Need some car audio help & advice. . .

[IgoByte]

So, I found a pretty good deal on a car, and will probably finally purchase one some time in December, and I'm wondering if I should change the audio system in the car and, if that's the case, what to change and what to get...

First thing, I love music. I listen to music a lot and I suspect that'll also be the case while driving. I also like my music loud and clear and have gotten used to good sound over the years.

Second, the car I'll be getting is '96 Nissan Maxima ($3K - want to spend as little as possible and still have a nice, reliable car), or if that doesn't work, I'll spend more for a '99 Maxima. Anyway, the '96 has the standard stereo with a built-in CD player, cassette player and AM/FM tuner. I don't know what brand it is, but it occupies the space of two regular CD receivers/players (because it also has the cassette). I think the car has six speakers in all (but am not certain), one at the bottom of the driver's and passenger's doors (that's two), two tiny ones to the sides of the windshield, above the dashboard, and two in the back. The ones in the back are pretty large and are Bose.

I would like:
1. CD receiver with MP3 capability. Needs to be able to playback MP3 CDRs & CDRWs... MP3 DVDs would be cool, but that isn't necessary.
2. The tape deck can go.
3. Obviously, AM/FM tuner.
4. CD Changer that also has the ability to play back MP3 CDRs.
5. Possibly Satellite Radio
6. Speakers to go with all of it.
7. Additional equipment (whatever's necessary).

The questions:
1. Should I do a complete overhaul or just replace the in-dash player?
2. What exactly do I need as far as hardware is concerned and how much would it cost?
3. How is the playback quality of CD changers?
4. Can I buy/install this equipment in stages or would I need to do everything at once?
5. I currently posses no knowledge of car audio. Should I attempt to learn about and install this stuff myself or should I go to a pro?
6. What's better, XM or Sirius? How much do they cost?
7. What does all this get me and what's the approximate total cost of the project?

That sums it up pretty well, I think. Keep in mind that I know virtually nothing about this, so be patient with me please. Also, I don't intend to drive through the hood and blast music loud enough to hear for ten blocks. I also don't want the car to shake and I'd like to keep as much of the trunk as possible. It needs to be loud and very clear, so that I can enjoy it, but it doesn't have to be overkill. Oh, and theft-prevention is important. I'd like the receiver to flip over or something...

Wow, this is a lot of stuff, but I hope that someone can help me out. There seem to be plenty of car threads in here...

Thanks in advance...

 

[IgoByte]

Damn... no one at all?

Any advice on forums more specific to this topic at least?

 

[Ryan]

If you're going to drop a good amount of money on your deck, please make sure you get some good component speakers and an amp to power them - your stock ones are going to SUCK. No reason to have a great Headuni when your speakers are CRAP.

 

[ThisIsMatt]

Do you plan to get a double DIN head unit? That'd be one of the biggest concerns to me. If not, you're going to need something to fill in the rest of the hole.

 

[Ryan]

Originally posted by: ThisIsMatt
Do you plan to get a double DIN head unit? That'd be one of the biggest concerns to me. If not, you're going to need something to fill in the rest of the hole.

Meh - A kit only costs like 5 - 10 bucks tops.

 

[ChefJoe]

I don't know of any Pioneer changer that can play back mp3 cds..... the HUs can, but the changer doesn't have the brains to do that. I say this having a 740MP and the 1270 Changer.

Does anyone know of a changer that plays mp3 cds?

 

[alkemyst]

I would post a budget, everyone gets tired of helping every audio question that doesn't specify a budget.

Do not say budget is not an issue, because 9 times out of 10 when that remark is made, budget is the #1 priority.

Just let us know what you want to spend and also what kind of music and volume levels you listen at.

Å

 

[IgoByte]

Originally posted by: alkemyst
I would post a budget, everyone gets tired of helping every audio question that doesn't specify a budget.

Do not say budget is not an issue, because 9 times out of 10 when that remark is made, budget is the #1 priority.

Just let us know what you want to spend and also what kind of music and volume levels you listen at.

Å

Budget is ~$1250. I want to get the best bang for the buck, though, and I don't need to hit $1250 or above. Obviously, the less spent, the better. Sorry for not posting the budget, but I had no idea how much this stuff costs...

I've done a little reasearch and have started reading posts on caraudioforum.

Right now, I'm looking at the Pioneer DEH-P8500MP head unit. It looks great and does what I need. I will pass on the CD changer for the time being, as I might decide to install an in-dash MP3 player later (since there's space) and an MP3 player seems like the more worthwhile investment anyway. I found the Pioneer P8500MP for $330 shipped at 6thave.com. What do you guys think? I love the way the P8500MP looks... Any personal experience? These user reviews are favorable.

