Opinions needed: What can be done for $500?

[Gastone]

Look I have 4 Polk dx7's in my explorer and they sound great, and for $109 a pair I would go for them! U can make them hit really hard on the bass or take some of the bass out and they sound even better. I thought about getting a sub but after hearing these, i don't even need a sub. A good CD Reciever helps too.

 

[tac0meat]

the pioneer 6x8 are really good in my opinion i got the 3ways in the front and the 2way compression horns in the rear. dont knwo what part of houston your in, but i picked all of my stuff up locally at flea market for right at $175 (no tax either). the one i always hit is on 45 and sheperd on the norht side of town. the bese tthing to do is just head over to mobile1 and listen to there speakers, find the ones you like then buy the speakers somewhere else

 

[exploreraudio]

Hey,

I don't know if it is available in your area, but there's a really neat looking JVC unit that plays CD/MP3 right in the dash. It's a kind of spacey-looking silver unit, but it's interesting. I don't recall what the model number was, but it is about $399 CDN (so about $250 USD).

 

[mobot]

I'd like to thank everyone for their comments and suggestions.

I have the pioneers on the way...should be here by the weekend...can't wait to get them.

I am still deciding on a head unit. I am going to check out all of the ones yall have suggested. I'm gonna head up to a car stereo store asap. I'm really interested in the Sony and Rockford units. Also, I read in another post to stay clear of the AIWA units.

 

[exploreraudio]

Hey,

Another thing I forgot to mention in the first post. Don't forget about used gear! All of the gear in my system is 5-10 years old, but it will out-perform pretty much anything made today. Amplifier and speaker design hasn't changed much since the 1970s, so you are pretty safe there. I would still suggest a new head unit, unless you can find an older "collector" piece (i.e. Alpine 7909 or 1310/5959s)

 

[JTang]

I agree and disagree with the above post. Wholeheartedly agreeing on buying used equipment, if you trust the seller. Basic design has not changed that much, so if you get stuff a few years old, it should still do really well, that being amps and non-speaker type stuff. A lot of the development for this stuff has been put on second tier now that AV stuff is the big thing. All my amps are used, but by getting strong name brand equipment, I've never had any problems.

Speakers, on the other hand, don't change too much, either, but if you're looking at more top end stuff, the materials tend to more state of the art. In regards to the Pioneers, IMPP is basically styrofoam, and their basic design of the 6x8s hasn't changed in years. The fact that it has really only changed cosmetically atests to its basic winning design for most listeners.

 

[mobot]

Well, I installed the speakers yesterday and, yes, it sounds better but not close to what I was expecting. There is barely any bass at all because I am only able to adjust it to less than half way without the speakers cracking.
I know the majority of my problem is the head unit. I remember when I got it that the stock speakers did the same thing where they sounded great before the hu swap... definitely time for a new hu.
Unfortunately, I got stuck with a sizeable bill for brake service so I'm gonna have to wait a month or so. I really want the Kenwood KDC-MP8017. Does anyone not reccomend this unit? It's still kinda affordable imo. Time to scout the local flea markets. If I can find a cheaper/more powerful CD only hu I'm prolly gonna do that. Any recommendations?

Thanks

 

[leenjen]

Originally posted by mobot
I really want the Kenwood KDC-MP8017.

yeah, that headunit will be fine. it has some nice features, and decent rms power. the only downside is the low preamp output voltage(1.8volt). but if you are not adding an amp, it doesn't matter.

when you install the new headunit, make sure you bypass the factory amp. that is why you are getting distortion through your speakers. the headunit will provide a much cleaner sound, but only if you bypass the amp. but like i told you earlier, dont expect much bass from the pioneers. they are brighter sounding speakers, good for a system with a subwoofer to handle the bass.