Hi all,
I have a '94 Caprice LS with plenty of room for some junk in the trunk. I'm a rookie when it comes to this whole stereo install and selection process. I'm looking for good sound quality and plenty of bass to shake the car, and maybe the guy next door too. I have taken the tweet's out of the doors, that wasn't fun with all the power crap behind there. I don't have much room in the doors, 4X6's are all the doors will handle. I have loads of space in the trunk, but I do have a spare tire smack in the middle of the trunk. I don't have a clue where to start, what the best HU is, how many amp's I should run, or what speakers to use all around. If I have to sacrifice somewhere it would probably be in sound quality. I want the rumble of the bass in the seat of my pants as I'm driving down the road. I'm not looking to spend over $1000 on the system and I don't care about brand names as long as I get awesome perfomance. Also, I don't want to have to change the electrical system to accommodate the system, is this reasonable? THINK
Replies (12)
alanjlamore on 03/1/2004 21:06:34
I'd suggest checking out some local shops and listening to their stuff first (don't buy though, way too much).
You'd get a better idea about how much power you'd like and stuff.
Some shops are limited in their selection though. Not that they have bad stuff, but there could be a lot more good stuff out there that they don't have.
Check out my thread called "talk about big savings".
http://www.clubknowledge.com/Car_Audio_FAQ/?g1301_957
This is just what I have so far, and I was going for sound quality. I'm pretty sure that the infinity perfects would do quite a bit of shaking too, with a ported box (mine's gonna be in a smaller sealed box).
I'm sure more people here know more about SPL type of systems.
Good luck,
Alan
ttocs on 03/1/2004 22:41:34
go to http://www.sounddomain.com/member_pages and get some ideas of what you like in similar cars. There is all kinds of options really, alot of area to fill.....
swez on 03/2/2004 06:21:05
Do you basically like the stock HU in your car now? If yes, that will save you $250-500.00 right there.
The 4x6 speakers up front, go with plate speakers. These use a 4" woofer and a side mounted tweeter. Much better sound and power handling than stock or most coaxials.
What do you have in the rear deck? 6x9, 6x8 or other?
Subs: The skies the limit here, but if you had room for a pair of 12's or even 15's, that will definitely rumble with an honestly rated amp.
Do you know how many amps the ALT will put out now? That will determine the kind/power of amps to choose.
Swez
Brands to consider:
Speakers: Kicker, Audiobahn, Infinity, Clarion or JBL
Subs: Kicker, Alpine, Infinity, E-designs or Adire
Amps: Bahn, Kicker, JBL, US Acoustics, Avionixx
LT1Caprice on 03/2/2004 21:19:43
Swez,
I don't like the HU that came stock, it's an old cassette player and I want a CD player to start. I believe I have 6X9's in the rear deck, haven't played around with the car since Saturday. I'm driving my truck right now, I don't take the car out until the summer. Michigan winters are car killers, well, I don't have to tell you. I like the idea of the 4X6 plate speakers, and also putting some 12 or 15's in the trunk. As to how many amps the alt puts out I don't know, I'd have to investigate. What's the relationship of alt amps to amplifier type and power?
Lake Michigan Beachbum
swez on 03/3/2004 11:08:38
I see your point on the HU being yanked... garage kept is good as I am too from MI and know how brutle the weather, salt etc., can be.
As for HU recommendations, consider Alpine or Pioneer. Easy to use or can be very complex menu driven as well, depending on the model. Just depends on how much you wish to spend here.
The 4x6 plates are a very good option... better SQ than typical coaxials too. Clario, Audiobahn, Infinity and a few other do make this configuration.
As for the rears, can go 6x9 coaxials or 6.5" Comps or coaxials here with some mods. If possible, use the same brand & series F & B. To power them, a 4 channel amp is preferred if you go with a larger bass system. If you only use a HU, Alpine makes a 27 watt RMS x 4 HU that will do a better job than most typical HU's which net ~20 watts RMS x 4.
As for subs... so many choices, depending on your budget. Moderate power, good SQ/SPL subs like Infinity Kappa or Perfects, Alpine Type R, Resonance Engineering, e-Designs, Adire Audio, JL and many others too.
