Stereo Stupid....need advise
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 446
Likes: 14
From: Huntsville, AL
Stereo Stupid....need advise
I just picked up a 2001 vert. I'm looking to upgrade the stereo with something that sounds a lot better with the top down. I'm looking to spend about $1500 total. I don't need video or HUGE bass, but want something nice. I listen to anything from Everclear to 3 Doors Down, to BTO. I have looked at getting a 10" subwoofer, and a Alpine CDA-9820 HU. From there....I just don't know. I haven't put in an aftermarket radio in 10 years. Thanks...and help would be great.
..........It's done....................
http://www.photohost.org/gallery/sho...hp/photo/70699
..........It's done....................
http://www.photohost.org/gallery/sho...hp/photo/70699
Last edited by hp_therapy; Oct 19, 2004 at 05:13 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 2
From: Wesley Chapel Fl
Well Vette you have only a few options with your car. Personally I would first add a sub to the stock and see how you like it. It can't hurt to do so since you will need the sub later if you want more. Now if you want more than that you are best of to remove all the Bose...head unit and speakers. Though it can done adding a head unit or speakers into the Bose can be a PITA and with parts cost you almost as much as replacing it. But alot of people just add a sub and are very happy with the factory system.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 2
From: Wesley Chapel Fl
Hard to make recommendations. There is ALOT of good product other. Including RF..I like their stuff alot. What I would do is check out what the local shops are selling and then do a comparisson based on price, power, and features. Play with the head units in the board. Listen to the speakers and check some online stuff. My personal favorites are Pioneer, JL Audio, Focal, MB Quart, Phoenix Gold, and RF. Alot of the choice comes down to personall preference and price. I would be more conserned with the shops abilities than the product.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,865
Likes: 0
From: Chicago il
I disagree, with a budget of $1500, you can get a faily decent head unit of your choice and 4 very nice speaker. Go with infinity or boston acoustics, or polk audio. Get a good size amp and power all four of them, You will be amazed at how good they sound and how much bass they give you. From there if you still crave more volume and bass get another amp and a 10 or 12 inch woofer in the back with a decent size amp and you have a full system
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,071
Likes: 0
From: GO CUBBIES!!!!!!!!!! Illinois
The best speakers for the money in the world are CDT's. (IMHO)
Stick with an Alpine deck, CDT's up front and a JL sub. Power them all with an amp from JL or Phoenix Gold. There is no reason to run two amps for a system unless you want HUGE bass. I have a PG Tantrum 600 watt 4 channel amp. Its running 150 up front and its bridged to 300 to the sub. It will make your ears bleed. I could run more power up front but I dont need to be more deaf than I already am.
The CDT's are absolutely the most amazing speakers I have heard for such little money. Hell I paid $150 for my CL-61's which are components and they are outstanding!!!
Stick with an Alpine deck, CDT's up front and a JL sub. Power them all with an amp from JL or Phoenix Gold. There is no reason to run two amps for a system unless you want HUGE bass. I have a PG Tantrum 600 watt 4 channel amp. Its running 150 up front and its bridged to 300 to the sub. It will make your ears bleed. I could run more power up front but I dont need to be more deaf than I already am.
The CDT's are absolutely the most amazing speakers I have heard for such little money. Hell I paid $150 for my CL-61's which are components and they are outstanding!!!
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 14,137
Likes: 2,984
From: Iowa
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
on the set-upBuy a nice HU, a 4 channel amp, a quality sub and a quality set of speakers for the front. Screw the rear speakers, you don't need them espically with your limited budget.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 446
Likes: 14
From: Huntsville, AL
Well...it's all on order. I decided to go with a Clarion HU, Phoenix Gold Amp/Sub/Speakers. Also going to install Sirius unit and AUX input for my MP3. Now....I just need a mount for my HU and speakers. Not the most killer setup by some standards, but it will work for my needs and the $$. I'd rather continue to put the big $$ into the engine.
Thanks all for the input. As always, the forum is the best place to turn to for info and advise.
Thanks all for the input. As always, the forum is the best place to turn to for info and advise.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 446
Likes: 14
From: Huntsville, AL
Well.....It's all finished. I used vruvrum's mounting plates, modified Jason's sub box, and now it's done. This included painting some of the engine compartment. Take a look...
http://www.photohost.org/gallery/sho...hp/photo/70699
http://www.photohost.org/gallery/sho...hp/photo/70699
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 446
Likes: 14
From: Huntsville, AL
Very happy. My main goal was to improve the low end sound with the top down, so it wasn't so muddy. It was achieved. It sounds really great with the top up, but still very, very good wit the top down. Bang for the buck...worth every penny.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 7,981
Likes: 37
From: Piedmont, SC Currently Own: 99 Nassau blue FRC. Previously Owned: 84,95,98 Indy Pace,01 Z06
Hey Brian, glad you are happy with everything! The box looks awesome! I had to view your email with the pics at my moms house cause for some reason I could not view them on my computer! Let me know how that was done to the box, etc, if you don't mind!! Looks awesome! Jason
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 446
Likes: 14
From: Huntsville, AL
Originally Posted by J's 1998 Pace Car
Hey Brian, glad you are happy with everything! The box looks awesome! I had to view your email with the pics at my moms house cause for some reason I could not view them on my computer! Let me know how that was done to the box, etc, if you don't mind!! Looks awesome! Jason
Last edited by hp_therapy; Oct 19, 2004 at 09:54 PM.