Newbie looking to build a budget system

[luckyluke77]

Hello all,

I am looking for some advice on building a fairly low budget system ($250-$300). I have currently have a stock audio system with two blown speakers (when it rains, it pours) in my 2006 Chevy Impala.

I have zero experience when it comes to putting together an audio system, so I thought i'd ask the experts.

My expectations are to build a system that's perhaps a bit better sounding than stock and certainly louder. Down the road I may add a sub into the mix (along with a dedicated amp). What can I build that will sound decent?

I am perfectly willing to buy everything used.

Looking for:

2 Front speakers

2 Rear speakers

Head Unit

Amp (optional)

- Wiring Kit

Constraints:

Preferably $250-$300

Option to add sub later

Would prefer head unit supports bluetooth, has CD capability, and audio input (ipod/smartphone/aux)

What I put together for ~$350:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EEO4WD4...OJKQJT3B2&coliid=I2ESNZRNGFUD9E&psc=1

Head Unit: Pioneer DEHX6600BT ($99)

Amp: Rockford Fosgate R300X4 ($120)

Rear Speakers: Pioneer TS-A6995R 6" x 9" ($68)

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A0LYU2S...OJKQJT3B2&coliid=I2IES3F7M62ITD&psc=1

Front Speakers: Pioneer TS-A1685R ($50)

Any/all input is appreciated! Thanks!

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[luckyluke77]

Any information would be appreciated (e.g. any brands I should target, etc).

Thanks!

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

my expectations are to build a system that's perhaps a bit better sounding than stock and certainly louder. Down the road I may add a sub into the mix (along with a dedicated amp). What can I build that will sound decent?
Thanks!

Spend minimal to NO money on the rear speakers. Focus all your money on a good head unit along with good front components speakers.

 

[C1500martin 10+ year member]

dude i couldnt get help with a $500 budget lol. forums are for "audio gods" and everyone will just tell you get a better budget BUT go on the classified sction and buy used stuff.

 

[C1500martin 10+ year member]

http://www.caraudio.com/forums/amplifier-classifieds/610690-mb-quart-onx4-80-a.html

get this 4 channel the shipping shouldnt be more than $20 so youll save $50 right there

 

[firemedic7733 10+ year member]

I sent you a PM about the amp and a few other things.

The first thing I have to stress is this: it is your car, your music and your preference. People on here will give advice, but remember opinions vary. Jeffdachef suggested to ignore the rear. My preference, I invest in the rear almost the same as the front. I can tell a difference and I need the rear fill. Neither of us are wrong or right, it's a matter of taste.

My experience has been that there are few pretty defined levels in your off the shelf car audio. There's junk (boss, audio pipe, etc) entry level, mid level, high end and competition. In the entry level, most of your name brand stuff is about equal. Pioneer, Kenwood, JVC etc. especially when it comes to basic speakers. Mid level, you start getting more into x is better vs y. But, the majority of your known brands will remain pretty consistent on quality, durability and reliability. High end and competition levels are something I know very little about.

I think what you put together would be decent. Sure, there's better stuff out there, but at a higher cost. This is just my opinion and as I stated earlier, opinions vary. Good luck getting your gear together and PM me any time with questions. Welcome to the forum

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

I sent you a PM about the amp and a few other things.
The first thing I have to stress is this: it is your car, your music and your preference. People on here will give advice, but remember opinions vary. Jeffdachef suggested to ignore the rear. My preference, I invest in the rear almost the same as the front. I can tell a difference and I need the rear fill. Neither of us are wrong or right, it's a matter of taste.

My experience has been that there are few pretty defined levels in your off the shelf car audio. There's junk (boss, audio pipe, etc) entry level, mid level, high end and competition. In the entry level, most of your name brand stuff is about equal. Pioneer, Kenwood, JVC etc. especially when it comes to basic speakers. Mid level, you start getting more into x is better vs y. But, the majority of your known brands will remain pretty consistent on quality, durability and reliability. High end and competition levels are something I know very little about.

