budget upgrade: what would you buy?
11-06-08, 08:44 PM
#1
budget upgrade: what would you buy?
I have a 2GS w/ Nakamichi. I'm getting tired of my stock stereo so I am thinking about upgrading. I listen to electronic, rock, jazz, and classical mainly.
I have no problems using used parts and can do the install myself.
What I don't have is audio knowledge. My budget is around $400 and not quite sure where to start. Ideally, I'd want a headunit (something that doesn't have a lot of blinding lights like a Denon or McIntosh), front mids, amp, and a 10" sub in stock location...but not even sure if I can do it within budget.
Thanks in advance guys.
I have no problems using used parts and can do the install myself.
What I don't have is audio knowledge. My budget is around $400 and not quite sure where to start. Ideally, I'd want a headunit (something that doesn't have a lot of blinding lights like a Denon or McIntosh), front mids, amp, and a 10" sub in stock location...but not even sure if I can do it within budget.
Thanks in advance guys.
11-06-08, 09:47 PM
#3
Lexus Test Driver
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i think u could do it though.
$100 for a headunit
100 for coaxials front and rear
i seen a couple of people sellin 1 10" sub and amp for $200.
and u'll probably gonna spend about $50 bucks for an amp kit.
$100 for a headunit
100 for coaxials front and rear
i seen a couple of people sellin 1 10" sub and amp for $200.
and u'll probably gonna spend about $50 bucks for an amp kit.
11-06-08, 10:59 PM
#4
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You can get just about every except the head unit. Audiobahn makes decent stuff and it hit pretty hard too. Dual din touchscreen deck is the only way to go today.
11-07-08, 05:59 AM
#5
Here's what's (in/going to be in) my GS
Pioneer AVIC-D3 - These are discontinued now you can buy used for $400+
• Honestly I don't think you can find anything good, even used, head unit wise for $100
Front Component Speakers: (used cost $50-75)
Boston Acoustics Rally Tweeters
Infinity 6.5" Mid/Bass
a/d/s crossovers
• These are my Frankenstein separates
Rear speakers: (eBay $55)
Boston Acoustics Rally RM6 6.5" Coaxials
Subwoofer: ($70 new)
elemental Designs SQ10
• mounted in stock location
Amp: (used cost $75 - $150)
Soundstream Granite 180 X 6
30W X 2 front
30W X 2 rear
100W X 1 bridged sub
I bought speaker baffles on eBay to go from 4.25 to 6.5 in the doors
knuconeptz has nice quality wiring kits for not a lot of $$$
Pioneer AVIC-D3 - These are discontinued now you can buy used for $400+
• Honestly I don't think you can find anything good, even used, head unit wise for $100
Front Component Speakers: (used cost $50-75)
Boston Acoustics Rally Tweeters
Infinity 6.5" Mid/Bass
a/d/s crossovers
• These are my Frankenstein separates
Rear speakers: (eBay $55)
Boston Acoustics Rally RM6 6.5" Coaxials
Subwoofer: ($70 new)
elemental Designs SQ10
• mounted in stock location
Amp: (used cost $75 - $150)
Soundstream Granite 180 X 6
30W X 2 front
30W X 2 rear
100W X 1 bridged sub
I bought speaker baffles on eBay to go from 4.25 to 6.5 in the doors
knuconeptz has nice quality wiring kits for not a lot of $$$
11-07-08, 07:24 AM
#6
I really don't need anything awesome, I don't have my front drivers side audio now, anything would be better.
And I would rather stay away from double DIN also since 1) I don't have the money 2) I dont want to worry about getting broke in 3) I'm in Indiana no need for navigation (but DVD would be cool
).
I was thinking something like (without any audio knowledge) 100 for headunit, 100 for coaxial, 100 for amp, 100 for sub.
And I would rather stay away from double DIN also since 1) I don't have the money 2) I dont want to worry about getting broke in 3) I'm in Indiana no need for navigation (but DVD would be cool
). I was thinking something like (without any audio knowledge) 100 for headunit, 100 for coaxial, 100 for amp, 100 for sub
.
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06-15-09, 01:54 AM
#9
Since you said you have no audio knowledge listen to what i am about to say. If your are not going to buy GOOD parts then dont buy any at all.
Speakers, bad quality
As for the pioneer AVH4000 no dedicated sub preout = fail. You need that preout in the HU to control the gain to the amp. In layman's terms, your subwoofer will be too quite because you cant jack it up.
Amp, also bad quality.
Sub. One 10 in sub in your trunk at only 200 watts rms would sound very similar to your current free air woofer inside the car.
Let me put it simply if you go with that system I can bet you money you will regret it. You will spend 800 dollars on a system that sounds the same or possibly worse then your current one.
Speakers, bad quality
As for the pioneer AVH4000 no dedicated sub preout = fail. You need that preout in the HU to control the gain to the amp. In layman's terms, your subwoofer will be too quite because you cant jack it up.
Amp, also bad quality.
Sub. One 10 in sub in your trunk at only 200 watts rms would sound very similar to your current free air woofer inside the car.
Let me put it simply if you go with that system I can bet you money you will regret it. You will spend 800 dollars on a system that sounds the same or possibly worse then your current one.
I don't need to jack up the sub, I don't listen to hiphop a lot, mainly jazz, classical, and electronic.
Now, is the setup I listed above, that bad??? I thought Hifonics made quality stuff? And 10" is enough for me. I used to have 2 12"s when I was younger...waaaaay too much for me now.
06-15-09, 06:48 AM
#10
Hifonics made quality stuff 15 yrs ago.
Before i go any further know this, i have a full aftermarket system, hu, amps, speakers and subs so i know what i am talking about it.
