newbie dippin' toe into car audio desires

[karmakvisser]

I just got an 04 Grand Marquis for commuting and hitting deer with. I want to upgrade the stereo, nothing nuts but with a decent head unit and new speakers, possible sub in trunk.

I want the usual suspects, mp3, bluetooth/iPhone integration, HD and Sat possibilities.

I know next to nothin' but really want to learn and would really appreciate some advice on feature sets to look for and such.

I like Polks speakers but would consider near anything that's within budget. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

My newbie understanding from Crutchfield is that my door and rear deck speakers are the same size, 6x8 (not 6x9 which confused me) So I need to track down that spec first then start looking at speakers and such.

cheerz!

ken

Click to read more...

 

[ozzy87 10+ year member]

budget?

 

[Phoenix Risen 10+ year member]

you can always use 6.5s in place of your 6x8s as well

 

[karmakvisser]

Budget is 'bout a grand not including install

thanks

 

[karmakvisser]

you can always use 6.5s in place of your 6x8s as well

I assume with a bracket of some sort. Any difference in 6.5 vs 6x8? I haven't seen a bunch of choices in 6x8 so far.

thanks

ken

 

[Phoenix Risen 10+ year member]

you can usually build an adapter out of some .5" mdf pretty easy. not sure if there are any commercially available send worstenemy454 a pm he has 6.5s in place of his 6x8s

 

[CL1CKCLACK 5,000+ posts]

Dont worry about install too much. i would either read up on here and do it yourself, or find someone on here local thats willing to help you out for a fraction of what a shop would charge. a good idea might be to go with a Nice HU, a 5 channel amp, and then speakers. maybe a 12 in the trunk?

The classifieds here are your best friend, you will save SO much money over buying new.

 

[karmakvisser]

;7380809']Dont worry about install too much. i would either read up on here and do it yourself' date=' or find someone on here local thats willing to help you out for a fraction of what a shop would charge. a good idea might be to go with a Nice HU, a 5 channel amp, and then speakers. maybe a 12 in the trunk?
The classifieds here are your best friend, you will save SO much money over buying new.[/quote']

Thanks for the advice. I have 600 to spend on amazon, I'll probably use that to purchase the hu and the speakers. I was looking at a pioneer 7200 or a jvc kd a815. I'd love to hear some opinions on HU's. Also, any advice on amps, what to look for, I'm assuming a 5 channel? 4 for speakers and 5th for sub? I have so much to learn. I appreciate the input. Any fellows in the Silver Spring/Washington DC area?

cheerz

ken

 

[CL1CKCLACK 5,000+ posts]

I would look into one of these two head units myself

Amazon.com: Kenwood Excelon KDC-X794 In-Dash CD MP3 WMA Receiver with Remote: Electronics

or

Amazon.com: Alpine CDA105 / CDA-105 / CDA-105 CD Receiver MP3/WMA Player: Electronics

and would stay away from JVC, unless it is one of their top of the line units.

and you are correct about the 5 channel, if you dont mind shellin out the cash buy http://www.caraudio.com/forums/car-audio-classifieds/496321-fs-elemental-designs-nine-5-a.html, which is pretty much the best 5 channel you can buy right now. if not i know Kicker, and JL make a few which will be expensive

you can also go with a 4 channel and a mono amp

 

[karmakvisser]

;7380979']I would look into one of these two head units myself
Amazon.com: Kenwood Excelon KDC-X794 In-Dash CD MP3 WMA Receiver with Remote: Electronics

or

Amazon.com: Alpine CDA105 / CDA-105 / CDA-105 CD Receiver MP3/WMA Player: Electronics

and would stay away from JVC' date=' unless it is one of their top of the line units.

and you are correct about the 5 channel, if you dont mind shellin out the cash buy http://www.caraudio.com/forums/car-audio-classifieds/496321-fs-elemental-designs-nine-5-a.html, which is pretty much the best 5 channel you can buy right now. if not i know Kicker, and JL make a few which will be expensive

you can also go with a 4 channel and a mono amp

I like the specs of that amp. I don't need huge wattage, I don't want to go deaf but... that amp looks like it rocks. Just like anything you take seriously, this stuff can get seriously expensive. If I go that way with the amp, I'd probably wait a little while to get the sub. I'm looking for suggestions for that as well.

