upgrading the stock speakers

[diabolique]

Hi!

I want to upgrade my stock stereo system to sound better.
Most likely I am going to keep the factory head unit. I don't think that i will be getting a sub or amp right now but I may get one in the future.

Basically I want it to sound better but it doesnt have to be stellar and mabye allow for a full upgrade in the future without having to rip everything out and start over.

I have 3 basic questions:

1. Is it worthwhile to get a component speaker system in the front with no amp?

2. Is it worthwhile to get dynamat in the front and or back with a speaker upgrade of this nature?

3. What speakers would you recommend for the front and back (please be specific)

THANKS a MILLION.

[Toad]

the stock radio isnt powerful enough to power most "better sounding"speakers and components.

I reccomend getting a new head unit first, the amp inside of the radio has so much more power compared ot stck, it's just unbeleieable how much it will totally wake up the factory speakers, and maybe that is all you'll be looking for.

Speaker wise, it all depends on what kind of music you listen to and what your looking for in a speaker. each speaker has it's own sound to it, and only you can decide what sounds good to you. bring a cd somehwere and test out all the speakers with your music. (if they allow it)

[diabolique]

hmmm... i had a feeling you were going to say that...

See the problem is that i like the 'look' of the stock stereo because it fits in the dash so nicely and the colours match.

I was reading on here that there are now new indash CD stereo mounts that mimic the curvature of the dash. Is that true?

Also is there any headunit that matches the lights exactly that plays MP3's or has an aux input that will also operate with a cd changer?

[Toad]

Yes, the 2005+ in-dash radio is a cd unit, but it still has a weak amp.

There are easily radios from every manufacturer that can play mp3s, have, aux inputs, and control thier own cd changers. For Red/Blue lighting, you'll probably have better luck looking at pioneer, jvc, and clarion.

[noR]

Blaupunkt matches pretty closely if I remember correctly.

[k8thegr8]

Originally Posted by noR

Blaupunkt matches pretty closely if I remember correctly.

I have my eye on a couple of those. They do match, color wise.

Check out www.crutchfield.com. They usually have some good deals. Their customer service phone line is great. I called once and got some good info. They don't try to sell you to aggressively, either.

I'd go with a new head unit first, as well. Then see if you want to upgrade your speakers.

Geez, now I really want to get my new head unit. I can't wait to tear out my changer and toss it down the trash chute.

[HaloUmpaLumpa]

Kenwood Head-units match the lighting really closely. Yes there are adpater kits for aftermarket stereos. They usually come with two different plates to fill the empty space not covered. If you're wanting it to look like the new stereo was meant to be there then you can always have the adapter smoothed out with some bondo.

Here's how close the lighting matches


Here's what i'm talking about smoothing out the adapter.


if it's not smoothed out you'll see a line that follows the same shape as your factory stereo from where the adapter meets the dash.

[k8thegr8]

Halo I can't see your pics

This is the one I've been looking at.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-ro82JCQ...00&I=023LONDON

Unfortunately, they are out of stock. If you don't mind spending more $, here's another one I really like, but can't afford.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-ro82JCQ...0&I=023STLMP56

Happy shopping!

[k8thegr8]

You guys are a bad influence. I just bought this:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-ro82JCQ...&display=L#Tab

Free shipping and installation kit. I'll let you know how it goes. I should get it early next week.

[diabolique]

Thanks for your input everyone! I just bought this PIONEER stereo.

***Released 23 Feb/07. The versatile Pioneer DEH-P6900UB CD deck gives you instant access to all your digital audio from the front seat of your car. Playing CDs is just the beginning. This deck offers 50 Watts of clean MOSFET power, a built-in USB port, Bluetooth connectivity and an iPod input to name a few.***

[k8thegr8]

Sweet! Where'd you get it?

[diabolique]

Bestbuy... however i wouldn't recommend getting them to install it as they totally screwed my install up.

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/prodde...32&catid=21981

[k8thegr8]

I didn't even think of Best Buy, and I shop there all the time.

I'm going to attempt my own install, with my bf's help. It should be interesting and I fully expect lots of swearing and possibly some bloody knuckles. But that's always the case when I'm working on my NB.

[scarabY2k]

If your install kit came with the proper conversion harness, it should be a cinch to hook up. You'll be suprised. Have fun.

