Car Stereo for Dummies

[kpaske]

If you are on a budget, and want good sound as cheap as possible, I would say the first thing you should look at is your head unit. If you really don't need anything crazy, many of today's high-powered head units offer up to 45 W x 4 channels with RCA's for sub output.

Stage 1 ($200-$300): A GOOD high-powered head unit with stock speakers will sound pretty good. Look for a head unit with built-in "MOSFET" circuitry.

Stage 2 ($150-$400): Add a small, powered subwoofer box. You could probably build a really nice one yourself for a couple hundred bucks, and if you build the amp and sub into one box it's easy to plug in or remove (just run RCA's and power to the rear cargo area and install some jacks or quick connects). For a few more bucks you could buy a pre-built powered sub.

Stage 3: ($150-$350): Upgrade all four stock speakers.


Oh, as far as putting the amps behind the panels, I'd say that this MIGHT be possible, but the amps would have to be really small or you'd have to lose the jack and/or the compartment on the right side. There IS a lot of space behind them, but the shape isn't suitable for most amps. I would agree that you should consider one 5-channel amp if you think you'll eventually want a front x2/rear x2/sub setup, but they don't have to cost $800, and you don't really need 5 channels unless you often have passengers in the back. You could get by with a 3 channel amp running left/right/sub - you won't notice much difference from the front seat.

[etlsport]

along the lines with this subject.. if i were to add an amp to power the stock clairons, how much power could i safely put through them without blowin them out?

[kpaske]

Not sure about that one, but I would guess not much more than 50 Watts per channel, RMS. If you want to add an amp, I would recommend upgrading the speakers at the same time, or upgrading the speakers first and adding the amp later. Amplifying good sound from a good head unit to mediocre stock speakers is going to sound mediocre.

[pbkid]

well there sure has been a lot of replies on this subject. heres my 2 cents-
mark, if you wanna get it to sound better buy either alpine or eclipse deck. they are hands down the two best sounding decks made.
second the stock clarion speakers are actually really good speakers, i have 100 watts per channel RMS right now and i can turn them up loud enough to hear from about 2 blocks away, so dont really need to worry about replacing those speakers.
third, if you want to get a little bit more bass you definately want a ten. thats gonna give you more bass but nothing that will hurt your head =)
last. if you do decide to come down in the area of me and mike morgan then definately give me a shout and i will drive over to fort collins and hang out with you guys and give some of my opinions.
good luck =)

[biju]

Mark,

Had any time to ponder the advice above? I think kpaske, vehigaz and pb have great ideas and input! In other words, I believe there's quite a few approaches to what you seek... Now you just have to decide your path, let us know what you choose and then we can help you through the finer details...

I will go on the record in response to you wanting/inquiring re: amps behind the panels. I'd avoid this if you can. Simply put - amps, all amps, need to breathe - even if they have built in cooling (fans, water cooling, etc.)

Some brands/models you might want to consider (quality budget components):

Head Unit:
Jack, I couldn't agree more! If you can swing it, Alpine & Eclipse all the way. Kenwood, however, will be a suitable proxy...

Front High End ($165.00 - $199.00 : eBay)
MB Quart PCE 216
Infinity Perfect 6.1
JL Audio XR650-CSi
Diamond Audio D661S

Subwoofer & Amp:
Let me know what size you want to go with (8" or 10") and I'll drum up some brands/models to consider.

-biju.

[Bimati]

OK, from reading the above posts, this audiomoron is going to start with an Alpine or Eclipse head unit.

Questions for the knowing masses:

What do I do about my stock disc changer that is trashed? Do I replace it with a new changer, or a newer technology? (Don't have hundreds of CD's laying around.)

What technologies should I be considering that are basic and standard and will carry me into the future? (Don't want to buy an 8-track only to find out that everyone is carrying USB storage devices, etc.)

What are the best bang for buck Alpine and Eclipse head units? Mid/Moderate pricing.

Thanks all.

Bim

[etlsport]

i just replaced my head unit, originally was gonna take the changer out and add a pocket, then thought it would be even cooler to wire the RCA imputs on my head unit to ports there along with my scan gauge II... then i found an even nicer head unit that plays DVDs, so i got that and im going to get a DIN sized stand alone flip out monitor to put there... cant wait til its all done!

my requirements for a head unit when i got it was RCA outputs for at least subwoofers.. but preferred one with front outputs, rear outputs and sub outputs.. another requirement was an RCA imput, i got an RCA to 1/8" wire so i can plug any mp3 player/laptop/walkman/ whatever you want with a headphone jack into it
also love that my head unit can read MP3/WMA CDs, right now ive got 160 songs on one cd in there now.. thats like 8 regular CDs!