Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio Got some questions (kinda long)

Hey guys....I have a bunch of questions that maybe some of you can help me with. I want to upgrade my entire system to something that sounds a couple steps up from the factory system but I'd like to spend no more than about 500-600 bucks at the most to do it. At first, I thought it was gonna be pretty straightforward, but the amount of choices out here are givin me a headache. I want to keep everything as clean and stock lookin as possible so therefore, I don't really want a big sub box and I definitely don't want to be bothered with caps or optima batteries and all that good stuff. Ideally, I'd like a new head unit and 4 new speakers, but I keep getting conflicting answers. Here are my questions that I hope someone can answer for me

1. Do I absolutely need an amp and/or a subwoofer? I'm not trying to rock the entire neighboorhood, just have a car system that sounds as good or somewhat close to my home system....clear highs, good midrange and good, but not overly thumping bass. Something that sounds good with the windows down and the roof open in the summer...I hate A/C. And if you do suggest an amp, where can I put it? Can i get one to fit where the factory one is? Same thing with the sub...can I get anything small, to maybe fit under a seat or a small enclosure in the sidewall of the trunk? That Infinity basslink sub looked promising and there's a couple good deals on them on ebay.

2. Do all the components of the system have to be from the same manufacturer? I'm all over the place with brands so far.

3. So far, the components that I'm set on getting are a better deal on the net than in stores, but I'm not sure if I trust myself to try and install all of this stuff since I've never done it before but money is a concern and I don't know anyone who can do it for me.....anyone know any reputable installers in the nj/nj area? From lookin on here, it seems like Best Buy/Circuit City is like dealing with the devil LOL....I liked the people at 6th Avenue Electronics, but I'm still not sure and I don't want to end up with a headache.

4. At first I was pretty much set on dropping in 2 sets of 5 x7 / 6 x 8 speakers but a shop i went to offered to make templates to set in 5.25 round speakers which opens up a whole new bag of speaker choices. What are the pros and cons to doing this? How will it affect the sound?

5. Can anyone recommend a decent headunit and speakers, subs and amps? What should I be looking for when it comes to subs and amps? As far as head units, I'm pretty much decided on a Blaupunkt head unit because their specs seem good and I like the face layout and Crutchfield gives them good reviews...does anyone have any experience with them? I like the new panasonic head units as well, but I'm not sure about those either.



Thanks in advance for any help

1. Do I absolutely need an amp and/or a subwoofer?

-absolutely? no. generally? yes!

And if you do suggest an amp, where can I put it?

-either under the seats or in the trunk. i prefer in the trunk.

Can i get one to fit where the factory one is?

-probably not, because of cooling issues. although blaupunkt's class t amps could work there.

Same thing with the sub...can I get anything small, to maybe fit under a seat

-no... but you can replace your glovebox with one. dbzjr has one for sale.

or a small enclosure in the sidewall of the trunk?

-much better way to go.

That Infinity basslink sub looked promising and there's a couple good deals on them on ebay.

-they are easy to install, but not as good of performance as you can get for the money.

2. Do all the components of the system have to be from the same manufacturer? I'm all over the place with brands so far.

-not at all.

3. So far, the components that I'm set on getting are a better deal on the net than in stores, but I'm not sure if I trust myself to try and install all of this stuff since I've never done it before but money is a concern and I don't know anyone who can do it for me.....anyone know any reputable installers in the nj/nj area? From lookin on here, it seems like Best Buy/Circuit City is like dealing with the devil LOL....I liked the people at 6th Avenue Electronics, but I'm still not sure and I don't want to end up with a headache.

-do it yourself! it won't take that long, and then once you do it, you'll know how to change it later (and you'll probably want to if you get the bug)

4. At first I was pretty much set on dropping in 2 sets of 5 x7 / 6 x 8 speakers but a shop i went to offered to make templates to set in 5.25 round speakers which opens up a whole new bag of speaker choices. What are the pros and cons to doing this? How will it affect the sound?

-generally, there are better quality speaker sets to be found in the 5.25" size range, as opposed to the oval ones. but there are good oval speakers out there (like boston acoustics). either way, the most important thing is getting a good quality speaker, and putting an amp on them.


5. Can anyone recommend a decent headunit and speakers, subs and amps? What should I be looking for when it comes to subs and amps? As far as head units, I'm pretty much decided on a Blaupunkt head unit because their specs seem good and I like the face layout and Crutchfield gives them good reviews...does anyone have any experience with them? I like the new panasonic head units as well, but I'm not sure about those either.

-this is way too vague of a question! i reccomend you do as much research as you can before you buy though. do searches here and at car audio forums, or at least come up with a budget. then someone will generally have an idea of what to point you towards.




Thanks in advance for any help

-np!

1. Do I absolutely need an amp and/or a subwoofer?
No but a little sub with a little amp can make an amazing difference.

2. And if you do suggest an amp, where can I put it? Can i get one to fit where the factory one is?
I don't think that you can put it where de factory amp is but my idea would be in thtrunk in the back of your seats. That way you can put a wall over all your wires and amp without changing the look of your trunk

3. Same thing with the sub...can I get anything small, to maybe fit under a seat or a small enclosure in the sidewall of the trunk? That Infinity basslink sub looked promising and there's a couple good deals on them on ebay.
Personnaly if you don't wan't a sub to wake your neighboors, Sony X-plod has some quality one's and they're not expensive. I had one in my other car and it was the better quality/price in my opinion.

4. Do all the components of the system have to be from the same manufacturer? I'm all over the place with brands so far.
Not at all.

5. So far, the components that I'm set on getting are a better deal on the net than in stores, but I'm not sure if I trust myself to try and install all of this stuff since I've never done it before.
If you have any problem doing it yourself ask me whaterver you want. I did competitions with my other car and I installed everything myself. So you questions are welcome.

6. At first I was pretty much set on dropping in 2 sets of 5 x7 / 6 x 8 speakers but a shop i went to offered to make templates to set in 5.25 round speakers which opens up a whole new bag of speaker choices. What are the pros and cons to doing this? How will it affect the sound?
Theoric: round speakers are a lot better than oval one's. Better quality sound.

7. Can anyone recommend a decent headunit and speakers, subs and amps?
For your budget I recommand Sony X-plod. Cheap but decent. That was my first setup. It sounded loud and good and I paid about 1500$ for it. But I had a really nice head unit (500$), 2 X 4" speakers (90$), 2 X 6x9" (140$), kicker amp and Sony X-plod 12" (750$). All these prices are in Canadian since that's my country. I you have any more questions, just ask!

My suggestion would be to get a Nakamichi CD-400 head unit (simple, stock-looking, and great sound - check eBay) and a couple pair of Crystal CXe-570 coaxials (which have outboard crossovers).

Add a small sub/amp combo later on if you find the bottom end lacking (the smaller cones on full-range speakers can only move so much air). Not all people find a sub necessary, tho. A single 8" free-air sub mounted to the bottom of the rear deck will usually do the trick for people wavering on the sub vs. no-sub issue.

Outboard amps for the coaxials will also "liven" them up, so they'll sound better at higher volumes and have some extra mid-bass punch. It's not a necessity, but it'll make a very nice improvement over just the head unit power.

BTW, don't forget to bypass the factory amp (if so equipped). It'll cripple the aftermarket head unit if it's not bypassed.