new vibe owner, many audio questions...

[Spatula]

Hi all! I just signed for my base AWD neptune Vibe (with power package) this afternoon, and I should be driving it in a week or so. I've been reading through these forums (you guys are really excellent) so that hopefully this post won't be completely composed of questions that have already been answered. Here goes...I'll have the base audio system, no M&T. From what I understand, that means I have a decent HU, no amp, and crappy speakers. I've already ordered myself a Rio Car (a discontinued in-dash hard drive MP3 stereo), which is standard single-height DIN and has line-level outputs. What do I need (harness? this thing?) to get it properly installed? Is the Vibe's stereo area a full double-height? ie, can I fit another stereo in there with my Rio Car and daisy chain them? The Rio Car has an ISO connector. Will I need a wiring adapter, and if so, which one?The outputs from that will have to go to an amp, which I guess I put under the passenger's seat? Is that hard to install? I have no idea what to look for in an amp. What do you guys recommend?Finally, we get to the speakers. I read Carl's excellent install guide, and from that thread I get the impression that any standard 6 1/2 sized speakers should fit in nicely, both in front and in back. Is that true? Once again, I don't really know what to look for in speakers. Advice? If I replaced all 4 speakers with good ones, then realisticly speaking, would I need to also buy a woofer? Or would good speakers provide enough bass? Is getting the new speakers hooked up to the amp hard?I plan on doing everything myself, maybe with a little help from Crutchfield customer service. My budget for speakers + amp is in the $500-$800 range. I like to blast music, and I want it to sound good while doing so. What products can you guys reccomend that fit the bill, and fit in the Vibe? Are there any guides for installing amps or stereos into the Vibe?Thank you for any help you guys can provide!

[cohocarl]

Welcome to the forum!!! I'm not too familiar with the RIO. I'm assuming it's an "add on" to the exhisting stereo H.U.? If so, then you'd need an "aux in" on the H.U., which my 03 didn't have. The stock H.U. has an "aux in" for the cd changer, and I think there are adapters that can change this "cd in" to a regular "aux in", but I don't know too much about them. I put in a H.U. that has a regular "aux in" so I could hook up a dvd/vcd player's audio.Regarding the double din size, the jury is still out. I've read that you can fit two single din size units in the spot, but you have to shave off some of the bezel that goes around the stereo/vents. I have yet to see any pics of a Vibe or Matrix that someone has put in two single din units, or one "double din" size h.u. There is room under the passanger seat for decent size amp if you need to put one in for the Rio.

[Spatula]

I want to throw out the stock HU. i'm content to just have the Rio in there, but it only has line level outs, so i need to put an amp under the seat to power the speakers. i'm curious about putting 2 HUs in there because the Rio lacks a CD player, and that would be nice to have.

[Jahntassa]

I will try to answer your questions, best I can...The opening for the Vibe stereo is a DIN+ 1/2 oversize..meaning, you have room for an ISO/DIN stereo and a pocket. Sorry...but you can only run your RIO if you put it in the dash... Unless you want to put a secondary stereo say...in the armrest.For the Rio, yes, you will need that "thing" (otherwise called a fit-kit), to fit the RIO in the opening. You'll need the wiring harness for the RIO itself...as well as a wiring harness for the car side (I think it's Metra part 70-2003, But I could be wrong...) Also, you'll need the following:- RCA cables to go from the RIO to the amplifier. I put my amp under the driver seat since I have a changer under the passenger, the JL 300/4 amplifier fits almost perfect. - A power wire kit to feed power to the amp. You'll need something with -at least - 8 guage wire. You need to run power from the battery to the amp, as well as a ground, which can be tapped into any metal in the car.- Speaker wire, to run from the amplifier to the wiring harness for the car side (basically going from under the seat, back to behind the radio.- The amplifier. You'll probably want something like what i've got...with all your connections on the bottom of the amp, just so when you squeeze the amp in, you'll have space to actually -plug- it in.For speakers, expect to spend that $300. I'd reccomend Polk right off the bat. Get a pair of components for the front doors, and coaxials for the back. With polk, they're offering 50% off the second pair...so you're really lookin' at around $250. (See end of post for Crutchfield pricings)6.5" speakers don't handle a lot of bass. So you'll probably want something extra for thump. Doesn't have to be much... Something like a single 10" Polk/MOMO or Infinity in a sealed box with a fairly good amp is about par. You can determine this for yourself, though... Keep in mind, if you add the sub, you'll need more RCA cables, and another power kit.- Polk 6.5" db Components http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi...avf=N - Polk 6.5" db Coaxials (Rear) http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi...avf=N I actually have the Polk MM6 components in the front, and will probably get another set for the rear...As far as Amps...-Audiobahn A4004T - I know this'll fit under the seat... http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi...avf=N -JL 300/4 - This is what I have for my door speakers http://www.infinitecaraudio.co...L3004 - The amp power wiring kit (with one pair of RCA) http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi...avf=N - Second pair of RCA (need four channels, one for each speaker) http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi...avf=N I favor Lightning Audio for the interconnects..but that's just me. (It's what's in my Vibe)I can post more pictures of any part of the install you need. If you want anything easy step-by-step, PM or IM me, and we can get more in-depth. Hope all of this helps..

[Jahntassa]

I also forgot to say...as I always should..If audio is important to you, you can't spend too much. Buying something "cheap" to "get-by" isn't going to do you any good in the long run. It's better to save up, do it one piece at a time, and get it done right, than to get "okay" to start. It's just a waste of money if you can't get it right the first time. I speak from experience... My first subs looked great...a two-for-one deal at Best Buy...but they gave me nearly nothing. Granted..i'm not running high-end subs...but for now..they do what I want until I can afford to go all-the-way and get most of my electrical system redone...What I say are just reccomendations...take 'em or leave 'em.. I can say that I'm no amateur.. I've been working professionally in television sound for years now, as well as being a Circuit City car audio installer. I don't want anyone swindled..I just hope that everyone gets the great sound that they deserve...- Jahntassa

[cibomatto]

Sorry but I have no clue about audio/electronics BUT i would just like to say that ITHACA ROCKS,,, I love that place, Almost attended Ithaca as a Music Major.Welcome!!!

[Spatula]

Jahntassa: Thank you! I definitely agree that's it's worth the money for quality audio parts. Audio is one of those things where you really do get what you pay for. What's involved in running cables between the amp and the HU/speakers?cibomatto: Ithaca is the best darn hippie town in new york! I'm a native of New York City (Queens, to be exact) doing my undergrad time in Cornell. I'm in Ithaca 9 months a year, thus my need for the AWD Vibe. =]

[Jahntassa]

Quote, originally posted by Spatula »Jahntassa: Thank you! I definitely agree that's it's worth the money for quality audio parts. Audio is one of those things where you really do get what you pay for. What's involved in running cables between the amp and the HU/speakers?There's two methods...one, take apart the shifter area and take out the center armrest (both are pretty easy to do), run the wires straight down from the radio...under the carpet to the center armrest, then under the carpet again to come out next to the floor vent under either seat.Or, Run the cables across under the dash (either side), go down the kickpanel...down the siderunner, and again, under the carpet to come out near the floor vent...Up to you, really.