Looking for under $500 stereo setup

[macker123]

I have just purchased a 1997 Ford Explorer Sport and the first thing it needs is a better stereo.

I am no audiophile and definatly do not need my bass to shack my neighbours windows, but I just want a good clean sounding system that could handle it if I pumped the volume when needed

Maybe I do not even need subs? Just good 6x9's?

I do not know much about stereos, but would like to keep it under $500US for cd deck, speakers and subs(if needed).

Any help is appreciated.

 

[SaleenEXP]

under $500 would be hard. My head unit cost more than that but.....

You could get a cheap HU from like Pioneer and go with Pioneer custom fit series 6X8's for the doors. Then get a decent 4 channel amp, like a basic MTX unit (forgot the number for their cheapest 4 channel amp) as they put out more power than rated for.

Pioneer DEH-P4400 HU is about $200
Pioneer TS-A6867 6X8's are about $100 a pair
MTX Thunder4244 4 channel amp about $280
plus a good amp wiring kit can run about $70 or more.

not sure how far out of $500 you would spend....

you could just replace the doors with the Pioneer 6X8's and get a 4 channel amp to run them and have a shop use a wiring harness to connect the amp with the factory deck.

Or if you want to spend slightly more, replace the doors with the Pioneer units, get a nice cheap 5 channel amp and like a 10" sub and have them run a harness to the factory deck. Use the 4 channels to run the mids and the 5th to power the sub. It would only cost a little more than $500 but the sound quality would be excellant and would have more than enough bass from what you want in your description.

It would be pretty hard to stay under $500 without using like fleamarket brands.

 

[davesexplorer]

another stereo for $x.. thread.... I love it!!!
I would personally save up some more $$$ if you want a really nice system....... but if you want to spend $500
id do this: ( a cheap system, but a nice head unit)

---Panasonic CQ-DF802U Head unit- Touch screen face, rebate 25x4 rms amp, remote control...... really good features etc. etc. $189.99 after $30 mail-in
---front/rear speakers audiobahn 6x8 AS68C $70-for 4, run off the deck
---sub : audiobahn ABV12X ported sub+box $119
---sub amp: Us acoustics USX2100 2-channel Amplifier
~300watts x1@ 4 ohm $125.00

bottom line you get what you pay for, i say this system will thump decent, and sound good, but its true that there are many better deals, different combinations out there, so do your homework, before you lay down the $$$$ !!!! (if you like ebay, look there too!!!)

 

[EliteConcept]

see audiobahn speicals at www.thezeb.com
they are authorized dealers and very fast shippers! you be very satisifed if you buy from them!
you can get 2 audiobahn 10's for under 200, a decent audiobahn amp for 200 and then you need a cd player which you can get for about 150....which is a kick asss system for just over 500, then upgrade the stock door speakers when you get some extra cash. audiobahn door speakers on thezeb.com are only like 50 bucks a set.

so i'm 150 over your 500 budget,,, not too bad though

 

[M.Scott]

Try this. I'm cheap so we are two of a kind. These prices are actual prices with shipping.
Pioneer DEH P4400 thezeb.com $157
Infinity reference 5X7 5752cf (for rear). ebay $67
Infinity reference 6 1/2 components 605cs. ebay $113
US Acoustics 4X65rms USX4065 thezeb.com $132
scosche FD16 (?not sure for 97) walmart $6
scosche intall kit FD1327 walmart $10
metra 6 1/2" to 5X7 adapter plate. circuit city $15
800 watt 4 ga amp wiring kit walmart $25

Total = $525 (damn close, make your own adapter plate or use 2nd set of 5X7 in place of components and you are set)

I'm partial to infinity over pioneer for speakers but they are very close - price and sound. Infinity is higher rms, higher sensitivity and I believe better bass and smoother highs. I also have used the walmart stuff I described. I also believe components are much better up front than just 5X7s.

Mike

Then save for sub amp and sub/s

 

[02XSport]

Originally posted by davesexplorer
another stereo for $x.. thread.... I love it!!!
I would personally save up some more $$$ if you want a really nice system....... but if you want to spend $500
id do this: ( a cheap system, but a nice head unit)

---Panasonic CQ-DF802U Head unit- Touch screen face, rebate 25x4 rms amp, remote control...... really good features etc. etc. $189.99 after $30 mail-in
---front/rear speakers audiobahn 6x8 AS68C $70-for 4, run off the deck
---sub : audiobahn ABV12X ported sub+box $119
---sub amp: Us acoustics USX2100 2-channel Amplifier
~300watts x1@ 4 ohm $125.00

bottom line you get what you pay for, i say this system will thump decent, and sound good, but its true that there are many better deals, different combinations out there, so do your homework, before you lay down the $$$$ !!!! (if you like ebay, look there too!!!)

Do you have any personal experience with that Panasonic Head Unit with the Touch Screen??? I think that would be kinda cool, just want some feedback before I make the purchase. Thanks!!!

 

[davesexplorer]

I dont have it myself, just know a guy that owns his own shop w/one, he let me try it out, its pretty cool, all high-tech and stuff, i just dont like the volume on it, cuz it feels weird pressing on a flat piece of plastic, just me though....its a good HU, gets plenty of looks too!

 

[oldschool4life]

Here's an idea...
$100 for basic alarm (Rattler)

$130 for head unit (Blaupunkt)

$100 for amp (MTX)

$100 for 10 inch sub (Polk, Alpine)

$50 for installation supplies (Scosche) - 8 gauge amp kit $20, install kit $10, harness $10, factory removal tool $5,
and $5 speaker wire.

$20 for extras - 4 relays, extra connectors, extra wire ties, etc...

$500 even...

-----

Extra $200...
$100 upgrade to a $200 multi-channel amp

$100 for 1 set of 6 x 8/5 x 7 speakers (Polk)

-----

Extra $500...
$100 upgrade to a $200 multi-channel amp (or second amp)

$200 for 2 sets of 6 x 8 speakers (Polk) or 1 component set

$100 for second sub (Polk or Alpine)

$20 upgrade to a 4 guage amp kit plus extras.

$70 upgrade to $200 head unit.

 

[explorer4x493]

Originally posted by 02XSport
Do you have any personal experience with that Panasonic Head Unit with the Touch Screen??? I think that would be kinda cool, just want some feedback before I make the purchase. Thanks!!!

I do NOT like it. It does not do enough for me. I have an older model dehp6000 pioneer that does more than that new panasonic touch screen. Ya so it changes eight different colors. But whatever floats your boat.