Help me build my stereo system

I'll start off by saying I'm a complete IDIOT when it comes to audio and its terms. What I am lookin to do is upgrade the stereo in my truck to have a higher quality sound. I only listen to country music and some classic rock, so no subwoofers needed. Dont get me wrong I like bass in my music, but like everything to be "balanced" fairly well. I have previously had an Alpine stereo and Pioneer stereo in past vehicles and loved the quiality in both. I also have had infinity speakers and loved them.

I want to have all 4 door speakers ran to an amp. I have a 400 watt Alpine amp right now that I will be using. I dont know its details now but I will later tonight. With that being said, what kind of speakers will go with a 400 watt amp?

Like I said I dont know what Im doing with audio and unless you explain it to me like your teaching a 5 year old the alphabet i wont understand. Thanks for the help guys.

 

I've got some Alpine S-type speakers in my truck and love them. I have 6x9's in the front and 6.5's in the rear doors. I picked up all my stuff(aside from some ********* 6x9 adapter plates) from Crutchfield and they were very helpful. Might give them a call or look around on their site.

 

Well if you already have an amp, how many channels (4 or 2 or mono) it should be printed on the amp.

1. If you want to change your HU, I would go with Alpine (9883) with an Ipod cable. Order this from Crotchfield so you can get all the free stuff. Looks like they dont have the model I listed but they have some other ones for $150.00.

2. I would then add some CDT Audio component speakers to the front (6.5, crossovers and tweets). I would get these from Woofersetc.com $99.00 these speakers can handle 110 watts so if you have a 4 channel amp pumping out 100 watts per channel this speakers will work great. At this point you really don't need to spead the extra cash for rear speakers. But if you must pair them up with some CDT Audio 6x9s or another set of 6.5s (6x9s will set you back another $100 or $50 for 6.5s)

Or you can always go with Alpine speakers all the way around.

You'll need to get some speaker mounts so I suggest Mr. Marv or *********. This will set you back another $ 100 for all 4 doors plus tweeters.

so here is the breakdown..........

$150 (HU) + $150 (CDT speakers all 4 plus tweets) + $100 (speaker mounts) = $400

Or you can always search ebay or the buy/sell thread and save some cash.

Hope this helps.

 

My only advice for your system, no matter what brand you buy...

Don't underpower your components....

Give your subwoofer a quality amplifier...

and if you want balanced sound, go for a sealed box.

 

You can find some info that may help you in the FAQ's HERE and a bit more concerning PROPER INSTALLATION HERE

 

BTW, I just noticed you were in East Tennessee (my family is from Sevierville )

 

Well then they're basically neighbors. I'm in Maryville (Blount County). Not even 30 miles away

 

You realize of course that you will get 100 different answers to this question, since everyone has their preferences on brands, set ups, etc. I think what we would all agree on is that you should nuckle down and get good quality components the first time around. Otherwise you will just disappoint yourself. And as Briangp said, IF you are running higher end speakers, and/or a subwoofer, you definately need to make sure you are amplifying them appropriately. Under powering is every bit as bad, if not worse, than over powering.

Now, for the personal preference part of the story.... I listen to just about everything. One minute I might be belting out some Merle Haggard, Metallica the next, and closing out with some Rolling Stones. So my system has to tune to a variety of different musical taste. My biggest requirement of my system is that no matter what I am listening to, it needs to be super clean at all volumes. Thus... my system...

I run Focal speakers front (components) and back (coaxals). They are expensive, but IMHO they are the best sounding speakers that the average guy can afford. You will hear things in your music that you have never heard before. While Focal doesnt condone purchasing them online, you can find them at a few online retailers and on e-bay. Naturally you need to do your due diligence and make sure you are buying from someone that will take care of you if there is a problem. I also have a Pioneer DEH-7000BT head unit (has Bluetooth and Ipod adaptors already built in), an Alpine PDX5 amp and an Image Dynamics IDQ10 sub in a sealed box. I can highly recommend all of these components, I am extremely happy with them all.

A note.... if you purchase speakers off Crutchfield, you do get mounts (cheap ones), adaptors and a build sheet free. Personally I went with Robert at *********.com and picked up speaker mounts, my amp and my sub. I dont know how Mr. Marvs stuff compares to *********, but I can tell you that either are CERTAINLY better than the cheap stuff you get free from Crutchfield. I am sure Mr. Marv can weigh in on that.

