BluBoy said:
Hey all. I really hate asking questions klike this since the answer is gonna be a personal prefference for just about everyone. Anyway, here goes....
Just bought my '03 P5 a couple of weeks ago and I just gotta get a different stereo in this thing. The factory stereo just sounds awful in my opinion. I don't go for the boomy bass and all that, I just want something that sounds realistic...good frequency response all around. I can't afford to get both a HU and new speakers right now so I'm thinking about getting a new Alpine unit now and just using my stock speakers until I can afford to get the speakers I want. I'm not sure where the factory stereo is the most lacking(HU or speakers), but it seems to be in dire need of some help in my opinion. So would I be better off to get the HU first, or a new set of good quality speakers first??
I'm thinking I would like one of the new Alpine CDA-9855 units and a set of four MB Quart speakers. Think that would be a good combo? Again, I realize it's a matter of personal taste but I'd like to hear some thoughts and opinions on the combo...good or bad.
Thanks in advance. (thumb)
We are playing with alot of things that will come down to personal taste here so I will try to point them out as we go along on our little adventure.
Problem: First, most people dis-like factory systems for a lack of frequency response in the highs and a distortion of the mids at higher volumes. In other words, they don't get loud enough for the listener before audible distortion, although some peole ignore it and even at max, it just not loud enough. A draw back to replacing the factory speakers is that you are going to LOOSE bass, almost always, especialy with only a headunit powering things. Factory speakers are simply easier to move to aftermaket speakers as they are typicly paper, which is about the lightest material you can use, and actualy, one of the best. Less weight, means less power is required to move the cone.
Solution: This is really 2 issues, 1) the speakers can not sound the way you want and 2) the head unit can not produce the power needed to obtain the desired volume cleanly. New speakers will fix #1, a more powerful head unit or and amplifier will fix #2, although the amp better addresses the problem. Even the best headunits only have 20 watts to give per speaker.
Preference: This is where you specificly come in, take a listen to the system as it is and decide if the highs are exceptable to you, for now atleast. If they are, then get and amp first, or as mentioned, a head unit if you need the features. I find that many people are suprised what a 40x4 amp can do with a stock system, especialy if you add a small 10" subwoofer to that amp. IF you like your music LOUD, an amp is not an option, you need one as you are going to blow speakers without it.
Problem: The place where most people over spend, is the head unit. The place where most people under spend is the amp, bascily because they don't buy one.
Solution: Today, headunits will do most everything except make coffee. They have features that most no one needs or knows how to use. If your looking to spend more then $250 on a head unit then your likely looking at products that will do things you have no use for. The only features most people find usefull are having a dedicated subwoofer output, having built in crossovers, being MP3 capable, and satelite ready. Amps can be had for $100-$200 depending on what you need for channels and crossovers. And and amp will always outperform a head unit.
Preference: The reason most people think that a head unit makes things sound better is because it gives them more control to screw up the singal. This comes in the form of the loudness, bass, treble, eq, and other BS boosting circuits that only increase distortion. For some people that ability to tweek is all they need, but again, if they like it loud, they are going to blow speakers from distortion. Raising the bass doesn't make bass continualy louder. It just makes it louder in relation to everything else, this means that it will distort even earlier then it did before it was turned up. This goes for all boosting circuits.
With this all laid out, I would suggest starting with a small 4 channel amp and a pair of front speakers. Don't overlook coaxles as they are typicly cheaper, easier to install and sound every bit as good as you are looking for. IF you can offord it, get a small sub at this point too. The speakers in the fallowing example should be substituted with the ones you
listen to and like.
Examples:
Alpine MRP-F240 (40x4) -$180
JL audio TR570CXI (5x7 coaxle speaker) - $150
- by the way, JL components can be had for $200 at a store, not $250
- they are the same as the infinities in that they are not true componenets as they don't have a crossover
JL audio CS110RG-W0 sub and box - $170
Just add an 8 guage amp wiring kit which are about $20 and your done. No need for a LOC as the alpine amp has one built it. Just run the amp to the front speakers and the sub and power the rear speakers with the deck.
This system is $500 and is all top notch equipment. I used these products as they are the MOST I would spend on a system in your situation. Plus you can do it all in parts or mix it up.
