Automobile Audio

[shawshank62]

Well...let me start of by saying i dont have a car yet, but bear with me. I have some questions about audio related stuff. And i know there are some pretty good car people here.

First, when i do get my car (granted that this model of indash reciever would fit) http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....oryId=cat03066 Is it really that complicated to install that i would need to have best buy do it? Or will the $15 kit work good?

Second, what does an AMP do? and is it actually necessary?

Third, in general with speakers, are they all the same size throughout the car? Or will the front be like 6" and the back 6"x9"?

[Warthog]

1. Remove the existing head unit and disconnect the wires.
2. Plug the wiring harness kit into the back of the new head unit and crimp connect the wires on the other end to the car's wires by using the included "blue goes to red"/color correspondence chart.
3. Turn car on.


Parts needed:
- wire crimper/stripper
- dozen plus 16ga. (or so) wire crimp connectors
- electrical tape (just incase)
- screwdrivers to pry the plastic tabs out of the car dash and unscrew crap

or
Pay $30 for some joe to do it....maybe BB is free if you buy a head unit from their limited selection, I dunno...I install all my stuff

Go here:
www.caraudioforum.com

Your head unit will realistically give only about 20wx4 RMS (continuous) to your speakers.
Maximum Watts per Channel - 50 x 4
^^ Peak power...RMS is around 20w
An amplifier will give your speakers full power, say, 60w RMS (depends on the amp obviously) which in a nutshell gives more volume before distorting. Yes, that model head unit should fit unless you get a crazy arse newer GM vehicle with what's called a 'double DIN' style (above is a single DIN)...in which case you either get a special installation kit or get a double DIN player.

Speakers aren't necessarily the same size throughout...my '93 Celica has 4" fronts and 6 1/2" rears....my '86 BMW, on the other hand, had 5 1/4" throughout....depends.

Anymore questions...go for it.

Warthog

[shawshank62]

sounds easy enough

Now with amps, what is difference between 2-channel and multi-channel? (beside 2 vs many) And is whats is the difference between an AMP that cost $100 vs $350? (kind of vague questions...but im not really looking for anything detailed)

And for speakers....only thing i know is that in general, sony is hella gay. So what is decent? Kenwood, pioneer, rockford....blah?

[Warthog]

Answers any technical questions:
http://www.bcae1.com/

Installation with whatever car you get:
http://www.installdr.com./

You're gonna get an arseload of recommendations for amps/speakers/subs...anyway, from being an active member on CAF, here is what I say:

Speakers:
MB Quart
CDT
Adire Audio (Koda 6.1 set)
Focal
Infinity
Alpine

Amps:
Phoenix Gold
JBL
Hifonics
Avionixx
US Acoustics

Head units:
Alpine
Pioneer
Nakamichi (sp?)
Eclipse

I've listed some brands that are ultra expensive and others that are pretty cheap BUT reliable brands....I'm sure I've missed some good ones.....don't limit yourself to that, ask here or search on CAF if you're wondering.

Yes, don't buy Sony. Pioneer speakers are ok on a tight budget, I've heard them.

Warthog

I have been using only Alpine, Infinity, and MTX components for all of my builds here lately. Great stuff, plus much easier on the wallet than many competing brands.

[JacobM5727]

i say forget best buy
and go http://www.crutchfield.com/
they have the best prices, and the best selection, and me, well, my dad, (as of now i only get their catalog, but have yet to order >.<) have been using them for years

plus you can do a search for what will fit your car

[Mike]

Don't use Crutchfield! That's madness! They are expensive, Rob or Wart should be able to point you to better places - I would help, but I have to sadly get back to a paper that I have had two weeks to write.

*EDIT* Oh, I will have fun with this thread tomorrow. Sadly, I just got done with my assignment and have to print it out and proof-read it, and all that nonsense.

[JacobM5727]

well compared to around here, they are waaaaaaaay cheaper

[thekingofpain]

JL for speakers, subs and amps---(not to be confused with JBL)
http://www.jlaudio.com

[Warthog]

Crunchfield is ghey....use that to find out what size speakers are in your car.

www.ikesound.com is one place off the top of my head...hell, ANYwhere besides crunchies is a good place to buy....just do a search for car audio retailers. Local places - stay away...their sales reps will talk nonsense to you and talk you into paying an arseload for one of their limites selection products.

Warthog