Sub amp: Try to stick with a Class D or Class T amp here. Most efficient use of power input VS watts output. Kicker, Audiobahn, Avionixx, US Acoustics, JBL, JL and others fit that bill. Depending on the subs you choose, a 1-2 ohm stable amp is a good choice. Figure on 500-1000 watts RMS to really get the bass up there.
OK, think it over and then we can point you to some options.
Swez
asplundher on 03/5/2004 09:48:48
I would recommend these to start with:
Pioneer DEH-P3600 $180 or DEH-P4600/mp3&wma $200
US acoustics USB-4065 4 channel amp $130
The Pioneer HU's have 4 rca outputs with decent voltage and plenty extras to help with tweaking the system.
The US acoustic amp is very clean, versatile, and affordable. Plus it includes built-in x-overs and carries a extra rca output with a defeatable 24db x-over for adding a sub amp.
If you buy the amp from Crutchfield then you will get a 3 year warranty (regardless of installer) with it, instead of the regular 1 year. The HU's, if bought from them also, will come with the necessary hardware to install it for free. That will save you a little extra also. You might even get free shipping on both if they are bought at the same time. Hard to beat that deal!
That combo should leave should leave roughly around $680 to pick out some highs (front and rears), subs, sub amp, wiring and such. I think that is a good way to start plus probably one of the least expensive for the features offered.
What do you guys think?
swez on 03/5/2004 13:58:14
Great amp for mid/highs. Even has preouts for a sub amp to simplify install of the sub amp later. This amp is underrated in power and can produce moer than 65 x 4 @ 13.5 volts.
The weakest point on your sound stage is the 4x6" speakers. Door or kick panel mounted 6.5" Comps will be superior in power and MB performance. The CDT-cl6a is a great choice at 149.00 from zeb audio. Using the USB-4085 would be a bit better too as the CDT's can handle the power as would most decent 6x9's or a 2nd pair of CDT's.
Then, we can deal with sub issues... do you know the ALT output on this car? A quick call to a dealer will tell you that. I am betting 120-140A. on this engine package.
Swez
LT1Caprice on 03/8/2004 20:42:31
Swez,
Before I read the posts above I was thinking about building a Clarion system. Remember I don't know much about specifics, and I haven't checked the output on the Alt either. This is a list of items I was thinking about, tell me where I am going to go wrong here.
DB336MP - Clarion MP3/CD/CD-R/CD-RW Receiver
SRC 4694 - Clarion 4"X6" 2-way Full Range Plate Speakers
SRR 6984 - Clarion 6"X9" 3-way Full Range Speakers
XW 1500 - Clarion 15" Sub. w/dual 4ohm voice coils 600w RMS
APX401.4 - Clarion Amp. 50X4@4ohm - 380 watt Peak total
MI Beachbum
Munchiesyumm on 03/9/2004 00:21:03
The choices are hard I know!
SO many options.... IS there a reason for the sudden change to clarion? And a better question why do you want all one brand?
Clarion decks are worthy! They make a pretty good deal for the power and options a good choice.
But there are better speakers and amps and subs out there.
For a 1,000 dollars!! THE OPTIONS ARE HUGE!
headunits - Pioneer, Alpine, Eclipse, Clarion
AMPS - JBL, US Acustics, Kicker, Bahn, Hi Fonics
Speakers - JBL, Alpine, Infinity
Subs - Alpine, Infinity, JBL, Adire
You will be more than happy with any these brands.
I think the best thing to do here is have you research these brands like a steam train to get a better idea what your looking for. Than if you decide you want some to help you on ideal setups that we have done before feel free to ask. But You seem kind of lost so this is a good thing. You will learn from it like I did and many others. It might take a while but it's fun reading through specs, seeing what reviews say, searching for the best prices.
Some tips would be
Subwoofer amp : CLass D or class T
4 channel amps : Brands that I listed are underrated so think about that when picking one out.
Subwoofers : Read reviews, if a lot of people has these subs and they all say good things its probably a top choice! (Infinity Kappa Perfect seris everyone loves)
Take it or leave it.
I'll be around if you have any questions or comments
swez on 03/9/2004 09:05:32
Munchies has a good point. Clarion does make a good line of HU's. Know very little on the amps they have and the speakers noted are not bad at all. Basically, a good starting point.