 

I'm interested in the responses that this gets too because im looking to do the same thing.
Also my family is from Knoxville, just a bit of a funny thing.

 

I hear you on the country music but don't understand your hesitation in a subwoofer set up. OMG! It changes the music completely. I couldn't live without subs and I'm 44 years old. OUCH that hurt. Anyhow, after years of spending thousands I have simplified my last few vehicles by using the factory speakers with the aftermarket head unit (Pioneer and Alpine are the BEST (IMHO) and running an amp to a sub or two.
In the case of my 09 Tacoma I have installed a Sony head unit (choose features over performance) and a Kenwood amp pushing 460X1 into two Kicker 2ohm subwoofers behind the back seat of my DC. Sound is balanced in that it is not over powered one way or the other but the bass is AWESOME! Hits hard and clear. You don't need fancy speakers to achieve good sound or maintain decent high notes.
Plus the install is like an hour or so compared to taking the doors out and installing speakers. No way I'm down with that. And, if you are hell bent on not using the factory speakers; I recommend running your amp as a 3 way and powering the front and one sub in the back. The back speakers don't provide enough sound to make a difference.
Hope this helps.
Take it in steps and see what suits you as opposed to buying a bunch of components and throwing them in. By just changing the head unit in my Titan made all the difference in sound through the Rockford Fosgate system.

 

And this is where those differences in opinion come in that I mentioned. I think a good set of speakers (not the paper factory ones) are critical. I also think that good rear fill is critical. If I turn off or turn down my rear speakers, there is no question that something important to the sound stage is missing.

But as I said, it is all a matter of personal taste and really just depends on what you are looking for.

 

I hear ya Netman!

I guess over the years I've come to understand no matter how much you put into a mobile stereo its just that. You have to contend with too many factors to argue hi-fidelity sound (road noise, engine noise, occupants, rattles, wind, rain, etc.) I put my money in the home stereo but have given way to the truths of mobile hi-fi. Unless your competing all those numbers don't mean squat and its all about your sound preference.

Happy hunting.

 

All kinds of Tennessee folks hanging around here!

Very good advice here IMO and I will add that proper installation plays a HUGE role in how any speaker sounds (a good speaker installed properly will sound better than a great speaker not installed properly). And speaking of opinions I'll give mine... I noticed you said "no subwoofers needed" and I'd agree with the others in saying I believe you will be missing a lot in your quest for "balanced" sound however if you truly do not wish to add a sub I would suggest a "good" set of 6x9 components up front to help fill in the bottom end.

 

Wow lots of help really fast. I'll have to take more time later to respond to everyone and give some rep out!

Heres a quick rundown of why I'm unhappy with the stock stuff...then i HAVE to get off the computer and study for my final thats in 1.5 hours.


I use my ipod more than cds...because all my cds are on my ipod and it beats swapping the cd in and out. I have a fm transmitter that plugs in the cig lighter...i HATE it. Static, poor sound,and half the time i can turn the volume on max and its not even remotely loud enough to hear when the windows are down.

Now, I have a Pioneer flip screen avh5300 (or something like that) at my house layin around thats brand new. it also has direct i pod hook up. I might decide to just put that in for now until i get another headunit that i like later on.

So i have my headunit picked out, i pod hookup.

Need-
*********/MrMarv mounts
Speakers
MAYBE a sub (where would i put it? 07 access cab. I use my underseat storage!
Where to mount the amp?


Once again i have to go study, but i will get back to yall later to let you know what amp i have etc.... All i know is that its an alpine.Take care

 

