Ok my most current plans is to replace my 6x9's in the rear and get a new pair of 6 1/2's for my doors. I also want to get an amp to power these mid range speakers. I'm thinking I want to go with all Pioneer, but I have heard a rumor that quality is going down with pioneer equipment. Is any of that true? I'm trying to get really nice sound and not spend a fortune, I'm going to buy at Best Buy, I can get the employee discount through a friend.
I'm not going to replace the head unit at this time, I will keep it stock. Is this a good idea? If thats a mistake I might fork out the extra cash for a head unit.
Does anyone have experience with Best Buy's installation? do they do a professional job? Or do they have employees who half ass it? Any experience with Best Buy is greatly appreciated.
Also any help is greatly appreciated, I will most likely have follow up questions as well... Thanks...
Replies (8)
swez on 04/1/2004 14:04:35
I think ttocs is the best guy to anser your install options.
As for the speakers, how much are you budgeting here? This is heart of the install. Scrimp here now.... pay more later.
PIONEER AMPS: Fair, but nothing special in power, performance and depends on what price you can get for a 4 channel amp that nets at least 50 watts (RMS) 100 (peak) per channel or a pair of 2 channel amps.
Yes, can use the HU with a good Line Out Converter. Navone makes several good ones and in 4 channel too.
www.davidnavone.com
http://www.davidnavone.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=N-774
Now, you have a Dodge right? Some of the newer Chryslers have Infinity systems with internal amps. Ttocks can advise you om this matter more. But I believe the Infinity amps are compatible with Aftermarket speakers. You already have amps from this Upgrade HU if it is Infinity Premim sound package.
This may help a lot if you want to do it yourself. Crutch is very good at supporting technical issues... just not the lowest prices in the game.
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-VKxItLOxk9h/caraudiovalue/
Swez
nickthemobsta on 04/1/2004 23:59:30
hey buddy....spend the cash and get some eclipse 6x9's. i've had some before they are out of this world. right now i have two sets of eclipse 6.5's in my rodeo....they are amazing. i had pioneers in my old civic, they definitely get the job done, but go for the eclipse man you won't be disappointed and you'll be glad you spent the extra bucks. check e-bay.
uochronos on 04/2/2004 00:33:23
i have some pioneer 6x8's they get the job done and nice clarity but they are diffinatly lacking for some of the other speakers we could find you fora round the same price. let us know your price range..
P.S. the pioneer premiers are very kind to the eyes though thats why i bought them for my old car very flashy and nice to see and decent sound,
T-$ on 04/2/2004 10:17:11
Well my budget for the speakers will be about $100/pair, and for the amp $250. They had these RF 6x9's at Best Buy. Are those recommended, they sounded pretty good. Also the 4 way pioneer speakers sounded pretty good as well.
With amps, I'm not sure whats the difference between a 2 channel and a 4 channel amp. This guy at best buy said it was just more power, but i don't think he knew what he was talking about. but then again i don't know too much. i can only guess it has something to do with the number of speakers you have it outputting to.
swez, i don't have the premium sound package
nickthemobsta, ill look into the eclipse speakers
thanks for the responses guys
ttocs on 04/2/2004 11:25:06
I would only buy from there if you can get the discount, but be aware you are putting that employees job at risk. Worked there for 2.5 yrs 6-7 yrs ago and have not bought anything from there since. I saw them do some pretty bad business practices and upset alot of people, I will not be one of them, again....
Install on that car would not be that hard to do, labor will run you $50 - 75 depending.... And then of course they will want you to but the extended warrenty, opps performance gurantee.....
T-$ on 04/2/2004 11:42:15
ttocs, thanks that info is really helpful. the plan is the employee and i would go to a different store and not the one he works at, he'll be in charge of purchasing it. but now that i hear that i may just head to like an Audio Express. right now im think i may budget about $700, would that be enough? My brother bought and installed 4 PPI 6x9's and a PPI amp all for about $1200 i believe, but he also bought a HU,
swez on 04/2/2004 12:00:53
BB & CC are good to demo gear so you can hear what they sound like in the demo wall for comparison. But what you hear on the wall, is nothing like what you may hear in your car. (acoustics and such are very different) Many of the Sales people I have spoken with, are basically clueless as they are new and have a high turnover rate in these chain stores. Products are limited as well. But... if you know what is a proven performer and can get a low price (employee discounts) it may be worth considering.
Rockford does make some very good gear. Their amps are above average as are the subs they offer. However, the high price tag may not justify buying them if you have a tight budget. RF, Alpine, MTX and other similar brands have huge markups at the chain stores. Web-based sites can do a lot better and offer more choices.
