Ive got about 1k to play with...

[steventadams]

I've got a '01 sport. Everything is stock right now.
I'm lookin to switch everything out and make a respectable system.
I've never done any audio anything so I have no idea how it all works except that I need a head unit, 4 speakers, an amp (possibly 2), and a sub. I listen mostly to rock and metal so I don't need anything thats gonna shatter windows.
I have about 1000 dollars to throw around. Any ideas?

 

[Minivek]

Leave the sound as it is, lift your truck with the 1000$ and put some nice tires on it. You won't miss the sound cruising down the mainstreet with that lifted Ex :exporange

Other than that I have no idea about this sound stuff, but you could search this site. Actually, check the for sale forum, I saw a nice kit on there for sale cheap.

 

[DOZIER]

Maybe this will work.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-a303B7ZFoNp/cgi-bin/viewcart.asp

 

[steventadams]

The link to the cart only had the HD Radio I was lookin at a few weeks ago in it. Im guessing that it was a mistake considering how helpful you have been for other people...

 

[wharriso]

The link to the cart only had the HD Radio I was lookin at a few weeks ago in it. Im guessing that it was a mistake considering how helpful you have been for other people...

Actually, that is a very good place to start. I'm kinda new so I get answers like that too. A car stero is a very personal thing. You my find all you need is speakers or you may find a Head unit that doesn't need an amp. Go to crutchfield.com, click "Car Audio & Video" and put in your car year and model, then you will be able to see different combinations of components that will fit your car. I think Crutchfield is a little pricey but it all depends on what you buy. The entire stereo system I decribe in my sig costed around $1300.00 and I can't imagine any system being better than mine! Its what I wanted and I put it in and if I get sick of it, I'll change it. Its all about personal taste man, no one can give you that.

 

[Minivek]

Check this thread out, it is the actual audio etc. forum for this site. You should find various combinations of what people have bought and used in their exploders

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=9

 

[steventadams]

The whole idea about personal preference makes sense. Taking that into account Ill switch around my question a little.
How big an amp do I need to power dual subs with a power handling 80-600 watts RMS (300 each).

 

[wharriso]

The whole idea about personal preference makes sense. Taking that into account Ill switch around my question a little.
How big an amp do I need to power dual subs with a power handling 80-600 watts RMS (300 each).

Well, it sounds like you already have some speakers in mind. This is a good question for the guys at Crutchfield.com. They will recommend something for you. I also found the store part of cardomain.com sales department has really helpful sales people as well.

 

[Good Times]

A top of the line HU will have enough power to power your speakers. You can pick up a nice Panasonic, Pioneer, Alpine, Eclipse, or Kenwood for around $400. A decent set of speakers will run $200 for all four. Which leaves you $400 for a box a sub or 2, amp, and wiring kit. One set-up you can go with is:
http://cgi.ebay.com/JL-AUDIO-TR570-...DVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item250093953099
http://cgi.ebay.com/Pioneer-DEH-P98...752QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item220094184279
Coming down to subs you have to decide if you want one or two, cause then you can decide to go with a better sub versus 2 ok subs. Like people said its really preference and another suggestion is going to a local stereo shop and listening to speakers and playing with HUs to get a feel for everything.

 

[Rage1973]

Maybe this will work.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-a303B7ZFoNp/cgi-bin/viewcart.asp

Crutchfield= overpriced

 

[wharriso]

Crutchfield= overpriced

I agree but those guys have really impressive documentation and knowledgeable salespeople. Its a good idea to figure out how to get their docs while buying the pricey parts elsewhere, thats what I did.

 

[Rage1973]

I agree but those guys have really impressive documentation and knowledgeable salespeople. Its a good idea to figure out how to get their docs while buying the pricey parts elsewhere, thats what I did.

Oh Yeah, I definatly agree with you. That is what I have done in the past, I looked on their site, found what I liked and took my buisness elsewhere. They do have some great stuff, it is just way to over priced for me. I should have stated in my prior post.

 

[steventadams]

thats what I had heard from some friends. My plan was to find some things on crutchfield and/or on some other sites and then go to some sort of flea market. One of the advantages of crutchfield is that they give you the harnesses and wiring kits and everything is you spend a certain amount of money (or at least they say they do).

 

[ford freak]

thats what I had heard from some friends. My plan was to find some things on crutchfield and/or on some other sites and then go to some sort of flea market. One of the advantages of crutchfield is that they give you the harnesses and wiring kits and everything is you spend a certain amount of money (or at least they say they do).

