Audio Experts: Take me to school

[DominatingZX2]

Alright, I'll open with this admittal: I am a certified newbie in this area. The last aftermarket stereo I had was an Alpine that I bought in '97. But, I know that many people on here have spent a lot of time and money on their audio setups, so I figure SOMEONE can give me some good advice. :beernana:

I am still running the factory stereo in my S/R. My old truck didn't have an auxiliary input for an iPod; since neither of my vehicles had an input, I never bothered to actually join the new millenium and get an iPod. Well, the new truck has an input, so my wife and I broke down and got iPods over the weekend (her Equinox has an input also). I have been considering upgrading the car's stereo system for a while, and I think now might be a good time. Yeah, I know that they make FM transmitters, but I would rather have a plug-in connection.

This is my basic criteria:

1) I don't listen to my music at ear-splitting levels, and I absolutely hate cars that you can hear from a mile away. So, please save recommendations of 2 15s for someone else. I'm looking for crisp, clean sound.
2) I'm not interested in adding a bunch of weight to the car. I have taken at least 100-150 pounds out of the car, no sense in adding it back in. So, given that, I would like to avoid running a sub altogether.
3) My main types of music are rock, heavy metal and country. No hip, R&B, techno, etc.

So, having established that, I am basically looking for a new head unit and speakers. I have been doing some research on Crutchfield and have some basic questions:

1) Pioneer vs. Alpine: opinions? They both have head units in the $200 range that look promising.
2) $50 vs $200 speakers: huge difference? Would a rookie like me even notice? :rofl:
3) Amp: Do you recommend adding one? Is it "needed?"

If you've read this far, thanks.

[Buster]

1. Alpine will sound better. I've owned both. My old Alpine deck that cost me $120 new at Circuit City was one of the best sounding stereos I've owned. It was 4 years old and still sounded great when thieves busted out my window and stole it. They obviously knew quality.
2. $50 speakers will be fine if you're not looking for a crazy system. Actually, I'd recommend Pioneers for a budget speaker that sounds great.
3. The head unit will make the speakers sound good without an amp. I'd only add an amp (if I were you) if you're adding a sub. If you do, get a 10". It will give you plenty of clear bass that is a more quality sound. It CAN be loud, but clarity will be better.

[Buster]

The deck I'm using now AND LOVE:

Blaupunkt Key West MP36
http://www.blaupunkt.com/us/7646470510_main.asp

It was nearly $200 when insurance bought me one, but you can probably get one for $100 now online.

It sounds GREAT, has a ton of features and tuning, plays MP3s and has a cool display that you can choose from 4,096 colors to match your car or interior lighting. HA.

I have 2 amps and a sub hooked up to it now, but I probably have the same music taste as you and have the bass turned down a lot so I'm not a punk.

Nice... $79... http://cgi.ebay.com/Blaupunkt-Key-West-MP36_W0QQitemZ330084042899QQihZ014QQcategoryZ18798 QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp16 38Q2em118Q2el1247

[DominatingZX2]

Great stuff, thanks!!

I just priced out an Alpine head unit, Pioneer speakers front and back, and all installation hardware (including the Metra plate) for $335. Hmm, I think this may be happening sooner rather than later. :cool:

[Buster]

If you order from Crutchfield.com, you can get a free Metra plate. At least I did.

They also had a special on Blaupunkts where I got a free cordless drill too. :D

[DominatingZX2]

Update:

So I bought an Alpine CDA-9884 head unit, Pioneer TS-G1642R front speakers and Pioneer TS-G6842R rear speakers. I ordered it all from Crutchfield, which was great; free shipping, easy instructions and everything else required (wire harnesses, DIN tool, etc.) was included at no cost. They also included the iPod cable. I installed everything this weekend, and it sounds MUCH better than the stock stuff.

So, thanks again for the recommendations, I really appreciate it. :beernana:

[CreativeOne]

I know I'm late! But my 2 cents.


I happen to have just bought Kenwoods eXelon series speakers, Very nice clean sounding speakers. I don't listen to Hip-hop or base. I don't own a sub woofer. Just a typical metal head.

Here is what I got.

Back (http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Car_Entertainment/eXcelon/Speakers/KFC-X682C)

Front (http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Car_Entertainment/eXcelon/Speakers/KFC-X172)

Both pairs cost me about 200 bucks altogether. I am a very pleased Kenwood costumer.