About 4 channel amps... there are a few very good ones out there at modest prices. The US Acoustics brand is a very good option in power, quality and features. They also have a preamp out for sub amp installs later. Here's a look at a few 4 channels for consideration:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-btRW1jMdw1p/cgi-bin/prodgroup.asp?s=0&cc=01&g=120&est=&search=US+Acoustics
USB-4065 Specs:
Key Features:
65 watts RMS x 4 at 4 ohms
80 watts RMS x 4 at 2 ohms
160 watts RMS x 2 bridged output at 4 ohms
2-, 3-, or 4-channel output
4-ohm stable in bridged mode
Tri-Way capable
requires 8-gauge power and ground leads — wiring and hardware not included with amplifier
variable high-pass crossovers (12-200 Hz, 12 dB/octave), front and rear channels
variable low-pass crossovers (40-200 Hz low-pass, 24 dB/ octave), front and rear channels
preamp outputs with crossover
anti-thump circuit
thermal, short-circuit, and power/ground reversal protection
13-3/8"W x 2-5/8"H x 9-5/8"D
3-year warranty
USB-4085
Key Features:
85 watts RMS x 4 at 4 ohms
120 watts RMS x 4 at 2 ohms
240 watts RMS x 2 bridged output at 4 ohms
2-, 3-, or 4-channel output
4-ohm stable in bridged mode
Tri-Way capable
requires 8-gauge power and ground leads — wiring and hardware not included with amplifier
variable high-pass crossovers (12-200 Hz, 12 dB/octave), front and rear channels
variable low-pass crossovers (40-200 Hz, 24 dB/octave), front and rear channels
preamp outputs with crossovers
anti-thump circuit
thermal, short-circuit, and power/ground reversal protection
16-7/8"W x 2-5/8"H x 9-5/8"D
3-year warranty
===================================================
You'll need some decent speakers to handle the power on eather of these amps as they are underrated in power specs. Meaning, they put out more power than specs state.
A high SQ/SPL design option might include: (Very good investment grade speakers here.
Front Stage:
CDT CL-61a Comps
$150.00/pr.
http://www.thezeb.com/detail.aspx?ID=1083
Rear Stage:
With a mod kit, can use same in rear deck or go with 6x9's. CDT does make lower priced 6x9's but you may have to dig on e-bay to find them.
If you buy cheap gear now... you'll regret it and wind up replacing them later. The speakers are the most important part of the system. Proper installation, adequate power and quality drivers make all the difference.
Better brands to consider:
CDT, Diamond, Focal, Eclipse, Crystal, Pioneer Premium, Polk, PPI, Phoenix Gold and MB Quartz. Not cheap... but careful shopping will get you some great deals.
Midgrades:
Infinity Refs, Kappa or Perfects, Apline, JBL, Rockford, Kicker, Lightning Audio, Audiobahn, MA Audio and several others.
Low end:
Jensen, Pioneer, Crunch, Sound Storm, Cerwin Vega, AudioVox, American Pro, Lanzar, Legacy, Pyramid and Pyle.
Confused? No wonder! So many choices huh? And this is a short list too.
Swez
ttocs on 04/3/2004 09:30:07
$1200 for 6 x 9's and an amp? ppi is pricey but..........
I'm not going to replace the head unit at this time, I will keep it stock. Is this a good idea? If thats a mistake I might fork out the extra cash for a head unit.
Does anyone have experience with Best Buy's installation? do they do a professional job? Or do they have employees who half ass it? Any experience with Best Buy is greatly appreciated.
Also any help is greatly appreciated, I will most likely have follow up questions as well... Thanks...
Replies (8)
swez on 04/1/2004 14:04:35
I think ttocs is the best guy to anser your install options.
As for the speakers, how much are you budgeting here? This is heart of the install. Scrimp here now.... pay more later.
PIONEER AMPS: Fair, but nothing special in power, performance and depends on what price you can get for a 4 channel amp that nets at least 50 watts (RMS) 100 (peak) per channel or a pair of 2 channel amps.
Yes, can use the HU with a good Line Out Converter. Navone makes several good ones and in 4 channel too.
www.davidnavone.com
http://www.davidnavone.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=N-774
Now, you have a Dodge right? Some of the newer Chryslers have Infinity systems with internal amps. Ttocks can advise you om this matter more. But I believe the Infinity amps are compatible with Aftermarket speakers. You already have amps from this Upgrade HU if it is Infinity Premim sound package.
This may help a lot if you want to do it yourself. Crutch is very good at supporting technical issues... just not the lowest prices in the game.
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-VKxItLOxk9h/caraudiovalue/
Swez
nickthemobsta on 04/1/2004 23:59:30
hey buddy....spend the cash and get some eclipse 6x9's. i've had some before they are out of this world. right now i have two sets of eclipse 6.5's in my rodeo....they are amazing. i had pioneers in my old civic, they definitely get the job done, but go for the eclipse man you won't be disappointed and you'll be glad you spent the extra bucks. check e-bay.
uochronos on 04/2/2004 00:33:23
i have some pioneer 6x8's they get the job done and nice clarity but they are diffinatly lacking for some of the other speakers we could find you fora round the same price. let us know your price range..
P.S. the pioneer premiers are very kind to the eyes though thats why i bought them for my old car very flashy and nice to see and decent sound,
T-$ on 04/2/2004 10:17:11
Well my budget for the speakers will be about $100/pair, and for the amp $250. They had these RF 6x9's at Best Buy. Are those recommended, they sounded pretty good. Also the 4 way pioneer speakers sounded pretty good as well.
