I'm looking to upgrade the sound system in my '97 Jetta GLX

MrCraphead

Platinum Member
Sep 20, 2000
2,977
0
76
I was wondering if I could get some pointers on the brand of speakers and HU I should get. Not so much the HU, as the speakers. I'm a little confused about how all the wattage from the HU or amp will filter into the speakers. I basically know nothing about car stereo systems at all.

So, does anyone know of any GOOD car stereo websites with not only forums, but ARTICLES or HOW TO'S on car stereo system basics and what each component does and how they function/interact/influence each other?

What brand car speakers should I be aiming for? My Jetta takes 6 1/2, 6 3/4 I believe.....I still can't find the exact speaker dimensions for all my 8 speaker spots in my car, w/ the right depth, clearance or what not.....

What brand HU should I be looking for, and what are the more important features I should be looking for in both functionality and upgradeability?

Yes, I apologize that they're all newb questions, but I appreciate it in advance, thanks!

EDIT: Yes, I really could care less about what your opinions on Jettas are, I'm just looking for sound system help. Thanks!
 

Ryan

Lifer
Oct 31, 2000
27,519
2
81
Originally posted by: v3rrv3
A man driven Jetta? :eek:

I know - I'm surprized it runs at all, but that's another thread. Have you tried VWVortex.com's forums to see if any members have a writeup on the jetta sound system?
 

MrCraphead

Platinum Member
Sep 20, 2000
2,977
0
76
Hm, don't get it, maybe cause I'm an idiot? But thanks for contributing something constructive. :)
 

Ryan

Lifer
Oct 31, 2000
27,519
2
81
Originally posted by: MrCraphead
Hm, don't get it, maybe cause I'm an idiot? But thanks for contributing something constructive. :)

The jetta was voted online as the #1 car most likely to be driven by a homosexual male.
 

95SS

Golden Member
Nov 30, 2003
1,630
0
76
Crutchfield is your friend

Based on only 2 choices for doors vs 16 for rear deck, I'd have to say depth is very shallow in your doors (Crutchfield used to give exact dimensions, can't seem to find them). How crazy do you want to get, and who will be doing the work? ( you or a shop)
 

MrCraphead

Platinum Member
Sep 20, 2000
2,977
0
76
Ah yes, I remember reading about that. And yes, that would require a totally different thread to delve into that topic. Nonethless, I'm not a homosexual male but I do like Jettas. *shrug*.


So, speakers?
 

Ryan

Lifer
Oct 31, 2000
27,519
2
81
Originally posted by: MrCraphead
Ah yes, I remember reading about that. And yes, that would require a totally different thread to delve into that topic. Nonethless, I'm not a homosexual male but I do like Jettas. *shrug*.


So, speakers?

I updated my original reply wiht somehting more useful. Also, for the best bang for your buck stick with some infinity reference speakers ;)
 

Silex

Golden Member
Nov 24, 2001
1,829
0
0
Ehhh, I have in my bimmer some Boston Acoustic components in the front and I wholeheartedly recommend BA if you like that soft yet sweet sound. They use silk dome tweeters (the small tiny speakers that play the highs) so the highs don't sound so harsh. If you are all into treble and what not, I recommend the titanium or like metal tweeters by companies such as MB Quartz or Focal. You have a long journey ahead wasabi-san and you are off ont he right track looking for forums and what not. I don't remember ever really going to any (was a natural thing I guess), but check out www.sounddomain.com and also www.howstuffworks.com for diagrams on how a car stereo works and stuff.
 

Silex

Golden Member
Nov 24, 2001
1,829
0
0
Maybe there should be a recount of votes...then again this is a biased sample since it's AT and although we know we're geeks, to each other, we are merely brethern.
 