DB336MP HU:
This may not be a good choice as it only has 1 pair of RCA outputs. That will greatly inhibit other amp integrations later. What you want, is a HU that has the features you like, plus 2 pair of RCA outs (Front L&R, Rear L&R) and a sub output as well. Also, the preamp voltage here is only 1.7 volts. Newer HU's have 4.0 volts... better choice if you use amps.
SRC 4694 4x6 plates:
These are a nice design and sonically, they will do well. The drawback here, low power handling of 35 watts RMS. If you go with them, low power amping is required.
A better choice: Infinity Kappa 462.5cfp
4"x6" 2-way Plate Speakers
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-QYedvZ0Urne/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=10&g=51400&I=1084625CFP&o=m&a=0&cc=01&avf=N
Cannot find any data on the 6x9 and sub mentioned.
Suggest: Infinity Kappa 692.5i
6"x9" 2-way Speaker
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-QYedvZ0Urne/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=10&g=52300&I=1086925I&o=m&a=0&cc=01&avf=N
4 channel Amp: Not bad here, 50 watts RMS x 4 , but this unit seems to have only speaker level inputs, no RCA line level inputs.
A better choice: U.S. acoustics USB-4065
65W x 4 Car Amplifier
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-QYedvZ0Urne/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=3&g=120&I=235USB4065&o=m&a=0&cc=01&avf=N
Sub and amp: How much bass do you desire here. Do you want high SPL sub system (Ie: loud but not alway pure) or a high SQ (clean) or a blend of both? I suggest something that does both well. There are so many choices here. Have a budget in mind? That will help us point you in the direction your budget allows.
Swez
PS It's OK to mix and match component brands these days. Most car audio makers do not have a full line of products that fit ever need. Some make great HU's but poor speakers and amps etc.
LT1Caprice on 03/9/2004 20:24:33
Great advice from you both, I will do my homework, it is obvious to you guys that I am lost. I'll come back when I have some concrete plans in place and seek your advice from there.
Thanks,
MI Beachbum
swez on 03/9/2004 21:13:40
We're here to lend a hand, give you tech support and help you avoid common mistakes made by those who are new.
Don't be afraid to ask questions as there is no such thing as a dumb question on this forum... "How high is up"? Don't ask... that's a dumb question... as is... "Do worms yawn"?
Swez
I have a '94 Caprice LS with plenty of room for some junk in the trunk. I'm a rookie when it comes to this whole stereo install and selection process. I'm looking for good sound quality and plenty of bass to shake the car, and maybe the guy next door too. I have taken the tweet's out of the doors, that wasn't fun with all the power crap behind there. I don't have much room in the doors, 4X6's are all the doors will handle. I have loads of space in the trunk, but I do have a spare tire smack in the middle of the trunk. I don't have a clue where to start, what the best HU is, how many amp's I should run, or what speakers to use all around. If I have to sacrifice somewhere it would probably be in sound quality. I want the rumble of the bass in the seat of my pants as I'm driving down the road. I'm not looking to spend over $1000 on the system and I don't care about brand names as long as I get awesome perfomance. Also, I don't want to have to change the electrical system to accommodate the system, is this reasonable? THINK
Replies (12)
alanjlamore on 03/1/2004 21:06:34
I'd suggest checking out some local shops and listening to their stuff first (don't buy though, way too much).
You'd get a better idea about how much power you'd like and stuff.
Some shops are limited in their selection though. Not that they have bad stuff, but there could be a lot more good stuff out there that they don't have.
Check out my thread called "talk about big savings".
http://www.clubknowledge.com/Car_Audio_FAQ/?g1301_957
This is just what I have so far, and I was going for sound quality. I'm pretty sure that the infinity perfects would do quite a bit of shaking too, with a ported box (mine's gonna be in a smaller sealed box).
I'm sure more people here know more about SPL type of systems.
Good luck,
Alan
ttocs on 03/1/2004 22:41:34
go to http://www.sounddomain.com/member_pages and get some ideas of what you like in similar cars. There is all kinds of options really, alot of area to fill.....
swez on 03/2/2004 06:21:05
Do you basically like the stock HU in your car now? If yes, that will save you $250-500.00 right there.
The 4x6 speakers up front, go with plate speakers. These use a 4" woofer and a side mounted tweeter. Much better sound and power handling than stock or most coaxials.
What do you have in the rear deck? 6x9, 6x8 or other?
