Question about upgrading system

[ArcsVibe]

I am thinking about changing the speakers and adding a sub with an amplifier, I will keep the stock HU and was just wondering if anyone has this setup in their Vibes? Please let me know how it sounds.If this topic already exists I apologize for reposting.Sam

[drunkenmaxx]

i have the stock M&T package w/an amp and 2 subs and i love it. i see no point in getting a different HU, this one is better than the aftermarket i had in my cavy. you will need some sort of kit, the HU doesn't have rca outputs

[ragingfish]

Arcs:You may still want to consider a new head unit.You can get a great HU relatively cheap. I've seen sweet ones as low as $150 US.I just paid $240 US (MSRP $349.99 US) for an AMAZING head unit. Can't wait for it to arrive and for me to get my car back to put it in!

[ArcsVibe]

Mike which one did you get? I kinda like the stock HU ( well the features on it ) I have seen some sweet deals from the US.....Drunkenvibe I have the base HU and audio system hook up, I am sure yours sounds much better than mine! What I was thinking is changing the 4 speakers with good ones ( not sure of the brand yet, doing my research ) and adding a sub with an amp.Any suggestions?Thanks guys!

[drunkenmaxx]

never heard the stock base system, but im sure it leaves some to be desired, you should get a new HU, otherwise, your not putting any power to the speaks

[Sub-Vibe-R]

For sure the best way is to get a new HU.The stock HU is not designed to hook an amp. and a sub on.For sure you can do it, but it is not the best set up.If you go for an aftermarket HU, take one with sub output, and it will be even musc better if you get one with a variable sub output, which will allow you to crank up the sub volume only and change the frequency of the low pass cross over.

[ArcsVibe]

Actually a friend of mine told me to either get a JVC radio or a Panasonic radio for the Vibe...I also like Pioneers....oh well time for some more research!Speakers I have no clue though

[ragingfish]

I got the Pioneer DEH-P7500MP.Organic EL display - customizable display allows you to load your own images plays MP3 and WMA files recorded on CD-R and CD-R/W Supertuner IIID 18 FM/6 AM presets XM radio-readyEasy EQ EQ-EX (boosts the Easy EQ settings) Sound Focus EQ MOSFET50 amplifier three sets of 4-volt preamp outputs high-pass and low-pass filters wireless remote 22 watts RMS/50 watts peak x 4 channels

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[ShotInTheDark]

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »I got the Pioneer DEH-P7500MP.Organic EL display - customizable display allows you to load your own images plays MP3 and WMA files recorded on CD-R and CD-R/W Supertuner IIID 18 FM/6 AM presets XM radio-readyEasy EQ EQ-EX (boosts the Easy EQ settings) Sound Focus EQ MOSFET50 amplifier three sets of 4-volt preamp outputs high-pass and low-pass filters wireless remote 22 watts RMS/50 watts peak x 4 channelsI got the model below that one the DEH-P5500MP and love it only difference is the display.

[ragingfish]

I had that one previously. I was test driving a few different models, that's the one I picked.The alpha-numeric display kinda bugged me though. I figured if I was going to spend money on an aftermarket system, might as well get a cool display on it. So i got this one.Now if I could only install it to see it in action...

[ArcsVibe]

I am looking for a unit that also displays the radio station call letters, and not too many radios have that feature......any help?

[ragingfish]

You want RDS...and I've yet to see any aftermarket systems that support it. I think it's one of those fads that just never caught on...

[ArcsVibe]

Yes! I saw a Blaupunkt that offers this, it was priced at 219.99$ USD on http://www.crutchfield.com not sure about the touch screen features of this radio though. Model is the Hamburg....It is always like me to love stuff that nobody likes LOL

[ragingfish]

Quote, originally posted by ArcsVibe »It is always like me to love stuff that nobody likes LOL LOL!I thought it was a good system...but I think the cost to implement it at stations kept most of them from picking it up.Now, with XM and Sirius coming into the picture, doing the same things, I think most have just decided it's not worth it.And then there's the issue of most radios not supporting it.

[ArcsVibe]

Yeah with my luck I will like those and THAT will be phased out as well LOL Why am I so difficult in buying audio stuff?? Even my wife doesn't understand it

[Sub-Vibe-R]

Quote, originally posted by ArcsVibe »Actually a friend of mine told me to either get a JVC radio or a Panasonic radio for the Vibe...I also like Pioneers....oh well time for some more research!Speakers I have no clue though If I were you, I'd don't get a JVC. They are nice looking but the quality and the relaibility is so so....For the HU, I have a Pioneer DEPH-8400PM. It has the same features as the 7500 but I have a motorisated face plate.

[ArcsVibe]

Sub where did you get your Pioneer?My wife thinks I'm weird cuz I want the radio to have RDS!!! LOL

[Sub-Vibe-R]

I bought it from a friend...The best place to get those king of HU is Centre Hi-Fi.You can also get good deal at Future Shop.You can also take a look on e-bay or on http://www.lespac.comi found my gf HU on lespac. 225$ for a DEPH-7200 used for 1 year and always on warranty. Plus the guy gave me the purchase proof.

[ArcsVibe]

Thanks Sub and thanks to everyone who helped out!Will decide after X-Mas for the audio upgrade since I have to get some wheels, but that is another topic

[ArcsVibe]

I have one more question Anyone hear if Kenwood's are any reliable?

[meathead333]

i have one, seems to work well so far.

[ArcsVibe]

This is the one I was thinking about....your thoughts?

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[ArcsVibe]

Pioneers are very good! I just did not find one that had what I wanted! You can ask Sub about his, and Ragingfish just got one also.I had a Pioneer cassette deck and just loved it! Very powerful and very reliable as well

[Jahntassa]

No, do NOT get a JVC. They are horrendus.. Pioneers are great, possibly the best performers for the price.Kenwoods are also (basically) good, BUT, the ones with the moving faces are VERY PRONE to breaking. They use a ribbon cable that is known to simply stop working. I know, because I saw one today come into my CC and the ribbon cable just up and went bad.Panasonic is OK, but not fabulous. I'd stick with Pioneer, Sony, Blaupunkt..and..yeah. Alpines are alright, but too expensive for the worth.Also,Pioneer DEHP-3500-Basic unitPioneer DEHP-5500-the 3500 with MP3/WMA capabilityPioneer DEHP-6500-the 3500 with a cool displayPioneer DEHP-8500-the 3500 with the MP3/WMA and cool displayAll the internals are the same as the 3500.

[ShotInTheDark]

I just added the Pioneer deh-p5500mp to my vibe it sounds great and plays mp3's as well.

[ArcsVibe]

Thanks for the heads up! I saw an add at Future Shop ( Best Buy in Canada ) that sold these Kenwoods at 300$CDN installed....the last thing I want is a problem radio!Have you heard anything about the Blaupunkt Milano?

[Jahntassa]

Quote, originally posted by ArcsVibe »Have you heard anything about the Blaupunkt Milano? I have not, personally... Although I do know of Blaupunkts being quite good..

[ragingfish]

Fancy fact:Did you know Blaupunkt is german for "point of blue?"

[Jahntassa]

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »Fancy fact:Did you know Blaupunkt is german for "point of blue?"Yup..notice most of the older (and I think some newer) Blau's have a blue light in the center of the volume knob..