Major NooB - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

quickerest · 07-13-2009, 04:21 AM

I have to say that in the area of audio systems I am extremely lame.

A salesman will rip me off I need your advise. I am looking for advise to avoid costly problems and on the best easiest to install system. I would like the system to not be too busy. I don't like getting out a microscope to find the right button to press.

1992 EB Stock everything. It will be abused so usb will be a must.

My goal? I don't need a huge system, but I need some bass. I understand the basics of speaker size and I would like to go with 2 10" for bass. I was also hoping to replace the current speakers but am not sure of the best replacements with the least amount of cutting. If I could I would like to get waterproof speakers for the doors.

Budget? Well I have no idea how much it could cost but I don't plan to spend over 5k on my system.

I want a nav system as well but I want a disk or chip based system that is not dependent on a gps. Not sure what kind of nav I can do without gps.

I have plans to integrate some screens and a even thought about a computer but mostly a dvd and some screens. I figure I will just leave a spot to plug in my laptop.

Any ideas or even links to other projects that would help?

Thanks.

parad1mg · 07-13-2009, 04:57 AM

try and give crutchfield a call.. those guys are awesome based on my own experience.. you can tell them a specific range and what you are trying to achieve on your budget and they will give you a range of choices and they have technical support whenever you get stuck with installing it..

just my $0.02..

Goodluck!

BSlusser · 07-13-2009, 05:03 AM

You have a 5k budget??

Beastb15 · 07-13-2009, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quickerest

I have to say that in the area of audio systems I am extremely lame.

A salesman will rip me off I need your advise. I am looking for advise to avoid costly problems and on the best easiest to install system. I would like the system to not be too busy. I don't like getting out a microscope to find the right button to press.

1992 EB Stock everything. It will be abused so usb will be a must.

My goal? I don't need a huge system, but I need some bass. I understand the basics of speaker size and I would like to go with 2 10" for bass. I was also hoping to replace the current speakers but am not sure of the best replacements with the least amount of cutting. If I could I would like to get waterproof speakers for the doors.

Budget? Well I have no idea how much it could cost but I don't plan to spend over 5k on my system.

I want a nav system as well but I want a disk or chip based system that is not dependent on a gps. Not sure what kind of nav I can do without gps.

I have plans to integrate some screens and a even thought about a computer but mostly a dvd and some screens. I figure I will just leave a spot to plug in my laptop.

Any ideas or even links to other projects that would help?

Thanks.

For starters...

1) Nav system. You won't be able to find an in-dash nav unit without GPS. They all use signals from the sattelites to give you real-time directions/locations. Now, might you be thinking that you want a disc based nav unit vs. a hard-drive based nav unit? That is more realistic.

2) We need a little more information about what you are looking for in terms of bass output. Are you just wanting clean crisp output or are you wanting to rattle stuff off bookshelves?

3) Seeing as how you want a navigation unit, I would research those first. It will be your biggest expense. This will let us know a little more about your budget for the rest of your system

quickerest · 07-13-2009, 03:48 PM

I am after crisp bass with a little hit in the chest. Nothing that is going to require me to rebolt my entire truck together. I do plan to 4X4 this unit alot.
I will need water proof door speakers.

yes disc based nav unit, but I want to be sure i can disconnect its function when needed. In otherwords i need to be able to turn it off and be sure it is really off. Much like turning off your cell phone and taking out the battery.
I don't participate in illegal activities but I also don't like the feeling of a leash attached to my car. one of the reasons i bought such an old vehicle.

For the deck, nav, speakers and 2 screens I was hoping to pay under 5 thousand dollars.

That said if i find the right nav unit I will pay more. again I have done no $$ research at this point and have no idea what this will cost. I just know that most shops will rip me off because I have no knowledge.

I will be looking at nav units today, makes alot of sense to get that out of the way first. Then i will give crutchfield a call.

Thanks alot really helped to get your input.

BigBoom · 07-13-2009, 05:10 PM

5k will be able to get you everything you are looking for. and then some. what i'm confused on are the water proof speakers. imo they arent very necessary. even if it were to pour down rain with the door panels off, it shouldnt be a problem. unless you plan on being knee high in water while you drive.

as for head units, look into some eclipse, pioneer, and alpine units. even clarion, i know many people that run clarion with no complaints.

as for the subs, i wouldnt look into anything that could handle more than 1000 watts for the pair. anything from 200-500 watts would probably suit you. anything more than 1000 watts and you're going to want to look into upgrading your alternator, batteries, and "the big 3" (which imo is good to do anyway), and to me that sounds like more work than you're looking to get. i would at least suggest upgrading the battery to the biggest deep cycle battery you can fit regardless. i dont know how hands on you are, but that's very easy to do.

quickerest · 07-13-2009, 07:38 PM

OK looks like I will go pioneer and for now i will upgrade the deck to a DEH-P610BT. Opinions???

