I have a Chrysler Concorde Limited with an Infinity 286 Watt audion system. I would like to replace it with a more powerful system to improve the sound quality.
How can I find out whether it is 2-channel, 4-channel, etc.? Also, I need some help on determining the type of system to replace it with.
Thanks!
Replies (7)
swez on 11/27/2004 20:53:03
It's at least 4 channels and maybe a sub channel as well. Are you planning to just replace the OEM speakers with Aftermarket ones or pull the stock HU and use Aftermarket HU, amps & speakers?
It looks like 5-1/4" - 6-1/2" will fit on front doors. Rear deck can use same or 6x9 ovals per Cruchfield fit guide.
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-FaMvJe7LslM/cgi-bin/autoinfo/autoinfo.asp?s=0&id=&vehicleid=
13636&cc=01&vb=Y&TypeCH=home&lp=%
2FS%2DFaMvJe7LslM%2Fcgi%2Dbin%
2FProdColl%2Easp%3FcId%3D1721
Got a budget number in mind?
Swez
cplkittle on 11/28/2004 22:45:06
a word of advice, when upgrading a factory system, get rid of the factory amplifier. Some infinity systems have the amplifier piggybacked onto the speakers themselves, so an amplifier is needed anyway if you plan to use the factory radio.
I would start with a good (good meaning not purchased at wal-mart, kmart, etc..) radio (head unit). and 4 good speakers. If at all possible, check the mounting depth of your existing speakers before purchasing new ones, Crutchfield has been known to be wrong in this area, especially in vehicles like yours where 5 1/4 and 6 1/2" speakers are recommended. 5 1/4 speakers fit into the factory molded bracket which is usually 1.5 - 2" deep. The 6.5" speakers fit into the area where the mounting bracket was if it were removed. Now removing the bracket removes that 1.5 - 2" depth that you had, and now a 6.5, which is normally deeper in design is supposed to fit? most of the time that extra depth is needed for clearance from the window. Just a suggestion...
shenning on 11/29/2004 11:09:34
Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. I would like to replace the entire system, since I've read of complications from just trying to replace the amplifier. Since I'm not up-to-date on car audio, it's a little difficult to navigate through the maze of what is out there.
My goal is to upgrade to a system that is of higher quality sound reproduction. It doesn't have to have enough power to make my ears bleed, but does need to give me more than I've got now. I'm not sure what is a reasonable amount for a good system, but I'm open to suggestion on what choices would be best. Then I can decide what is reasonable for me.
Thanks again for your help.
swez on 11/29/2004 11:49:42
As CPLKittle noted, most installers will bypass or disconnect the external stock amps and speakers and start fresh. He also brings up a very important consideration in speaker selection... how deep can you go into the door w/o hitting mechanicals of the window.
Let's have an overview and start with a very well known brand and systems approach:
HU: Alpine has many very nice models in various price ranges to fit your needs and features that you may desire. Pioneer is also a reputable brand as would be Clarion, Kenwood or perhaps even Blaupunkt
Some HU's have modest to good amping power already built into the main body. They range from 16 x 4 to 26 x 4 WRms per channel. With high efficiency speakers, a 26 x 4 HU will give pretty good SPL, but not the clarity and added power of using an outboard amping system.
To view a few possible HU's go here and see what's offered. Crutchfield does not have the lowest prices, but they have excellent product details and information. You can always buy what you want either locally of off internet sites that offer deep discounts.
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Ip4AUiNgRAU/cgi-bin/prodmenu.asp?c=3&Search=alpine&ssid=1&SearchDisplay=&wmsf=1
==================================================
Speakers:
We do need to determine the maximum depth of door speakers you can use in this vehicle. A 6.5" woofer and separate tweeters w/ a crossover are best if you are a picky listener. However, Coaxial designs are cheaper and will sound better than stock in most applications.
The front speakers are the most important choice you have to make. They determine the quality and quantity of audio up where you live... the diver's seat. The rear speakers are mostly for ambient fill. You can use full range coaxials or MB drivers in back (lows only). It's more of a preference than a rule... up too you.
====================================================
Sub
A modest powered subwoofer will add a new dimension of low end bass to the entire sound system. You can use a small self-power sub
or use an outboard amp to drive the sub. How much bass you want, will determine the size of the sub, amp power and cost.
===================================================
OK, that's a general overview of the project at hand. A thought to keep in mind would be the quality of the components you choose. Great quality systems are expensive, but with some careful shopping and DIY as much as is possible, you can get very good results.
Just browse the Alpine line of HU's amps, speakers etc and see what appeals to your needs and budget. Then come back with some comments and we can go to the next step.
http://www.alpine-usa.com/
Swez
shenning on 11/29/2004 11:54:01
Thanks for the tutorial, Swez. I'll take a look around and see what I can find.
Steve
swez on 11/29/2004 12:25:33
Cool... we'll help you pinpoint a bit after you've had a chance to look around.
As a nice 5 channel amp for this package, have a look at the Alpine MRV-F450. Pretty expensive at Crutch, but a little shopping can chop the price to mid $300.00 range.
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Ip4AUiNgRAU/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=120&I=500MRVF450&search=alpine&wmsf=1
Dave
shenning on 11/29/2004 13:28:48
I see the value of the 5-channel amp. But that seems to reduce my overall power. Or is the rated 286 watts of my Infinity system not RMS power? I can't seem to find any information on the system that's in my car. Neither Chrysler or Harmon Kardon will tell me anything.
