I need your opinion.

Stereo, security systems, vehicle electronics, and electrical-related discussions
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Bryan
Posts: 25
Joined: Wed Jul 28, 2004 8:08 pm

I need your opinion.

Post by Bryan »

Okay guys and gals, I need your opinion. I have 04 Vibe GT with just the standard audio setup. I couldn't buy the Moon and Tunes package since I bought my car used. While I totally love my car, I think the standard audio setup leaves something to be desired. Therefore, I've been investigating possibilities. First, and possibly the least expensive, buy a Bazooka CS8A5. It has a internal 5 chanael amp that sends 100 watts to the sub and 25 watts to the existing factory speakers. While this would proably improve the sound, it is by no means the most potent option and most importantly, it cannot be expanded upon.Second, buy a Infinity BassLink or Kenwood WooX. I can't say if this would improve the factory sound since all GenVibe'ers that have these and have made postings also have the Moon and Tunes package. This might be my best pick since I could use it with my current setup then add other things later (such as headunit, new speakers, new amp).Third, total system overhaul. All I have to say about that is "bling bling!"My demands aren't to have a car that you can hear two blocks away. But, I do want decent and full bodied sound. Being a student, I'm looking for the "most bang for the buck" option. Also, space consumption is a consideration; I don't want to lose much. Any and all opinions are appreciated.
meathead333
Posts: 1257
Joined: Fri Mar 14, 2003 4:23 pm

Re: I need your opinion. (Bryan)

Post by meathead333 »

get all new everything. i was in your same position. i am glad i got new speakers, sub amp, and deck. sounds great. plus money is fun to spend that you dont have
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Jahntassa
Posts: 2979
Joined: Wed Jul 09, 2003 2:06 pm

Post by Jahntassa »

The question is, what do you desire? If you want something like the 5 ch bazooka, you'll probably want to replace your factory speakers, as they won't take that kinda power for long..You could probably just get away with a new radio and four new speakers. Deal with adding the sub later, which could just be a small powered tube like the w00x or the ELA8A (30 watt powered bazooka)See if Crutchfield is still doing a buy one, get one 1/2 promotion on Polk. Get yourself two pairs of 6 1/2"s, and a vaguely decent headunit. I'd reccomend a Pioneer, because they have pretty beefy amplifiers right in the headunit. Something at least like the DEH-P2600, or even better, the 3600. If you just want some bass, add a regular tube. But..it's up to your priorities. I'd pretty much agree with that 5 ch tube being non upgradable. I'd try doing like... The radio first, then start swapping out speakers when you get the money.
2003 Vibe GT Lava"He inched his way up the corridor as if he would rather be yarding his way down it.""For a moment, nothing happened. Then, after a second or so, nothing continued to happen." - Douglas Adams...we all miss you
Mr. Poopypants
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Joined: Mon Nov 18, 2002 11:59 pm

Re: I need your opinion. (Bryan)

Post by Mr. Poopypants »

I replaced everything. It was a very good idea. The only thing that is still in my car is the moon and tunes amp, which is being bypassed later this week.
A bartender is just a pharmacist with a limited inventory.
Bryan
Posts: 25
Joined: Wed Jul 28, 2004 8:08 pm

Re: (Jahntassa)

Post by Bryan »

Okay, say I replace everything. Do I have to keep the factory headunit in the car? I've heard certain GM products require this for the diagnotics to work properly. Also, what kind of power do I look for in a deck? If I get a high powered deck with new speakers, do I even need a sub? Crutchfield says that they don't carry any speakers that fit my factory locations. What do I do about that? By the way, what is MOFSET?(I don't know if I spelled it right.)
Bryan
Posts: 25
Joined: Wed Jul 28, 2004 8:08 pm

Re: (Bryan)

Post by Bryan »

Scratch the fifth sentence. I ment to say, if I get a high powered deck do I need a amp.
nismo
Posts: 2068
Joined: Tue Dec 02, 2003 11:01 pm

Re: I need your opinion. (Bryan)

Post by nismo »

Okay. For your stock headunit to be in the car, that only applies if you have the moons and tunes. But I did some ghetto wiring on mine, that's why it works. Then for the speakers, I would recommend some Pioneer 4-way 6.5 speakers for the front and back. Or even the Polk/MOMO 3-way's. For a headunit, Kenwood is good. But if you want like clarity, get an Alpine. For the amp's I would recommend getting a 4-channel for the speakers and put that amp under the passenger seat. And a 10" sub. And have the amp velcroed on the sub box. My setup in is in my sig, if would like to know what I have. And for my car, I don't have any amps runnin my interior speakers, but, sounds great. My amp for my subwoofer is sitting under my front passenger seat.Inder Singh
2008 Chevy Cobalt SS Turbo - Fun stuff under there somewhere 1998 Nissan Sentra - Sold2004 Pontiac Vibe - 107k and SoldCosmo CAI
Jahntassa
Posts: 2979
Joined: Wed Jul 09, 2003 2:06 pm

Re: (Bryan)

Post by Jahntassa »

Quote, originally posted by Bryan »Okay, say I replace everything. Do I have to keep the factory headunit in the car? I've heard certain GM products require this for the diagnotics to work properly. Also, what kind of power do I look for in a deck? If I get a high powered deck with new speakers, do I even need a sub? Crutchfield says that they don't carry any speakers that fit my factory locations. What do I do about that? By the way, what is MOFSET?(I don't know if I spelled it right.) No. The Vibe is not a Class II Databus car. You can pull out the radio and leave a gaping hole for all it cares! Most radios nowadays say either 45x4, 50x4, or 60x4. However much power you want is up to you. Keep in mind that most radios only put out about 18-22 watts average.You might not need a sub, that's up to you, the music you like to listen to, and how you like to listen to it. I say get the speakers and radio first, then see if the sub is required.You can get any pair of 6.5" speakers to fit in there. For the front speakers, you either need to get the Toyota speaker spacers, or gut the existing speaker to make sure you have the right depth, just so you don't interefere with the window. The rear speakers come out, and you can screw the new speakers directly into the inner door.MOSFET is a type of amplification transistor. I forget what the acronym means, but it's basically the best type of amplifier circuit currently available. Most external amplifiers use MOSFETS, while most headunits do not, with the exception of Pioneers. Getting a headunit with MOSFET in it will give you better sound, but it's not required if you plan on having an external amplifier.
2003 Vibe GT Lava"He inched his way up the corridor as if he would rather be yarding his way down it.""For a moment, nothing happened. Then, after a second or so, nothing continued to happen." - Douglas Adams...we all miss you
cspmeinkc
Posts: 86
Joined: Wed Jul 14, 2004 2:46 pm

Re: (Jahntassa)

Post by cspmeinkc »

I plan to replace everything, soon.I have to have my mp3 head unit!My amp and sub box are also going in. I am mounting the amp on the sub box, with quick disconnects, so I can take it out easily.
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ragingfish
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Joined: Tue Oct 15, 2002 8:23 am

Re: (Jahntassa)

Post by ragingfish »

Quote, originally posted by Jahntassa »MOSFET is a type of amplification transistor. I forget what the acronym meansMetal Oxide Silicon Field Effect Transistor (less common) Metal Oxide Substrate Field Effect Transistor Metal-Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor Not sure which is the socially acceptable one.
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