Stereo NOOB Questions......

[BlackVGT]

This might sound dumb, I've been into cars for years, but never car audio. I don't know much about it, I once put speakers and a deck into my old S10, but I know nothing other than that. So for all you stereo guys out there......1) As far as the vibe goes, what speakers/deck/amp/sub combo's sound good it in it? I don't need a pounding, windshield shattering system, just something that sounds good. Any suggestions? Brands/models/part #'s ect? Oh, and price IS a factor, don't wanna spend tons.2) I have the six speaker amplified system in it now, can I run a 200 watt deck to the speakers and rip out the old amp and use that space to install a new amp?3) I hear that the front door speakers need to be shallow so it doesn't interfere with the windows, is this true and does it cut down on my choices for speakers?4) I know I need an adapter for a new deck, I see pics of one that has the deck mounted up pretty high, with a built in "shelf" underneath it to store stuff, what adapter is it? Brand? Part or Model #?5) Do I want a ported enclosure for the sub?6) 2 10" subs or 2 12's? Which sounds lower? I don't mean how hard it hits but how low (Like in Khz) it goes.Thanks for reading the absurdley long post and stupid questions! And for the advice!

[wicked1981]

Dont know much about audio components myself but this is what you need if you install a head unit smaller than the stock one. http://www.crutchfield.com/S-g...earch=I think crutchfield.com also offers head units that are bigger to replace the stock over sized stereos in GM and Chrysler vehicles.

[nismo]

Check out my sig for some idea of what I have audio wise. Not the best stuff out there, but it sounds and works great.Inder Singh

[Jahntassa]

1) Whatever you want. Pioneer headunits are the best cost for what you get. Speakers...try Infinity Reference, or the Polks. It's up to you, whatever fits into your price range. I'd suggest listening to some in a store first, make sure they sound good to you.2) Sure. 3) Not entirely true. You should either get Toyota speaker spacers (available at most BestBuy/Circuit Cities), or gut the front speakers, keeping the depth of the plastic, but ripping out the internal components (surround, magnet, etc). I have Polk MOMOs in my front doors, which are pretty deep, with little cutting in the door panel that can be seen. The back had to be trimmed down, but nothing that effects the look.4) You need the 70-2003 wiring harness, 40GM10 antenna adapter, and I forget what the fit-kit is (to fit the aftermarket radio in)5) Up to you. Sealed will give you better, more precise bass response. It's also marginally smaller. And it depends on the sub itself. Some work better in ported, some work better in sealed.6) Depends on the sub. Also depends on how much space you want to lose. 12" is probably capable of lower, but you'll need more amplifier to power it decently. Again, it also depends on the Sub itself. Also, Wicked is correct, but the radio is what's known as a Double-DIN unit, it isn't the DIN-and-a-half that GM style units are. So you can either get a standard ISO/DIN size, or a Double-DIN.Hope this helps, ask more if you need!

[Mr. Poopypants]

Look at my sig, all said and done I am looking at about 750 to 1000 all brand new though. The sound is great, not too much bass (the subs are in a bandpass)Your best bet would be to rip out the stock amp and run the speakers straight off the 200 watt deck, IMHOI believe my speakers were 1 1/4 deep, I have a 1/4 spacer that I cut out of wood (better sound quality) between the speaker and the door because the holes are bigger than the speaker size, I personally could not use the stock mounts because the speaker actually rattled against the door panel.It's a metra deck, any decent audio shop will have it, or you can order it online.yes you want a ported box, if you use a solid enclosure, the bass will be too hardI have 2 10"s I like them the 12 will go lower, but will also hit harder (depending on wattage and setup of course)

[wicked1981]

Quote, originally posted by Mr. Poopypants » yes you want a ported box, if you use a solid enclosure, the bass will be too hardI have 2 12in in a solid box and I dont turn the volume more than 2 1/2-3 squares (You know the stock radio has the little blocks insted of volume numbers.)on the stock radio because the bass hits super strong.

[Jahntassa]

As I said, it depends on what you're looking for. Ported boxes actually give you MORE bass, bandpass boxes give you the most bass, but it's not as controlled as a sealed box, which is more specifically tuned.

[BlackVGT]

Wow, thanks for the help so far guys!Im more of a fan of tight bass, and I don't wanna go nuts, I don't listen to rap or anything, Im more of a rock/metal kind of guy anyways. So Im guessing a sealed box? Hmm.....is an enclosure and enclosure or is their major differences between them all? Is it a good idea to NOT cheap out there? I am a firm believer in getting a good deck and speakers, as far as the enclosure goes......I dunno!

[wicked1981]

Check out some of the boxes.http://www.crutchfield.com/S-F...earch= ... ud....html

[Jahntassa]

Like Wicked found, it's pretty much just a box of MDF, some caulk, and carpeting. You should know what sub you wanna get, and match up the airspace of the box (for instance, the 10" box from Circuit City is .75 cubic feet) to the sub for best response.

[BlackVGT]

Oh, I forgot to ask, and this is seemingly obvious but I wanted to make sure....If I buy an amp that is say 2x50 watts RMS, then I want to match it to 2 subs that are 50 watt RMS? Or how does that all work? Is there some FAQ somewhere that I can read so I can stop bugging you guys?P.S. Thanks for all the help so far, made my decision making waaaay easier already!

[Jahntassa]

Yeah, pick out the subs you want. Then you can match an amp to it. Or vice versa. If you want two subs, there're generally two different setups.2 4 Ohm signle-voice-coil subs.2 4 Ohm Dual-voice-coil subs.The second setup requires much MORE amplifier, depending on how you wire it. For the kinda bass you're looking for, you might even want to consider a single 12", or two smaller 10". Something like my setup, which is two 10" Sony P5 subs, with a 350w amp. It hits hard, but it's still good at lower volumes.A 12" will save you some trunk space, as well.So yeah, if you pick out your sub, then you want an amp that can do the RMS of the sub, or slightly higher. If you get a single 12", then you want to look at the RMS output at 4 Ohm, if you go for two subs, then look at RMS output at 2 Ohms. The two subs will allow more power, just because of how electronics work.