Newb needing system advice.

[gmac1337 10+ year member]

First post! I have a 1998 Lexus ES300 right now and the stock system for me is pretty good. The speakers are clear and loud. The only real problem I have with it is that the stock 8" sub tends to distort at higher volumes.

After spending a week looking at different sound system options, I've come up with this list. Anyone have comments on the system parts. This is my first time building an aftermarket system and I want to get quality parts right off the bat.

Head Unit - Pioneer AVIC D1

Front Speakers - CDT Audio HD-62

Rear Speakers - CDT Audio CL-6EX

Sub - Image Dynamics IDV3 10" (running it as a free air sub)

Amp - JL Audio 500/5

Since the Pioneer AVIC needs a seperate DVD player, I was thinking of using my PS2. Does anyone else have experience with this?

Thanks for the help guys.

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[tRiGgEr 5,000+ posts]

Personally I would purchase a separate dvd player. The PS2 is bulky and you will need a power inverter for it. Also "free air" you mean you will be running it IB right?

 

[gmac1337 10+ year member]

With DVD players, are there differences in quality between brands? Should I just go with a cheap $80 DVD player on ebay?

I will be putting the 10" sub in the stock location. Right now, my sub is attached to the rear deck. Basically, I don't want to put a sub box in my trunk.

 

[tRiGgEr 5,000+ posts]

With DVD players, are there differences in quality between brands? Should I just go with a cheap $80 DVD player on ebay?

Yes there are different quality products. Obviously the higher priced well known products will be better in quality. Most will do there intended job of DVD playback. But how much distortion will be present in the video/audio signal when using a low end unit. IMO it is not worth skimping on. Buy a mid lvl unit that you can rely on, and not have to worry about it breaking in two months.

I will be putting the 10" sub in the stock location. Right now, my sub is attached to the rear deck. Basically, I don't want to put a sub box in my trunk.

That will work. Wont need to much power to get full output. Just don't expect jaw dropping bass

 

[gmac1337 10+ year member]

Thanks man. The way I figure, I can always add more bass later on if I'm not satisfied. My main goal is to make the system sound complete; I'm not looking for the bass to overpower the speakers.

 

[tRiGgEr 5,000+ posts]

Thanks man. The way I figure, I can always add more bass later on if I'm not satisfied. My main goal is to make the system sound complete; I'm not looking for the bass to overpower the speakers.

What you have listed will be a very nice sounding system. Much better than the stock system. Good luck.

 

[r1dermon 10+ year member]

yea, cdt's+image dynamics is going to be a killer sounding system. good luck.

 

[DiamondFanatic 10+ year member]

You will be fine using either a PS2 or a DVD player, the advantage of using a 12v dvd player is that you wouldn't need to wire in an inverter (like you will need to do for your PS2)

 

[gmac1337 10+ year member]

I'm leaning toward the separate DVD player option since the PS2 would require extra wiring. Does anyone have recommendations for mid-level DVD players? I was checking out some Alpine units that are 1 DIN in size and are suppose to fit in the dash. Can I put the DVD player in my glovebox?

What should be the ballpark figure on an install? Is $600-700 reasonable? I want to put a 3/4" MDF boared that covers the back of the seat and then attach my amp onto the MDF. Basically, when you open my trunk, the only thing that is viewable will be the amp. Everything else should fit in the stock location.

With my set-up, will I need a capacitor or a new battery?

 

[tRiGgEr 5,000+ posts]

I was checking out some Alpine units that are 1 DIN in size and are suppose to fit in the dash. Can I put the DVD player in my glovebox?

You sure can. Just make sure it has enough air space for cooling. I might be willing to sell my half DIN Dvd player. It is an OEM model.

 

[gmac1337 10+ year member]

For the DVD player, I'm checking out an Alpine DVA 5210 on ebay. Does anyone have experience with this unit? Will this integrate with the AVIC D1?