Upgrading to Components in My 03 Impala...help

[focused313 10+ year member]

What's up all,

I'm looking for suggestions on a good set of components. I included all the information I thought would be needed to get good expert opinions from you guys.

Vehicle: 2003 Chevy Impala

Sound Domain Page: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2582534

Speakers: Front Dr. 6 3/4. Rear Fill 6x9

Budget: $200 installed (I know I can save $ by doing it myself, but I don't feel comfortable yet.) So the total for the speakers should be no more than 150.

Mission: Achieve good mids/highs sound quality at high volumes, to match the level of bass I already have installed. I'd like to possibly upgrade the front door speakers to a set of components, WITH a separate tweeter mounted on the A-Pillar. If any money is left over, I'd like to upgrade the 6x9's if possible. I already have a 2 ch. small amp, so I'd like to use that for whatever components I buy. The amp runs 37.5 x 2 @ 4ohms, and 72 x 2 @ 2ohms (RMS) ratings.

Here's what I currently have:

Head Unit: Clarion VRx765VD Cd/MP3, DVD, WMA, Ipod, Touch Screen

Door Speaker Amp: Rockford Punch 150S (not being used yet)

Front Speakers: Stock (Looking for components)

Rear Speakers: Stock

Subwoofers: (2) JL Audio W3 12' (300w RMS each)

Subwoofer Amp: Hifonics Nemesis Wx600

Click to read more...

 

[focused313 10+ year member]

I went to two different shops for quotes (component set + install) and here's what I got.

Car Tunes (cartunesstereo.com) in Berkley, MI

Alpine SPR-17S - $198 + ($75 to install) = $273 total

- RMS Power Range : 110 Watts

- Peak Power Handling: 330 Watts

- Frequency response: 65-27000 Hz

- Sensitivity: 87 dB

- Diameter: 6.5 Inch

or

Mickey Shorr in Berkley, MI

Kenwood Excelon KFC-x1700P - $190 installed

* Sensitivity: 92 dB

* RMS Power Range : 55 Watts

* Peak Power Handling: 220 Watts

* Frequency response: 35-30000 Hz

* Diameter: 6.75 Inch

I will NOT be installing these myself. I will also have a small Rockford Punch 150S installed at the same time to temporarily run these until I get a more powerful component amp. The biggest difference is clearly in the rms wattage.

 

[DejaWiz 5,000+ posts]

Did you audition both sets for yourself? Which do you like better?

If either shop will install a set you bring in yourself, check SonicElectronix's eBay store for the Apline set. You should be able to get them for about $160 shipped. Save you some money, anyway.

 

[focused313 10+ year member]

Did you audition both sets for yourself? Which do you like better?

neither really wow'd me, but I have yet to hear the kenwoods (the shop didn't have them set up). As I continue to search the net, wooferetc.com, I see a lot of component sets for cheaper prices and more wattage, ex: MB Quartz and CDT. That second post was just what I found on my journey out in the world for a setup.

 

[DejaWiz 5,000+ posts]

What amp are you planning to get?

 

[JB16 10+ year member]

Good topic, I have pretty much the same question, same price range, maybe under 225 + Install for me STORE bought.

So i am very interested in the responses

 

[DejaWiz 5,000+ posts]

Another question for the OP: have you factored in to your budget sound dampening as part of the speaker install?

 

[THUNDERBIRD 10+ year member]

i have a set of these not installed yet but several of my buddies have them and love them http://www.edesignaudio.com/edv2/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=49 $135 free shipping and a 5 year warrenty. remember ur install price is gonna jump up because of wiring, like rca's distro block, and speaker wire, and extra power/ground wire. and like stated sound deadening is a good idea while ur door panels are off. so i would say you will be $250-300 all said in done. if you want to drive to lansing i would install for you.

 

[focused313 10+ year member]

What amp are you planning to get?

Door Speaker Amp: Rockford Punch 150S (not being used yet)

that is the amp that will run them for now, but another amp (what kind I haven't decided yet, but it will be purchased at a later date). The specs are listed in my first post.

I also haven't factored in sound deadening, as that would come in a while after I finish up some other things. If I was to dynamat the doors, I'd like to get the whole car done at the same time.

 

[DejaWiz 5,000+ posts]

1. that is the amp that will run them for now, but another amp (what kind I haven't decided yet, but it will be purchased at a later date). The specs are listed in my first post.

2. I also haven't factored in sound deadening, as that would come in a while after I finish up some other things. If I was to dynamat the doors, I'd like to get the whole car done at the same time.

1. Do you have a rms wpc range you'd like the new amp to be in? This could open other avenues for your speaker decision making.

2. At least get the doors done if you can swing it.

 

[zSnb 10+ year member]

If I were you I would buy one piece at a time over the next couple months or so then install it all in the same day. The end result will be much more rewarding. Save up about $30 and get the Pioneer 720prs for the comps. You can find them online like ebay or Sonicelectronix for about $230. They are the best bang for the buck and they sound like they could compete with most $700 component sets. They also work pretty well off of low rms power if you must use the small amp you already have.

Sound deadening is a must. After you spend all the money on speakers and install, you owe it to yourself to deaden your doors of your Impala. The bass from the 720prs (and there is a lot of it) will rattle the crap out of your doors and lose alot of their impact and clarity.

You're probably looking at a hefty install price. Components, sound deadening, and an amp with the rca's and electrical etc. I'm willing to be the shop will charge about $400 if you're lucky to $600. Spend some time on the forum with us and do some research on how to install everything yourself. It really isnt as hard as one would think. Hope this helps.

 

[DejaWiz 5,000+ posts]

^^ agreed. Self installing takes a little time, patience, and planning, but the results are well worth it. Gain the knowledge, take the accomplishment, and save a ton of money. But only if you're ready and confident.