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...what would you get for your contour SVT with the premium audio package. Premium huh? Yeah, that's an over statement.
I already have a speaker that sounds like poop on the lowers so I am thinking I definitely want to get new speakers. I am looking for suggestions because I have never really gotten into car audio and don't really know where to begin. Need to know if I should keep the head unit, or if I should go ahead and replace that that too. And just some general advice would be great. Remember I only have about $350 to work with.
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I would get a new head unit for sure. Then mayb get some new speakers in the front doors if you still have some money left.
98 Lime Green SE w/SVT Kit, Projectors, CF Hood, 18" Rims, GC's, Shaved, System
98.5 Silver SVT #5737 Black FSVT Rims, MSDS, BAT Drop
85 Toyota PU Lifted
06 GSX R 600 Black/Silver
My Rides
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Joined: Jan 2002
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When do things like amps come into play?
What type of speaker would you get? I want to be able to get a nice range of highs and lows out a door speaker if that is possible.
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Joined: Jun 2001
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CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
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You'd be surprised what you can do for $350.00 when you install the equipment yourself. You can get yourself a quality head unit, and some decent (efficient) seperates for the front stage.
1998 Contour SVT
H&R, Koni's, 17" Team Dynamics DTM
Upgraded Stereo System
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Would you guys be willing to help me shop for these things? I dont really know differences between the several companies out there that manufacture car audio components. Recommendations for head units and front speakers?
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Joined: Oct 2000
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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In reply to:
what would you get for your contour SVT
Decent HU (bypass factory amp) - $150 Tweets and x-overs for front (use stockers for mids, for now) - $40 Efficient 12" sub - $50 4ch amp to run fronts and sub - $75 I'd spend the rest on a www.knukonceptz.com 4ch amp install kit and box building materials. In any case, a new HU and factory amp bypass should be your first and foremost.
1999 Ford Contour SVT #900/2760 (SOLD)
2005 Mazda 6s
2003.5 Mazdaspeed Protege
1998 Ford Ranger 4x4
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Joined: Dec 2000
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Cheap CD player HU for $100
Wiring harness kit with amp bypass from Crutchfield for $20 (call to get eeverything what you need)
Special deal 4-channel amp for ~$65 shipped (PM me for details)
8-GA amp installation kit from KnuKonceptz for ~$20 (e-mail Bill for a great price!)
Lambda PB10LE $90 shipped
Crystal Mobile Sound CXE610 $65 shipped
I believe that will be just over your budget, but I channelge someone to beat it. I first thought about custom components, amp, and HU, but I think good speakers and sub are more rewarding for most people.
Aaron
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Tell me more about amp bypass, it seems like there are some conflicting opinions.
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Hey, if you'd like I've got 2 pair of Kenwood 2-way 6x8s which would drop right in. You can have both pairs for $40 + shipping.
There are better speakers out there, but these are [very] inexpensive  , easy, and a good step up from stock speakers. They'll run very well off just a HU too.
For a very good HU, check out this JVC KD-SH55 for a very nice HU for $180.
UPDATE: Speakers are sold.
Last edited by cthomp21; 12/12/02 06:36 PM.
1999 Ford Contour SVT #900/2760 (SOLD)
2005 Mazda 6s
2003.5 Mazdaspeed Protege
1998 Ford Ranger 4x4
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The Contour/Mystique "Premium Sound" system has an external amplifier under the dash, above/behind the glove box. It does not handle a high input signal well, causing great amounts of audible distortion. Any aftermarket head unit (well, the majority) had internal amplifiers instead of the OEM one which does not. What happens is the now amplified signal goes to the factory amp which gets sturated and cannot amplify any more, causing distortion. So, we recommend bypassing this amp and running wires rght from the new head unit to the speakers. The easiest way is with a ready made harness that click in place with the right connectors in about 5 minutes or less.
I'd look for a head unit at the local Best Buy/Circuit City/ABC Warehouse. Last years models and open box buys are good deals. Or, if you have a Sony outlet store near you there are sometimes deals. I used a Sony refurbished head unit that I paid i think $140 in 97, transfered it into my SVT, then sold it with the car. i loved that unit, except it was tape (CD controller which I had in the trunk, though). IMO, any head unit made by the more popular brands will be about the same quality, with different features. I paid $106 for an open box Kenwood CD player for my beater car for example and it's fine. Not as nice as some, but sounds good.
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