I Need Basic Information, I Think

[NOX89]

Alright I am a complete newbie at this kind of stuff, and have not even looked into a car stereo before. I actually just got my first car (finally, lol) and I had some questions about my audio.

Now first off this car isn't anything spectacular (98' Toyota Corolla), so I don't need a "bad ***" system in it. I travel a lot, and would like a system that is decent with an AUX connection so I can play my music through my Droid 2.

So in short I'm looking for a stereo, or system that is cheap and will have an AUX connection. Also is it easy to install the new stereo?

I want to apologize if any of this is common knowledge in your field, because I know how it feels to get asked this stuff about computers. I work in information technology, and I get asked these types of questions about computers DAILY.

Thank you,

- NOX

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[whitedragon551 5,000+ posts]

What kind of budget do you have?

 

[NOX89]

Something around $100 - $150, if that will get me something decent.

 

[ColterDC 10+ year member]

If all you're looking to do is add a head unit with an aux input, you can easily pick one up for $50-75. Check amazon.com or any other online electronics retailer including your local classifieds.

Just make sure you buy a wiring harness for your particular vehicle, assuming you currently have a stock stereo/speakers. The wiring harness will make it much easier to install your new head unit.

For example (I'm partial to Pioneer)

http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-Deh-1100Mp--Dash-Mp3-Receiver/dp/B001NGPL0Y/ref=sr_1_4?s=car&ie=UTF8&qid=1290182291&sr=1-4

 

[NOX89]

I was actually looking at that exact one on Amazon, and was about to ask what company is a good company for a head unit. HAHA, but you have seemed to answered that and I thank you for that!

Now as for the wiring harness, it says it comes in the box. So would I need to get another one, and if so where?

And one last question:

As for speakers...Are there any other there for my budget that will improve over stock speakers within my $150 budget including the head unit?

Thank you all again!

 

[miker 5,000+ posts]

I was actually looking at that exact one on Amazon, and was about to ask what company is a good company for a head unit. HAHA, but you have seemed to answered that and I thank you for that!
Now as for the wiring harness, it says it comes in the box. So would I need to get another one, and if so where?

And one last question:

As for speakers...Are there any other there for my budget that will improve over stock speakers within my $150 budget including the head unit?

Thank you all again!

You could easily improve the sound quality, however it would depend on your install. A lot of work will go into installing your speakers correctly and if you aren't willing to take the time to do it than you're better off just staying stock.

 

[ColterDC 10+ year member]

I was actually looking at that exact one on Amazon, and was about to ask what company is a good company for a head unit. HAHA, but you have seemed to answered that and I thank you for that!
Now as for the wiring harness, it says it comes in the box. So would I need to get another one, and if so where?

And one last question:

As for speakers...Are there any other there for my budget that will improve over stock speakers within my $150 budget including the head unit?

Thank you all again!

I personally like pioneer, just because of my experiences with both their car and home recievers. But there are several good brands.

The wiring harness that the stereo comes with is just the harness that plugs into the back of the radio. You want to buy the wiring harness that enables you to plug your new unit into the stock wire harness. The wire adapter needs to be specific to your car.

For example;

Amazon.com: Stereo Wire Harness Toyota Corolla 98 99 00 01 02 (car radio wiring installation parts): Electronics

As for trading out your stock speakers. It would depend on what's currently in your car. Your new head unit will probably put out a little more wattage per channel, but is it enough of an increase to warrant replacing all your factory speakers? I'd just start with getting your new head unit, get that working, see how it sounds and then decide if you want to replace your stock speakers.

 

[ethergeist]

Now as for the wiring harness, it says it comes in the box. So would I need to get another one, and if so where?

You will need to get another wiring harness for your type of car. Generally the harness that comes with a head unit clips into the head unit but not the factory connector for the car (it has wires which you would attach to the harness for your car)

 

[NOX89]

Thank you for all of your help. I will do what you said and just get my head unit in, and hear how that sounds. That way I can tell if I "need" new speakers or not.

Again thank you for all the information in such a short amount of time. I appreciate it!

Just on a side not while I was looking through this site I stumbled upon the review section and I saw a sony head that looked nice. As I am on my droid at work I cannot post its link, but it got reviews all around the net and looks pretty good! =)