I was at Canadian Tire today, and a Pioneer radio caught my eye. I thought it had a really modern and clean look, not like the tackey looking decks I usually see. It was the model DEH 1800.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/v3/pg/product/details/0,,2076_310069880_290976692,00.html

My first question is, dispite being the lowest in the heirarchy of Pioneer radios, am I going to see an improvment in sound quality over the stock radio?

I have already installed Pioneer 220W max. 6x9s in all the doors (a story in itself involving a dremel and lots of sparks and metal shards! ) and for what it's worth I guess it would be cool to have a matching pioneer deck for them.

All of my buddies tell me I'm a weirdo for not changing out the stock radio, but I like it for two reasons...
1.I like it's original appearance (most decks I've seen just look out of place, and don't 'match')
2.I'm not an Audio-freak, so the almost stock system really sounds fine to me. And yes is has the factory "premium" amp.

Anyway, to rationalize my decision here, I'm thinking of getting a simple 10" sub in the future (like next summer maybe), but am told that it is stupid without a custom deck.
Would this deck make a good foundation for a good sounding system, considering I already have some upgraded speakers?

Also, I really like the fact that this Pioneer DEH 1800 has green lights to match the rest of the Contour's interior at night. The display is blue however . I'm not shy to take it appart, but how easy would it be to make the display green too, if possible at all?

I'm not looking to win any sound competitions, and frankly just want the deck to look nice in the dash like an OE appearance. And also allow for some mild upgrades in the future.

Someone please set my boggled mind straight!

PS, YES, this is my first post in the audio forum

good reliable basic model... it will do the job fore sure... but i will have beging by changing the radio before the speaker

I disagree.

Changing the speakers will yield the MOST NOTICED improvement between the two.

You say that you aren't an "audio freak" and the almost stock system sounds good. I must say that I USED to be the same way. I didn't care about upgrading, as I had no need. I enjoyed my system. I thought "upgrading" meant tossing some subs in the car. I had already heard that, and didn't notice anything worth the money, as far as quality was concerned. I then heard the system that is in my car, now, and was a devoted audio freak.

The sound QUALITY is OUTSTANDING when you upgrade the components in the doors. nice quality speakers, a nice quality radio, and a small sub will yield great results for you. Don't fall in to the routine of thinking that you already have a good sounding system, so you shouldn't upgrade.

TAKE THE PLUNGE. You will NOT regret it. You can listen to any type of music and enjoy an increase in quality. Classical sounds natural, and present. crisp, clear and powerful lows, with tight highs and mids. R&B has more clarity in the words while maintaining the predominantly heavy beat. It doesn't matter...


you will LOVE it.

That unit will suffice for your needs. GET RID OF THE STOCK premium amp crap when you install an amp.

Cool, thanks for the input guys.

Ray, that really makes me feel good about getting the deck. I wasn't sure if I would get the sound quality gain, but I guess I just need someone to lay it out there for me.

I'm still aprehesnive about the blue lights on the display. I realize that the face plate is a pretty compact and intricate device, but could those LEDs be converted green without screwing it up?

BTW, Future Shop has a good deal on these for $90. hmmmm...I have the dough, I just don't know if I could put up with those blue lights. I'm probably the only person in the world who cares about that!

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10071350&catid=

i still prefer to put a most powerfull radio first than new more powerfull speaker that will have tendancy to distortion on bass cause of the lack of power.. everybody is different

if you paid more at CT just returned with the FS price to get a price beat.. but go before thursday night when the deal finish at FS

Distortion isn't from LACK of power.

It is from clipping the signal. Attempting to OVER amplify the signal from a dirty, or underpowered amplifier.

If your new, upgraded speakers are getting distorted, you are maxing out your RADIO, not your speakers. the distortion is the signal OUT of the radio being clipped, not your speakers reaching their limits.

I'd have to agree with Rays first post, you'll love a good sound system in your car. I was tempted about audio upgrades for awhile, so on my 18th birthday I decided to ask for a HU and speakers. I have to say, it was my best birthday gift and best move I made. After that, I bought an Amp and Subs to complete the transformation.

Now I have to admit, I have jensen HU and subs, but I love the look and the quality of the sound they make and I don't think I will switch them for a better brand, I just don't see the need to.

I think audio upgrades are the best you can do to the car, but I haven't expericed suspension upgrades yet, so we'll see. You will like the switch.

Originally posted by Ray:

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Distortion isn't from LACK of power.

It is from clipping the signal. Attempting to OVER amplify the signal from a dirty, or underpowered amplifier.

If your new, upgraded speakers are getting distorted, you are maxing out your RADIO, not your speakers. the distortion is the signal OUT of the radio being clipped, not your speakers reaching their limits.

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its what i was saying... if the radio is less powerfull the radio will have to work more to achieve the same result so let say you got something like 80RMS speaker on the original deck it will reach is limit faster than a aftermarket deck