Subs: The skies the limit here, but if you had room for a pair of 12's or even 15's, that will definitely rumble with an honestly rated amp.
Do you know how many amps the ALT will put out now? That will determine the kind/power of amps to choose.
Swez
Brands to consider:
Speakers: Kicker, Audiobahn, Infinity, Clarion or JBL
Subs: Kicker, Alpine, Infinity, E-designs or Adire
Amps: Bahn, Kicker, JBL, US Acoustics, Avionixx
LT1Caprice on 03/2/2004 21:19:43
Swez,
I don't like the HU that came stock, it's an old cassette player and I want a CD player to start. I believe I have 6X9's in the rear deck, haven't played around with the car since Saturday. I'm driving my truck right now, I don't take the car out until the summer. Michigan winters are car killers, well, I don't have to tell you. I like the idea of the 4X6 plate speakers, and also putting some 12 or 15's in the trunk. As to how many amps the alt puts out I don't know, I'd have to investigate. What's the relationship of alt amps to amplifier type and power?
Lake Michigan Beachbum
swez on 03/3/2004 11:08:38
I see your point on the HU being yanked... garage kept is good as I am too from MI and know how brutle the weather, salt etc., can be.
As for HU recommendations, consider Alpine or Pioneer. Easy to use or can be very complex menu driven as well, depending on the model. Just depends on how much you wish to spend here.
The 4x6 plates are a very good option... better SQ than typical coaxials too. Clario, Audiobahn, Infinity and a few other do make this configuration.
As for the rears, can go 6x9 coaxials or 6.5" Comps or coaxials here with some mods. If possible, use the same brand & series F & B. To power them, a 4 channel amp is preferred if you go with a larger bass system. If you only use a HU, Alpine makes a 27 watt RMS x 4 HU that will do a better job than most typical HU's which net ~20 watts RMS x 4.
As for subs... so many choices, depending on your budget. Moderate power, good SQ/SPL subs like Infinity Kappa or Perfects, Alpine Type R, Resonance Engineering, e-Designs, Adire Audio, JL and many others too.
Sub amp: Try to stick with a Class D or Class T amp here. Most efficient use of power input VS watts output. Kicker, Audiobahn, Avionixx, US Acoustics, JBL, JL and others fit that bill. Depending on the subs you choose, a 1-2 ohm stable amp is a good choice. Figure on 500-1000 watts RMS to really get the bass up there.
OK, think it over and then we can point you to some options.
Swez
asplundher on 03/5/2004 09:48:48
I would recommend these to start with:
Pioneer DEH-P3600 $180 or DEH-P4600/mp3&wma $200
US acoustics USB-4065 4 channel amp $130
The Pioneer HU's have 4 rca outputs with decent voltage and plenty extras to help with tweaking the system.
The US acoustic amp is very clean, versatile, and affordable. Plus it includes built-in x-overs and carries a extra rca output with a defeatable 24db x-over for adding a sub amp.
If you buy the amp from Crutchfield then you will get a 3 year warranty (regardless of installer) with it, instead of the regular 1 year. The HU's, if bought from them also, will come with the necessary hardware to install it for free. That will save you a little extra also. You might even get free shipping on both if they are bought at the same time. Hard to beat that deal!
That combo should leave should leave roughly around $680 to pick out some highs (front and rears), subs, sub amp, wiring and such. I think that is a good way to start plus probably one of the least expensive for the features offered.
What do you guys think?
swez on 03/5/2004 13:58:14
Great amp for mid/highs. Even has preouts for a sub amp to simplify install of the sub amp later. This amp is underrated in power and can produce moer than 65 x 4 @ 13.5 volts.
The weakest point on your sound stage is the 4x6" speakers. Door or kick panel mounted 6.5" Comps will be superior in power and MB performance. The CDT-cl6a is a great choice at 149.00 from zeb audio. Using the USB-4085 would be a bit better too as the CDT's can handle the power as would most decent 6x9's or a 2nd pair of CDT's.
Then, we can deal with sub issues... do you know the ALT output on this car? A quick call to a dealer will tell you that. I am betting 120-140A. on this engine package.
Swez
LT1Caprice on 03/8/2004 20:42:31
Swez,
Before I read the posts above I was thinking about building a Clarion system. Remember I don't know much about specifics, and I haven't checked the output on the Alt either. This is a list of items I was thinking about, tell me where I am going to go wrong here.