Ryan

Lifer
Oct 31, 2000
27,519
2
81
Originally posted by: Silex
Ehhh, I have in my bimmer some Boston Acoustic components in the front and I wholeheartedly recommend BA if you like that soft yet sweet sound. They use silk dome tweeters (the small tiny speakers that play the highs) so the highs don't sound so harsh. If you are all into treble and what not, I recommend the titanium or like metal tweeters by companies such as MB Quartz or Focal. You have a long journey ahead wasabi-san and you are off ont he right track looking for forums and what not. I don't remember ever really going to any (was a natural thing I guess), but check out www.sounddomain.com and also www.howstuffworks.com for diagrams on how a car stereo works and stuff.

YEs, BA's are sweet, but very $$$.
 

Ryan

Lifer
Oct 31, 2000
27,519
2
81
Originally posted by: Silex
Maybe there should be a recount of votes...then again this is a biased sample since it's AT and although we know we're geeks, to each other, we are merely brethern.

No, this was an automotive website - can't remember the link, but they had the #1 cars for gay men and women, IIRC the womens poll was topped off by Subaru ;)
 

MrCraphead

Platinum Member
Sep 20, 2000
2,977
0
76
Yeah, I have tweaters on my rear passenger doors, so I think I'll be getting component speakers for the rear ones. :\ But then component speakers are really expensive and are they really worth it?

I've seen some speakers from brands I've never heard of before (not that I'm well versed in car speakers in any means), such as Focal? Are they any good?

And is it safe to assess the quality of the speakers just from its specifications and potential range and power handling capacity? Or are there other factors I should look for that are indicative of the specifications?

EDIT: I think I should of left out what type of car I have. It probably would of led to a more productive thread. *sigh*
 

Ryan

Lifer
Oct 31, 2000
27,519
2
81
Originally posted by: MrCraphead
Yeah, I have tweaters on my rear passenger doors, so I think I'll be getting component speakers for the rear ones. :\ But then component speakers are really expensive and are they really worth it?

I've seen some speakers from brands I've never heard of before (not that I'm well versed in car speakers in any means), such as Focal? Are they any good?

And is it safe to assess the quality of the speakers just from its specifications and potential range and power handling capacity? Or are there other factors I should look for that are indicative of the specifications?

YOu shouldn't need components in the rear, they'll just screw up your soundstage. Components in the front, and some basic speakers in the back for fill.
 

Actaeon

Diamond Member
Dec 28, 2000
8,657
20
76
Originally posted by: rbloedow
Originally posted by: MrCraphead
Hm, don't get it, maybe cause I'm an idiot? But thanks for contributing something constructive. :)

The jetta was voted online as the #1 car most likely to be driven by a homosexual male.

Link?

Haha, I know a friend who is a VW Whore, and he drives a Jetta...
 

95SS

Golden Member
Nov 30, 2003
1,630
0
76
Originally posted by: MrCraphead
Yeah, I have tweaters on my rear passenger doors, so I think I'll be getting component speakers for the rear ones. :\ But then component speakers are really expensive and are they really worth it?

I've seen some speakers from brands I've never heard of before (not that I'm well versed in car speakers in any means), such as Focal? Are they any good?

And is it safe to assess the quality of the speakers just from its specifications and potential range and power handling capacity? Or are there other factors I should look for that are indicative of the specifications?

Focal makes very good speakers, but they are not cheap. Give me a $$$ range and I'll throw some ideas at you. Also edited my first post with more questions for you.
 

Actaeon

Diamond Member
Dec 28, 2000
8,657
20
76
Originally posted by: rbloedow
Originally posted by: MrCraphead
Yeah, I have tweaters on my rear passenger doors, so I think I'll be getting component speakers for the rear ones. :\ But then component speakers are really expensive and are they really worth it?

I've seen some speakers from brands I've never heard of before (not that I'm well versed in car speakers in any means), such as Focal? Are they any good?

And is it safe to assess the quality of the speakers just from its specifications and potential range and power handling capacity? Or are there other factors I should look for that are indicative of the specifications?

YOu shouldn't need components in the rear, they'll just screw up your soundstage. Components in the front, and some basic speakers in the back for fill.

Holy crap! Quadruple post!

And you ranted on the guy who made a double post!

Cheers!:beer:
 

Ryan

Lifer
Oct 31, 2000
27,519
2
81