I also called crutchfield (good store, IMO, but a little overpriced) and spoke to one of their car audio advisers... He said I needed a head unit, two pairs of speakers (back and doors) and an amplifier. He recommended the Kicker K65 and the Kicker KX300.3 amplifier. Will I need anything else besides the headunit, the two pairs of speakers and the amp? Are the abovementioned components any good or would you recommend something different?
What about bass? Will I need a dedicated subwoofer? Where would a sub need to be mounted?

 

[IgoByte]

Oh, by the way, let's disregard the satallite radio stuff and the CD changer for the time being. I'd like to first focus on getting a good base system into the car and they I'll worry about the rest of it...

 

[blahblah99]

Originally posted by: IgoByte
So, I found a pretty good deal on a car, and will probably finally purchase one some time in December, and I'm wondering if I should change the audio system in the car and, if that's the case, what to change and what to get...

First thing, I love music. I listen to music a lot and I suspect that'll also be the case while driving. I also like my music loud and clear and have gotten used to good sound over the years.

Second, the car I'll be getting is '96 Nissan Maxima ($3K - want to spend as little as possible and still have a nice, reliable car), or if that doesn't work, I'll spend more for a '99 Maxima. Anyway, the '96 has the standard stereo with a built-in CD player, cassette player and AM/FM tuner. I don't know what brand it is, but it occupies the space of two regular CD receivers/players (because it also has the cassette). I think the car has six speakers in all (but am not certain), one at the bottom of the driver's and passenger's doors (that's two), two tiny ones to the sides of the windshield, above the dashboard, and two in the back. The ones in the back are pretty large and are Bose.

I would like:
1. CD receiver with MP3 capability. Needs to be able to playback MP3 CDRs & CDRWs... MP3 DVDs would be cool, but that isn't necessary.
2. The tape deck can go.
3. Obviously, AM/FM tuner.
4. CD Changer that also has the ability to play back MP3 CDRs.
5. Possibly Satellite Radio
6. Speakers to go with all of it.
7. Additional equipment (whatever's necessary).

The questions:
1. Should I do a complete overhaul or just replace the in-dash player?
2. What exactly do I need as far as hardware is concerned and how much would it cost?
3. How is the playback quality of CD changers?
4. Can I buy/install this equipment in stages or would I need to do everything at once?
5. I currently posses no knowledge of car audio. Should I attempt to learn about and install this stuff myself or should I go to a pro?
6. What's better, XM or Sirius? How much do they cost?
7. What does all this get me and what's the approximate total cost of the project?

That sums it up pretty well, I think. Keep in mind that I know virtually nothing about this, so be patient with me please. Also, I don't intend to drive through the hood and blast music loud enough to hear for ten blocks. I also don't want the car to shake and I'd like to keep as much of the trunk as possible. It needs to be loud and very clear, so that I can enjoy it, but it doesn't have to be overkill. Oh, and theft-prevention is important. I'd like the receiver to flip over or something...

Wow, this is a lot of stuff, but I hope that someone can help me out. There seem to be plenty of car threads in here...

Thanks in advance...

I'd say go with a complete overhaul. By the sound of your post, you seem like the type of person who will get tired of the average head unit fast and will want a decent high end system eventually.

So, go with the top model Eclipse headunit as a start, then build from there.

 

[rgwalt]

It sounds like you need components in the front, and standard speakers for the back. I would look into Infinity speakers for both the front and rear. You'll need/want an amp to power the front speakers at the very least. A dedicated sub in the trunk would be a good idea if you want to improve your bass. You'll need the speaker, the amp, and the box, but you will lose trunk space. You'll also have to run power to the trunk, unless there is a power port available.

If I were you, I'd look around town for a reputable dealer/installer. You probably don't want to spend your time running wires all over the car for the amp(s) (audio and power cables), and the speakers. When you have your head unit put in, and they are running wires, see if you can get the installer to run you an extra set of audio cables to your trunk. This will allow you to put in a CD changer at a later date and run it into the auxillary input on your head unit. IIRC, you would be able to branch off the power wired for the sub to power the changer, if you get a really good, heavy-duty power cable. In my opinion, having a professional install your system is the best way to go. You don't want to screw up your car or your system by not installing your equipment correctly.

As far as security goes, I don't really like the units with a flip down face. Thieves can still see that you have a head unit, and the mechanism that flips the head unit around is just one more thing that could fail on the unit. Before you count on the flip down feature, I would buy a good car alarm and simply look for a unit with a detachable face.

