Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio I'm upgrading my system - what you think?

This is my first post to the audio forum, so be kind.

I've decided to upgrade my stock HU and door speakers (sub and amps will be later). I've got cash, so.....

This is my plan:
Sony cdx-m770es head unit, cdx-848x changer, and pioneer ts-a6895's in the door.

This is my problem:
Even with the stock HU and speakers I get a nasty buzz/vibration from my front doors when bass is not attenuated. i read some of the posts so i will check the mirror wires and the make sure the speaker wires aren't hitting the magnets.

the questions:
1) What you think of my choices?
2) Where should i put the changer trunk or passenger seat (it's a 10 disc-er)?
3) Should i put in those formed "waterproofing" baffle/neoprene bucket thingies (easy to do) for my door speakers or some sound dampening sheets (harder to do) or not even bother (way easy)?
4) (sorry i didn't search this one :D) does somebody have a how-to for bypassing the stock amp and where can i get harnesses to use the stock wiring?

Thanks for any sugestions/opinions.

Door speaker rattle is your stock speaker screws are loose. Mine did the same as the screw holes were stripped. When you replace the speakers, just drill new holes.

Now for your answers:
1) Good, but I wouldn't do Pineer door speakers personally. Cheap custom components sound far better for the same price. Although the Pioneers should give more bass if you never plan to add a sub.

2) My Sony 10-disc changer is in my trunk. I mounted under the rear deck. Actually, it in front of the rear deck right up where it opens. Sorry, no pics of it in current position. But, I like it there as it won't get kicked by passengers. Anyway, it's preference if your changer allows for underseat mounting (small enough).

3) While the door panels are off, go for imitation dynomat. I bought a roll of ice and storm shield from Home Depot which seems to work fine. I think it took me about 2 hours for all 4 doors. Plus I did the trunk earlier which took 2 hours to get looking good.

4) Crutchfield. They are the only ones that provide the correct plugs for the amp bypass, as well as plenty long enough. Procedure: plug one end into HU harness and the other end into the mating plug at the factory amp. Takes 5 minutes to run, less if the HU is already out.

Aaron

Well, I guess I'll throw in my $.02 here.

(1) I can't say I'm a big fan of Sony. I just hear way too many failures of their equipment (except for the high-end stuff, which is exceptional). There's so much stuff out there to choose from. My next HU will probably be a Clarion, well built, clean looks, and good performance.

Get some custom components like Aaron suggested. See this link. They will outperform the Pioneers handily for $58. They will really sing with a moderate amp.

(2) Personally, I'd put it in the trunk. Less chance of theft and less chance of somebody damaging it with an accidental kick. Just make sure you disable the manual trunk release.

(3) Definately get the "generic" dynamat from McMaster Carr. For $100, it'll make your car much quieter and your stereo sound much better. I'd avoid the waterproofing baffles. They'll probably negatively effect the speaker's sound. I can't say I've ever had or heard of anybody with water damage to their door speakers.

(4) Call crutchfield and get their installation kit. It's got everything you'll need along with very detailed instructions. Best $20 you'll spend on your installation.

Good luck!
-C

To rebutt Colin,

I've had a Sony CD changer for 5 years and in the last couple weeks is it skipping. Time to replace. My Sony HU i bought a year later, but it was refurbished. $100 CDX-7200. Still going strong, but it's a tape, not CD player. And the two vehicles this Sony stuff was in got driven a lot. About 18k miles/year in each vehicle. Anyway, get the one that you like, either the features, looks, or ease of use. All in the $200-300 range will perform equally, I believe.

I paid $25 for my ice and storm shield and have plenty left over after doing two cars.

I also have had nothing but good luck with Sony on all levels of their product line.

Aaron, I'm not trying to bash Sony equipment or anything.

It's possible that the higher failure rate is due solely to a higher number of units produced.

Unfortunately, most of my personal Sony experiences have been negative (car audio, home stereo, computer).

But, I'm sure there are many more satisified buyers out there. It's not too often we get a post entitled "My Sony Still Works Perfectly!!!"

I'm more into features/looks/performance than a rock-solid piece of equipment that will last into the next ice age. That being said, most HU's in the $200 area perform pretty equally with a few obvious exceptions from the low-end producers like Jensen, Audiovox, Kraco, etc...

OK. Thanks for the input!!

First I think my HU is high-end Sony (the ES CDX-M770 Explode). isn't it?

Sounds like the speakers are a no go. based on the thread CTHOMP21 led me to I think I'll go with:

299-100 Attitude 6.5" Woofer - 2 @ $15
265-342 Ultimate 1/5" Titanium Tweets - $18
269-668 Ultimate 2-way X-over - @ @ $5
in front and back (maybe i'll disconnect the tweeter if i don't like the "sound image" - like i know what that is :D)
question: how does a 6.5" woofer fit into a 6"x8" space? i want a plug and play install here so could i go with a 5.5" woofer and do a full flush mount without the baffle yo need for the 6.5"? would this make nstall easier? am i asking too many questions? am i ever going to date a supermodel?

mount changer in trunk.

buy wiring harness adapter (s) from cructhfield. component speaker parts from parts express.

genuine imitation dynomat stuff and not the baffles (BTW, i'm talking about the XTC speaker baffles).

uh, what's MDF?

man i hope xchang can make sense of all this stuff for me

You'll need to use some 3/4" MDF (medium density fiberboard - pick up at the local Home Depot) as a baffle if you plan on using the Attitude woofer.

If you're after drop-in ease, go for some 6x8s (or even 6x9s which can fit with a little modification). I've got some Pioneer plate components (TS-P682) in my Ranger, and I'm very happy with them. There are lots out there to choose from too.

Metra makes adapters to make a 6.5" a drop in into a 6x8 hole. It may be easier for you than cutting the MDF.

I know, C. Sony makes a high volume of equipment. Bound to have a lot of failures. Thus, why I shop at the outlet store that sells a lot of refurbished stuff. I've had plenty of bad stuff from them as well.