Audio upgrades..........

Tiltboy · 01-20-2005, 02:08 PM

Hi guys, I am looking for advice on audio upgrades. I currently have an SE crew, with the basic double din single cd player. I would like to keep my overall budget around 1k. I have a Roady 2 XM unit I would like to wire up also. My first question is.....should I look for a double din unit, or do they make a nice adapter (with a tray or something) to go to with a standard size deck. I usually listen to rock, (classic and new), so I don't need the big hip hop boom! Speaker and amp suggestions also appreciated.

Thanks,

Tiltboy

**lizardking** · 01-21-2005, 12:16 AM

The cheapest double din unit that is any good is the Kenwood Excelon DDX7015. This deck can be had from $800-$1200 bones... Now if your looking for a non audio/video double din deck then your choices are very slim when it comes to quality.

Couple choices of Double Din:

http://www.woofersetc.com/product.asp?0=323&1=326&3=847

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu...roductID=14137

I personally would go with the one at DPX6020 if I wanted a double din..

Single Din non video decks which might be you best option if your on a budget:

Eclipse is would be my first choice because of pure quality. http://www.eclipse-web.com/index_cd.html

CD8454
CD5444
CD3434 (This would be my choice if on tight budget)

Other nice single din decks:

http://www.woofersetc.com/product.as...4&1=207&3=2620
http://www.woofersetc.com/product.as...4&1=207&3=2622
http://www.woofersetc.com/product.as...2&1=334&3=2427
http://www.woofersetc.com/product.as...2&1=334&3=2430
http://www.woofersetc.com/product.as...0&1=431&3=2452
http://www.woofersetc.com/product.as...0&1=431&3=2461

Speakers and amps there are alot of choices. Elemental Designs gets alot of props from SmokeTitan and Bestatchess. This maybe your best choice when on a tight budget. http://www.elementaldesigns.com/

You will also need the Nissan double din faceplate and the Metra kit if you choose the single din route.

bestatchess · 01-21-2005, 04:07 AM

Like lizardking said, there are some package deals here:

http://www.edesignaudio.com/11kv2_special.htm

I have two ed6500 component sets (which seem to be the same thing as CDT at a better price, and two component sets is probably over-kill) and one 11KV2 sub driven by a 400 watt amp and it has plenty of base for me (rock & blues, no hip-hop here either).

I think you need to factor some sound deadening into your budget if you get good speakers, amps & sub(s). (See, e.g., recent "insane rattles" thread).

You might think about edging your budget up to maybe $1,500 to cover a decent HU, double din dash cover, speakers, sub(s), amp(s), sub box, wire (speaker wire, amp cable, 0 gage battery/chassis/ground upgrade, good 4 channel RCA cable, wire terminals, and maybe optional although nice to have stuff like -battery terminal, distribution block, capacitor), and sound deadening for at least the doors. You can save a few $ by keeping the stock HU and using an LOC, but by the time you buy a decent LOC, there is really not much point in going to the aggravation (unless you need to keep integration with rear audio controls, steering wheel controls, OEM DVD, NAV).

One convenience feature I included was to use a circuit breaker instead of a fuse on the amp power cable (under the hood, close to the battery). That way you can turn the power to the amps off by flipping a switch, which is nice when you are working on & tweaking your install and which also conveniently deters garage techs, tire shop tyros, etc. from playing with your stereo and maybe blowing speakers.

smoketitan · 01-21-2005, 12:09 PM

hey bestatchess where did you get that circuit breaker from, I had the infamous service tech blowing speakers ordeal--lol

and that sounds like a good idea. Id need a circuit breaker that could handle 250A is that possible??

DesertTitan · 01-21-2005, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smoketitan

hey bestatchess where did you get that circuit breaker from, I had the infamous service tech blowing speakers ordeal--lol

and that sounds like a good idea. Id need a circuit breaker that could handle 250A is that possible??

Or you could just remove your power fuse before you take it in to the dealer. That's probably what I'll do.

Or another option is to put a hidden toggle switch on your remote wire to your amps. I have heard bad things about circuit breakers for power amp applications.

coolvette · 01-21-2005, 12:49 PM

Go to crutchfield.com. Check out the clarion head units I put in the clarion h.u., cost 249.00.
It has aux input for your roady 2, I have mine installed this way. Best of all it changes to orange to match factory colors, plus 64 others colors.
Overall I'm happy with this unit.

TexTitan04 · 01-21-2005, 01:59 PM

lizardking, did you locate your amps behind the rear seats. if so, when you fold the seats up did they impact. any heat issues through the seats? (i have a 200w 160w and a 280w to locate)
i have a 10" sub from my previous Z71 That's still crisp and plenty adequate. i need a new enclosure, but i won't pay 4 bills so some dillweed @ mobile1 can hack one out. any suggestions on a pre-made manufacture. anybody know if the crossovers with the rockford system are remote or in the depths of the dash. i'd like to at least have the opportunity to destroy the R-F cones before i replace with MBQuarts or Alpine? by the way the R/F system was one of the the worst audio investments i've ever made. i recomend against for anybody considering.

bestatchess · 01-21-2005, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexTitan04

know if the crossovers with the rockford system are remote or in the depths of the dash.

I tore out all the RF stuff except the HU and didn't see any crossovers.

Tiltboy · 01-21-2005, 06:40 PM

Thanks for all the input guys.....I have a few questions. I alrealdy have the double din faceplate, because that is my stock unit. Does the Metra kit have a tray, or just covers the extra opening? Also, I am familiar with Hu, but what is loc? Are you guys custom building your sub boxes,(and where are you putting them, under the back seat?) and do the door and dash speakers mount in the existing spaces, or do you need to modify most of them. Thanks for your patience with the audio newbie.

Tiltboy · 01-21-2005, 06:47 PM

One more thing, If I choose to go with the single deck, can I wire my Roady 2 with the Eclipse? I just got this Roady, and I would like to be able to swap from car to home. Any ideas on wiring it to an Aux or other?

coolvette · 01-22-2005, 12:54 PM

I'm not sure what kit Name I have, but it has a pocket under it. I built abox for a 12" sub, and put it under the passenger side, more room. I think if I was to do it agian I would try and make a box for 2 10"subs. I think I would get more spl out 2 10".

I Don't have much info on the Eclipse equipment, but there are others that have the aux feature.

Tiltboy · 01-23-2005, 05:21 PM

I saw the 3 units from Eclipse you recommended. Do you know if all 3 have auxillary inputs for the Roady 2 I want to use? I looked on the site, but it looked like only the 8000 series listed aux. inputs.

Thanks, Tiltboy

**lizardking** · 01-23-2005, 05:29 PM

You could call Eclipse to be sure!! I know the CD5444 does which is a very very nice unit...I thought the Roady2 was wireless?

Tiltboy · 01-23-2005, 06:41 PM

It has a wireless FM modulator, but the sound quality is supposed to be much better when using the RCA output. RCA should be highest quality, tape next, and the FM mod. third. I really wanted to hardwire my unit to try and get the best sound. Do you know if the 5423 is on the same level as the 5444? I am assuming this is the replacement model for it? Thanks for all your help Lizard!

Tiltboy

**lizardking** · 01-23-2005, 06:45 PM

Where did you find the 5423? You might want to give Eclipse a call to see if that one does have it.. Even ask about the 3series models sometimes they don't list all the specs..