Pioneer has waterproof cases. wc-400

I tend to get hood deep in water and there will be alot of waterproofing to do. The actual waterproof decks pioneer makes are great..but they dont put out as well as the system I am getting.

Nav: I figure as i modify the dash i will incorperate the AVIC-LINC with its extra amp. ND-G500. I will be getting a c4 transmission and once It comes time to install the floor shifter I will be modifying the dash. That is when i will install the nav system. My problem is understanding the gps and other systems and the ability to have privacy when i want it. The guy at the shop said the nav system does not work like my cell phone so there would be no need to disconnect it for privacy. I need a source for understanding how the nav. sys. work. Help???

Pioneer makes some great waterproof speakers . I can even get 10" units, each 10" unit comes with its own amp. ms-250

I still need to figure out the size I can go to in the doors. I would also like to know if there are door skins i can buy or if there are pods that work best for the gen 1 explorer? Any help in this area would really help.

I will upgrade the battery alt and starter and waterproof everything I can. Yes i will also provide proper breathing to keep it all cool.

Thanks again you guys were very helpful.

quickerest · 07-15-2009, 08:24 PM

So far it looks like I can swap in 6X8's on all the doors and be OK???

does anyone know where I can get pre-made speaker pods I can adapt to my interior? doors?

I also noticed issues with the fuse on the pioneers, is that still an issue? If it is still an issue, is it still worth it to swap out the fuse for a resistor??

The fuse issue has me a bit wary of the pioneer units.

Because I need the speakers to be waterproof I was thinking these would be ok for the subs http://www.polyplanar.com/productSingle.aspx?prt=MS-250
what do you think????

Do you think I should use the amps they offer or would it be better to have a larger amp and try and get more out of them?

If i cant find any good subs that are waterproof I will have a pod made for the roof so I can put good subs up high. My amps are going to be on the roof anyway.

Again I have no idea what is best and would really like to get some advise from someone who knows. The pioneer shop will sell me anything.

I have another week before I start buying the stereo.

Thanks again.

quickerest · 07-15-2009, 08:44 PM

http://www.rocktheboataudio.com/speakers.html

I found better subs here. I just cant find 6X8 waterproof speakers. Instead of trying to cram 6x9's in I was hoping someone might have an idea as to what the best alternitive size would be.

Thanks

07-13-2009, 04:21 AM	#1
quickerest Wannabe Elite Explorer California/Canada 92 EB/ Bush buggy project Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 70 Vehicle Specs	Major NooB I have to say that in the area of audio systems I am extremely lame. A salesman will rip me off I need your advise. I am looking for advise to avoid costly problems and on the best easiest to install system. I would like the system to not be too busy. I don't like getting out a microscope to find the right button to press. 1992 EB Stock everything. It will be abused so usb will be a must. My goal? I don't need a huge system, but I need some bass. I understand the basics of speaker size and I would like to go with 2 10" for bass. I was also hoping to replace the current speakers but am not sure of the best replacements with the least amount of cutting. If I could I would like to get waterproof speakers for the doors. Budget? Well I have no idea how much it could cost but I don't plan to spend over 5k on my system. I want a nav system as well but I want a disk or chip based system that is not dependent on a gps. Not sure what kind of nav I can do without gps. I have plans to integrate some screens and a even thought about a computer but mostly a dvd and some screens. I figure I will just leave a spot to plug in my laptop. Any ideas or even links to other projects that would help? Thanks. __________________ "If you can't ab(use) it, you can't af(ford) it"

07-13-2009, 04:57 AM	#2
parad1mg Wannabe Elite Explorer La Mirada, CA '97 Mounty 5.0 AWD Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 851 Vehicle Specs	try and give crutchfield a call.. those guys are awesome based on my own experience.. you can tell them a specific range and what you are trying to achieve on your budget and they will give you a range of choices and they have technical support whenever you get stuck with installing it.. just my $0.02.. Goodluck! __________________ scanner, hitch cargo carrier, ballast+bulb, etc for sale: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...10#post2223710

07-13-2009, 05:03 AM	#3
BSlusser Wannabe Elite Explorer Orange, CA '99 XLT 4x4 Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 171 Vehicle Specs	You have a 5k budget?? __________________ TT, Warrior Shackles, BFG A/T 31x10.5R15, K&N drop-in, Flowmaster 40 dual inlet/single outlet 2.5 in, HID 6K low-beams, All-LED interior lighting w/ floor lights. Alpine, Kenwood, and Almani audio equipment. Sunpro temp gauge. http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2930447