With amps, I'm not sure whats the difference between a 2 channel and a 4 channel amp. This guy at best buy said it was just more power, but i don't think he knew what he was talking about. but then again i don't know too much. i can only guess it has something to do with the number of speakers you have it outputting to.
swez, i don't have the premium sound package
nickthemobsta, ill look into the eclipse speakers
thanks for the responses guys
ttocs on 04/2/2004 11:25:06
I would only buy from there if you can get the discount, but be aware you are putting that employees job at risk. Worked there for 2.5 yrs 6-7 yrs ago and have not bought anything from there since. I saw them do some pretty bad business practices and upset alot of people, I will not be one of them, again....
Install on that car would not be that hard to do, labor will run you $50 - 75 depending.... And then of course they will want you to but the extended warrenty, opps performance gurantee.....
T-$ on 04/2/2004 11:42:15
ttocs, thanks that info is really helpful. the plan is the employee and i would go to a different store and not the one he works at, he'll be in charge of purchasing it. but now that i hear that i may just head to like an Audio Express. right now im think i may budget about $700, would that be enough? My brother bought and installed 4 PPI 6x9's and a PPI amp all for about $1200 i believe, but he also bought a HU,
swez on 04/2/2004 12:00:53
BB & CC are good to demo gear so you can hear what they sound like in the demo wall for comparison. But what you hear on the wall, is nothing like what you may hear in your car. (acoustics and such are very different) Many of the Sales people I have spoken with, are basically clueless as they are new and have a high turnover rate in these chain stores. Products are limited as well. But... if you know what is a proven performer and can get a low price (employee discounts) it may be worth considering.
Rockford does make some very good gear. Their amps are above average as are the subs they offer. However, the high price tag may not justify buying them if you have a tight budget. RF, Alpine, MTX and other similar brands have huge markups at the chain stores. Web-based sites can do a lot better and offer more choices.
About 4 channel amps... there are a few very good ones out there at modest prices. The US Acoustics brand is a very good option in power, quality and features. They also have a preamp out for sub amp installs later. Here's a look at a few 4 channels for consideration:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-btRW1jMdw1p/cgi-bin/prodgroup.asp?s=0&cc=01&g=120&est=&search=US+Acoustics
USB-4065 Specs:
Key Features:
65 watts RMS x 4 at 4 ohms
80 watts RMS x 4 at 2 ohms
160 watts RMS x 2 bridged output at 4 ohms
2-, 3-, or 4-channel output
4-ohm stable in bridged mode
Tri-Way capable
requires 8-gauge power and ground leads — wiring and hardware not included with amplifier
variable high-pass crossovers (12-200 Hz, 12 dB/octave), front and rear channels
variable low-pass crossovers (40-200 Hz low-pass, 24 dB/ octave), front and rear channels
preamp outputs with crossover
anti-thump circuit
thermal, short-circuit, and power/ground reversal protection
13-3/8"W x 2-5/8"H x 9-5/8"D
3-year warranty
USB-4085
Key Features:
85 watts RMS x 4 at 4 ohms
120 watts RMS x 4 at 2 ohms
240 watts RMS x 2 bridged output at 4 ohms
2-, 3-, or 4-channel output
4-ohm stable in bridged mode
Tri-Way capable
requires 8-gauge power and ground leads — wiring and hardware not included with amplifier
variable high-pass crossovers (12-200 Hz, 12 dB/octave), front and rear channels
variable low-pass crossovers (40-200 Hz, 24 dB/octave), front and rear channels
preamp outputs with crossovers
anti-thump circuit
thermal, short-circuit, and power/ground reversal protection
16-7/8"W x 2-5/8"H x 9-5/8"D
3-year warranty
===================================================
You'll need some decent speakers to handle the power on eather of these amps as they are underrated in power specs. Meaning, they put out more power than specs state.
A high SQ/SPL design option might include: (Very good investment grade speakers here.
Front Stage:
CDT CL-61a Comps
$150.00/pr.
http://www.thezeb.com/detail.aspx?ID=1083
Rear Stage:
With a mod kit, can use same in rear deck or go with 6x9's. CDT does make lower priced 6x9's but you may have to dig on e-bay to find them.
If you buy cheap gear now... you'll regret it and wind up replacing them later. The speakers are the most important part of the system. Proper installation, adequate power and quality drivers make all the difference.
Better brands to consider:
CDT, Diamond, Focal, Eclipse, Crystal, Pioneer Premium, Polk, PPI, Phoenix Gold and MB Quartz. Not cheap... but careful shopping will get you some great deals.
Midgrades:
Infinity Refs, Kappa or Perfects, Apline, JBL, Rockford, Kicker, Lightning Audio, Audiobahn, MA Audio and several others.
Low end:
Jensen, Pioneer, Crunch, Sound Storm, Cerwin Vega, AudioVox, American Pro, Lanzar, Legacy, Pyramid and Pyle.
Confused? No wonder! So many choices huh? And this is a short list too.
Swez
ttocs on 04/3/2004 09:30:07
$1200 for 6 x 9's and an amp? ppi is pricey but..........
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