Upgrading sound in my car

[Argo]

I'm thinking about upgrading the sound in my car. I don't really want to replace the unit itself (i got the 6cd changer) but I'd like to install more powerful speakers, maybe even add a woofer. I was wondering what are my options.

Approximately how much would this run me? Not looking to do anything crazy, just something better than the factory sound.

 

[propellerhead]

Have you checked crutchfield.com? Just replacing the factory speakers with good ones makes a big difference.

 

[SWirth86]

Depends on your car... check crutchfield.com and find out your speaker sizes.

Most likely 100 bucks for a set of new speakers (good ones). Would be better to buy a new head unit or use an amp (the factory radio probably doesnt put out too much power).

How does the 6cd changer hook up to the factory radio? If its a fm modulator then you can use it with a new head unit...

 

[MikeMike]

go get some component speaker sets, if you want GREAT SQ thezeb.com has cl-61a's (paint is dulller) at 159.99$ for a set, normally 300$ but you will need an amp for them so get a us acoustics 100x2 amp from thezeb and your all set, but dont forget wiring, prolly 8 guage power wire, and 14 guage spk wire from knukonceptz, check out their install packs.

if you want a seb too, youll prolly need 4 guage, w/ a fused distro block, going down to 8 guage from 4, and try n get the 12.14k from edesignaudio.com, and get their 400.2, and you will have all the power you need.

and visit soundillusions.net for a sound forum.

MIKE

 

[TheCorm]

Decent branded stereos will have enough power to attach some reasonable speakers to, many factory fit ones won't as someone mentioned.

So an AMP may be the way to go but personally I would replace the head unit, you get all the features, a reasonable amp and much less wiring.

If you do want to keep your head unit then you will need to check on what pre-outs it has for attaching amps and subs etc.

 

[Muadib]

Can you give some more info on your current system, and while you're at it how much did you want to spend? I did the same with my explorer, for the same reason as you, but it cost me about 2 grand installed. I went a little nuts though. Like others have said, just getting new speakers will do wonders, but you gotta make sure your current system can handle whatever you choose. The original speakers in my Ford were just cheap paper speakers. I doubt Ford paid a buck each for them, and yet the "premium" system listed for almost a grand.

 

[Argo]

Originally posted by: Muadib
Can you give some more info on your current system, and while you're at it how much did you want to spend? I did the same with my explorer, for the same reason as you, but it cost me about 2 grand installed. I went a little nuts though. Like others have said, just getting new speakers will do wonders, but you gotta make sure your current system can handle whatever you choose. The original speakers in my Ford were just cheap paper speakers. I doubt Ford paid a buck each for them, and yet the "premium" system listed for almost a grand.

It's a mercedes c class with glovebox mounted 6 disk cd changer. It has 6 door mounted speakers (between 5.5" and 6.5") and as I was just told on mercdes forums - they're pretty nice. I'm being told that the head unit is the weak point, but I'm a little hessitant on replacing it. Firstly, it fits really nice with the interior (mb logo and all) and secondly, I don't know if I'll need to replace the cd changer as well. And finally - I can control it through the steering wheel and I'm not sure if I'll be able to do that with aftermarket unit.

 

[Shawn]

If you don't want to replace the head unit but do want to replace the speakers than i'd definitely get an amp for it. I have a 120w amp that has high level imputs that I'm not using..... but it's only 2 channel. It'd try to find one that's 4 channel.

Edit: Since you have 6 speakers it might be best to use a 4 channel and a 2 channel amp.

 

[LS20]

nakimichi makes really nice head units with classy styling that'll fit into BMWs and Audis... i dont know exactly what MB interiors look like

 

[Muadib]

Do you know how many watts your head unit puts out? If it's less than 24 watts you could use it as a preamp, get a 5 channel amp, or a 4 and 2 channel, and run everything off that. If it's more than 24, then you could go with amps that have high level inputs like iloveme2 suggested, but they cost more, or at least they did 5 years ago. I went with a line level converter that had high level inputs and a variable crossover for the subwoofer.

 

[Shockwave]

Originally posted by: nourdmrolNMT1
go get some component speaker sets, if you want GREAT SQ thezeb.com has cl-61a's (paint is dulller) at 159.99$ for a set, normally 300$ but you will need an amp for them so get a us acoustics 100x2 amp from thezeb and your all set, but dont forget wiring, prolly 8 guage power wire, and 14 guage spk wire from knukonceptz, check out their install packs.

if you want a seb too, youll prolly need 4 guage, w/ a fused distro block, going down to 8 guage from 4, and try n get the 12.14k from edesignaudio.com, and get their 400.2, and you will have all the power you need.

and visit soundillusions.net for a sound forum.

MIKE

Wow, couldnt have said it better myself. Except I'm not 100% sold on Elementals yet..... And you dont NEED an amp for components, but it'll really help. I've heard the CDT's have nothing for midrange / midbass unless you push'm, so you'd want an amp then.

 

[Spac3d]

Originally posted by: Shockwave

Originally posted by: nourdmrolNMT1
go get some component speaker sets, if you want GREAT SQ thezeb.com has cl-61a's (paint is dulller) at 159.99$ for a set, normally 300$ but you will need an amp for them so get a us acoustics 100x2 amp from thezeb and your all set, but dont forget wiring, prolly 8 guage power wire, and 14 guage spk wire from knukonceptz, check out their install packs.

if you want a seb too, youll prolly need 4 guage, w/ a fused distro block, going down to 8 guage from 4, and try n get the 12.14k from edesignaudio.com, and get their 400.2, and you will have all the power you need.

and visit soundillusions.net for a sound forum.

MIKE

Wow, couldnt have said it better myself. Except I'm not 100% sold on Elementals yet..... And you dont NEED an amp for components, but it'll really help. I've heard the CDT's have nothing for midrange / midbass unless you push'm, so you'd want an amp then.

That is how I feel about Elemental as well. Their products seem to be good, but I haven't had a chance to audition their whole line.

It is somewhat shady that they just copied another subwoofer company and tried to build it cheaper. I would rather go with the original sub than an imitation.