New Speakers or HU?

[jreptak]

Hey, So I was thinking of changing my sound system in my MP5 (The stock sounds horrible) and I was wondering on if its worth more to change the HU or the front and back speakers?
I did some research on the forums and I've read a post that said the HU was the weakest link of the whole system and I'm on a budget so I don't want to change both.

Also, can you guys tell me any good speakers and HUs?
Rear = 6 inch and Front = 6*8 right?

Thanks in ahead!

 

[Flav]

HU, when I added a new pioneer HU the sound in the car changed completely, in my opinion the stock speakers are actually pretty dope with a new HU powering them.
I've also got 2, 10 inch subs in the back with the stock speakers still and I'm not looking to change them ever unless I manage to blow them.

 

[jreptak]

Do you know of any good HUs and how hard is it to add a new one?

 

[Flav]

I think you pretty much can't go wrong with any of the new ones at best buy or future shop (I've had mine for about 6 months so it's new still)
And difficulty on putting a new one in, it's not very difficult just YouTube some videos or do some research of you've never done it.

 

[azuelke]

I've got a really nice Alpine for sale: http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123744893-Alpine-CDA-9855-Alpine-Ai-NET-KCA-420i

 

[Rockin03mp5]

first thing, change head unit. if you change speakers, and still run the stock headunit, you would need an amp or those new speakers would be very underpowered.

the new HU would make the stock speakers come alive. they sounded nice for me like that, but i eventually got component speakers and an amp for the fronts.

also, the sizes in your first post are correct. there is a lot of good information in the audio section on here.

 

[jreptak]

Another question. What kind of HU would I need? Would a Double DIN fit in perfectly and snuggly (guessing from the fact that the stock HU is big)? And If I do a Single DIN how would I fill the gap?

I would prefer not a Double DIN, but just asking.

 

[azuelke]

Double DIN would fit perfectly. If you go single DIN, you would get mounting hardware that would give you a little pocket underneath. Also, if you go with a single DIN, you could use the MSP pocket.

 

[stjohans]

Double din isnt a perfect fit, you will need a kit, i picked up a metra kit for like $20 thats an all in one, so it will work for single or double just gotta pop out the middle brace if your using it for a double.

 

[azuelke]

Not if you get the right double DIN...

 

[Rockin03mp5]

i wouldnt worry about din size. there are always adaptors. get the headunit that you like, and that suits your needs and budget.

im biased towards pioneer. they have a good interface, and have always sounded nice. it is also the only brand i have purchased though, thus the bias.

 

[denim]

Don't worry about rear speakers, focus on a quality head unit as it is the heart of the audio system. Then focus on some nice front end components.

I will be starting my front stage soon, just have to decide if I want to stay active as I have been in the past or try out the insane Bravox 3-way passives.

 

[bfowler]

hey denim!

as mentioned above there are plenty of options for dash kits to install a single din stereo. the mp3 pocket is a little spendy, but looks great:

install:

 

[jreptak]

I've been looking for pockets and I haven't been able to find any good ones (The scoche one looks pretty ugly, I think my main gripe is the fact that the compartment is small). I was wondering where would I be able to find msp or mp3 pockets? And are there any other good pockets that fit in the mp5?

EDIT: Okay so I think I decided on this HU: https://www.amazon.com (commissions earned)
Sony CDX-GT700HD In-Dash CD Receiver MP3/WMA/AAC Player with HD Radio
It's $140 on Amazon.
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_158GT700HD/Sony-Xplod-CDX-GT700HD.html?tp=5684&tab=review&rvm=ShowAllt
It's $180 on Crutchfield but comes with the installation kit. Would I be able to get everything I need to install it for the 40 dollar difference?
Also, do yall think this is a good option? Maybe have any other suggestions for a HU?

 

[azuelke]

Sony FTL!

 

[bfowler]

for that price point, i like this one:
https://www.amazon.com (commissions earned)

24bit DAC's, HP crossovers for your speakers, usb input on a mountable tail, 5 line display (handy for navigating usb or ipod folders) 4 volt outs. and imo its much classier looking

*edit* didnt see that the sony has a built in HD tuner....that may or may not be important to you

 

[Rockin03mp5]

Sony FTL!

i do agree with this.

edit: shoot this thing is cheap on amazon!

it is 420 at best buy

right now, it is 320 with free shipping on amazon. you would need the adapter though.

https://www.amazon.com (commissions earned)

 

[jreptak]

Rockin that is way over my budget. I would like to stay at 180 max. And yeah HD capabilities are a necessity for me as I listen to radio primarily (get tired of the stuff on my phone as I listen to it all the time on the way to classes). Would you guys recommend any other HD Radio enabled head units?

Thanks for your help so far, it has been amazing!

 

[Rockin03mp5]

bfowler and i are into good sound quality. there are a lot better than sony.

that pioneer dvd player is just something i have looked at before, and had noticed a nice price drop. there are a lot of good HU's for 180 and under. even if you dont buy from there, crutchfield has a lot of information about various head units. you can then look them up on amazon for better prices and more reviews.

 

[Lewis7789]

I'm a little late, but I agree with upgrading the headunit first. The stock speakers sound pretty good. I got a Sony for my first car (10 years ago, mind you) and it was garbage. The cd player broke and would skip so I never went back to them. Then I bought an Alpine head unit and have been using them ever since without one fault. I'm currently running an Alpine CDA-9886 for 2 years and I love it. Then shortly after I upgraded the front speakers to some Alpine Type-R's and they sound great. I ordered everything from Crutchfield.com, as I have for my last 3 cars, and they come with the mounting harward and install directions. They had a sale where if you bought front speakers you got some Sony rear speakers for free. I installed the rear speakers and they were garbage. I actually put the stockers back in and they sounded better than those crappy Sony's. But they were free so I can't complain. I gave them to a friend.

So long story short, I would say get an Alpine headunit. They aren't flashy or gaudy, aound great and work very well and are dependable.

ps- I'm a musician of 15 years and work in a shop where we build acoustic panels for studios and churches. So I like to think I have pretty good ears.