DB336MP - Clarion MP3/CD/CD-R/CD-RW Receiver
SRC 4694 - Clarion 4"X6" 2-way Full Range Plate Speakers
SRR 6984 - Clarion 6"X9" 3-way Full Range Speakers
XW 1500 - Clarion 15" Sub. w/dual 4ohm voice coils 600w RMS
APX401.4 - Clarion Amp. 50X4@4ohm - 380 watt Peak total
MI Beachbum
Munchiesyumm on 03/9/2004 00:21:03
The choices are hard I know!
SO many options.... IS there a reason for the sudden change to clarion? And a better question why do you want all one brand?
Clarion decks are worthy! They make a pretty good deal for the power and options a good choice.
But there are better speakers and amps and subs out there.
For a 1,000 dollars!! THE OPTIONS ARE HUGE!
headunits - Pioneer, Alpine, Eclipse, Clarion
AMPS - JBL, US Acustics, Kicker, Bahn, Hi Fonics
Speakers - JBL, Alpine, Infinity
Subs - Alpine, Infinity, JBL, Adire
You will be more than happy with any these brands.
I think the best thing to do here is have you research these brands like a steam train to get a better idea what your looking for. Than if you decide you want some to help you on ideal setups that we have done before feel free to ask. But You seem kind of lost so this is a good thing. You will learn from it like I did and many others. It might take a while but it's fun reading through specs, seeing what reviews say, searching for the best prices.
Some tips would be
Subwoofer amp : CLass D or class T
4 channel amps : Brands that I listed are underrated so think about that when picking one out.
Subwoofers : Read reviews, if a lot of people has these subs and they all say good things its probably a top choice! (Infinity Kappa Perfect seris everyone loves)
Take it or leave it.
I'll be around if you have any questions or comments
swez on 03/9/2004 09:05:32
Munchies has a good point. Clarion does make a good line of HU's. Know very little on the amps they have and the speakers noted are not bad at all. Basically, a good starting point.
DB336MP HU:
This may not be a good choice as it only has 1 pair of RCA outputs. That will greatly inhibit other amp integrations later. What you want, is a HU that has the features you like, plus 2 pair of RCA outs (Front L&R, Rear L&R) and a sub output as well. Also, the preamp voltage here is only 1.7 volts. Newer HU's have 4.0 volts... better choice if you use amps.
SRC 4694 4x6 plates:
These are a nice design and sonically, they will do well. The drawback here, low power handling of 35 watts RMS. If you go with them, low power amping is required.
A better choice: Infinity Kappa 462.5cfp
4"x6" 2-way Plate Speakers
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-QYedvZ0Urne/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=10&g=51400&I=1084625CFP&o=m&a=0&cc=01&avf=N
Cannot find any data on the 6x9 and sub mentioned.
Suggest: Infinity Kappa 692.5i
6"x9" 2-way Speaker
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-QYedvZ0Urne/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=10&g=52300&I=1086925I&o=m&a=0&cc=01&avf=N
4 channel Amp: Not bad here, 50 watts RMS x 4 , but this unit seems to have only speaker level inputs, no RCA line level inputs.
A better choice: U.S. acoustics USB-4065
65W x 4 Car Amplifier
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-QYedvZ0Urne/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=3&g=120&I=235USB4065&o=m&a=0&cc=01&avf=N
Sub and amp: How much bass do you desire here. Do you want high SPL sub system (Ie: loud but not alway pure) or a high SQ (clean) or a blend of both? I suggest something that does both well. There are so many choices here. Have a budget in mind? That will help us point you in the direction your budget allows.
Swez
PS It's OK to mix and match component brands these days. Most car audio makers do not have a full line of products that fit ever need. Some make great HU's but poor speakers and amps etc.
LT1Caprice on 03/9/2004 20:24:33
Great advice from you both, I will do my homework, it is obvious to you guys that I am lost. I'll come back when I have some concrete plans in place and seek your advice from there.
Thanks,
MI Beachbum
swez on 03/9/2004 21:13:40
We're here to lend a hand, give you tech support and help you avoid common mistakes made by those who are new.
Don't be afraid to ask questions as there is no such thing as a dumb question on this forum... "How high is up"? Don't ask... that's a dumb question... as is... "Do worms yawn"?
Swez
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