Let's REVISIT car stereo options!

[PHO2GR4]

Hi Gang,

I'm pretty excited about taking delivery of my NEW (well, 1999, but new to me) VX next week. I haven't owned a VX in three years, so it's going to take me awhile to get back up to speed.

I wasn't really too happy with the stock sound system of my old '99 Ironman VX. The only change I made was adding an amp and a subwoofer, which dramatically improved things.

Still, I'd like to do better this time. I've got the spare change to do it right. Here's what I'd like to do...and I'm hoping some of YOU can chime in with suggestions and ideas.

WANT LIST:

A clean-looking system which includes
GPS
Sirius or XM compatibility
New speakers all around
Some medium-power amps
one good sub...maybe in the spare-tire area.

Bonus: rear-camera integration into an LCD screen.

I'd like to keep my rear storage area clear, even though I know it's a good place for amps and subwoofer enclosures. I remember that Tone had a slick subwoofer enclosure for the spare tire area in the rear hatch.

Are there any super-cool new headunits out there with the LCD GPS DVD XM capabilities? Which fit into the VX dash without too much commotion?

Damn...this'll get spendy. And I know I'll have to address the sound deadening Dynamat stuff too...

[psychos2]

Here is a link that may help you with a rear door sub box.http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...light=jl+audio
I have also built a fiberglass box that fits in the spare tire for an 8" sub. JL Audio subs are some of the best you can buy. As for the rest of the speakers Mb Quart's are the best (IMHO). shawn

[PHO2GR4]

Well, I cannot sacrifice the small amount of storage space behind the rear seats, so I'll HAVE to do something with the spare tire area. How expensive would it be to have a custom fiberglas enclosure made to fit behind the stock plastic spare tire cover, and then cut a hole for the sub in the existing cover?

I haven't even STARTED looking for a good head unit/GPS system/LCD combo. And I'd definitely like a way to get the rear-camera system integrated into an LCD screen.

[etlsport]

did you follow that link? psychos2 builds boxes to fit in the spare tire area, read that thread, there is pricing and ordering info

as for video/headunits search for the pioneer AVIC-N2, someone here did a very nice install with that unit

i like the setup i have for video, i have my dvdplayer/source unit in the lower din slot and a standalone flip out monitor in the upper din slot, my source unit plays DVDs plus has an extra video input for video games/computer (or gps in your case) and my monitor has two inputs as well, one from the source unit and one from a rear view camera, just make sure the monitor you select has the capability to reverse an image in case the camera you get doesnt do it automatically

[biju]

I'd check out the AVN7000 by eclipse...

very nice equip.

-biju.

[pbkid]

another option for you for the head unit would be an upper end eclipse deck...they are great sounding decks, and they have GPS built in without having to have a screen, oh yea they are sirius compatible...the cd 4000 and above have the GPS (area shot) feature available...look at their website (www.eclipse-web.com)...and audiovox makes a very nice rear view mirror replacement that has a screen built in that comes with the rear view camera for $399 at circuit city...(sorry i work there so i know all the prices way too well) this would solve all your problems minus the sub and amp...
oh and IMHO i love MBQuart and Polk Audio speakers...i think they are both great sounding speakers....the polks are a little "warmer" sounding but the MBquarts are a little clearer...
pbkid

[kpaske]

Well, I cannot sacrifice the small amount of storage space behind the rear seats, so I'll HAVE to do something with the spare tire area. How expensive would it be to have a custom fiberglas enclosure made to fit behind the stock plastic spare tire cover, and then cut a hole for the sub in the existing cover?

Did you check out Shawn's thread about his custom box? If you want a sealed box, that's about as good as it gets in the rear door, unless you want to try to do something like what I did (two 12" subs, sealed fiberglass/MDF with amp mounted on top). The box I built wasn't super expensive, just labor intensive. Therefore, if you can do the work yourself, it's cheap. If you have to pay someone, it's gonna cost you. Shawn is offering a semi-custom solution for a fair price. I believe Tone also still sells his free-air kit which will let you mount one 10" sub without losing your spare.

[Gussie2000]

Well i just bought a full kenwood sys (cassette deck with remote ,CD changer,capacitor,digital spectrum analyzer,two subs,two 500 watts amps & four 6'5 speakers,hopefully I know how to install the system.

The missing piece of the puzzle is the encloure,the two subs are 12'' & the speakers are 3 way;I'm thinking about customized box,but i'll never give up on the spare tire whatsoever.

[psychos2]

Well i just bought a full kenwood sys (cassette deck with remote ,CD changer,capacitor,digital spectrum analyzer,two subs,two 500 watts amps & four 6'5 speakers,hopefully I know how to install the system.

The missing piece of the puzzle is the encloure,the two subs are 12'' & the speakers are 3 way;I'm thinking about customized box,but i'll never give up on the spare tire whatsoever.

you have 2 choices. 1 is to lose the spare and install one in the rear door . Option 2 is to get a custom box built for behind the rear seat. I can build you one If you are interested. shawn

[JHarris1385]

What do you charge for the in spare space box?

[psychos2]

What do you charge for the in spare space box?

If you are talking about the one that replaces the spare, $200 carpeted or $150 not carpeted. plus shipping. shawn

[Gussie2000]

I finally found sub box for 40 bucks.
However thanks for the ofer

[Solitude]

Think about this.. The devotion you have to your spare tire is devotion that includes.. if you blow a rear tire.. you are dedicated enough to the spare that you will jack up the front.. remove one of those tires.. put the spare on there.. then jack up the flat rear tire.. remove it and put the front tire you just took off .. there.. that is the only way to run around on a spare tire that you store in that place in the back...

A good plan if you are stranded in the middle of nowhere.. but if you are near a tire store.. there are alternatives

[Gussie2000]

Hi guys how all you doing ?

I got a question.....

Anyone knows pretty well which is the rear spearks diameter size ?

I'm about to replace all the audio sys in my toy,but i haven't purchase other pair of speakers because i'm not sure which is the size of those ones.

My new audio gear is all kenwood brand,except the two amps,those are sony xplode models.
I'll appretiate your guys help figuring out this one

[etlsport]

the rears are 4"