Need opinion on audio system for my truck

[reicherb]

I'm not looking for anything special. Basically I just want to replace the factory system in my 1995 Chevy full size. Here is what I'm thinking.

Kenwood KDC-2019
CD Receiver with CD Changer Controls
$159.99
link

Pioneer TS-A1661
6-1/2" / 6-3/4" 3-way Speakers
$79.99
link

Pioneer TS-G4647
4"x6" / 4"x6"m 2-way Speakers
$49.99
link


Bazooka EL804
EL Series 8" Bass Tube
$149.99
link

Jensen XA2125
125W x 2 Car Amplifier
$99.99
link

Total = 539.95

What do you guys think? I'm considering skipping the sub and the amp, but don't know what kind of sound I'll get without the amp.

Thanks.

 

[Chaotic42]

Disclaimer: I have only a vague knowledge of this subject...

What kind of music do you listen to?

 

[kherman]

Originally posted by: reicherb
I'm not looking for anything special. Basically I just want to replace the factory system in my 1995 Chevy full size. Here is what I'm thinking.

Kenwood KDC-2019
CD Receiver with CD Changer Controls
$159.99
link

Pioneer TS-A1661
6-1/2" / 6-3/4" 3-way Speakers
$79.99
link

Pioneer TS-G4647
4"x6" / 4"x6"m 2-way Speakers
$49.99
link


Bazooka EL804
EL Series 8" Bass Tube
$149.99
link

Jensen XA2125
125W x 2 Car Amplifier
$99.99
link

Total = 539.95

What do you guys think? I'm considering skipping the sub and the amp, but don't know what kind of sound I'll get without the amp.

Thanks.

Well, for a $500 budget, I would personally either get new door speakers or a sub only. And get bettter ones.

I'd get a better head unit. A low end model is fine, but go with a better brand. It's been a while so I'm not much help with prices.

 

[reicherb]

Originally posted by: Chaotic42
Disclaimer: I have only a vague knowledge of this subject...

What kind of music do you listen to?

Mostly classic rock, but some hard rock, and even some talk radio.

 

[reicherb]

A low end model is fine, but go with a better brand. It's been a while so I'm not much help with prices.

Any suggestions?

 

[kherman]

Well, the good thing with car audio is you get what you pay for. A $500 system, no matter the brands chosen, will sound like a $500 stereo. (except for Bose products of course).

Oh ya, is your full size an extended or regular cab? I built boxes for underneath the seats in the back of my '96 extended cab.

 

[reicherb]

It's just a regular cab. To put in a box, you have to remove a storage tray along the entire cab and keep the seats moved forward.

 

[kherman]

Originally posted by: reicherb

A low end model is fine, but go with a better brand. It's been a while so I'm not much help with prices.

Any suggestions?

Before flame wars start, my comments are based on personal experiences and a passion for car audio back in the day. I've even chatted with Alma Gates back when ICQ was the big thing. it's been about 2 years since I was "into" car audio. That's why my notion of costs today are off.

For head units, if you can find an Eclipse or Alpine for $160, I would go with one of them. Pioneer is OK. Don't get Sony. Try to get something with atleast Bass/Trebble adjustments.

I would higly recomend a single 8" or 10" sub with good excursion (you can get these numbers from manufacturers). excursion is how much the subs cone actually moves (max) and build a box for $10-$20. Fit the box for your cab. Trucks are tough to fit things in, which stinks.

Amps, well a cheap one is just that. Umm, spend the same on your amp as you spend on the sub. That's a fairly good rule.

Also, only replace your in-door speakers. Get better ones. Spend the whole $130 on them. Turn the pilar speaker off or fade them almost ompletely out with the head unit. You'll get better SQ.

 

[kherman]

Originally posted by: reicherb
It's just a regular cab. To put in a box, you have to remove a storage tray along the entire cab and keep the seats moved forward.

Yup, that's the b1tch of installing stereo's in regular cabs.

Might need to get more advice from someone more up to date on current products. i would really try to stay away from those bazooka tubes.

