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Replace Factory Wiring Or Not--Pros/Cons

S

sharpdr

GUEST
I am putting an Alpine CDA-D857 (GM Fit)
http://www.internetcarstereo.com/alpine/alpine_cda-d857.htm
and am also thinking of replacing the factory speakers with Alpine SPS-1729S. Frt and Rear.
http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-x8mZdFWRONv/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=10&g=52100&I=500SPS1729&o=m&a=1
I'm sure it would be better to replace the factory wires with Monster cable, but is it worth all the trouble to do it? I am looking for better sound quality, but don't really need trunk (MIDGATE) ;D thumping quality. Any body have the same wonders. I MAY replace the AMP but am worried about location for it. Just wondering how far a mod to go to get good quality (over factory) sound.
 
sharpdr said:
I am putting an Alpine CDA-D857 (GM Fit)
http://www.internetcarstereo.com/alpine/alpine_cda-d857.htm
and am also thinking of replacing the factory speakers with Alpine SPS-1729S. Frt and Rear.
http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-x8mZdFWRONv/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=10&g=52100&I=500SPS1729&o=m&a=1 ?
I'm sure it would be better to replace the factory wires with Monster cable, but is it worth all the trouble to do it? ?I am looking for better sound quality, but don't really need trunk (MIDGATE) ;D thumping quality. ?Any body have the same wonders. ?I MAY replace the AMP but am worried about location for it. ?Just wondering how far a mod to go to get good quality (over factory) sound.
Click to expand...

Well opinions are going to differ on this one but here is what I would do based on the information you provided. If you are going to simply do an HU and speaker swap, I would keep the existing wiring. Upgrading your wiring will provide minimal improvement while you are still using the OEM amp. NOW when you do decide to upgrade amps (which is highly recommended) you should absolutely change out the wiring. A few members like Monster Cable, I use Lighting Strike and there are several other affordable options when it comes to cables. Just make sure you select the right gauge for power and speakers.

If you need ideas on where to mount the amp, click my sig, check out Zimms pictures by clicking his sig and I know both RocknZ66 and Wiki have nice pictures of their installs (hope I didn't forget someone). You will notice a pattern: a popular spot for mounting amps is under the rear seats.

Good Luck!
drumkit.gif
 
Thanks carrerarod :)
I talked to Jason at JP Customs, and am currently waiting for the steering wheel controls to come in as well as the Onstar interface. Do you maybe know if I will need the steering control adapter for this Head unit. the above mentioned Alpine. The documentation says that it is steering wheel control ready? Just wondering if anyone knows or not, so I can order it from Jason and have all the pieces of the pie before I bake (y)
 
sharpdr said:
Thanks carrerarod ?:)
I talked to Jason at JP Customs, and am currently waiting for the steering wheel controls to come in as well as the Onstar interface. ?Do you maybe know if I will need the steering control adapter for this Head unit. the above mentioned Alpine. ?The documentation says that it is steering wheel control ready? ?Just wondering if anyone knows or not, so I can order it from Jason and have all the pieces of the pie before I bake ?(y)
Click to expand...

Good Question! Unfortunately I don't have an answer. I don't use steering wheel controls and have not done a setup. Jason is da man when it comes to these kits. I would try to get as much documentation of that feature from Alpine and compare with Jason.

Good Luck and post your results! We might be able to use your findings with other members! ;D
 
Sharpvette,
I'm not positive, but I'm pretty sure that aftermarket decks will not work with the JP Customs controls. ?I think JP's controls are just for the factory units. ?Anyone confirm or disagree??
Your Alpine has a specific Alpine steering wheel remote. ?My experiences with these aftermarket steering wheel remotes (Alpine, Blaupunkt, Pioneer) has not been too great. ?I don't even bother with them now. ?
I believe the standard remotes are much more user friendly and ergonomic. ?That alpine comes with a good remote :0:

As far as worrying about location for the amp - There is plenty of room under the rear bench. ?Either side, or in the middle would work. ?
An aftermarket amp would make a huge difference. ?Especially if you do much driving with all the windows down. ?I just hated it when I would crank the volume and the factory system would just get quieter because of some delco deck/amp cut-off or limiter :mad:
 
Thanks for the help, so I am assuming that I should go forth and venture into JP Custom world and get the remote converter for my Alpine head. Any experience on that matter. Will this Alpine play well with others
( i.e. the JP Custom steering wheel controls) or is it a rogue unit that doesnt like GM steering wheel controls....
 
I looked at the JPCustoms webpage yesterday and I think it shows that the steering wheel controls will not work with some radios. It is listed on his webpage which it does not work with. It does say that it will work with radios with infrared remotes.
 
This particular Alpine head unit comes with a remote, and is steering wheel remote ready, so I would assume IR ready?? I contacted Jason and he is going to contact ////Alpine to get specifics on that matter. Jason rocks :cool: Who else would go through all the trouble to get satisfied customers. If you haven't been to his site jpcustoms.com then you are missing out.
 
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