Hey guys

Pretty new to car audio. The only thing I've done is install some cheapo speakers and a used tape cassette in the glove box of my Vdub when I was at college

I've been learning a lot from these pages, and have decided to build me own sound system, and do it in stages.

First of all I need confirmation that I do in fact have the basic Delco and not the Delco/Bose system in my '96 C4 - here's some pics:

Rear speaker cover


Head Unit:


Please excuse the crappy nighttime camera phone pics..!

I spend 2 hrs a day in traffic in this otherwise amazing ride, and I just can't take the stereo any more..

The setup I'm thinking of will include component fronts, a nice sub in the rear passenger side storage box with its own amp and the option to add rear speakers later on. Not sure about an amp for the fronts yet, but I just want to get this thing started with a HU and front speakers.

I would like to keep the JVC 12 cd changer that came with the car and is in the back (radio transmits to HU receiver)

Now I understand that if it's the Delco I can update in stages, eg front speakers first, then HU, or vice versa.

Am I right in that this is a double-din unit and I can do a direct replacement with this HU - the Kenwood DPX301, which Myblue91 mentions you have in another thread.. ?

I really want to get this going this Christmas by asking the missus for either the HU or front speakers as my prezzie

Again, I'm a noob but don't mind doing a bit of reading up and bugging you guys to learn how to install a nice setup myself and get my hands dirty and save a few hundred $ in the process! Thanks for any advice

-Eaks

 

you have the base delco.

the kenwood looks nice in the C4 dash. No question. Just be sure it has some features. Sat radio, changer controls, MP3, things like that. Also, if you are going sat radio, sign up for the 3 free days from each of the brands, and compare the product. I have Sirius, and love it!

loose the JVC changer... seriously, unless you get a JVC head. The SQ of getting changer direct into the head is worth the cost.

check out the big box stores for equipment.

Infinity, Polk Audio, Alpine all make pretty good consumer level stuff.

Alpine makes some nice amps, too. I would recommend a pair of 8s, one in each rear enclosure.

I assume you have read the C4 Audio FAQ?

 

Thanks for the reply. You must get tired of answering same old questions!

Yes I've been reading like crazy.. The Audio FAQ is really useful and appreciated (I would say that some pics of typical installs in progress would be really nice to add). I just wanted to make sure I didn't have the Bose so I can do this in stages. I also don't know how much ripping apart of the interior I need to do yet - but looks like sound insulation is going to be necessary anyway.. My muffler eliminators demand it

I have read your recommendations for amps too and have that written down. Also been looking at the Elemental Designs website - I am really attracted to their stuff right now. I would like it to look as stealth as possible. No flashy displays, sat radio or DVD screens needed... MP3s yes of course.

Basically if I can match the sound of the Mach system in the wife's Escape, with a bigger sub, I would be very happy. Think I can do better tho Do 2 8's trump one 10"?

The wiring part terrrifies me. I can solder and I rebuilt the engine of my VW on the kitchen floor back in the day, but I'm not a fan of wiring..

 

I would say that two 8s will be nice in that c4, I would install them in the OEM rear Locations, I am in process of doing that on my c4. I have 2 Elemental designs (eD) 9kv.2 woofers one in each location, the OEM spots need some added sealing but should work well once that is handled.

Fronts:
You might be able to fit a 6.5 with tweeter component int he OEM spot, but it will be VERY tight. I think a 5.25" and tweeter will fit better.

Power:
Depending on how crazy you want to get.. eD makes some nice amps, the NINe.4 would work well for all speakers or do a NINe.2 for the front and NINe.2x in the rear.. with the 2 amps it makes it harder to hide them.

I have the NINe.2 and NINe.2x I am not sure if I will be using them or selling them for some older stuff.

Either way the eD amps seem solid and have a nice warranty and the ones with forum pricing are great bargains.

I agree with Bogus, if you get a Kenwood headunit get a changer to match it..

Wiring it is fun, not too bad.. Besides you had all of us for moral support