Help me choose head unit + speakers

[Race94]

I am on a budget, looking for a decent head unit + speakers, nothing flashy, just a good combo to replace my blown speakers and crappy head unit. These speakers don't seem to be a direct fit according to their speaker size guide, will i have any trouble, need anything else to put these in?

Here are some i am considering, let me know what you think or reccomend me some, i'm leaning towards Polk because it's the most affordable.

Head unit:
http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/...=0&c=3&g=300&I=130DEH1500&o=m&a=1&cc=01&avf=Y

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/...?s=0&c=3&g=300&I=133DF402&o=m&a=1&cc=01&avf=Y

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-VEr9UNfQMoQ/ProdView.asp?I=133DP383

Speakers:

Front:
http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/...c=10&g=52000&I=023PCXT652&o=m&a=0&cc=01&avf=N

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/...c=10&g=52000&I=130TSG1647&o=m&a=0&cc=01&avf=N

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/...0&c=10&g=52000&I=107GXR6A&o=m&a=0&cc=01&avf=N

Rear:
http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/...c=10&g=52300&I=023PCXT693&o=m&a=0&cc=01&avf=N

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/...c=10&g=52300&I=130TSA6960&o=m&a=0&cc=01&avf=N

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/...0&c=10&g=52300&I=107GXR69&o=m&a=0&cc=01&avf=N

 

[Race94]

anyone?

 

[will4u2k]

ide say pioneer head (this is where you need to spend the most money save and get the best you can)

polk fronts (i like polk stuff)
blaupunk rears (i had a set onc they sound good)

 

[Race94]

thanks!
Anyone else?

The head units all feature the mosfet so i figure they all sound good.

 

[strunk]

alpine head unit and Infinity kappa series 5 1/4 inch for the front and Infinity kappa three way 6 by 9 in the back

 

[Race94]

i'm on a budget

 

[will4u2k]

why wast money on an alpine, they suck now. ive had 2 alpine cd players just die on me. if your going to spend that kind of money just get an Eclipse head ive had 3 of them, and will never buy another brand of cd player, Eclipse make the best stuff

 

[Race94]

i think i'll go pioneer

 

[neuralracing]

Those HU's will require a lot of trim given that they are alot smaller than the OEM (CD/CASS Combo)... What HU do you guys recommend to replace the stock HU and that will is almost the same size as OEM on a 1990 TSI?

 

[98RedGs]

Personally i say get an MP3/CD Player/TUNER, because i think that if you dont you will regret it later because a mp3 player would be awsome!
A cd with about 100 songs would be something thats AWSOME for a trip or just to drive around to.


Fronts and rears?
Polk comes to mind.
So does a pioneer two-ways. (three way isnt needed for his setup).
If you do decide that you wanna hit an amp just get a really small one in the future like maybe a 100x2 and put the 6x9s on one channel and the 5 1/4's on another channel. BOOM! Perfect setup minus subs.

 

[neuralracing]

Pardon my ignorance but does DIN mean?

 

[Beef Jerky]

DIN is the measurement of the dash opening for a cd player.



Best bang for the buck would probably be Infinty speakers, even the Reference series is better than most in the same price range. As far as HU's, invest in a decent one because that is what your system can grow off of. You can probably find Infinity speakers on eBay for close to half of what Crutchfield charges, but if you're new to car audio, you might want to stick with Crutchfield for the purchase of your HU being they include all the extra mounting hardware required and detailed instructions with all HU purchases. My favorite HU's are Alpine, Pioneer, Kenwood Excelon, and Clarion. You might want to consider an amp for your speakers as well to take advantage of their full potential....even if it's a small one just for the front speakers. Just remember, you get what you pay for...especially in car audio.

 

[neuralracing]

ANy suggestions on an Amp to run the 4 speakers (actually 6 because I plan on putting a component set with cross-overs in the front) and a 12" Sub in the back? Can I do all of that with a 5 Channel or do you recommend going with one Amp for the Speakers and a seperate Amp for the Sub?

 

[will4u2k]

go with seprat amps if you dont mind the extra wires. kenwood and kicker make good 4 chanel amps

 

[neuralracing]

How do I know if I need a Cap? Is that after I install... that just helps prevent power drops... correct? I doubt I will need one for a mild setup like I am planning... I just want some bass and high fidelity... nothing to wakeup have the neighborhood.

 

[98RedGs]

If you get a cap, get a 1farad power cap. You dont need one that has the digital top, just one that gets the job done. If your pushing at least 500watts then you need an amp. Im moving 1000+ and i run a 5farad power box. Never any problems at all outa my setup.

 

[Race94]

I don't really need too much sound, i mean i had an aiwa head unit and cheap boss speakers in my last car and i was ok with that. I will go with the HU in crutchfield since they offer the things to install it and fit it properly.

Regarding speakers i will go ebay, so any recommendations, suggestions are welcomed, remember i'm on a budget, looking for a decent sound system.

What size should i put in speakers?

 

[97GS-TSpyder]

poneer DEH -p9400 head unit and
MA AUdio synergy or OZ audio speakers

 

[nutshot]

Kenwood does NOT make good amps. They did once, long ago, but their current mass-produced units are over-rated on power and lack sufficient cooling.

Every stereo shop offers the installation kit for yer car. Don't choose crutchfield solely on that. They are good folks, but not the best.

Find a local shop where you can listen to the HU's and speakers directly. Go for THD's (test buy putting a disc in HU, then pausing with volume all the way up) and pre-amp voltage (higher means cleaner signal). On speakers, three ways are never a good choice (the mid-range speaker is far to small).

 

[Slappster]

Don't buy from crutchfield. There are much cheaper places and ebay especially.

 

[Beef Jerky]

Originally posted by Race94
I don't really need too much sound, i mean i had an aiwa head unit and cheap boss speakers in my last car and i was ok with that. I will go with the HU in crutchfield since they offer the things to install it and fit it properly.

Regarding speakers i will go ebay, so any recommendations, suggestions are welcomed, remember i'm on a budget, looking for a decent sound system.

What size should i put in speakers?

What I would do if I were you is take what you would spend on the rear speakers and add that to what you already planned on putting into the fronts...this way you can get something a little better. Your stock rear speakers should be fine, especially running off an aftermarket HU. Front stage is most important, and in your case, I would only recommend replacing the rears as well if you've got the money to spare.

Judging from the price range you're looking at, I would recommend a pair of 6.5" Infinity Kappa 2-ways or a 6.5" Infinity Reference component set for your front. A component set is a seperate mid range speakers and tweeter with a crossover...as opposed to a 2-way full range speaker which is an "all-in-one" sorta deal. A component set will allow your music to play at a wider range of frequencies, thus sounding better....although the Kappa 2-way is also a very nice speaker and might be a little easier for a beginner to understand and install.