Planning out stereo, wish I were a ricer and knew this stuff. Okay not really!

[BC69]

Okay, I really dont know anything about stereos, I know the basic components I will need, but other than that, I just want a decent CD player, and dont need a whole lot of other stuff.
My hope is to get a nice system in my 69' without having to cut up any panels or anything. I have the Covan Dash which has a blank spot to put the head unit in, I can get an amp under the dash, a seat, or the trunk, wherever need be. And then how many speakers can you get in, four?
I have been looking around and there is a crazy amount of options, and for crazy amounts of money. I just want a decent CD player head unit, decent speakers, and I don't need subs or any of the other stuff. Just something for long cruises to shows an such.
What have you guys used in your cars? What companies do you recommend? What is the proper amount of equipment I am going to need?
This is gonna be stereo 101 for me, I wish I had friends who drove hondas!

BTW: I am at work, playing online talking about the stereo they are slowly paying for. This is one nice campus job!

Thanks
Tim

[Payton King]

Just depends on how big of a music listener that you are. I love music so my stereo in my 69 is going to be good...but not over the top.

Put a head unit in the stock location. I got last years model of the Pioneer Premier series DEH-p650. It has 50watts a channel and has good controls for the subs. I am going to run 2 4 inch speaker in the dash where the factory speaker went and use the radio power to run those. I am putting 2 6.5 in the kick panels where Steilow did his in the Mule and I am doing them the same way. If you are not running vintage air, you can get a 5.25 to fit where the stock kick panel speakers fit. Running 2 6 by 9's in the rear and 2 10 inch subs in the trunk. Using the small Memphis Belle amp. 50 watts by 4 channel for the 6.5's and 6 by 9's. It has a sub channel that I am gong to run on a 1 ohm load on the 2 10's and that will be 400 watts.

If you do not want to go that elaborate run 4 or 5.25 in the kick panels and 6 by 9's in the rear with a 4 channel amp. You can get a "Bazooka Tube" with its own power for the trunk...you really need a sub. www.crutchfield.com you can pick up some good deals.

Hope this helps.

[jonny51]

I agree with Payton you need a sub, it lets you "feel" the music.The pioneer Head units have a million different adjustments and are good for the money.If you are going to run four speakers and a sub do yourself a favor and get one 5 or 6 channel amp,phoenix gold makes some nice ones.It will give you some good power without stepping into multiple amps.To save cash a space you can one run 12" sub in mono.I like like JL sub they have a nice hit Good luck

[Jay Hilliard]

Tim,

I am in the same process as you and like you dont know much about it either. However, I just bought the Alphine CDA-9831. Has detachable face, tilt, XM contols (still need tuner),plays mp3's, cdr & rw's, remote, hookups for amps, download updates from Alphine to head unit, several colors for display etc. Retails for over $400. Circuit City has them for $269. Lowest price I've found.

Let us know what you decide on etc.

Jay

[Payton King]

Sorry, I forgot to say what my speakers were/ or the ones that I like. I am hip to the JL Audio speakers as well.

[BC69]

Thanks, that really helps. I think I will do the 4 speakers, one amp, and sub. I checked out that site Payton, good deals it seemed, thanks.
As far as what I will choose, I will probably go for the midline of some of the good companies, something midlevel from alpine. A $270 head unit is just too much for me, and I know there are quality ones cheaper.

As far as the 2 speakers in the kicker, does the panel need to be cut, or is there a placement there for them?

I will do some pricing around this weekend and see what types of things I can find...cheap is the goal, but I dont want crap, and I dont need the extreme, so nice product right in the middle.

Thanks
Tim

[BC69]

Okay, here is where stupid questions start. I just looked..5 channel amps are upward of 500$! It almost seems cheaper to get 2, 3 channel amps, but I dont really know the benefits or whatnot of the amps. Whats the necessity, what does it add...I am getting dumber by the word here.

Thanks
Tim