Car Audio Upgrade < $200

[khlee]

I'm lookign to upgrade the crappy speaker setup of my 00 corolla, but seeing that Im a broke college student, I can only spend around 200. Are there decent speakers/deck that I can get for that much? Thanks.

 

[slightlyhuman]

not a deck and speakers... one of the two for that much $. pick up a decent set of components, polk has a nice set under $200

 

[Demon-Xanth]

If you can scrape up $9 more+$9 s/h:
http://www.dbuys.com/product?3877

I plays MP3s off of DVD-R disks

 

[imported_LoKe]

I suggest just starting with some speakers for now. Although, you can get a decent JVC() deck for about, 150 Canadian, but that only leaves you a little money left for speakers, only enough for some low end 6x9's.

 

[khlee]

Originally posted by: Demon-Xanth
If you can scrape up $9 more+$9 s/h:
http://www.dbuys.com/product?3877

I plays MP3s off of DVD-R disks

thats kind of ghetto to have to wear headphoens to listent o music in your car

 

[khlee]

Originally posted by: LoKe
I suggest just starting with some speakers for now. Although, you can get a decent JVC() deck for about, 150 Canadian, but that only leaves you a little money left for speakers, only enough for some low end 6x9's.

does the deck make much difference in sound quality?

 

[tfinch2]

Save your money until you get around $300 and buy a low-end Alpine or Blaupunkt reciever and Infinity Reference speakers.

 

[khlee]

also, i play my ipod alot through the casette player. is the sound quality on casettes significantly poorer than on cd?

 

[imported_LoKe]

Originally posted by: khlee

Originally posted by: LoKe
I suggest just starting with some speakers for now. Although, you can get a decent JVC() deck for about, 150 Canadian, but that only leaves you a little money left for speakers, only enough for some low end 6x9's.

does the deck make much difference in sound quality?

It does, depending on the modes it offers.

Rather than buy piece at a time, take TFinch's suggestion. Save up and buy some front and rear speakers, a nice deck/ a coule subs and an amp.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Originally posted by: khlee

Originally posted by: Demon-Xanth
If you can scrape up $9 more+$9 s/h:
http://www.dbuys.com/product?3877

I plays MP3s off of DVD-R disks

thats kind of ghetto to have to wear headphoens to listent o music in your car

Huh?

I'm assuming that his car already HAS some speakers.
Note: the deck is not what is in the picture.

 

[scorpmatt]

yeah, buy once piece at a time. i've seen some crappy decks that cost well over 400 dollars. i picked up my pioneer deck (does mp3, wma, cdrw, sat ready, mosfet) for only 150.

 

[QueBert]

Originally posted by: khlee

Originally posted by: LoKe
I suggest just starting with some speakers for now. Although, you can get a decent JVC() deck for about, 150 Canadian, but that only leaves you a little money left for speakers, only enough for some low end 6x9's.

does the deck make much difference in sound quality?

yes, depending on the factory setup, new speakers + an amp can make a big difference.
I have a Taurus with the Mach audio system, it's basically Ford's high end system. Fine for the average person, but I wanted killer audio. So I dropped 2g's on 2 high end amps, some components & a sub. It sounded like junk.

If you get new speakers, you'll need an amp to really make them sound good. your factory deck just doesn't push out enough watts to juice them properly. A GOOD place to start would be speakers, save up from there, get an amp. and work on it one peice at a time.

Ebay has some killer deals. I got a set of Polk Momo Components off there for 195 shipped (brand new) 4 months ago. Retail was almost 400 when they came out. Then next buy get a Phoenix Gold amp, not overly expensive, excellent sound quality. Finish off the system with a Panasonic head unit. You could get one that does mp3/WMA + has a nice blue LED screen for fairly cheap.

 

[scorpmatt]

Originally posted by: QueBert

Originally posted by: khlee

Originally posted by: LoKe
I suggest just starting with some speakers for now. Although, you can get a decent JVC() deck for about, 150 Canadian, but that only leaves you a little money left for speakers, only enough for some low end 6x9's.

does the deck make much difference in sound quality?

yes, depending on the factory setup, new speakers + an amp can make a big difference.
I have a Taurus with the Mach audio system, it's basically Ford's high end system. Fine for the average person, but I wanted killer audio. So I dropped 2g's on 2 high end amps, some components & a sub. It sounded like junk.

If you get new speakers, you'll need an amp to really make them sound good. your factory deck just doesn't push out enough watts to juice them properly. A GOOD place to start would be speakers, save up from there, get an amp. and work on it one peice at a time.

Ebay has some killer deals. I got a set of Polk Momo Components off there for 195 shipped (brand new) 4 months ago. Retail was almost 400 when they came out. Then next buy get a Phoenix Gold amp, not overly expensive, excellent sound quality. Finish off the system with a Panasonic head unit. You could get one that does mp3/WMA + has a nice blue LED screen for fairly cheap.

the only downside to panasonics that i've found is that they have a tendency to eat cds. its a real bastige

 

[QueBert]

What do you mean "eat cd's" I just got the newest model with 512 color OLED display, it's pretty bad ass. Nice sound, no OGG support tho. I'm soooooooo glad I decided way back to encode all my 300+ cd's in OGG haha DOOOH!

 

[scorpmatt]

by eat cds, it takes the cd, then doesnt give it back. have had 3 panasonics do this, different models. a friend of mine bought a higher model one and it did the same thing. no, i cannot remember the models off top my head.

 

[imported_LoKe]

Originally posted by: scorpmatt
by eat cds, it takes the cd, then doesnt give it back. have had 3 panasonics do this, different models. a friend of mine bought a higher model one and it did the same thing. no, i cannot remember the models off top my head.

