Upgrading sound system.

[ZachM]

Hi all,

Ive got a 2002 Mk1 Ford Focus that I would like to change the sound system in it to make it sound better, I dont want to go too crazy on it but just want a good quality sound system that sounds good, Ive got a new head unit for it, its a pioneer head unit, but the audio side of the sound system i dont even know where to start to look for upgraded speakers, subs and all that, hope you lot can help. Thanks

Click to read more...

 

[CarAudio.com - Hal AI Bots]

Hi all,

Ive got a 2002 Mk1 Ford Focus that I would like to change the sound system in it to make it sound better, I dont want to go too crazy on it but just want a good quality sound system that sounds good, Ive got a new head unit for it, its a pioneer head unit, but the audio side of the sound system i dont even know where to start to look for upgraded speakers, subs and all that, hope you lot can help. Thanks

It sounds like you're looking for advice on upgrading your car's sound system! Please provide more specific questions, and I'll do my best to assist you.

 

[Doxquzme Premium Member]

I would start by listing the model of the Pio head unit.

Do you want a sub?
What's your budget?
What is your installation or mechnical skill level?

 

[RobGMN Premium Member]

One of the fastest ways to make a big improvement in any system is a subwoofer. Even a basic setup will make a "stock" setup sound far better, so it's a good place to start if you want to build up instead of just replacing everything at once.

Along with Dox's questions, what are your expectations/desires for listening?
What are you willing to sacrifice in your car (spacewise)?
Do you want a set-and-forget setup, or do you like to tinker?

 

[ThxOne Premium Member]

Hi all,

Ive got a 2002 Mk1 Ford Focus that I would like to change the sound system in it to make it sound better, I dont want to go too crazy on it but just want a good quality sound system that sounds good, Ive got a new head unit for it, its a pioneer head unit, but the audio side of the sound system i dont even know where to start to look for upgraded speakers, subs and all that, hope you lot can help. Thanks

Is this a 4 door sedan? Does it have the Mach factory sound system?

If it is just a regular 4 door sedan (saloon) then it has 6x8" speakers in the front and rear doors. VERY simple situation here. You also have decent trunk (boot).

If it were me!!!

I would get four matching - 6x8 2-way speakers a single 12" subwoofer already in an enclosure and a 5 channel amplifier.

It doesn't get much more simple than that. 1 amp so 1 amplifier wire kit needed. (simple). All the same speaker so they should sound the same and take the same power (simple). 1 Sub to save space, 12" inch so you sacrifice no bottom end (simple). You can run a single "9 wire" from behind the radio back to the amplifier and connect all the speakers to it, you can then splice into the wire harness behind the radio and now you will not have to run wires to each speaker.

A short list with links!!! Just ideas... you can of course do whatever you like.

Amplifier

Speakers

Subwoofer

9 Wire

Amplifier Kit

Optional but worth it!!

Sound deadening!!!

 

[ZachM]

I would start by listing the model of the Pio head unit.

Do you want a sub?
What's your budget?
What is your installation or mechnical skill level?

The model of the pio head unit is the SPH-DA77DAB. I would like to have a sub, budget wise something towards £1000-1500 max and im a car mechanic by trade so got a good mechanical skill level just not for the audio side of cars.

 

[Doxquzme Premium Member]

The model of the pio head unit is the SPH-DA77DAB. I would like to have a sub, budget wise something towards £1000-1500 max and im a car mechanic by trade so got a good mechanical skill level just not for the audio side of cars.

Decent unit, three, 4v outputs, time alignment (manual), reverse BU camera, full HD USB, a 3-Way Network Mode, and Listening Position Selector. Should do well.

Given your location, where do you typically shop for your gear (Essex/UK - eBay/Amazon, etc)?

3-door ZX3 (or EU version), 4-door sedan, 5-door wagon, 5-door ZX5 hatchback?

Do you know what the OEM speaker sizes and locations are? Does this look about right?

Speaker Locations and Sizes

• Front Doors: 5" x 7" (also fits 6" x 8")
• Rear Doors (4/5 Door): 5" x 7" (also fits 6" x 8")
• Rear Side Panels (3-Door/ZX3): 5" x 7" (also fits 6" x 8")

I think that Recoil has a great EU site, decent gear that may make it an almost one-stop shopping experience, and great budget gear that does a great job.

Do you have a brand preference?

Listening style/type, genres?