Thread: Thoughts on an audio system

Hey guys completely new to audio components and what not. I was wondering if people could put what they think a decent system would be (including cost) also how to decide what is decent quality in a market where there is a billion options. Obviously a top of the line build is not necessary as Im just getting into all this but want something that will sound nice and be a decent upgrade from the stocker.

Obviously Im expecting some flame on this because its so general so Lets just get passed that. Im just interested in maybe working on my car a different way then the visuals ive been doing and hoping you with a vastly large knowledge base will help a newbie in the field out!

Originally Posted by xekrubx

Find a good deck. Kenwood excelon, pioneer premier, alpine. Something with usb input and aux headphone input. 6 channel pre outs around 3-5 volt.

As far as I know most single dine units are ~4volt pre-out. Double dins are typically 2-volt. Otherwise you can't really recommend a deck until you know what the install requirements are and add the features in on top of that.

Voltage pre-out isn't a huge deal with the amplifier gains we have these days.

Possibly even sat bluetooth and hd radio ready if you want. For speakers id do components up front. With a little modification to the stock brackets I was able to fit 6" boston acoustics and im still able to put the stock speakers back in. I glued the tweeters to the stock location. And there was plenty of space on the door for the crossovers. For the rear a good set or 2 or 3 way 6x9s will do.

Save your money and stay away from 6x9's. Stay away from rear speakers entirely unless you have time correction built into your head unit.

I used 6.5 components in the rear with adapter plates. Only because I already had them. Amp for interiors should at least be 100a watts max per channel. Works well for me. For bass its all about preference. Fast tight bass you go with 10s for deep long lows 12s or 15s work. And a good power and ground setup. I've been pushing it using 4 gauge wire for 2400 watts in my last 2year cars and its been fine. I should upgrade to a 0. As for cost I've spent around 800 over the past 4 years. Some free stuff some used and some new. Ebay and craigslist are your friends. I've saved around a grand using craigslist and ebay. Shop around. I saved 100 on my deck brand new using ebay over crutchfield. Sonic electronix is a great site too.

"Fast" or "Tight" bass has nothing to do with the size of the cone, ever. If you just throw a speaker in without regard to T/s specifications then what you get is a toss up. Your mids are actually what shape the sound of your bass. Also, wire isn't as important as some people think. Your goal is to avoid corrosion, maintain as much surface contact as possible, and pay for flexible wire/cable as needed. Anything else is just snake oil marketing.


First thing you want to do is decide your install locations. Then we can choose speakers that will fill that application. Once we know that much we can buy a head unit and amplifier(s).

I asked the same type of questions about a year ago and got limited responses/flaming. Most of the stuff really comes down to what fits, what requirements do you have etc.

Being a Regal owner, I could fit a double din. Therefore I concentrated there, picked a price range of $400ish and came across what I think is a nice Pioneer with touchscreen. This works out nice because I also wanted a back up camera. Nice big picture.

From there I chatted with a bunch of buddies and they mostly suggested Boston Acoustic speakers. Having the middle of the line speakers, it's amazing. I've never been a fan of super expensive because I don't "hear" the difference personally. Then for an amp, needed somethign taht wouldn't take up the whole car. For me keeping the car/trunk etc functional is a big thing. Got the GTA-1005 amp, it takes care of all the speakers and had room to add a subwoofer. Why not add a sub I said. Got the G3 10" Boston sub.

To me.. it's the best system I've had. To others.. oh wait, I drive this car.

Haha i like your point Bill and yes With the 05 I have the built in capacity for a double din and that is what I have been looking at. As for upgraded speakers I have no clue what to even begin to look for. Thats my main issue. If I get it my friend can wire it I know that. Hes a wiz when it comes to electrical wiring thank god. But other then that im at a loss unfortunatly!

Hmm now thats rather interesting to hear. For more rock music what would most people recomend? As you stated thats alot more double bass

Alright lets break this down im confused lol!!!

What should I focus on in each location and what is the importance!!! I know I have door speakers, Dash speakers, and Speakers in the rear. What type should I focus on?

I like to do what bill said.. Start at the HU and work you way out

SO component 2 or 3 ways are the way to go? I was looking and using ebay it looks like I could get a full set of Boston acoustic for around 150$. Then I would need and amp for them and a new HU correct?

Then on to choosing the sub? If I am incorrect please lead me in the right direction

Thanks for the input matt I appreciate it. And what do you mean with the sub?

I know there are meny different opinions on them and obviously I dont need anything thats going to blow me away in the idea of rattling my car apart but I would like to have some bass sound coming from my car. Could i do that with only new speakers or would a sub be necessary to achieve this?

get a small sub, something that wont take up you whole trunk, say a nice 10", it will give you some boom but not a lot

Hmm still need a seperate amp for the sub right? but nothing to extreme then im guessing

personally, i get a decent HU that does what i need it to (ipod etc), replace the factory speakers, then put a small sub in the back and i get everything i want in sound.
hell this time im not getting a sub right away, just the hu and speakers, makes a difference to me.. i dont wanna have a million dollar audio set up. i wanna be able to hook my phone up, get some tunes and drive!

zthats what im thinking so far the most expensive part appears to be HU. I was looking at a DVD player so around $300-400 speakers and would I have to replace factory amp?

naw, keep the factory amp for the door speakers, it works fine

its only when you start to get into subs that you need to get amps, IMO

Hmm well that saves money. Judging by that I could get a full set of Boston acoustics (from what fitment guides say will fit) on ebay for around 150$ and then just need a HU? Thats not too bad and actually doable in the future too