 

[reicherb]

I appreciate the advice.

 

[xardion]

i would recommend getting a cd player that also uses mp3's...aiwas r ok and kinda cheap, mp3 player is the way to go

 

[reicherb]

Hey, if I skip the sub, can I skip the amp? Or do I need to to push the other speakers?

 

[kherman]

Originally posted by: reicherb
I appreciate the advice.

Well, on that note, I'll see whatI can do

I'll be back in a bit.

 

[kherman]

Go here and see if you can track down an install for a standard cab, full size truck teamROCS was my old stomping ground backin '98-'99 or so.

 

[reicherb]

Originally posted by: kherman
Go here and see if you can track down an install for a standard cab, full size truck teamROCS was my old stomping ground backin '98-'99 or so.

Looks like they aren't keeping that site up to date anymore. Many of the links are bad and what ones work are either cars or S-10s with speakers in the box.

 

[kherman]

I'm talking to a car audio guru. he said for $500, your better off going to Mexico and getting 10 whores, then calling it a day.

 

[kherman]

I mgiht have to try do convince you of upgrade theory.

But hte system in two parts. Spend $500 now and $500 later.

NOW) get a head unit and some new door spekers. Spend $500 there.

Down the road, buy a subwoofer and amp. You might even have a new vehicle which can better accomodate them.

 

[reicherb]

Originally posted by: kherman
I'm talking to a car audio guru. he said for $500, your better off going to Mexico and getting 10 whores, then calling it a day.

I'm not looking for anything super special I just can't stand the hollow sound of the stock speakers in this thing.

Also I like the Mexico idea, but I'm not sure I could make it to the 10th whore.

 

[kherman]

ACtually, door speaker tend to be harder to put in any car due to the factory cut outs for the speaker placements. You might wantto figure out how to do the sub/amp first.

 

[kherman]

Originally posted by: reicherb

Originally posted by: kherman
I'm talking to a car audio guru. he said for $500, your better off going to Mexico and getting 10 whores, then calling it a day.

I'm not looking for anything super special I just can't stand the hollow sound of the stock speakers in this thing.

Also I like the Mexico idea, but I'm not sure I could make it to the 10th whore.

Goal, better SQ.

I would get a new head unit and replace the door speakers. how long do ou plan on keeping this truck?

 

[reicherb]

I'll probably have it 2-4 years.

 

[kherman]

Originally posted by: reicherb
I'll probably have it 2-4 years.

You see, the trick is, for better SQ, especially the music you listen to, I'd have to say go with new in door speekrs and a high power head unit. Piioneer used to makehead units with good power (40 watts/ channel). I'd do that and solve the subwoofer problem when you have more $$$$$.

Go listen to speker/head unit combinations at a store. Both matter. Take a CD with you that you like. Pick the speakers that you htink sound hte best. That's another rule, you have to listen to them, so you have to pick the ones you think sound best, not what I or anyone else says.

I'll be back shortly with a head unit recomendation.

 

[reicherb]

Does this seem reasonable?

Aiwa CDC-MA01
CD/MP3/WMA Receiver
$229.99
Link

Kenwood eXcelon KFC-X168
6-1/2" 2-way Speakers
$149.99
Link

Total = 379.98

I guess I really need to just hit Best Buy and listen to a few different systems.

 

[kherman]

I jsut noticed your links. DO NOT BUY FROM CRUTCHFIELD!! I've noticed prices there 40% higher than a local stores prices. Typically 20-40% price inflation through crutchfield!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's a good place to look for ideas, but DO NOT BUY FROM THERE!

 

[kherman]

Originally posted by: reicherb
Does this seem reasonable?

Aiwa CDC-MA01
CD/MP3/WMA Receiver
$229.99
Link

Kenwood eXcelon KFC-X168
6-1/2" 2-way Speakers
$149.99
Link

Total = 379.98

I guess I really need to just hit Best Buy and listen to a few different systems.

Open up the yellow pages and look for a car audio specialty shop. They have the better stuff. You can still get stuffthere for the prices you are looking at.