new to this stuff

[lanebmx 10+ year member]

Hi, I recently just started looking at upgrading the factory sytem in my car (2003 honda civic sport 4 door) but I dont really have a good idea of what im looking for. I Know I want some very high quality speakers in the front (not overly loud) and just some cheaper louder ones for the rear, and some good quality subs but I have no idea what kind of wattage I need, nor do I have any idea for amps. As for a head unit I have my eyes on the sony mex-1gp. Other that than any basic guidelines on car audio and what to look for when buying a sytem would be great and any advice is appreciated. thanks

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[Fear Of Theive 10+ year member]

ok stay away from sony subs,and whats your price range?

 

[Boyle465 10+ year member]

how much do you have to spend??? and if you are looking to spend 200 on a head unit i would look into Pioneer Premier products such as DEH-P590IB or if you can find a good used one of the higher end ones like DEH-P880PRS... they are just going to have more options and customizing that that sony wont have... personally i wouldnt waste my time trying to find one with built in memory, i would go the ipod and ipod cable route...

as far as subs, components, and amps, there is a lot of different ways to go but need to know what u want to spend all together first...

 

[lanebmx 10+ year member]

im only looking at spending around $1000, so nothing too high end I guess, would anyone reccomend looking for stuff on ebay?

 

[mavster 10+ year member]

dude, Ebay is where most of us live...

 

[lanebmx 10+ year member]

haha ok, so what kind of specifications do I want to pay attention to for my equipment? I dont know anything about head units or amps, and am not sure what size of speakers I need or wattage, etc. Also are self amplified or tube subwoofers any good?

 

[kross 10+ year member]

For headunit, what kind of features do you want? USB or aux input for an iPod or thumbdrive? Satellite radio? HD radio? Look at the Pioneer Premiere headunits, and pick one that fits your feature requirements and budget.

For your speakers, I suggest you start with a good set of component speakers for the front, with an suitable amplifier for them, and forget about rear speakers, at least for now. You'll get better imaging from the speakeres, and a good set of amplified speakers in the front will create plenty of sound, no need to add extra speakers in the back.

Generally speaking, component speakers will give you better sound than coaxials. They don't have to be expensive, either. You can get good sounding component speakers for as little as $90/pair shipped on eBay (the PG RSd65cs).

For an amp, there are many options. It really depends on your speakers. Pick speakers, then pick an amp that provides enough power for your chosen speakers.

For subwoofer, yes you should get one. 6.5" speakers cannot reproduce the lower end of the audio spectrum, that's the subwoofer's job. I don't know a lot about good budget subwoofers, try browsing the subwoofer forum for recommendations. And again, once you decide on the sub(s), then you pick a suitable amp to go with them.

You should be able to put together a really good sounding system, way better than stock, for well under $1000. Closer to $500-600 if you shop wisely.

-- Kevin

 

[lanebmx 10+ year member]

ok thanks a lot. for a head unit I pretty much just want a usb input and other than that Im not fussy. And for amps you mentioned just getting one suitable for my speakers/sub, how do I know what is suitable? Like for a 1000W subwoofer do I need a 1000W amp, etc? Also how many watts should I look for in my speakers and subwoofer?

 

[travolta 10+ year member]

What kind of music do you listen to and how do you want your system to sound (really loud? really deep? really clear?)

 

[kross 10+ year member]

Those are critical questions that need answering before we can make specific recommendations. Also, what kind of budget do we have to work with?

 

[Witty690 10+ year member]

If you're trying to put together a budget system, you should look at Mach5 for your subs. They have decently priced stuff, and Ihavent heard anything bad about them.

I just got an MJ-18 for $120 shipped. It takes 600 watts, but Im gonna give it 750. For the price, you can't beat it.

Also, take a few minutes and look at the classifieds section. There's always some good deals on just about anything you could need

 

[lanebmx 10+ year member]

I listen to a lot of metal and hardcore, and would probly be looking for really clear sound more than anything although I guess deep would be good too. As for volume I dont want anything too much louder than a factory system can go.

 

[kross 10+ year member]

For headunit, the Pioneer DEH-P6900UB has USB input for mass storage devices, and direct iPod control. It's around $200. You might be able to find something cheaper, either another brand, or shopping used or eBay.

For the kind of music you mention, I think the Phoenix Gold RSd65cs component speakers would sound good. They can be had for about $90 shipped on eBay, or about $129 (plus shipping I think) on onlinecarstereo.com. They have good midbass, and a nice sounding silk tweeter.

These are component speakers, meaning they have a seperate tweeter that need to be mounted somewhere. Do you mind cutting a small hole (about 2" diameter) in your plastic door panel for the tweeter?

For an amp, a decent, budget amp is Profile. They are one of the better budget brands. The Profile AP1000 will provide 160w per speaker, and is about $86 + shipping on millionbuy.com.

I'll let others recommend a budget subwoofer/amp combo. You may also be able to get a single amp for your front speakers and subwoofer.

 

[lanebmx 10+ year member]

thanks a lot for the tips. for the tweeters I dont think I mind cutting the hole, but only as long as they are realy that much better than coaxials. Is there that much of a difference? also how mnay amps should I look for in my sub/amp? And are self amplified subs any good?

 

[kross 10+ year member]

Yes, component speakers sound better than coaxials.

For a subwoofer, I don't see how you could go wrong with a Kicker 12" CompVR for $80 shipped:

http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_id=5318

If you're handy with MDF, you can make a box for it pretty easy, for the cost of a sheet of MDF ($25 at Lowes). Or you can buy a prefab box for about $70.

For an amp for the sub, the Profile AP1000M for $100 + s/h should get the job done:

http://www.millionbuy.com/prfap1000m.html

Stay away from self powered subs, ala Bazooka tubes.

I lost track of what we come to for cost.. Let's see..

$200 Pioneer HU

$90 PG comps

$86 Profile amp for comps

$80 Kicker CVR 12" sub

$100 Profile amp for sub

-------

$556 + shipping on some of the items

Add some for either building a box or buying a prefab, and about another $50-$70 for wiring, and that's a really good upgrade from stock!

Keep in mind, this is with all new parts. You can save even more money by shopping the classifieds and ebay. In particular, you can probably find higher quality amps on the used market for about the same price as those new Profile amps, maybe a little more.