Its not that you just jack up the sub for fun, its that in most cases, you NEED that sub outputting higher because it sounds to faint otherwise. And as for 1 10 in being good enough. Its not about the size of the woofer but the size and the watts. 200 watts rms is very low. The fact is the sub's sound waves will need to travel through the trunk, gas tank and rear seats into the passenger cabin. This is going to lower the strength. On the other hand your current woofer doesnt need to get through anything because its already in the passanger compartment. You either need more woofers of equal power or a new stronger woofer. Otherwise you are just wasting money.
Honestly you would be better off just fixing your current system. Or maybe upgrading the speaker and getting a new headunit for ipod support. You could use the money you would waste on a sub, amp and box and use that toward quality products.
Before i go any further know this, i have a full aftermarket system, hu, amps, speakers and subs so i know what i am talking about it.
Its not that you just jack up the sub for fun, its that in most cases, you NEED that sub outputting higher because it sounds to faint otherwise. And as for 1 10 in being good enough. Its not about the size of the woofer but the size and the watts. 200 watts rms is very low. The fact is the sub's sound waves will need to travel through the trunk, gas tank and rear seats into the passenger cabin. This is going to lower the strength. On the other hand your current woofer doesnt need to get through anything because its already in the passanger compartment. You either need more woofers of equal power or a new stronger woofer. Otherwise you are just wasting money.
Honestly you would be better off just fixing your current system. Or maybe upgrading the speaker and getting a new headunit for ipod support. You could use the money you would waste on a sub, amp and box and use that toward quality products.
Well, if 200watt rms is that low, I may just get a 4 channel amp and get nice components.
What brand do you recommend for amp component? I was recommended Alpine Type-R and MB Quart DSG.
06-15-09, 08:16 AM
#11
200 watts of clean power will sound better than 400 watts of dirty power, almost all the company's that made a name for them selves in the early to mid 90s have been bought out by over seas china type company's, hifonics amps do make allot of high power stuff but quality is garbage now, as for mbquart if you can get some nos german made stuff youll be golden, as far as amps go i would say some older xtant models like the 202m 404m series would do you good, you can get them for a good price without sacrificing sq or build quality, as for the sub i recommend anything image dynamics
also jl mid level stuff as they sound decent and hit pretty good with moderate levels of wattage, oh and lms subs are awesome if you can find them on fleabay for a good price...
also jl mid level stuff as they sound decent and hit pretty good with moderate levels of wattage, oh and lms subs are awesome if you can find them on fleabay for a good price...
06-15-09, 08:30 AM
#12
I also have the Nak in my GS4, and was going for the exact same thing. Here's my budget setup:
10" Infinity 10.1 Perfect Sub - $30 on Craigslist
Front and rear sets of Polk db 6.5" components - $50 on Craigslist
Old MTX amp and RCAs I had from a previous car (could be found for $50)
Wiring taken from work's Maintenance dept's junk bin
MDF, wire fittings, etc. - $15
There you go. My "system" for almost $100!
10" Infinity 10.1 Perfect Sub - $30 on Craigslist
Front and rear sets of Polk db 6.5" components - $50 on Craigslist
Old MTX amp and RCAs I had from a previous car (could be found for $50)
Wiring taken from work's Maintenance dept's junk bin
MDF, wire fittings, etc. - $15
There you go. My "system" for almost $100!
06-15-09, 11:18 AM
#14
You're a funny guy!
Look on Craigslist in the Winchestertonfieldville area (Timbuktoo state, I assume
) It unreal how much audio equipment depreciates when it becomes "used". Especially in this market.
I also saved cash by not getting a headunit. My bigger motivators were that I didn't want to be paranoid about locking the car or being in "shady" areas, I really want a double-din touchscreen and its way too much cash right now, and finally I like the OEM look and plan to duplicate the SportDesign stereo/HVAC faceplate colors.
Look on Craigslist in the Winchestertonfieldville area (Timbuktoo state, I assume
) It unreal how much audio equipment depreciates when it becomes "used". Especially in this market.I also saved cash by not getting a headunit. My bigger motivators were that I didn't want to be paranoid about locking the car or being in "shady" areas, I really want a double-din touchscreen and its way too much cash right now, and finally I like the OEM look and plan to duplicate the SportDesign stereo/HVAC faceplate colors.
06-15-09, 02:34 PM
#15
You're a funny guy!
Look on Craigslist in the Winchestertonfieldville area (Timbuktoo state, I assume ) It unreal how much audio equipment depreciates when it becomes "used". Especially in this market.
I also saved cash by not getting a headunit. My bigger motivators were that I didn't want to be paranoid about locking the car or being in "shady" areas, I really want a double-din touchscreen and its way too much cash right now, and finally I like the OEM look and plan to duplicate the SportDesign stereo/HVAC faceplate colors.
Look on Craigslist in the Winchestertonfieldville area (Timbuktoo state, I assume
) It unreal how much audio equipment depreciates when it becomes "used". Especially in this market.I also saved cash by not getting a headunit. My bigger motivators were that I didn't want to be paranoid about locking the car or being in "shady" areas, I really want a double-din touchscreen and its way too much cash right now, and finally I like the OEM look and plan to duplicate the SportDesign stereo/HVAC faceplate colors.
hahaha, you know it! Winchestertonfieldville (it's actually from Adam Sandlers movie...Mr.Deeds)!
If I had a SD headunit, I would keep that too. I was considering going with a Nakamichi CD300 since it'll match better but I wanted something cool too.
I have found a few but in Winchestertonfieldville, there isn't a lot of audio stuff that I would want at the price I want
.