mini van?

[david4040]

hello, I do not know ANYTHING about car audio other than i want to throw a sweet system in my car. which yes is a mini van. I'm wondering how much a decent (dont need anything not necessary) system would cost. and where do i even get started?

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[terra 5,000+ posts]

read...a lot.

 

[david4040]

i am lol. its confusing though.

 

[Ed Lester 10+ year member]

You can always check out your local shop to see what they offer. Or go to a car show or car stereo competition to whats hot.

When it comes to subs and amps, you can get mediocre for $200 or you can get good stuff for $2000+

 

[Tehgregzor 10+ year member]

well, if you're starting from absoultey NOTHING...then 600 to 750 will get you a respectable, all around system. If you already have a headunit, then you can cut that number down to 500~600.

 

[david4040]

750 was about the most im looking to spend. im assuming if i go to a shop it will be more than that with installation and what not.

 

[audiobahnuser18 5,000+ posts]

don't always go to a shop man unless you know there work and trust it. because i've known shops that can rip you off or say you need this that when you don't need it at all. example: best buy or circuit city saying you need a Capacitor//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/laugh.gif.48439b2acf2cfca21620f01e7f77d1e4.gif. Just do alot of research man read up on here , books , watch friends install etc.....

 

[qkassidyw 10+ year member]

If you already have a deck then you are in good shape. I don't know what you mean by system though...subs? Just a stereo? All new speakers?

My recommendations:

Start with a deck and new front speakers, those are going to be the ones YOU hear and is what matters most. If you want subs you are looking at minimum 500 installed. A decent deck and two will cost you $300 not including install. You also have to factor what parts you will need to get the deck to fit into the factory location (dash kit, harness, antenna adapater) And that all depends on which kind of vehicle you have. Those parts could run you $40-$250.

 

[DidUHearThat? 10+ year member]

I suggest you find a budget or even a used cd player/reciver (called a Head Unit). Don't blow your dudget on this. Ignore claims of "high power".

Pick up a decent 2 channel amp, and wiring kit, and the best 6 1/2" component speakers you can afford. Power the new front speakers off the amp, not the built in amp in the HU. You can use the built-in HU amp to power your rear stock speakers. Read the sticked threads on how to seal and dampen your doors for speaker install. That will get you started in the right track. After you've got that installed you can decide if you want subs. Subwoofer systems can go from low budget to outrageous, and everything inbetween.

 

[DidUHearThat? 10+ year member]

If you think you will want a sub as well, then you can get a 4 channel amp instead of a 2 channel and bridge channels 3+4 to power a budget 12" or 15" sub and build a simple sealed box out of MDF (medium density fiber board).

 

[kovemaster559 5,000+ posts]

ive done nice budget set ups for less then 400

 

[qkassidyw 10+ year member]

ive done nice budget set ups for less then 400

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[DidUHearThat? 10+ year member]

Cookie?

*****?

 

[david4040]

http://www.millionbuy.com/paka1800db.html

http://www.millionbuy.com/kik08s12l54.html (x2)

http://www.millionbuy.com/pakkit2g.html

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-ZbXsusn47Dx/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?g=300&i=500CDA9884&tp=5684

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?g=400&i=107DB651S&tp=105

theres what i plan on ordering tonight? look good?

 

[spencer321 10+ year member]

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=17562

i'd go with these for speakers.... and since it looks like your going to be running off of the head unit as opposed to a 2 channel amp... i'd even say these

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=18863