Answer Almost All Your Questions...

 

[Insupasmomsom01]

Hey guys, I'm new here and know pretty much nothing about audio systems...
But I want to install a new head unit with an aux port for my ipod. I currently have a stock fm/am/cd player in my 2002 Mazda Protege, as well as my stock speakers.

I usually listen to my music at full-blast, but the sound is lacking quality.

I was wondering if you guys could give me some general knowledge about car audio systems, and recommend some brands or specific items.

1)

I've noticed head units have specifications like "20 RMS/50 peak" and "CEA Compliant"

Whats CEA compliant mean?

I know the 20 RMS is the constant power, and the 50 is for sudden bursts, but I'm unsure as to what that really means...

Does "20 RMS" mean that the dash can only supply enough power for a speaker with 20 watts? How can I find out how much power a head unit can supply to speakers, and how do I know if I need an AMP or not?

2)

I'm unsure how channels for preamp outputs work...

My car's stock system has 1 speaker in each front door and 2 speakers in the back above the seats, and the speaker panels for the back doors are empty (though there is a space for speakers there)

If I wanted to put speakers in the front door panels, the back door panels, and in the back above the seats, would I need a head unit with 6 channels?

I just want the best bang for my buck (and to be able to play my ipod through my car speakers with decent quality). I'd be willing to spend $200-$400 in all.

As for the music I listen to, I like a lot of hardcore/screaming bands and I always turn the treble up. I also listen to a lot of acoustic songs...So base isnt THAT important to me, but I like a little in there.

I know its asking a lot but it would mean the world to me if you could help me get rid of this stock-quality rubbish I'm stuck with!

CEA compliant means the product has been tested and does rated power

only go by rms, max means nothing.

you would need a head unit that has 3 sets of pre outs , 1 for the sub and 1 for the rear. Also 1 for the Front. You should just by a 4 channel amp and power your front stage speakers with the first two channels and then power one set of the back speakers with the other 2 channels of the amp.

 

[BallinByNature 10+ year member]

get a alpine hu they are ipod ready

 

[SocialStealth]

What kind of speakers should I get?

 

[dcole18 5,000+ posts]

its a good thing your knew or we would all flame you //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/fyi.gif.9f1f679348da7204ce960cfc74bca8e0.gif

 

[Cpyder 10+ year member]

Eye wish eye wuzz knew two this to.

 

[SocialStealth]

After some research my plan of action is to:

Get a new head unit,

Upgrade normal speakers in the front and back and possibly get a pair of tweeters.

I have no idea where I would mount them at though //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/confused.gif.e820e0216602db4765798ac39d28caa9.gif

I have a few more questions...

1) with the set up mentioned above, (2 speakers above the back seat, 2 in the front doors, and 2 tweeters), do I need 6 Channel Preamp outputs?

2) Lets say theres a head unit with 24 RMS and 6 channels, does that mean each channel gets 24 watts? or are the 24 watts divided amongst the 6 channels? (4 watts per channel)

3) Does my stock setup have an amp someplace? Or is it just getting power from the head unit?

4) what is "preamp voltage" on a head unit? and how important is it? is 2 volts, and 6 volts a big difference?

 

[SatterBoi 10+ year member]

After some research my plan of action is to:
Get a new head unit,

Upgrade normal speakers in the front and back and possibly get a pair of tweeters.

 

I have no idea where I would mount them at though //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/confused.gif.e820e0216602db4765798ac39d28caa9.gif

I have a few more questions...

1) with the set up mentioned above, (2 speakers above the back seat, 2 in the front doors, and 2 tweeters), do I need 6 Channel Preamp outputs?

2) Lets say theres a head unit with 24 RMS and 6 channels, does that mean each channel gets 24 watts? or are the 24 watts divided amongst the 6 channels? (4 watts per channel)

3) Does my stock setup have an amp someplace? Or is it just getting power from the head unit?

4) what is "preamp voltage" on a head unit? and how important is it? is 2 volts, and 6 volts a big difference?

Just Get a new HU and upgrade your speakers and your be fine. if you just looking for better sound then stock i think your be fine just doing that. You really dont need tweeters....And if you want it a little louder maybe think about adding a nice little 4ch amp

 

[SocialStealth]

Just Get a new HU and upgrade your speakers and your be fine. if you just looking for better sound then stock i think your be fine just doing that. You really dont need tweeters....And if you want it a little louder maybe think about adding a nice little 4ch amp

I think I'm gonna put the speakers that are in my front door now into my back door, and then just upgrade my front door speakers.

I still need to know:

2) Lets say theres a head unit with 24 RMS and 6 channels, does that mean each channel gets 24 watts? or are the 24 watts divided amongst the 6 channels? (4 watts per channel)

4) what is "preamp voltage" on a head unit? and how important is it? is 2 volts, and 6 volts a big difference?

 

[undeadxsunshine 10+ year member]

each channel should be getting 24rms, as long as it says 24w rms x 6

and pre amp voltage doesn't matter too much, 2v should always be fine