I'm getting rid of the Bose and don't know much about systems. All I want is a good CD head unit probably a Pioneer - that will fit the 89 dash nicely, 4 decent speakers, amp, and (possibly) some subs in the rear compartments. I'm not looking to blow the neighborhood away or win any contests but just want a good solid system that can hold its own. Any advice is appreciated, as I have no idea where to begin.

 

This topic has been addressed more times than my 86 has broken parts. Please read through similar threads to get an idea of what you want to spend, then let us know your budget. I can help you with a scratch install on your 89. My 86 has been apart MANY MANY times, and I know good wire routes, etc.

My system is a set of 6.5 components in front, and a single subwoofer in the back. This, i believe, is best. (rear speakers detract from sound quality.)

I would go with a signle din alpine head unit. I had the pioneer 1.5 din and its really only good for gm vehicles.

So what do you want to spend? $1000? $2000?

 

I don't want to spend much over 1,000, 1,500 tops.
You don't use speakers in the back? Why??

 

I've gone over it a lot, but i'll go over it again.


With GOOD QUALITY speakers up front, rear speakers aer not needed

* Stereo is recorded in two channels, it is improperly reproduced by 4
* Car audio is bad enough with your place ment between the speakers as it is. With the addition of rear speakers, you're making this worse. Think of your sound coming from slightly behind you, and to the right.
* Cancellation. Sound waves hitting each other and.. nullifying. (Okay thats not E XACTLY right but its basically what happens)

With a good set of speakers up front, the proper sounds come from in front of you, and the proper sounds go "around" you.

Here's a great set of 6.5's: I love CDT's, just ordered some from http://www.sounddomain.com
http://www.cbrstereo.com/Merchant2/m...ory_Code=CDTCS

CDT speakers are warm and natural. I cant wait to get mine.

$279

Now let's amplify them...
For that we go to MMXpress. Phonex gold is a great bet for not breaking the bank and getting really nice sound quality.
http://mmxpress.com/phoenix.htm

t500.2 $332

That's $611 so far.

Now we need a subwoofer.. I lie the Image Dynamics sub. the new v.3 is a great deal, and I have the v.2.. a great sounding sub. The tightest I've heard for under $300

For that, sounddomain.com
http://www.sounddomain.com/sku/IDSID10V3D2

$109

That's $720...

An amp for the sub from http://www.ikesound.com

JBL BP300.1 $145

Make sure you get the dual TWO ohm subwoofer from sounddomain, so you can use the JBL to its optential!

$865

Ah yes.. the head unit..

Lets go to etronics...
Alpin 7892! $224
http://www.etronics.com/product.asp?stk_code=alpcda7892

$1089, then you need 4 gauge amp kit, you can get from Walmart for almost nothing. Ignore the 'Ratings" on the boxes, just get the FOUR gauge kit.
http://www.speakerhole.com has a great price on boxes. custom fabrication is VERY expensive if you want to put it behind yuo. (Youll get better performance iwht the sub aimed at the rear anyway)

This <$1200 total

And by no means is this a tame system.. you're looking att the crest of high end here. Just do some bargain shopping like that, and you're set.

btw, you'll have to cut your doors to get 6.5's in. you can use the cdt 5.25's if you dont want to cut them.

All the stuff I mentioned is tops in quality. Except the JBL amplifier, it's pretty id-low end, but I wouldn't worry about SQ that mcuh on a sub amp.

Your stock electrical system will easily power this.



[Modified by Nevermind, 11:57 AM 12/24/2002]

 

Hey thanks a lot for taking the time to set me straight. I've always thought cars with no rear speakers sounded crappy, but you seem to know your stuff.
Is it hard to modify the rear compartments to accept the sub? How about amp locations for the 2 ?

 

Cars with no rear speakers and low quality/cheap front speakers DO sound like crap. You have to have front speakers that are flat and strong from 80hz on up, or you end up with missing/quiet music. Fortunately with 100 watts of power each side and spectacular speakers like the CDT's thats NOT an issue.

I built a false floor in an L shape in mine, i used vinyl on the top.
Everythings in there. I have the sub in a generic box in the back. The top still fits over it, but I can't store things now.

If you want to put the sub in the storage compartmet, you need to build a custom box. If yuo are good with wood, thats no big deal. Just take the lid off the storage compartment, and build a box to set in there. Your sub wont be nearly as loud there as it would be facing the back wall, though. To get this done custom would cost upwards of $300-400 bucks.

I saw a nice install witha false floor and sub in the storage bin. I forget who'se car it was.. hopefully he'll chime in.