I was talking with the crutchfield folks and the gentleman was suggesting a self powered sub. What is the reality of using a decent HU to power the speakers? I like Alpine and was wondering if that unit had bluetooth as well, didn't seem to mention it.

Also, I was told that my door and rear deck take 6x8's speakers. I haven't seen a whole bunch of options in that size, is it unusual? That question probably shows what a newbie I am!

regards

ken

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

i like the new Kenwood eXcelon head units - you can't go wrong with them for the rpice.

speakers sound different - listen to them before you buy.

install is crucial. use foam to maintain airtight seals between the speaker and baffle, the baffle and the door, and the speaker and the door panel. if you use wood - make it waterproof. doors get wet.

 

[06goat 10+ year member]

I just got an 04 Grand Marquis for commuting and hitting deer with. I want to upgrade the stereo, nothing nuts but with a decent head unit and new speakers, possible sub in trunk.
I want the usual suspects, mp3, bluetooth/iPhone integration, HD and Sat possibilities.

I know next to nothin' but really want to learn and would really appreciate some advice on feature sets to look for and such.

I like Polks speakers but would consider near anything that's within budget. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

My newbie understanding from Crutchfield is that my door and rear deck speakers are the same size, 6x8 (not 6x9 which confused me) So I need to track down that spec first then start looking at speakers and such.

cheerz!

ken

//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wow.gif.23d729408e9177caa2a0ed6a2ba6588e.gif

 

[karmakvisser]

I'm starting to figure out my install. There are some great tool available here that have allowed to better understand the process.

I'm now looking at 2 sets of 3-way Rockford Fosgates 6x8's p1683. I'm now trying to figure out amps and such. I had an installer tell me that 5 channel amps are more expensive (true) but that I should consider getting a 4 channel amp. Use it to power the front speakers and the second pair to power the subwoofer. Then run the rear deck speakers from the hu. In his words, the rear deck speakers are used as filler. The sound emphasis is on the front speakers. This sort of made sense but seemed a bit sketchy as well.

Soes this make sense and any opinions on the Rockford Fosgates? I'm finding it difficult to get real world tests of the speakers that will fit in my car.

thanks

ken

 

[daboyfrumdabx 10+ year member]

Sounds like you found an installer that understands a thing or two as far as rear fill. The 4 channel is definitely an option if a 5 channel, or two amps, isn't what you want to spend your money on. I've never been a fan of any rockford fosgate stuff I've heard(I've only heard their stuff made within the last 2 years or so), but better can be had for the money in most cases. How much would you be spending on each pair of those? I'd keep 6x8s in the rear, but I'd seriously consider putting some 6.5s upfront. Like you said, the emphasis is on the front speakers and round>oval every time.

 

[karmakvisser]

Sounds like you found an installer that understands a thing or two as far as rear fill. The 4 channel is definitely an option if a 5 channel, or two amps, isn't what you want to spend your money on. I've never been a fan of any rockford fosgate stuff I've heard(I've only heard their stuff made within the last 2 years or so), but better can be had for the money in most cases. How much would you be spending on each pair of those? I'd keep 6x8s in the rear, but I'd seriously consider putting some 6.5s upfront. Like you said, the emphasis is on the front speakers and round>oval every time.

I am rather open to spending the right amount of money for the right speakers. I am totally open to suggestions on speaker manufacturers as well. Putting 6.5s up front I assume that a mounting plate would be in order. Would i have any clearance issues to keep in mind?

thanks for the input.