They're also an authorized retailer for what they sell. Most of the cheap sites are not authorized. They typically give you a 1 yr warrenty from the site. The return policies usually suck also. Crutchfield is expensive,but if you ever have a problem they will bend over backwards to make you happy. I bought a panasonic cq-c9701u from them for 280. It gave me some problems about 6 months later and they took it back and upgraded me to the mxe-cqc9801u for the same price. It was 350. Would I buy from crutchfield again????? You're damm right.

 

[Rage1973]

They're also an authorized retailer for what they sell. Most of the cheap sites are not authorized. They typically give you a 1 yr warrenty from the site. The return policies usually suck also. Crutchfield is expensive,but if you ever have a problem they will bend over backwards to make you happy. I bought a panasonic cq-c9701u from them for 280. It gave me some problems about 6 months later and they took it back and upgraded me to the mxe-cqc9801u for the same price. It was 350. Would I buy from crutchfield again????? You're damm right.

I did a quick search for the original one that you purchased for $280 and I found it for 189, 190. If you have the extra money lying around and you want the bragging rights “I bought mine from Crutchfield" then go for it. I give two sh!ts if they are authorized dealer or not if I can save some money, it works for me.

Anyway good luck with your set-up, be sure to keep us informed on whatcha get.

Laterz
Rage

 

[wharriso]

thats what I had heard from some friends. My plan was to find some things on crutchfield and/or on some other sites and then go to some sort of flea market. One of the advantages of crutchfield is that they give you the harnesses and wiring kits and everything is you spend a certain amount of money (or at least they say they do).

What I did was purchase the wiring harness and mounting kit from them. When I ran into a problem, they helped me "wire" it

 

[steventadams]

so as of now i've decided that im not going to get a sub right away. Ill wait for that until I can get some more cash so I dont feel like im spending every dime I have.

I think the current plan is to get two sets of the infinity reference 6810cs and an amp to power them. The crutchfield reviews seem good. Does anyone have any opinion on these?

Does anyone know if there is an external amp in the base audio system of the '01 sports?

 

[wharriso]

so as of now i've decided that im not going to get a sub right away. Ill wait for that until I can get some more cash so I dont feel like im spending every dime I have.

I think the current plan is to get two sets of the infinity reference 6810cs and an amp to power them. The crutchfield reviews seem good. Does anyone have any opinion on these?

Does anyone know if there is an external amp in the base audio system of the '01 sports?

I don't know anything about the stock 01 headunit but I started off with a pair of Infinity Kappas (thanks again Crizz), and the stock headunit was more than sufficient to drive them. Unless someone here can say otherwise, the only reason I believe would need an additional amp to drive those speakers is if you're using your truck for the neighborhood block party.

 

[ford freak]

I did a quick search for the original one that you purchased for $280 and I found it for 189, 190. If you have the extra money lying around and you want the bragging rights “I bought mine from Crutchfield" then go for it. I give two sh!ts if they are authorized dealer or not if I can save some money, it works for me.

Anyway good luck with your set-up, be sure to keep us informed on whatcha get.

Laterz
Rage

I was merely stating that there are benefits to buying fronm an authorized dealer. Which Crutchfield happens to be. Bragging rights has absolutely nothing to do with it. Just a little common sense. To clarify the 9701- That purchase took place 2 yrs ago. At that time it was selling on ebay and the cheap sites for 229. Going from 229 to 279 for a little peace of mind was very well worth it IMO. By all means buy what you can afford,but if you have the money it is always better to buy from an authorized dealer. By the way....nice sub you have there. I happen to like JL also.

 

[Rage1973]

I was merely stating that there are benefits to buying fronm an authorized dealer. Which Crutchfield happens to be. Bragging rights has absolutely nothing to do with it. Just a little common sense. To clarify the 9701- That purchase took place 2 yrs ago. At that time it was selling on ebay and the cheap sites for 229. Going from 229 to 279 for a little peace of mind was very well worth it IMO. By all means buy what you can afford,but if you have the money it is always better to buy from an authorized dealer. By the way....nice sub you have there. I happen to like JL also.

After reading my post is sounded again, it sounded like I was being a arshole... sorry man.. it wasn't met to sound that way... I can't veiw the picture in your post, due to the internet restraints at my current location. But I like the JL I just wish that they made a 12" stealth box the the 98 sport. The JL that I have in there is about 6 years old... time for an upgrade.. Not sure what I want to do though. I had big plans for the X, but then something way better happened... the birth of my daughter...and this is now my wife primary vehicle I don't want to trick it out that much. so now my toys are put on hold for a little while.

Later