R

 

[IgoByte]

Originally posted by: rgwalt
It sounds like you need components in the front, and standard speakers for the back. I would look into Infinity speakers for both the front and rear. You'll need/want an amp to power the front speakers at the very least. A dedicated sub in the trunk would be a good idea if you want to improve your bass. You'll need the speaker, the amp, and the box, but you will lose trunk space. You'll also have to run power to the trunk, unless there is a power port available.

If I were you, I'd look around town for a reputable dealer/installer. You probably don't want to spend your time running wires all over the car for the amp(s) (audio and power cables), and the speakers. When you have your head unit put in, and they are running wires, see if you can get the installer to run you an extra set of audio cables to your trunk. This will allow you to put in a CD changer at a later date and run it into the auxillary input on your head unit. IIRC, you would be able to branch off the power wired for the sub to power the changer, if you get a really good, heavy-duty power cable. In my opinion, having a professional install your system is the best way to go. You don't want to screw up your car or your system by not installing your equipment correctly.

As far as security goes, I don't really like the units with a flip down face. Thieves can still see that you have a head unit, and the mechanism that flips the head unit around is just one more thing that could fail on the unit. Before you count on the flip down feature, I would buy a good car alarm and simply look for a unit with a detachable face.

R

What's the difference between "components" (for the front) and "standard speakers" (for the back)? Is Infinity any better than Kicker, for example? I would like to have some serious bass; what kind of sub would you recommend?

You'll need the speaker, the amp, and the box, but you will lose trunk space.

What do you mean by speaker, amp and box? Do I need a spearate amp for the sub alone? If so, why? Also, I don't know what you mean by speaker and box? A box for the sub? Don't subs already come in a boxed set-up? I know they have round ones, but I thought the most common type was the box. Does the sub have to be mounted in the trunk? How common is it for people to have a dedicated sub; can normal speakers handle the bass as well?

 

[ChefJoe]

http://www.crutchfield.com/download/S-L8jmqRM6Acq/CarGuide.html

Download crutchfield's guide to car audio and read about requirements for various equipment. You will have to buy a subwoofer type of speaker, a box for the subwoofer to sit in, and an amp in most situations where you're adding bass to a car.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: blahblah99

I'd say go with a complete overhaul. By the sound of your post, you seem like the type of person who will get tired of the average head unit fast and will want a decent high end system eventually.

So, go with the top model Eclipse headunit as a start, then build from there.

? eclipse offers MP3 now in a deck??? or are you talking about him not only buying an eclipse deck but also adding the $400 Commander Advance?

The guy is wanting to spend as little as possible on the car and only $1250 total budget and you are recommending $600 going to just the deck and MP3 playback?

man...talk about overkill.

Now the difference between just a normal speaker (assuming a real coaxial) and a set of components/separates is you can aim the tweeters where you want the high frequencies to go (big generalization). You should use an amp for separates, but it's possible to get by with some more efficient ones without one. I'd recommend about 50W per channel RMS, that should be plenty for a budget system....

For a sub you have to decide how much trunk space you can give up....if a lot: a prebuilt box would work...most of the times you can make a box with a smaller footprint and save trunk space if you do it custom. It depends what you want.

A single 10 or 12" sub with 300-400W Max of amplifier power sounds usually good.

Once you get that all straight you can then use the rest of the budget to add a second sub and more amp power to both the sub and mains....decide if you want to go with deck power for the rear speakers or amplify them. etc

I would spend at most $300-400 on a MP3 capable deck....you may be able to snag one you like in the $150 range now around christmas....I saw some of all makes (JVC, Kenwood, Sony, Pioneer, etc at around the $150 mark)....

You can get a set of front components for $130-200, rear coaxs for about $50-60 pair

Then a main amp for $200-300, and a sub amp for about the same

A sub for 100-150 depending and a custom box for $150 or a prebuilt for about $75.

Add some decent interconnects ($30 or less) and wire, fuses, etc. You should be on budget more or less and can adjust each part of the list for your priorities....such as since you really want loud bass, go coaxs up front and upgrade later to separates and now do more power and at least two subs of 12" or larger....if you want more accuracy go with a nicer set of separates up front with a decent amp and stick with a single 10" sub and moderate amplification. Won't be a bass shaker though, it'd sound good though.

Å

 

[IgoByte]

Thanks, alkemyst. That's a lot for me to digest. I think I'll go read that Crutchfield car stereo installation manual for some basic info...