Looks like you would like some better than average sound without mortgaging your tuition. You will get input from audiophiles who will steer you into very expensive components, You'll get budget minded folks who can give you tips on how to save some expense, You'll get some people who just want to massage their own egos and really don't give a turd about your system and post rubbish that has no relevance to your situation.
This forum, Toyotanation, and customtacos.com is absolutely packed with all the information you need to make decisions on how to tailor your own system. You did say that you're taking a final so it should be that you will have some time soon to do your own research. Start an MS Word document and copy and paste posts, threads of interest.
Components or coaxials? 6.5's or 6x9's? metal dome tweeters, silk dome tweeters or even ring tweeters?? What will it take to make that system that has a certain something that will please you. You cannot ask others to tell what to buy.
Here's my piece of advice:
1) Do add a subwoofer. The true bass a sub woofer delivers really makes a sytem sound complete. The number of posts regarding putting sub woofers in access cabs is many between these three forums.
2) Do order your baffles from Marv. I received mine today and they are perfect! Not just baffles but hand crafted. You can really see the quality. Support an American craftsman. In addition to receiving baffles I have had someone (who really knows their stuff) to discuss my build with. He helped me with my decision on the front speakers.
3) Do make use of some sound deadener. A little goes a long way to reduce vibrations from your system and road noise, and reducing other audio interferences.
4) It is my experience that Crutchfield is a little overpriced. I have ordered from them but only when items plus shipping to Hawaii(from other sights) costs way more than Crutchfield and free shipping. I don't need a stereo adviser from Cructhfield I have countless audio advisers right here on this board.
5)If your thinking about doing something to your Taco and you're not sure, just put it out here. Someone else has already done it and that experience will get to you.
6) If you want help adding to what you already have then be specific about what components you have. Try your original post again.

A couple of other Car Audio websites I have ordered from with great customer service and prompt shipping are:
Woofersetc.com
onlinecarstereo.com
and even Amazon.com. In fact I picked up a pair of very nice 6.5 components that were $300.00 less than Crutchfield and shipped to Hawaii in three days for only $18.00.

If your interested in technical specs of The Tacoma or what "fits"
Check with EnolaGaiea at Customtacos.com

There are also a couple of very good car audio tutorial websites that I will post up for you later.

Just ignore people who post non-substance, egotistical crap.

Best of luck.

 

My input.

I have an idea on which Alpine amp you have. Most likely an MRP-F300, which is a 50 watt per channel 4 channel amp. Possibly the older version of the same amp.

Me personally, would recommend you look into Pioneer TSD1720C or TSD720C components (they are the exact same, just one has "premier" stamped on it). They are the most balanced set of components I have heard under $250 and will handle the power of that map perfectly. Also look at the Image Dynamics CTX65CS set, but I found them to be a bit "bright" on the treble.

If you only want to run front speakers, you could bridge the rear channels of that amp and it would be enough to power a 8 inch or 10 inch sub fairly well. I would recommend Image Dynamics ID8D2 v3, or ID10D2 v3 (wired in series for a 4 ohm load) for this.



As far as online dealers, I would seriously second think ordering anything from woofersetc.com. As I understand (from another forum I am a member of) they are not an authorized reseller of most of the things on their website and have habbits of scratching serial numbers off product and not offering the warranty. Also, a couple of manufacturers have started filing lawsuits against them. I was looking at them for my next system build until I found out this info.

 

Corey, Thanks for the info.

 

One thing I'd like to throw in about the car audio websites.... JL is a dealer that chooses to do most its business in the shops, and not online. As of now, there are only 6 online companies that can honor JL warranties. eBay sources cannot, even though they may say they can. I'm sure most other companies are the same, thought they may not outright say it like JL does.

Just throwing that out there, it will usually cost a few bucks more from these retailers, but in the unlikely chance you break something, they'll definitely take care of it for you. Theres nothing wrong with keeping your local stereo shop alive either, unless they're a buncha jerks.



Jimirich, okay now that sig is funny

 

From what JL's marketing directer said the other day, the only online places that are authorized to sale JL audio products is crutchfield and jl audio's website. Unless I misread him.

 

I have replaced nearly everything, but don't have the sub yet.

Alpine pdx5 amp.
image dynamic 6.5" component fronts ( with Taco Tunes baffle ) sound very good.
Nice JVC Head unit.
Polk Audio 6.5" rears
Ran all new speaker wire and signal cable(aka rca for amp)

This system smokes the stock ( jbl in mine )

My point is, you might just try to use that Head Unit you have at home, get baffles for fronts and Rears from Marv, an amp and new front and rear speakers.
Decide then if you want the subs....

I'd be interested to see what you think at that point.
I can tell you I almost cried when I ran the first test.. Having a 10" sub is going to make beautiful noise in my truck.
I have listened pleasurably to all genre's.

I have never been to tennesee..