Maybe it's a problem with you?

 

[khlee]

Hey QueBert, thanks for your reply! I appreciate the advice. However, the amp you mention still costs too much for me. Is there a cheaper (but still good) one you know of? I'm looking for the best bang for the buck, since im not a hardcore audio enthusiast by any means.

 

[QueBert]

You have 200 total to spend, IF you can do the install (wiring yourself) you could get away with a semi decent amp + speakers. Nothing great, but sitll better then stock.

If you have a Circuit City around, I suggest you go there and see what they got on sale. They often times have 6x9's on blow out. a cheaper amp, Performance Teknique, not steller audio, but good bang for the buck. Also, look at Lanzer. You could probably get some okay 6x9's (or whatever you car has) and a Lanzer Opti amp for 2 bills. Still might be pushing it, as you'll need an amp kit.


Infinity speakers on Ebay 69 bucks

Phonix Gold 2 channel amp 90 bucks

you still need an amp kit, but that setup for your budget would sound excellent. You could find speakers a lot cheaper, but those are quality. same with the amp, but ghetto brands = teh sux0rs

 

[nakedfrog]

Originally posted by: khlee
Hey QueBert, thanks for your reply! I appreciate the advice. However, the amp you mention still costs too much for me. Is there a cheaper (but still good) one you know of? I'm looking for the best bang for the buck, since im not a hardcore audio enthusiast by any means.

If you just want better sound, you don't need an amp at all. Just get a deck and speakers. Most people don't need amps.

 

[scorpmatt]

Originally posted by: nakedfrog

Originally posted by: khlee
Hey QueBert, thanks for your reply! I appreciate the advice. However, the amp you mention still costs too much for me. Is there a cheaper (but still good) one you know of? I'm looking for the best bang for the buck, since im not a hardcore audio enthusiast by any means.

If you just want better sound, you don't need an amp at all. Just get a deck and speakers. Most people don't need amps.

yup. amps are if you want to really pound the hell out of your head. my deck powers my speakers enough to make my head hurt at times and give me a nice back massage whilst i drive.

 

[khlee]

awesome. one more question: are you sure about upgrading the head unit last? someone told me the head unit by itself significantly improves the sound..?

thanks

Originally posted by: QueBert
You have 200 total to spend, IF you can do the install (wiring yourself) you could get away with a semi decent amp + speakers. Nothing great, but sitll better then stock.

If you have a Circuit City around, I suggest you go there and see what they got on sale. They often times have 6x9's on blow out. a cheaper amp, Performance Teknique, not steller audio, but good bang for the buck. Also, look at Lanzer. You could probably get some okay 6x9's (or whatever you car has) and a Lanzer Opti amp for 2 bills. Still might be pushing it, as you'll need an amp kit.


Infinity speakers on Ebay 69 bucks

Phonix Gold 2 channel amp 90 bucks

you still need an amp kit, but that setup for your budget would sound excellent. You could find speakers a lot cheaper, but those are quality. same with the amp, but ghetto brands = teh sux0rs

 

[scorpmatt]

Originally posted by: khlee
awesome. one more question: are you sure about upgrading the head unit last? someone told me the head unit by itself significantly improves the sound..?

thanks

the only downside to upgrading your deck first is the possibility of blowing your stock speakers.

 

[QueBert]

a Head Unit would be awesome, but you have 200 bucks to spend, if you factor in tax + shipping (if you buy online) you're better off leaving deck be. The amp I linked too isn't going to blow anyones ear drums, Speakers sound infinitly better running threw an amp, it's not about volume, it's about clarity. My HU has a digital amp, 70x4, one of the best on the market, but on his budget he won't get a HU strong enough to properly push aftermarket speakers. And in a lot of newer cars installing a new HU can be a royal pain. He's going to have to do this himself, as installation on speakers/amp or headunit will run you close to 100 bucks just about anywhere.

just my opinion tho, as I'm not audio expert

 

[nakedfrog]

Originally posted by: QueBert
a Head Unit would be awesome, but you have 200 bucks to spend, if you factor in tax + shipping (if you buy online) you're better off leaving deck be. The amp I linked too isn't going to blow anyones ear drums, Speakers sound infinitly better running threw an amp, it's not about volume, it's about clarity. My HU has a digital amp, 70x4, one of the best on the market, but on his budget he won't get a HU strong enough to properly push aftermarket speakers. And in a lot of newer cars installing a new HU can be a royal pain. He's going to have to do this himself, as installation on speakers/amp or headunit will run you close to 100 bucks just about anywhere.

just my opinion tho, as I'm not audio expert

Saying they sound "infinitely better" through an amp is definitely stretching it. Installing a HU in my 04 Chrysler was easy as pie.
My personal recommendation would be the Clarion DXZ555
Manufacturer Link
Plenty of power, good sound, does mp3/wma, and has the flexibility for an amp in the future if you should decide. I own one.

 

[scorpmatt]

Originally posted by: QueBert
a Head Unit would be awesome, but you have 200 bucks to spend, if you factor in tax + shipping (if you buy online) you're better off leaving deck be. The amp I linked too isn't going to blow anyones ear drums, Speakers sound infinitly better running threw an amp, it's not about volume, it's about clarity. My HU has a digital amp, 70x4, one of the best on the market, but on his budget he won't get a HU strong enough to properly push aftermarket speakers. And in a lot of newer cars installing a new HU can be a royal pain. He's going to have to do this himself, as installation on speakers/amp or headunit will run you close to 100 bucks just about anywhere.

just my opinion tho, as I'm not audio expert

install of a headunit running over 100? wow, you must have places that over charge. it cost me less than 100 dollars to have my HU and new fronts installed.