I think what you put together would be decent. Sure, there's better stuff out there, but at a higher cost. This is just my opinion and as I stated earlier, opinions vary. Good luck getting your gear together and PM me any time with questions. Welcome to the forum

If your front stage is set up right you will not notice rear fill. If you need rear fill than the front is not setup right. Or you don't know what you are listening for.

 

[firemedic7733 10+ year member]

If your front stage is set up right you will not notice rear fill. If you need rear fill than the front is not setup right. Or you don't know what you are listening for.

I don't wanna turn the guys thread into an argument. I'm sure that with the right budget and equipment, what you said is correct. My experience is that I haven't gotten to that point yet, and I'm just offering my two cents worth.

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

If your front stage is set up right you will not notice rear fill. If you need rear fill than the front is not setup right. Or you don't know what you are listening for.

This is actually true, Even with a bunch of pro audio rear fill in the back(need it for passengers), I hear absolutely nothing coming from the back now with my 3 way front stage set up properly.

 

[firemedic7733 10+ year member]

Like I said, with the right budget & equipment. For a brand new guy on a $300 budget, it's extremely difficult to accomplish.

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

well it would depend on which of is speakers are broken. If its only the front speakers that are broken then he does not need to replace is rears, and focus solely on the front while his stock rears can handle the job fairly well. As of now, pioneer's low end speakers he is choosing are a horrible choice (sounds worst then stock most of the times) he would be better off with alpine's type S speakers.

with the head unit i'd definitely buy this one over his choice Clarion CZ702 Single-DIN In-Dash Bluetooth Car Stereo w/ Pandora

Its a superior head unit in every way and future proof. Time alignment along with active capabilities and all the features of a modern head unit. ALONG with free installation parts. which makes it cost the same as his original choice because he'll have to buy 30 dollars worth of dash kits and wiring harnesses anyways.

Trust me man, we've all started with low budget builds in the beginning.

 

[firemedic7733 10+ year member]

I feel ya. The way my set up is right now, I can't hear anything from my rear. Or front for that matter. The music kind of wraps around me, but that's courtesy of my MS8. And it has taken me years to get to this point.

Let me ask your opinion on this: this is what I offered:

This head unit - USB/CD Receiver w/ HD Radio and iTunes Tagging - KD-HDR60 - Introduction

MB Quart FWA Comp set. The tweeters can be mounted in the grill, essentially making them coaxials

Either MB Quart FTB169 or Infinity 9623i

ONX4.80 amp

6 20' stinger RCA's, inline fuse holder, 2 way stinger AGU dist block, fuses and either MTX Thunder 10's or T3 t.200 12's for $300 shipped.

He can drop the 6x9's off the list and only do front stage for $270.

 

[firemedic7733 10+ year member]

Correction - 3 RCA's (6 channels)

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

I feel ya. The way my set up is right now, I can't hear anything from my rear. Or front for that matter. The music kind of wraps around me, but that's courtesy of my MS8. And it has taken me years to get to this point.
Let me ask your opinion on this: this is what I offered:

This head unit - USB/CD Receiver w/ HD Radio and iTunes Tagging - KD-HDR60 - Introduction

MB Quart FWA Comp set. The tweeters can be mounted in the grill, essentially making them coaxials

Either MB Quart FTB169 or Infinity 9623i

ONX4.80 amp

6 20' stinger RCA's, inline fuse holder, 2 way stinger AGU dist block, fuses and either MTX Thunder 10's or T3 t.200 12's for $300 shipped.

He can drop the 6x9's off the list and only do front stage for $270.

Are you selling him all that? its a great deal for the op.

 

[firemedic7733 10+ year member]

I offered it to him via PM, haven't heard back. Some of it I have listed on here, some just sitting around. Trying to help him out. Like you said, we've all started with low budget builds