[OldSkoolVWLover]

Originally Posted by scarabY2k

If your install kit came with the proper conversion harness, it should be a cinch to hook up. You'll be suprised. Have fun.

x2 it is easy once you get into it.... I will expand further

Originally Posted by k8thegr8

I didn't even think of Best Buy, and I shop there all the time.

I'm going to attempt my own install, with my bf's help. It should be interesting and I fully expect lots of swearing and possibly some bloody knuckles. But that's always the case when I'm working on my NB.

Don't go to best buy.... go there to push buttons and play with decks. Buy from crutchfield, especially if you have no experience.... they offer tech support and give you the step by steps to removing factory pieces (free with purchase), as well you get the mount kit, wiring kit, and antenna adapter free (a good $50+ value, seriously). If you run into problems you can call them while you are in the car and they will help, best buy won't do that... and most likely you do not want them installing it either.

We just bought the Pioneer DEH-P5900ib for the wifes NB. She is doing the majority of the install, wiring harness is already done and sitting in the living room, I will be smoothing the mount kit into the dash and painting and she will be doing the rest of the deck install as well as helping me with running the ipod connector wire and the wires for the amp.

Seriously your first one is always a lil scarry, but once you get one done you will be suprised what you can do. It's seriously like legos... and you follow the instructions and you are good. My biggest piece of advice is FOLLOW instructions and do the wiring properly with crimp or solder connections (I always crimp and never have problems). I only say this because I have found some people like to twist the wires together and wrap em with a lil piece of electrical tape and call it a day (BAD!!!!). Do it right the first time!

[scarabY2k]

Originally Posted by OldSkoolVWLover

x2 it is easy once you get into it.... I will expand further





Don't go to best buy.... go there to push buttons and play with decks. Buy from crutchfield, especially if you have no experience.... they offer tech support and give you the step by steps to removing factory pieces (free with purchase), as well you get the mount kit, wiring kit, and antenna adapter free (a good $50+ value, seriously). If you run into problems you can call them while you are in the car and they will help, best buy won't do that... and most likely you do not want them installing it either.

We just bought the Pioneer DEH-P5900ib for the wifes NB. She is doing the majority of the install, wiring harness is already done and sitting in the living room, I will be smoothing the mount kit into the dash and painting and she will be doing the rest of the deck install as well as helping me with running the ipod connector wire and the wires for the amp.

Seriously your first one is always a lil scarry, but once you get one done you will be suprised what you can do. It's seriously like legos... and you follow the instructions and you are good. My biggest piece of advice is FOLLOW instructions and do the wiring properly with crimp or solder connections (I always crimp and never have problems). I only say this because I have found some people like to twist the wires together and wrap em with a lil piece of electrical tape and call it a day (BAD!!!!). Do it right the first time!

I guess I should've clarified things. I'm one who likes to dig into stereo installs and such, so it's a cinch for me- As for others, not so much.

Well given advice OldSkool. Whatever you do, follow the instructions and take your time and things should flow well for you.

Yep, Best Buy ain't for everybody. All though I bought my Sony HU from them, as a whole I'm growing tired of their lack of customer service. One BB that I stray away from, I usually find the employees congregated around each other, never eager to come over to at least acknowledge that you're there and might need assistance. They ask if you need help right as you're leaving their department. I have 3 Best Buys in my area, one of which actually has decent customer service; knowing what I was looking for prior to going to Best Buy was a plus too. Even so, Crutchfield is the bomb and I highly recommend them over Best Buy, hands down.

Keep us posted on your install

[OldSkoolVWLover]

Originally Posted by scarabY2k

I guess I should've made clarified things. I'm one who likes to dig into stereo installs and such, so it's a cinch for me- As for others, not so much.

I am with you.... didn't mean to take away from your post. Just wanted to hopefully inspire a lil more confidence. There are some people that are just scared of wiring and stereos, and as we all know, any job done with your own hands feels 100 times better.

[scarabY2k]

Originally Posted by OldSkoolVWLover

I am with you.... didn't mean to take away from your post. Just wanted to hopefully inspire a lil more confidence. There are some people that are just scared of wiring and stereos, and as we all know, any job done with your own hands feels 100 times better.

Hey no problem my man. I'm with ya. Yep, the sense of accomplishment is the big payoff.