P5 sound system questions

[Warpath]

Hello all:

I'm looking at upgrading my P5's stereo system... I've been researching but honestly my knowledge of the subject is limited and I really don't know what would be best for me.
1. I would like to change the head unit, I'm looking at satellite radio as an option. So, I figure why not change the head unit?
2. Upgrade the speakers as well
3. Replace the existing stock subwoofer enclosure.

I don't want anything elaborate but need advice from people who know. Naturally, I'm not looking for the most expensive equipment, something reasonable with good sound quality.

Any suggestions, thank you in advance.

 

[chuyler1]

This is a kind of open ended question but here goes:

The front speakers are 5x7" and the 2003 models have seperate tweeters by the mirrors. You can fit most 6.5" speakers in there which will sound better than a 5x7. I would recommend component speakers and placing the tweeters in the stock location by the mirrors. The rear speakers ar 6.5". A nice set of coaxial speakers are fine. Many prefer to just leave the stock rear speakers or disconnect them all together.

As for the subwoofer, you are not going to find anything that will save space like the stock unit. You will also have to purchase an amplifier for any subwoofer you buy (unless it is a prefab enclosure with one included). Pretty much anything from a single 8" to two 12" subs will sound better than the stock subwoofer. It all depends upon how much bass you want and how much space you are willing to sacrifice.

 

[servoeyes]

1. There are several options here. Which service do you like for Sat radio? that'll limit the brands that I can recommend to you.

2. For speaker upgrades...you have to decide how much you'd like to upgrade. Do you want significantly better sound, louder sound, etc.? In either case you really just need to replace the fronts. Don't worry about the rear doors...they're only there to add fill.

3. Again...this can only be answered by what you want to get out of this. Just some extra thump? Is space saving a concern?

What's your budget?

 

[Warpath]

Firstly, thanks for your advice, I don't know enough about stereo upgrades...sound quality is what I would like to improve, loud is not really what I'm looking for. Bottom line: an improvement over what I currently have. For the front speakers would I require an amp as well or would an adequately powered head unit be sufficient?

I realize the sub will need an amp, I just didn't know if there were powered enclosures out there that would not take up that much space. I don't want the whole hatchback taken up with a speaker box. Bass tube? I don't know.

I'm still researching the satellite radio service. Any suggestions? Money is not really the problem, I'm just not a stereo nut and would like to save as much as possible and improve on sound quality.

Again, thanks for your input!!!

 

[chuyler1]

I would recommend getting a 4-channel amp that can put out about 25-75 watts per channel. You can use the front two channels to power your new front speakers and you can bridge the rear two channels to power a subwoofer. An amp like this could easily fit under one of the front seats. For a subwoofer you could pick out a small prefab box or a bass tube. If you need the extra cargo space you can always take it out.

 

[parks853]

I hate to sound like a broken record. but you might want to check the 1000 audio challenge in the sticky section. there are alot of systems in there that are nice prices. the reason servo asked for a price is cause that lets us know what to suggerst. if you want to spend 500 that is alot differetn equipment than if you want to spend 1000. if money was not an issue I woudl get the alpine unit that has the built in XM radio tuner. cant member how much but she si expensive. Here is one thread that went on not to long ago. I have a post in there where I have lots of links to what I think is some of the best equipment for the price. not the cheap s***. adn not the stuff that is crazy expensive. http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=52709&page=1&pp=15
might still be to much money for some of the stuff. but most of the links if you go to their home page you can check out their other lines. the only one I forgot was boston acoutics. they also have nice stuff.. look there also.

 

[servoeyes]

If you want to save some cash, you can just go with a good headunit and some coaxial speakers, or cheaper components that will work well even off of headunit power. Alpine is now making a HU with lowish power, but it has XM built in...you just need to mount an antenna.

Pio and Alpine would be my recommendations for HUs...but they only use XM. If you want sirius I recommend a newer Kenwood...or you could just get something that offers you another input option and get a seperate SatRad tuner.

My personal favorites for HUs are Alpine, Eclipse, and Pio.

Now...for front speakers...generally, off of a HU, you won't get that much better sound. You can add a 50x2 amp and you'll be all set for any set of coaxials and a good range of mid-level components. Something by Alpine, Eclipse, or JL is my personal suggestion on the amp. You can mount it under your front seats or on the back seat to save space. For the front speakers, set a price range, and listen to every speaker in that price range. Then buy what you like best. I suggest JL Audio, Boston Acoustics, CDT, Kicker, Alpine, Adire, Image Dynamics, and Eclipse. Understanding that you don't want anything extravagant, I still recommend these because they are good quality and have option in the lower to mid price ranges that are excellent.

For your sub...Look at either an 8" or 10" small box sub by Image Dynamics, Elemental Designs, or JL Audio. You can power it with an amp that'll provide right up to 300W RMS (not max or peak)...but I wouldn't worry about giving it more. Again...you can mount the amp under the seats or on the back of the rear seats to save space. Look into JL Audio, Kicker, Alpine, Phoenix Gold, Hifonics, Rockford Fosgate, MTX and others for the amp. There's plenty of decent brands out there...you just want to get something that'll put out the power you're looking for. A sealed box for most 8" or 10" subs won't be bigger than 14"x14"x14" (at the largest).

--edit--
Yeah...and definitely check out the 1000$ audio challenge sticky. Great stuff in there, but it just listes brands and prices. Some extra stuff, like I outlined here, is necessary to make final decisions in my mind.

 

[Poseur]

THe boys prettymuch have you covered. I would look seriously at a midrange set of components ($200+ish) A decent 4channel amp (eclipse pa5422 would be perfect) and then a 8-10" sealed box sub. (I'm a HUGE elemental Designs fan, an 8a would do you well) As far as tweeter placement, I wouldn't be toofast to put it in the stock tweeter spot, though. nicer speakers with more power and the tweets can get too overpowering that far off-axis with your midbass. of course you can always 2-side tape and play with it.

Another note. If space is of concern, Check this out, I just discovered that the spare tire sub for my 03.5 involved raising the cargo floor about 3-4" Never occured to me until my friend was showing me his new ghetto bandpass box, and I saw how much lower his floor was than mine. SO I went in a pulled out all of that stuff, and WOW I've got TONS more room back there than I'd ever imagined. Makes my 1' box seem much smaller.

 

[Turbo Matty P]

I bought the entire MSP sound system for less than $500. It looks and sounds great. New headunit, 2 new pairs of door speakers, amp/sub rack in the back. Still have your cargo space and a little thump to go with it.