As for this stuff, it seems like my budget is a little too small. I think I'll further educate myself and then get something done once I get a newer car. This Maxima is a regular '96 GXE with 113K miles. It's in very good condition, and is a great deal, IMO, but I think I'll end up waiting 'til I get me the '99 Maxima SE Limited with 40K miles, which might happen pretty soon. I figured I could install the audio system in the '96 and then transfer it to the '99 later, but it might make more sense to save up a little more money and get something really solid and take it straight to the '99.

By the way, anyone know how much it costs to get windows tinted professionally?

 

[Shockwave]

Eclipse - Entry level w/ MP3 built in - $250
JL XR 6.5"components- $269
US Acoustics USX2150 - $129
Stero Integrity Magnum D2 12" - $270
US Acoustics USX800D - $249

Total - $1167 plus 50 for install. Now thats a nice setup.

 

[IgoByte]

Thanks for all the input, guys...

 

[alkemyst]

I do see that Eclipse has two new models that do MP3 with out the Commander mod. CD3403/13....I haven't heard much about them and they are new....

I had an Eclipse CD player previously and I don't know if many will notice the extra sound quality at all (I am not sure if anyone can without test equipment comparing an Eclipse to say a high end Alpine or Kenwood)...but they will probably miss the extra features.

Also Eclipse uses an electronic code protection where you do not remove the face of the radio....The smart 'thieves' know about it but the new generation each graduating class produces doesn't. They may still steal it regardless if they can get it to work later on.

Å

 

[alkemyst]

window tint ranges in price....usually a quality lifetime job is about $150-200 for a four door.

 

[Shockwave]

Originally posted by: alkemyst
I do see that Eclipse has two new models that do MP3 with out the Commander mod. CD3403/13....I haven't heard much about them and they are new....

I had an Eclipse CD player previously and I don't know if many will notice the extra sound quality at all (I am not sure if anyone can without test equipment comparing an Eclipse to say a high end Alpine or Kenwood)...but they will probably miss the extra features.

Also Eclipse uses an electronic code protection where you do not remove the face of the radio....The smart 'thieves' know about it but the new generation each graduating class produces doesn't. They may still steal it regardless if they can get it to work later on.

Å

They cant get it to work, and that feature also comes with theft warrenty. If its stolen, you get a new one. Last time I knew the 2 models in question (Entry level, MP3 without Commander) run around 229 and 249 respectively.

 

[MikeMike]

Originally posted by: Shockwave
Eclipse - Entry level w/ MP3 built in - $250
JL XR 6.5"components- $269
US Acoustics USX2150 - $129
Stero Integrity Magnum D2 12" - $270
US Acoustics USX800D - $249

Total - $1167 plus 50 for install. Now thats a nice setup.

ehh, sub runs him a lot, better could be had for less i believe.

www.thezeb.com check out cdt audios cl-61a's for 150
keep same amps, 378$
alpine 7995 299$ (@ crutchfield, can be had for less)
wiring kit 8 ga. @ knukonceptz.com 24$ (maybe get more since you have higher power demands, i think they offer other kits)
dash kit 10$
box material for sub 40$
edesignaudio.com 12 'O' series, 195$ + ship

total 1096$ + shipping

very good stuff, however you do not need rear fill and the h/u does not have an internal amp as you will not be needing it with amps for both front and sub. etc.

also, where did you find the 800D for 349 shockwave?

MIKE

 

[IgoByte]

Originally posted by: alkemyst
window tint ranges in price....usually a quality lifetime job is about $150-200 for a four door.

Nice... Less than expected...

Where can I get the windows tinted and what's usually a good level to tint at? Any suggestions?

 

[IgoByte]

nourdmrolNMT1,

What's the difference between the Alpine 7995 and the DEH-P8500MP? What does the 8500MP lack that the Alpine has? I much prefer the way the Pioneer looks.

BTW, the 8500MP is available for $330 shipped at 6ave.

 

[PCMarine]

Originally posted by: IgoByte

Right now, I'm looking at the Pioneer DEH-P8500MP head unit. It looks great and does what I need. I will pass on the CD changer for the time being, as I might decide to install an in-dash MP3 player later (since there's space) and an MP3 player seems like the more worthwhile investment anyway. I found the Pioneer P8500MP for $330 shipped at 6thave.com. What do you guys think? I love the way the P8500MP looks... Any personal experience? These user reviews are favorable.

I've got a Pioneer Premiere DEH-P8500MP and it's outstanding. I bought it refurbished off of ebay for $275 and it works/looks like brand new. The motorized face and graphics are amazing. I get countless compliments on it, especially from the non-tech inclined chicks The MP3 playback is great and there are a ton of features. I'd definetely buy this head unit if I were you.

 

[MikeMike]

the 8500 has the display, but the alpine will give you better sq, the only true difference would be the display

MIKE