Brand new to this

Stereo, security systems, vehicle electronics, and electrical-related discussions
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MrSmashy
Posts: 5
Joined: Wed Sep 14, 2011 8:14 am

Brand new to this

Post by MrSmashy »

Hi, I'm young and brand new to modding cars. I "inherited" my parents' 2010 Vibe 1.8L without M&T. Like i said, I'm young and would really like to upgrade my sound package. I'm thinking about doing the installation myself. However i know next to nothing about car audio and I've been on Safari Googling "car audio for dummies" in class for the past few days. So i stumbled across Crutchfield. I've selected the following electronics for my car, please be nice and supportive in your posts. (I'm 17 and money is pretty tight for me, i also don't plan on amps/subs) Thanks!Front doors: Kenwood KFC-1662Shttp://www.crutchfield.com/p_1...p=105Rear doors: Alpine SPS-600Chttp://www.crutchfield.com/p_5...specsReceiver: Pioneer DEH-33HDhttp://www.crutchfield.com/p_1...specs
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A Psycho Martyr
Posts: 2598
Joined: Mon Feb 08, 2010 6:13 am
Location: Cullman, Alabama

Re: Brand new to this (MrSmashy)

Post by A Psycho Martyr »

I say leave the rear speakers alone (for now) and get the Pioneers for the front and mount the tweeters in the door panels.Then with the money saved from leaving the rear speakers stock, you can put a little extra into the head unit. Maybe try to find something with a 7-band EQ instead of a 3.THEN you can fine tune your speakers to sound JUST the way you want em.You really will get lot more outta your stock speakers JUST from having a better EQ than "Treble, Mid, and Bass" EDIT:you got me searchin now.lol....here's some links I foundhttp://www.sonicelectronix.com....htmlhttp://www.sonicelectronix.com....htmlhttp://www.sonicelectronix.com....html
VibeBear
Posts: 101
Joined: Tue Oct 07, 2008 8:23 am

Post by VibeBear »

I would spend a bit more on the head unit and get something with 3 sets of 4volt pre-outs. That way as your system grows with amps & subs you'll be prepared. If price is a concern, start with a good quality head unit & upgrade speakers later on. Kenwood Excelon are great decks.Also too, if you're going to shop on crutchfield's website, you'll want to visit crutchfield.ca
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1992 Chevrolet Camaro RS 305/5-speed, Bright Dark Teal
2009 Pontiac Vibe Base 1.8L/5-speed, Carbon Grey
hapagan
Posts: 178
Joined: Fri Oct 01, 2010 1:11 pm

Post by hapagan »

yeah ur better off starting slowly but with quality. ive replaced my HU like 4 times in the past year just cuz i bought the cheap stuff to get it out of the way.
04 Pontiac Vibe Gray, M+T package Custom Front Bumper Paint5% window tint everywhere except three front windows 12" Pioneer IMPP subPro bend bandpass boxBoss 1600w 4Ch amp6, 6.5 Infinity Kappa 62.9i 450w each
journeyforce
Posts: 350
Joined: Sat Aug 13, 2011 11:24 am

Post by journeyforce »

Don't forget a USA Spec PA-20 for integrated iPod control if you are a iPod junkie You may have to get the optional cable if you don't have the XM module
MrSmashy
Posts: 5
Joined: Wed Sep 14, 2011 8:14 am

Re: Brand new to this (MrSmashy)

Post by MrSmashy »

thanks for all the input =Di think i'm gonna opt for the pioneer MVH-P7300and make more decisions later!
06pvibe
Posts: 1571
Joined: Sat Dec 19, 2009 8:49 pm
Location: Manor (Austin,) Texas

Re: Brand new to this (MrSmashy)

Post by 06pvibe »

If I were you I think the best bang for a tight budget would be to upgrade the factory speakers first, and I would replace all 4 with the same speaker. Factory HU's aren't usually too bad by themselves, but the OE speakers are crap. For about $120-$150 you could upgrade them and live with better sound while saving up for a better HU.Mixing speakers in a car is usually not such a good idea because each has its will have its own sound quality and efficiency. One set may only produce 90db/watt, while the other 96db/watt.
FJ's Garage Thread "There is no tool you can buy that will replace experience." - Josh Mills, C.K.DeLuxe January 2011 GenVibe MOTM
cptnsolo77
Posts: 1645
Joined: Sun Jul 29, 2007 4:05 am

Post by cptnsolo77 »

Agreed! A great set of speakers will bring life to your factory HU. I was amazed of the difference after I replaced just my front speakers with Polk DBs.
* 2003 Vibe Auto Satellite Silver w / Moons & Tunes
* Kenwood Excelon KDC-X597
* Polk DB651-Speakers
* Soundproofcow Roadblock R sound deadening in all doors
* Drop In K & N Filter
* NGK Iridium IX Plugs
* 27 MPG City/Highway with AC on
MotoAce51
Posts: 412
Joined: Fri Jan 14, 2011 12:01 pm

Re: (cptnsolo77)

Post by MotoAce51 »

I did the speakers first because I had a blown front pass speaker but they didn't really matter until I got the head unit. If all speakers work I would start with the HU. Then speakers. If you have speakers that are not workinbg properly, then do them first.
2004 Vibe Base- Injen CAI, 10,000K HID's, Projector Retrofit W/ Angel Eyes, Billet Grilles, Kicker KX6.5 Components, Helix TB Spacer, Pioneer Premier HU
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Bastranz
Posts: 196
Joined: Sat Jul 25, 2009 6:59 am

Re: Brand new to this (A Psycho Martyr)

Post by Bastranz »

Great advice in this thread! I was thinking about upgrading my system soon...just nervous about installation, heh.
Owner of the first official "Brando-mobile", the "Silver Streak". 2003 Base Vibe, FWD.
Moved into the next generation, what's new is "Azúl" 2010 2.4 Vibe, AWD
jayman2009
Posts: 50
Joined: Wed Mar 10, 2010 11:50 pm

Post by jayman2009 »

I say start with the hu and go from there. I started with a jvc dvd deck then to a clarion one with 2 bassworks subs in the back on a mxt 6100 amp befor i did my front and real speakers. i was suprised how well the stock speakers still sounded with a aftermarket hu
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