New Stereo Install Q&A

[netrack]

First off, this is my first post here.

I drive a 95 X 4x4 no Jbl but it does have the Auto Set button on the Stereo


Im looking to do basically a complete overhaul of the sound setup, new HU and 4 speakers. Im also contemplating with getting XM installed as well. My questions are: Recommended HU and speakers? My budget is around 4-500 for everything, not including XM if i go that route. I dont want a sub as i like to keep the bed area as clean as possible for moving things when needed.

If i go the XM route id like to use the Commander by Terk. Any opinions on that?

Also if anyone has anypics of aftermarket HU installed or Xm in their explores that would great so i can see what the final product looks like.


Thanks!

 

[gensic11]

You can always get a custom box to fit in the rear panel to where it would be out of the way (like they do with some of the stock systems.. seen in your more upgraded models such as EB, LTD etc).. I have Infinity speakers in all 4 doors and I am very pleased with them. They give off very crisp sound but the bass isn't too incredible.. it's just average at best. I have a Sub though so i don't worry about speaker bass.. to be honest there aren't many cheap speakers in your price range that will allow for much bass. As for a head unit - you could find a good one in the 150-200$ range that would give you the quality sound that you need. I would really invest in a sub though to give you the best overall sound. I did my whole conversion myself and installed everything, it's very simple

 

[netrack]

Thanks for the help, i know im not going to get a steller system out of this. I was never looking for high end;i want something to replace the factory system to give me some better quality. Do you know where i can find those sub boxes at? Also does anyone have any pics of what an after market HU looks like with it installed...im searching on here but i havent really found what i was looking for yet exactly.

 

[gensic11]

Well you can get the box plus a sub on e-bay for a fairly decent price.. 4 new speakers (at circuit city) will be around 200$.. lastly you would need an amp and amp kit - depending on where you get it, and what kind.. the price range varies a lot on amps but..

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MTX-...004QQitemZ140011874617QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

that's the link to the sub box/sub

here's a picture of an installed HU

 

[FexplorerV8]

The sub enclosure looks awesome, has anyone installed one of em? how does it sound?

 

[netrack]

I like your HU looks clean...how is panosonic for an aftermarket HU like that. Im looking at one made by them, its a different model but i thinking of doing it with the ipod adapter.


Thanks for the link to the sub, i may decide to do that at a later time as im only a college student and chunking out 4-500 for a HU and speakers isnt exactly pocket change

 

[DOZIER]

The panasonic HU's are nice. They might be pricey for a good one though. I would not reccomend a lower model one. I like higher end models usually over 250-400 dollars because they have a nice voltage output. Nice and clean appearance also. Might be out of your range for a good one. It is up to you.

 

[netrack]

This is the one i was looking at, 2.5 volt out although im not sure if ill ever use it... Like i said im just going for a decent upgrade over the factory unit...

This is the HU i was looking at: CLICK

 

[daryncox]

I have some experience with 3 different (but recent) Panasonic models, prices were approximately $99 , $200 and $250.

All sounded really nice for the price compared to other brands they compared to. The $99 one was just to replace a stolen one in a car I was trading in, but it had mp3/cd capability... though it sounded good, the plastics felt very very cheap and the detachable face plate hardly weighed anything, it almost felt like it was hollow and would break into 20 pieces if I accidently dropped it, also the buttons were cheap feeling and clicky.

As for the Other two, the plastics and buttons felt as high quality as anything in a comparable price.

Therefore, my advice is: Panasonic as a brand is a good choice, but stay away from the bottom end units and you'll be happier a lot longer.

 

[ford freak]

http://www.carstereo.com/installs/p...d=32989&galleryid=1938&startrow=13&maxrows=12

The lower end panasonics are a little cheaper made. I posted a link of the model I have. 5 volt pre outs- great signal to your amps. A **** load of motion graphics and still images. You can even load images and video from your pc. Crutchfield might still have them for 319. That is a steal. It's originally 500 I believe. If you can swing the 300 plus for a hu. You can't go wrong.The hu puts out 31 watts rms and 70 peak. Most people wouldn't believe those numbers but it is cea compliant. That will make your speakers sing. You also have 2 aux inputs for an ipod or any other add on.