New setup time!

[mdraluck23 10+ year member]

Hey everybody, I am just starting my first dive into the world of car audio. I am pretty experienced in any type of audio, (specifically headphones/headphone amps) except the mobile sort, so I was really just wondering, what brands to look for/avoid, and things like that. I like mostly any type of music, and i prefer SQ over any other descriptor of my music. I want things to sound right.

My current vehicle is a 2009 Hyundai Elantra SE with stock components up front, and in the rear. In the dash I have the stock HU, which, although crappy SQ, is rated at 172 watts.

I would like to upgrade what I have, on a budget, to a nice starting system, something I can build on. It appears the only HU's that will fit are made by alpine... I was looking at something in the 100-150$ range... Not much. I know that's pretty low level. I really will only be playing from an ipod/mp3 player. An aux input would be ideal, maybe one in the rear for any other sources.

I have 6-1/2 inch slots all the way around,and would like to possibly keep the component setup I have up front, (I don't want to drill anywhere). What are some good components for a price under 150? If i need an amp to drive them, that's fine, make some suggestions though, because I have no idea. In the rear, I was looking for some pretty cheap coax's, because nobody is ever back there. under 100$ would be great.

A sub doesn't seem to be 100% necessary to me right now, But a total package under 200$ would make me want one.

I know I don't have much for people to go on, so feel free to sak questions, maybe this thread could become a sticky, because I'm sure a ton of people come through here asking a similar question for their civic/corolla/elantra/etc...

Any other suggestions would be great, anything I need to include, or may have left out. Thanks!

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[mdraluck23 10+ year member]

I found this thread while searching: http://www.caraudio.com/forums/general-discussion/451377-new-heres-what-im-looking.html

Does this seem pretty good?

 

[Cruzer 10+ year member]

all depends on what u wanna spend. i like this head unit for $150

Amazon.com: Brand New Kenwood Excelon Kdc-x794 Car Cd, Mp3, Receiver with Usb Input, Ipod / Iphone Direct Controls, Built in Digital 3-way Crossover: Electronics

do you plan to put an amp on the component speakers you buy?

what is your budget for component speaker set? most will say dont worry with the back ones, if u want u can use them on the head unit power for rear fill and for passengers, so the stock ones will be fine. if they ruin your sound u can either not use them(an amp on your front speakers will be plenty loud) or u can replace them.

for components, $100 and below these seem to be what everyone suggests

Crescendo Audio :: Component Speaker Systems :: CCX65

or

RSD65cs - Phoenix Gold 6.5" Component Speaker System

or

Polk Audio db6501 6.5" 2-way Component Car Speakers System (db 6501)

if u can afford more on the components, here are the 2 i would go with

Polk Audio MM6501 - 6-1/2" Component Speakers System - Sonic Electronix

or

CTX65CS - Image Dynamics 6.5" Component Speaker System

amp u need depends on what components u go with, but here are some u can look at, any mb quart discus/onyx is fine, ive heard soundstream is good except the picaso series runs hot, so maybe avoid them

Soundstream TRX2.320 Tarantula 2-Channel Car Amplifier at Sonic Electronix

MB Quart DSC 450

good luck, any more questions ill try and help, and hopefully others chime in

 

[mdraluck23 10+ year member]

Well, I actually managed to get some really old Polk GXR6's from craigslist (10$), and they're up front... I could just put them in the back, that would make me happy. Any cheaper HU's you would recommend? now that I think about the total system... And I'm not sure if that one would fit or not. Is an amp necessary for any of the comps you suggested? Also, would a new HU really benefit my SQ if i put an amp to my stock HU? Because I am trying to save money if possible... I am a total car audio noob, I know nothing about setups.

 

[mdraluck23 10+ year member]

What about deadening material? Is it not worth the investment? my car rattles a little already when I listen...

 

[thegreatestpenn 5,000+ posts]

better to get a aftermarket hu AND an amp. the stock HU has like no eq at all most times. OR you could get something to provide eq for the stock hu like an rf three.sixy or jl cleansweep.

 

[thisistiny 10+ year member]

Crescendo comps. I am very happy with it. Give it a shot.

 

[mdraluck23 10+ year member]

If I have to do this in stages, HU then speakers then amp? or speakers, HU, amp? I am definitely liking the reviews of the crescendos....

 

[CL1CKCLACK 5,000+ posts]

I would go HU, Speakers and then an amp when you have the money. That kenwood suggested is a great HU. i am running a kenwood now, and very happy with it. As far as speakers i have heard nothing but great things about the crescendos. if you are really worried about money take a trip over to the classifieds on this forum and buy used. Itll save you some money and chances are youll end up with nicer equipment

 

[mdraluck23 10+ year member]

So I know I need a new HU, but would the crescendo's run well off the stock deck? It's my car, but my mom paid for it, and I wouldn't be sure if she was ready to lose the "Factory look"...

 

[Cruzer 10+ year member]

any components can run off stock head unit, it just wont be much better if at all better than your factory speakers.

you could try getting components first, put them in, hook it up to head unit, see what u think. then invest in amp and/or head unit.

u can go cheaper on the head unit, but u wont have as many options to make it sound better. some people done care, some just get a budget $100 hu, $100 speakers, $100 amp then are satisfied, and u could try it. for the record the cheaper wont sound bad, it just wont give u the options to get a flat response from your system.

i dont have the head unit i suggested, but im going to get it soon, would like to sell mine, then im going to explore with the time alignment and eq ability, plus it looks really good

 

[mdraluck23 10+ year member]

Hm. Ok. Thank you very much for the help. Any 100$ suggestions, that leave some room for expansion? I have been browsing crutchfield, because they give me an idea of what fits or not.

 

[Cruzer 10+ year member]

how can any single din head unit not work? they should all be same size i thought

crutchfield is really expensive, but u could ask them via their chat feature, or email which is the best $100 head unit, just to see what they say and see if u like it.

could check out the classifieds section, but idk if it would fit

 

[mdraluck23 10+ year member]

Apparently not... Depth differs. most Pioneer, and kenwood units fit in a Hyundai, and almost all Alpines. The Excelon fits. I am leaning towards an excelon and the crescendos. Eventually I will add an Amp, and a sub. Any sub/amp suggestions under 200$? I feel so selfish for asking all these questions.

Go HERE

Check out the 2009 hyundai elantra, SE, 6 speaker, no cd changer. or any other car.

 

[mdraluck23 10+ year member]

By the way, I'm just using Crutchfield to browse... Not really interested in what they have to sell. More like just reading reviews/educating myself a little.