How can I find out whether it is 2-channel, 4-channel, etc.? Also, I need some help on determining the type of system to replace it with.
Thanks!
Replies (7)
swez on 11/27/2004 20:53:03
It's at least 4 channels and maybe a sub channel as well. Are you planning to just replace the OEM speakers with Aftermarket ones or pull the stock HU and use Aftermarket HU, amps & speakers?
It looks like 5-1/4" - 6-1/2" will fit on front doors. Rear deck can use same or 6x9 ovals per Cruchfield fit guide.
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-FaMvJe7LslM/cgi-bin/autoinfo/autoinfo.asp?s=0&id=&vehicleid=
13636&cc=01&vb=Y&TypeCH=home&lp=%
2FS%2DFaMvJe7LslM%2Fcgi%2Dbin%
2FProdColl%2Easp%3FcId%3D1721
Got a budget number in mind?
Swez
cplkittle on 11/28/2004 22:45:06
a word of advice, when upgrading a factory system, get rid of the factory amplifier. Some infinity systems have the amplifier piggybacked onto the speakers themselves, so an amplifier is needed anyway if you plan to use the factory radio.
I would start with a good (good meaning not purchased at wal-mart, kmart, etc..) radio (head unit). and 4 good speakers. If at all possible, check the mounting depth of your existing speakers before purchasing new ones, Crutchfield has been known to be wrong in this area, especially in vehicles like yours where 5 1/4 and 6 1/2" speakers are recommended. 5 1/4 speakers fit into the factory molded bracket which is usually 1.5 - 2" deep. The 6.5" speakers fit into the area where the mounting bracket was if it were removed. Now removing the bracket removes that 1.5 - 2" depth that you had, and now a 6.5, which is normally deeper in design is supposed to fit? most of the time that extra depth is needed for clearance from the window. Just a suggestion...
shenning on 11/29/2004 11:09:34
Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. I would like to replace the entire system, since I've read of complications from just trying to replace the amplifier. Since I'm not up-to-date on car audio, it's a little difficult to navigate through the maze of what is out there.
My goal is to upgrade to a system that is of higher quality sound reproduction. It doesn't have to have enough power to make my ears bleed, but does need to give me more than I've got now. I'm not sure what is a reasonable amount for a good system, but I'm open to suggestion on what choices would be best. Then I can decide what is reasonable for me.
Thanks again for your help.
swez on 11/29/2004 11:49:42
As CPLKittle noted, most installers will bypass or disconnect the external stock amps and speakers and start fresh. He also brings up a very important consideration in speaker selection... how deep can you go into the door w/o hitting mechanicals of the window.
Let's have an overview and start with a very well known brand and systems approach:
HU: Alpine has many very nice models in various price ranges to fit your needs and features that you may desire. Pioneer is also a reputable brand as would be Clarion, Kenwood or perhaps even Blaupunkt
Some HU's have modest to good amping power already built into the main body. They range from 16 x 4 to 26 x 4 WRms per channel. With high efficiency speakers, a 26 x 4 HU will give pretty good SPL, but not the clarity and added power of using an outboard amping system.
To view a few possible HU's go here and see what's offered. Crutchfield does not have the lowest prices, but they have excellent product details and information. You can always buy what you want either locally of off internet sites that offer deep discounts.
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Ip4AUiNgRAU/cgi-bin/prodmenu.asp?c=3&Search=alpine&ssid=1&SearchDisplay=&wmsf=1
==================================================
Speakers:
We do need to determine the maximum depth of door speakers you can use in this vehicle. A 6.5" woofer and separate tweeters w/ a crossover are best if you are a picky listener. However, Coaxial designs are cheaper and will sound better than stock in most applications.
The front speakers are the most important choice you have to make. They determine the quality and quantity of audio up where you live... the diver's seat. The rear speakers are mostly for ambient fill. You can use full range coaxials or MB drivers in back (lows only). It's more of a preference than a rule... up too you.
====================================================
Sub
A modest powered subwoofer will add a new dimension of low end bass to the entire sound system. You can use a small self-power sub
or use an outboard amp to drive the sub. How much bass you want, will determine the size of the sub, amp power and cost.
===================================================
OK, that's a general overview of the project at hand. A thought to keep in mind would be the quality of the components you choose. Great quality systems are expensive, but with some careful shopping and DIY as much as is possible, you can get very good results.
Just browse the Alpine line of HU's amps, speakers etc and see what appeals to your needs and budget. Then come back with some comments and we can go to the next step.
http://www.alpine-usa.com/
Swez
shenning on 11/29/2004 11:54:01
Thanks for the tutorial, Swez. I'll take a look around and see what I can find.
Steve
swez on 11/29/2004 12:25:33
Cool... we'll help you pinpoint a bit after you've had a chance to look around.
As a nice 5 channel amp for this package, have a look at the Alpine MRV-F450. Pretty expensive at Crutch, but a little shopping can chop the price to mid $300.00 range.
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Ip4AUiNgRAU/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=120&I=500MRVF450&search=alpine&wmsf=1
Dave
shenning on 11/29/2004 13:28:48
I see the value of the 5-channel amp. But that seems to reduce my overall power. Or is the rated 286 watts of my Infinity system not RMS power? I can't seem to find any information on the system that's in my car. Neither Chrysler or Harmon Kardon will tell me anything.
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