Car Audio Upgrade < $200

[scorpmatt]

Originally posted by: nakedfrog

Saying they sound "infinitely better" through an amp is definitely stretching it. Installing a HU in my 04 Chrysler was easy as pie.
My personal recommendation would be the Clarion DXZ555
Manufacturer Link
Plenty of power, good sound, does mp3/wma, and has the flexibility for an amp in the future if you should decide. I own one.

I like the quote in your sig

 

[QueBert]

Ok, let me clairify. He has 200 bucks to spend total, not a lot as I spent more on my wiring alone.
a new HU would sound good, but for the same price he could get an amp + speakers and it will sound better then a HU for his budget. He might as well go for the best sound for what he can afford right? Besides, all the companies are starting to roll out their new models retail. So, if he waited a few months, he could get a Panasonic 7300 for probably 30% what they run now on clearance.

but on an install side, a new HU wouldn't require an amp kit, dunno his skill level, putting one of those in the first time might be a big task for him.

I think you should honestly read what everyone has said, as there are some good opinions and ideas thrown out. If you want to get a HU, stay away from Sony, they are crap. JVC makes some nice entry level ones, as does Pansonic.

 

[scorpmatt]

Originally posted by: QueBert
Ok, let me clairify. He has 200 bucks to spend total, not a lot as I spent more on my wiring alone.
a new HU would sound good, but for the same price he could get an amp + speakers and it will sound better then a HU for his budget. He might as well go for the best sound for what he can afford right? Besides, all the companies are starting to roll out their new models retail. So, if he waited a few months, he could get a Panasonic 7300 for probably 30% what they run now on clearance.

but on an install side, a new HU wouldn't require an amp kit, dunno his skill level, putting one of those in the first time might be a big task for him.

I think you should honestly read what everyone has said, as there are some good opinions and ideas thrown out. If you want to get a HU, stay away from Sony, they are crap. JVC makes some nice entry level ones, as does Pansonic.

an amp i could see, but if they stock HU has not pre amps, he is a little screwed.

and buying a 10 dollar wiring kit and slapping that on is easy, getting the deck out may be a little different

 

[QueBert]

Originally posted by: scorpmatt

Originally posted by: QueBert
a Head Unit would be awesome, but you have 200 bucks to spend, if you factor in tax + shipping (if you buy online) you're better off leaving deck be. The amp I linked too isn't going to blow anyones ear drums, Speakers sound infinitly better running threw an amp, it's not about volume, it's about clarity. My HU has a digital amp, 70x4, one of the best on the market, but on his budget he won't get a HU strong enough to properly push aftermarket speakers. And in a lot of newer cars installing a new HU can be a royal pain. He's going to have to do this himself, as installation on speakers/amp or headunit will run you close to 100 bucks just about anywhere.

just my opinion tho, as I'm not audio expert

install of a headunit running over 100? wow, you must have places that over charge. it cost me less than 100 dollars to have my HU and new fronts installed.

Most shops charge a flat rate of $65 to install a HU, and 35 for rear speakers, more for fronts, since they gotta take the door panels off typically. I dunno where you live. but I'm in Southern Cali, and "shop" prices are almost universal. Once in awhile Circuit City will run free install of HU with purchase, but the prices are high enough to make it not a hot deal *shrug*

 

[scorpmatt]

Originally posted by: QueBert

Originally posted by: scorpmatt

Originally posted by: QueBert
a Head Unit would be awesome, but you have 200 bucks to spend, if you factor in tax + shipping (if you buy online) you're better off leaving deck be. The amp I linked too isn't going to blow anyones ear drums, Speakers sound infinitly better running threw an amp, it's not about volume, it's about clarity. My HU has a digital amp, 70x4, one of the best on the market, but on his budget he won't get a HU strong enough to properly push aftermarket speakers. And in a lot of newer cars installing a new HU can be a royal pain. He's going to have to do this himself, as installation on speakers/amp or headunit will run you close to 100 bucks just about anywhere.

just my opinion tho, as I'm not audio expert

install of a headunit running over 100? wow, you must have places that over charge. it cost me less than 100 dollars to have my HU and new fronts installed.

Most shops charge a flat rate of $65 to install a HU, and 35 for rear speakers, more for fronts, since they gotta take the door panels off typically. I dunno where you live. but I'm in Southern Cali, and "shop" prices are almost universal. Once in awhile Circuit City will run free install of HU with purchase, but the prices are high enough to make it not a hot deal *shrug*

I bought my deck at CC, they installed it for a fee cause I didnt want to go through more paper work to get it installed for free. my choice. car toys generally also offers free install, but i dont trust em as much. "shop" prices are not universal. CC installed my fronts for $45.

Pic of front speaker installed. paid 80 for the pair
Pic of HU My HU installed

 

[Howard]

While the sound isn't "infinitely better" with an amp, stock speakers DO sound better with one. If you get a quality deck that has clean amplification, you won't have to buy an amp (unless you need to turn it up to 11).

 

[tfinch2]

Originally posted by: scorpmatt

Originally posted by: QueBert

Originally posted by: scorpmatt

Originally posted by: QueBert
a Head Unit would be awesome, but you have 200 bucks to spend, if you factor in tax + shipping (if you buy online) you're better off leaving deck be. The amp I linked too isn't going to blow anyones ear drums, Speakers sound infinitly better running threw an amp, it's not about volume, it's about clarity. My HU has a digital amp, 70x4, one of the best on the market, but on his budget he won't get a HU strong enough to properly push aftermarket speakers. And in a lot of newer cars installing a new HU can be a royal pain. He's going to have to do this himself, as installation on speakers/amp or headunit will run you close to 100 bucks just about anywhere.

just my opinion tho, as I'm not audio expert

install of a headunit running over 100? wow, you must have places that over charge. it cost me less than 100 dollars to have my HU and new fronts installed.

Most shops charge a flat rate of $65 to install a HU, and 35 for rear speakers, more for fronts, since they gotta take the door panels off typically. I dunno where you live. but I'm in Southern Cali, and "shop" prices are almost universal. Once in awhile Circuit City will run free install of HU with purchase, but the prices are high enough to make it not a hot deal *shrug*

I bought my deck at CC, they installed it for a fee cause I didnt want to go through more paper work to get it installed for free. my choice. car toys generally also offers free install, but i dont trust em as much. "shop" prices are not universal. CC installed my fronts for $45.

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="Http://pics.apartment808.com/users/scorpmatt/Car14.jpg">Pic of front speaker installed.</a> paid 80 for the pair
Pic of HU My HU installed

i wouldn't post pics if my car was dirty like that...

 

[0roo0roo]

200 dollars is the cost to replace with equipment of equal sound to factory lol car audio has no bang for buck at all.

 

[0roo0roo]

just remember the pair of componrnt speakers for the front will cost 150-200 alone. quality speakers not junk. and no bs coax..those just shoot the stereo image at your feet in most cars. then either an amp or very nice headunit to power these. perhaps a sub so it doesn't sound bassless. and your into a lot of money. if you spend 200, it can be done. but u will wish u had the 200 dollars back after you hear little to no difference from factory.

 

[AcidSun]

hey i just bought 4 speakers and a heaunit for 199 from crutchfield.

they have good deals, and usually you get free witing harnesses and brakets if needed.