07-13-2009, 03:48 PM	#5
quickerest Wannabe Elite Explorer California/Canada 92 EB/ Bush buggy project Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 70 Vehicle Specs	I am after crisp bass with a little hit in the chest. Nothing that is going to require me to rebolt my entire truck together. I do plan to 4X4 this unit alot. I will need water proof door speakers. yes disc based nav unit, but I want to be sure i can disconnect its function when needed. In otherwords i need to be able to turn it off and be sure it is really off. Much like turning off your cell phone and taking out the battery. I don't participate in illegal activities but I also don't like the feeling of a leash attached to my car. one of the reasons i bought such an old vehicle. For the deck, nav, speakers and 2 screens I was hoping to pay under 5 thousand dollars. That said if i find the right nav unit I will pay more. again I have done no $$ research at this point and have no idea what this will cost. I just know that most shops will rip me off because I have no knowledge. I will be looking at nav units today, makes alot of sense to get that out of the way first. Then i will give crutchfield a call. Thanks alot really helped to get your input. __________________ "If you can't ab(use) it, you can't af(ford) it"

07-13-2009, 07:38 PM	#7
quickerest Wannabe Elite Explorer California/Canada 92 EB/ Bush buggy project Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 70 Vehicle Specs	OK looks like I will go pioneer and for now i will upgrade the deck to a DEH-P610BT. Opinions??? Pioneer has waterproof cases. wc-400 I tend to get hood deep in water and there will be alot of waterproofing to do. The actual waterproof decks pioneer makes are great..but they dont put out as well as the system I am getting. Nav: I figure as i modify the dash i will incorperate the AVIC-LINC with its extra amp. ND-G500. I will be getting a c4 transmission and once It comes time to install the floor shifter I will be modifying the dash. That is when i will install the nav system. My problem is understanding the gps and other systems and the ability to have privacy when i want it. The guy at the shop said the nav system does not work like my cell phone so there would be no need to disconnect it for privacy. I need a source for understanding how the nav. sys. work. Help??? Pioneer makes some great waterproof speakers . I can even get 10" units, each 10" unit comes with its own amp. ms-250 I still need to figure out the size I can go to in the doors. I would also like to know if there are door skins i can buy or if there are pods that work best for the gen 1 explorer? Any help in this area would really help. I will upgrade the battery alt and starter and waterproof everything I can. Yes i will also provide proper breathing to keep it all cool. Thanks again you guys were very helpful. __________________ "If you can't ab(use) it, you can't af(ford) it"

07-13-2009, 05:10 PM	#6
BigBoom Wannabe Elite Explorer Kentucky 01 Sport Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 147 Vehicle Specs	5k will be able to get you everything you are looking for. and then some. what i'm confused on are the water proof speakers. imo they arent very necessary. even if it were to pour down rain with the door panels off, it shouldnt be a problem. unless you plan on being knee high in water while you drive. as for head units, look into some eclipse, pioneer, and alpine units. even clarion, i know many people that run clarion with no complaints. as for the subs, i wouldnt look into anything that could handle more than 1000 watts for the pair. anything from 200-500 watts would probably suit you. anything more than 1000 watts and you're going to want to look into upgrading your alternator, batteries, and "the big 3" (which imo is good to do anyway), and to me that sounds like more work than you're looking to get. i would at least suggest upgrading the battery to the biggest deep cycle battery you can fit regardless. i dont know how hands on you are, but that's very easy to do.

07-15-2009, 08:24 PM	#8
quickerest Wannabe Elite Explorer California/Canada 92 EB/ Bush buggy project Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 70 Vehicle Specs	So far it looks like I can swap in 6X8's on all the doors and be OK??? does anyone know where I can get pre-made speaker pods I can adapt to my interior? doors? I also noticed issues with the fuse on the pioneers, is that still an issue? If it is still an issue, is it still worth it to swap out the fuse for a resistor?? The fuse issue has me a bit wary of the pioneer units. Because I need the speakers to be waterproof I was thinking these would be ok for the subs http://www.polyplanar.com/productSingle.aspx?prt=MS-250 what do you think???? Do you think I should use the amps they offer or would it be better to have a larger amp and try and get more out of them? If i cant find any good subs that are waterproof I will have a pod made for the roof so I can put good subs up high. My amps are going to be on the roof anyway. Again I have no idea what is best and would really like to get some advise from someone who knows. The pioneer shop will sell me anything. I have another week before I start buying the stereo. Thanks again. __________________ "If you can't ab(use) it, you can't af(ford) it"

07-15-2009, 08:44 PM	#9
quickerest Wannabe Elite Explorer California/Canada 92 EB/ Bush buggy project Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 70 Vehicle Specs	http://www.rocktheboataudio.com/speakers.html I found better subs here. I just cant find 6X8 waterproof speakers. Instead of trying to cram 6x9's in I was hoping someone might have an idea as to what the best alternitive size would be. Thanks __________________ "If you can't ab(use) it, you can't af(ford) it"