An Upgraded Av Sound System

[AvalancheKurt]

I want to upgrade the stereo equipment in the Av. Don't really know what brand to go with. I want to change the Head Unit, Door Speakers, and add some Subs, and Amps. Just looking for suggestions and what people like and don't. I like the idea of JL Audio Stealthbox for the midgate...pricey I'm sure, but interested. I've been out of the stereo loop for a little while and don't know what the norm is anymore. Just looking for suggestions and ideas. Thanks.

 

[DS]

If you're interested in a midgate enclosure and would like it soon, PM KodiakZ; he's built several midgate integrated boxes that look great, are well built and he knows what he's doing with subs.

As for source units, it's more a matter of what features you want than a brand being better or worse currently. They all use similar d/a converters, output circuitry that seems to be around 20-25W per channel, many play mp3 files, some will do wma's, several have pretty little dolphins mating on screen while you drive while others have stuck to a classic approach to their appearance. You can easily find a two or three way crossover built into many heads, a few offer EQ's that are actually useful, most have a dedicated non-fading sub output and on and on........

As for amps, you can't get any better than Linear Power, Zapco and US Amps. McIntosh makes really attractive amps, but they are HUGE and costly. If you like old equipment, check out Adcom's car amps from several years ago and the now obsolete a/d/s powerplates.

Speakers are totally a matter of budget, and will make the absolute biggest difference in your system. You've got high end all the way to swap meet prices, it is just a matter of what you want to spend. Please DO NOT buy any speaker set without listening to them first, preferably in a car and not on a demo board. If something sounds good to you, go with it. If someone says "this one is better, you don't want those" you can give him/her a good chance to explain exactly why they are better, and a chance to prove it. If they can't, head to the next shop until you find an honest one.

Give us some more details about what you're looking for, as I'm sure you'll get plenty of opinions from the forum.

 

[AvalancheKurt]

I most generally listen to Hip hop and Pop. The popular stuff in these categories.

For subs I'm not into the typical loud "booming" coming from a vehicle. I want more quality....not to be the loudest. I'm thinking about 2-3 10 inch subs (unsure what company).

For speakers I want a good range of sound = good speaker. I'm unsure if I should get a componet system or just a really good 3 or 4-way speaker.

For Amps, I'm not familiar with the ones that DS mentioned. I used to have a Rockford Fosgate. I don't know if I should hook the other speakers up to a separate amp or just from the head unit.

For the head unit....I don't want the Dolphins, however, blue back ground lighting/dials would be a bonus to match the interior blue lights. A remote is a bonus, not needed though. Several Pre-amp outputs...a specific one for a sub amp (if able to shut it off is a bonus). I think an equilizer, one that works properly, would be good, or I could just add an additional one. It needs to fit in the space there the current stock system does. I'm contemplating a DVD with screen head unit.

I'm open to all ideas and criticisms. KodiakZ....if you are reading this, you have a PM. I look forward to your help and advice. Thank you everyone.

 

[Little Bear]

As for source units, it's more a matter of what features you want than a brand being better or worse currently. They all use similar d/a converters, output circuitry that seems to be around 20-25W per channel, many play mp3 files, some will do wma's, several have pretty little dolphins mating on screen while you drive while others have stuck to a classic approach to their appearance.

I'm in the same boat as AvKurt. I'm thinking of replacing my stock '02 HU but I haven't bought one in well over 10 years and am a little out of touch with what's good or not. I've looked at many HUs online but this JVC caught my eye mainly because of it's features.

http://www.sounddomain.com/sku/JVCKDSH9700

I want one that will play MP3s and display the ID3 tag. A lot of MP3 HUs don't seem to support ID3 tags, just Folder 1 Song 4. Also I like this one for it's clean, simple, non-cluddered look, large text display and dimmer/contrast controls. And the price appears to be pretty reasonable. It does have the animated display but I can live with that. I'm sure it can be turned off if I don't like it.

How are JVC products these days? Is their quality any good?

LB

 

[the_dude]

I don't really care for JVC's mobile audio stuff. Doesn't seem to be up to the same standards as Alpine and Pioneer.

 

[topperge]

If I had to do it all over again....

I wouldn't change a thing

I have Focal 165 K3Ps in my front doors and 165 K2Ps in the rear. You would have to get the front door speaker covers fiberglassed ($600-700) but they would be painted to match your vehicle. I can hook you up a with a guy is necessary.

For the Sub I did a JL 10W7 ported

For amps I have a JL 300/2 for the front doors, a JL 300/4 for the rear doors (only using half) and a 500/1 for the W7.

For a headunit I went with a Pioneer DEH-P7500MP because of the MP3 cababilities and functionality with 3 separate preouts.

Honestly JL has to be one of the best for Subs and Amps right now. The only speakers I've heard that I like better are the Seas Lotus, they don't make a 3 way set or else I probably would have gone with them. But these new Focal Power series are greatly improved over the last series and rival, if not beat, their current Utopia line.

topperge

 

[whitethunder]

So here is what I have and I am very pleased with the sound and especially the cost.

I kept the Original head unit because I like the way is blends in and It works well.

I upgraded the front speakers to the new Pioneer 6.5 inch 4 ways and they sound awesome but they need to be amplified so I rerouted the output of the front speakers in to one of 3 new amps. I'm now pushing 75 watts out of each front speaker. its a KOSS 150 watt amp and there is no high pitched noise no noise filter was required.

I kept the rear door speakers attached to the OEM BOSE amp which came with my 02 and spliced the out puts to go to Old Pickup truck speaker boxs. 1 amp per box so thats 150 watts on left and same on right the whole package including installation cost less than $500 and it sounds great.

 

[Little Bear]

I don't really care for JVC's mobile audio stuff. Doesn't seem to be up to the same standards as Alpine and Pioneer.

By what standards do you mean? Sound quality, equipment reliability, fit and finish, features, etc... If it's sound quality or reliability then that's a problem.

I stopped by my local Best Buy and looked at a few stereos. They had only 1 JVC, 1 Kenwood, 1 Sony and the rest were Pioneer. Not a very big selection. I really liked the display of the JVC best, much nicer and easier on the eyes than all the others. I didn't get a chance to test drive any of them because the service people were too busy with others in the speaker and amp area.

I plan on visiting Circuit City to check out their Alpines.

LB