Car Audio experts: Please help :)

[Pennstate]

I am thinking about plunking down some $$ for my 97 corolla. I just can't stand the stock audio setup when I have magnepans in my apartment.

How about the following for <$400 ? Do I have to do anything major in terms of modifications?

Alpine 9807 MP3 CD receiver $222Eclipse 8262 6.5" speakers $90
Eclipse 9242 4" speakers

Thanks in advance

 

[bleeb]

You're love the Alpine.

 

[Spoooon]

Go to crutchfield and check to see what size speaker openings you have available (don't know how clueless or smart you are 😀). Then go somewhere else to find them for a cheap price.

You may want to skip on adding rear fill and use that money toward getting a good set of speakers for the front.

 

[2002R1Rider]

The alpine is a good deal... Great players but radio reception leaves something to be desired

 

[Pennstate]

I think Crutchfield tells that it uses 4" on the front doors and 6.5" in the rear. I am knowledgable in home audio, but I have never done any car audio work. So far it looks like I don't need an adapter for the receiver. I don't know about the speakers.

 

[Pennstate]

I picked the Eclipse because I heard someone say that it's the closest to planar speakers in terms of sound. I want speakers that have good mid range and highs. Bass isn't that important. Any other brands of speakers other than Eclipse that I should look at?

 

[isekii]

You should look into Dynamats or something of equivalent.

 

[Spoooon]

Why not go with components? If you don't care too much about looks, you could mount the tweeters just about anywhere and it won't look too bad.

 

[Pennstate]

I don't think my budget is enough for components. Basically, I want to spend the minimal amount of money, but not waste it on crappy hardware.

 

[Spoooon]

You can get a set of low end Focal components for $150. If you eliminate rear fill and just go with the components, I think you'll end up with a nice sounding stereo.

 

Try a Eclipse HU, less features but much better SQ. Only thing is that you have to find a local authorized dealer. You can get a $250 mp3 eclipse HU that blows away a $700 Alpine. Ecplise also has an anti theft thing where if your HU is stolen you get a new one..... You might want to check into that...

 

Originally posted by: Spoooon
You can get a set of low end Focal components for $150. If you eliminate rear fill and just go with the components, I think you'll end up with a nice sounding stereo.

Focal and CDT are great IMO. Components make a big difference as well.