Starting 1st system, need suggestions!

[Diesel75]

First off, new to the site but really enjoy everyones info and input that i have been reading, it's all very helpful, friendly, and insightful!

Now I recently blew my speakers in my 2007 silverado, 4dr classic. I have always been a gadget head, but never learned a great deal about car audio. So i understand that there are many different levels of quality and a billion different combinations of gear. Im not looking for the end all be all system, just something clean, clear, and fairly loud!

So here's my questions!

I want to replace my HU. I want a good double din, multimedia system thats good with bluetooth, good ipod interface and navi is not a must but would be a good plus. preferably 7in around $500 max (so obviously nothing super nice, but also will buy used for sure) Onlinecarstereo has good deals on some of the JVC AVX and one pioneer unit, are those any good?

Second I want a solid set of comp speakers (6.5 all the way around, has factory comps now w mid n tweets separate). Now do i go with one set of comps for the front and not the back? I have been reading that a lot on here that its a common thing to do. Again im ok with off brands and used products, so long as they are quality.

No subs for now, later down the road i may add 2 shallow mounts (all i can fit without any major work)

As far as an amp goes, i know it is necessary to get the most out of the speakers, but can a decent HU push them for now? If not i dont really have a problem shelling out a little more for a decent 4 channel. And if so, what is the proper amp to speaker watts?

Any and all suggestions are more then welcome and appreciated! Thanks a lot!

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[nauc 10+ year member]

decks really come down to features vs price. stick with the big brands, no RadioShack *****.

as far as speakers, just run a pair of components upfront. rear speakers usually just cause acoustical problems and screw up the sound quality and a nice set upfront will get plenty loud.

and you can run the speakers off the deck, but obviously amping them gets you all you can out of them

not knowing your speaker budget, these are really nice for the money

WoofersEtc.com - CTX65CS - Image Dynamics 6.5" Component Speaker System

or these if youre on a tighter budget

WoofersEtc.com - CL-61A - CDT Audio Classic 6.5" 2-Way Component Speakers

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

i recommend you purchase from a local shop or Crutchfield. Crutchfield will give you instructions, mounting brackets, wire clips, etc. to GREATLY simplify the process and increase your chance for success. it's not what you buy, but how you install it that makes the difference.

You'll need a GMOS adapter (around $100) to replace the stereo and maintain the Class II Data Bus. The adapter is a must, Crutchfield will help you with that selection also.

For speakers - depth is your concern. you need to get something that will fit in both depth and diameter. Again, Crutchfield will help with that.

Alpine has their KTP-445 power pack for those who want more power than the deck can provide, but don't want the expense/hassle of an external amp. it makes a difference, and while not as good as a nice amp, better than the HU alone. I like Alpine HU's in general.

I also agree Comps in front with a truck, rear isn't necessary but some people miss having sound behind them. if you add rear speakers, i recommend not installing/connecting tweeters. i like rear mids but not rear tweeters.

As long as you don't buy anything made by Dual, you can't go wrong with Crutchfield gear. it's all decent. decide a budget and start shopping.

for speakers, it's great to audition them first to see what you like. each one sounds different.

 

[Diesel75]

Much appreciated fellas! Awesome suggestions. I've been shopping around a bit, but mostly everyone out here carries the main big named brands. Thats why i love these forums, because you get better quality stuff for much better price due to the info and insight of yall. I think that i will miss having sound behind me, so what would be a solid mid option? and an amp to push all of this? I think not getting an amp would just being putting off the inevitable knowing myself... //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif So i might as well add it too the list. speaker budget i think i would like to stick around 300 or less for all 4.

 

[Buck 5,000+ posts]

If you need help with enclosures or picking a woofer you can email me.

 

[Diesel75]

thanks buck, i will definitely down the road!

 

[Kangaroux 5,000+ posts]

i agree with keep_hope_alive having crutch help you out on the selections but i personally wouldn't buy from them for the simple fact that prices are much higher than that of what you would find on onlinecarstereo, amazon, sonicelectronix, etc. Are you planning on perfecting the front stage until you move onto the sub stage? I suggest investing into some deadening for your doors, as it will bring out a lot of the mid bass in your speakers, and if you add subs in the near future, will reduce a lot of the rattling from them. It also cuts down on road noise, which is a big plus

 

[Diesel75]

Would that be just slapping some dyna mat on the inside of the door panels? or what? sounds like a plan. I dont think I want to totally invest a ton of dough into this, im not looking for perfection, but i do want it to sound real good! haha. I will add subs later for sure. But i dont need to have a comp system, just want to definitely upgrade.

 

[Diesel75]

but yeah so far crutchfield has a **** ton of good advice/info. but their prices are higher, the catch is alot of the time the throw in free shipping and a lot of install materials that i would have to buy anyways. so i just have to see if those extras offer enough of a discount to make the difference to buy from them. haha good ol american marketing. gotta love it.

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

Crutchfield prices are higher because they are authorized - you get a warranty. some care about that, some don't. for brands that Sonic is authorized, their prices are at MAP. and after Crutchfield throws in the speaker wire adapters, speaker mounting adapters, head unit mounting kit, wire harness you start to make up that difference. and they are the only ones who give you instructions and have customer service that is worth mentioning.

if you're new to car audio, Crutchfield is the way to go - you may pay a bit more, but you get a lot more that will help the project be successful. After the first purchase, you have everything you need to swap out gear and upgrade - so that's when you can look other places. but remember that if it's cheaper, you're either losing a warranty or it's old stock or refurbish, or open box, etc. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

there are so many brands, it's hard to suggest just one or even three. everyone has opinions as to what they like or don't like. your budget is the first limiting factor, the vehicle is the second limiting factor. start by sorting by your vehicle, then sort by what you can afford, then look at reviews/specs/cosmetics, and go from there. speakers can only be evaluated by listening to them. head units, amps, and subs can be reviewed by looking at specs.