help me build a super budget system! ($500 limit)

[drachenv6]

Hi everyone. I drive an 09 corolla, and all I have to say is that the sound is horrible. It's like listening to a clock radio. There are no tweeters, and the sound makes me want to vomit. That being said, I would really appreciate if you guys could take the time to suggest stereo system parts for my ride. I was debating between two routes...

el cheapo:

Headunit: JVC Arsenal KD-AHD39 (is this even a good HU?)

Front Components: Something that will run off the headunit (20watts rms?)

rear: Stock speakers hooked up to the Headunit

A bit more $$:

Headunit: JVC Arsenal KD-AHD39 (yay or nay?)

Front components: (200-250 range)

rear: Stockies

Amplifier for Fronts

Im looking for all around performance, and the best bang for my $. I dont listen to my music extremely loud (I dont max out the stock speaker volume), but I do like good sounding music and a bit of bass. If you guys could make some suggestions it would really help me out.

Click to read more...

 

[sandbags 10+ year member]

i have a cadence ZRS 1502 on ebay, and there's a set of CVL cadence components just search for them and lmk

 

[oldschool4me 10+ year member]

look in the classifieds. not a jvc hu fan really.

 

[drachenv6]

thanks for the responses guys. The problem is that Im kind of a noob with the audio stuff. I would probably buy new, but I dont know what to buy.

Why would the JVC HU's be bad? What would be a good $200 HU? I was thinking about the alpine cda-9884/9886, but those dont have the same power output or EQ flexibility as the JVC.

 

[Hudler 10+ year member]

Hi I am new to this also, but here is what I did. First I found a nice set of Comps on here through the classifieds. I got some nib kicker 6.2's for $65 plus shipping. Secondly I found a nice used amp on here also. I got a four channel amp, but there are some nice two channel ones on here also. There is a Memphis 2 channel on here right now for $150 shipped, it looks real nice!(I do not know the guy selling so as always be careful buying on a forum!) You should be able to get a nice 2 channel amp and a set of comps on here for around 250. Then get a nice head unit and power your stock rears through the HU and run the two channel to the front comps. Add a sub later if you need it.

Just my opinion....

 

[GlocksRock 10+ year member]

PM Datboiroy lol he can hook you up.

 

[drachenv6]

I dont think hes going to be selling anytime soon..

http://www.caraudio.com/forum/showthread.php?t=364973

 

[sandbags 10+ year member]

you wont get anything worth it if you buy new or retail cuz of the markups

 

[ENDER_XVICM 10+ year member]

I would def amp your speakers. Not the rears but def the fronts. Get a 4channel amp and use 2 for the fronts and the other 2 bridged to a sub. EX:

Head Unit: Pioneer DEH-P3000IB $105.00

http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=6198

Fronts: Phoenix Gold RSd 6.5cs $60.00

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

Sub: Dayton HO 10" $125.00

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=295-462

Amp: MB Quart DSC480 $160.00

http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=6838

Wireing: KnuKonceptz 4G kit $30.00

http://www.knukonceptz.com/productDetail.cfm?prodID=KLM-K4

KnuKonceptz 5M Klarity RCA $8.00

http://www.knukonceptz.com/productDetail.cfm?prodID=KLA-5M

All that for just under 500. Add shipping might come to 525ish. That is all new. Check around on ebay for that amp and you can find it cheaper still new. look around on the forums and you can find other parts used.

Bridge channels 3&4 to the sub. make a small box and tune around 40HZ. Should do pretty well for a small system. If you dont want to make a box you might be able to convince someone to make one for you for a small fee. But for shooting around 500 bucks that is what I would do.

 

[Ken448 10+ year member]

You can do a lot with $500 if you shop around and are patient.. I built this for under 600 for my s10 and am thrilled with the sound..

http://www.caraudio.com/forum/showthread.php?t=294925&highlight=nuttin+exciting

Yes there was a lot of labor involved but it IS a project truck. That aside, I got the

HU from BB outlet on eghey (new)

Eq from a member here (used)

Infinity Seperates from eghey (new)

Amp eghey (new)

Subs eghey (new)

Its a great time to buy, dont be afraid to get "2008" model stuff, theres nothing wrong with it!! Keep an eye on Circuit City as well, and their eghey store.

DEFINATLEY amp the front speakers to get the most out of them, and consider deadener for the doors as well to make the sound really come to life. Too bad you're in Boston, I love projects like this!

 

[GlocksRock 10+ year member]

I dont think hes going to be selling anytime soon..
http://www.caraudio.com/forum/showthread.php?t=364973

Yeah I know... that is why I said LOL.

 

[macq32 10+ year member]

browse the classifieds forum, get a kicker comp or an alpine r (100 or less)

you can find a decent used HU for around 100 here

kmanian has a jl 500/1 for real cheap (160) if it hasnt been bought yet thats a great steal

that leaves you with 140 for components

 

[drachenv6]

Thank you all for the replies! Im trying to take everything into consideration. Do you guys think I could do without a sub, or would I be missing out? My car is super slow as is. haha. Maybe its worth the extra slowness for music //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/laugh.gif.48439b2acf2cfca21620f01e7f77d1e4.gif

So far I'm liking the idea of getting a HU, comps, and 4chanel amp. Would it be easy/safe to remove the sub from the trunk when needed (loose wiring)? I think I'm going to see if there are any nice HU deals this friday.

 

[joshualittle]

http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=6201. You gotta trust me on this one. These speakers. I'll have a hu for you in a minute.

 

[joshualittle]

http://www.techronics.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=8499. This headunit. It's got bluetooth and is ipod ready.