Stereo frustration

[Photo pro]

I am about to install a new stereo. I don't really want to completely redo the system, I just can't take it anymore. (poor high's, low's, no CD player...)

How much better performance can I expect by changing the head unit and keeping the stock amp and speakers? Are the stock speakers good enough?

I know I need to change it all out to achieve superior performance. I just want to upgrade from poor to good.

 

[2000GTS]

Head unit makes a big difference. However, to get the best sound you have to do the amp and speakers also.

Speakers aren't all that expensive. Some good MB Quarts should only run about $200 all the way around. You can also get a good amp for about $400.

Sell your old equipment on ebay. You'll be surprised how much you can get for it. In the end your out of pocket should be small.


Bill

 

[FranciscoR.]

Not to diss 2002, but a good amp should cost way less then $400. When you start to spend $400 on let's say a 200 - 300 watt amp ( all you would really ever need for a regular system ) you start getting into the really good amps. A decent 200watt amp from Ebay ( still new or at least excellent shape ) should run you no more then $200 or $300 MAX!!

 

[Rocketman66]

Just did my 96 RT/10 last Friday. I brought it in to Future Shop (BestBuy) and the rep/tech was really honest. He could have easily sold me a $1000 dollar complete rock-ass system. But honestly how little we drive it and he said because of the interior noise , you would never notice the difference. At any point. After taking my dash apart he was completely suprised that all the original factory equipment (including rear amps were "ALPINE). He recommended a Pioneer CD player that has seperate Pre-outs so you can isolate the sub-woofers behind your head. (what-ever that meant! kidding) Anyways, the Pioneer deck (with is detachable), completely supplied and installed was $275.00. Sounds great for the money.

 

[chickenwarrior]

Has anyone actually done an amp replacement themselves? I am curious to the wiring configuration for the front door speakers and the rear sub. The stock alpine amp has that DIN plug that is hard to decipher. I didn't know if there were seperate speaker leads for the 4 speakers plus the sub at the AMP or if there are just 2 sets of leads that tie in elsewhere....

 

[Photo pro]

I'm thinking of an Eclipse CD3424 head unit. Any thoughts?

 

[GTSnake]

Just because it's Alpine it doesn't mean it's any good. Remember it's still OEM which means they have to make it to the DCX specs and keep it under a certain cost. That means cheaper components and lower performance. The only reason why Alpine supplies Vipers is because no other supplier wanted to. I know.

 

[hemibeep]

Speakers....speakers...Take off a cover and look at them..straight out of a Shadow!(?) Then you could change the amp as it has high distortion..but start with the speakers..also there should be a DIN conversion to use the plug for other amps...ask a stereo shop for the plug to convert. The head unit would be the last item to swap

 

[GTSJERRY]

I have that same eclipse just installed in my 96. Its a really good stereo but someone with experiece will need to install it. The factory amp harness will need to be cut and spliced to work with the radio. My brother's stereo shop in Kennesaw did the install, if you need any help bring it down. The name of the shop is Area41, 678-594-0141, ask for Terry, he carries the radios in stock and i can get you a great price, let me know.

 

[Wayne]

Stock Sux!
I am about 1 week ahead of you from the sound of things.
I changed the head unit out within days of receiving my RT and added the Kenwood DVD and Navigation (and Alarm).
It did sound better, but still had no bass and a crap load of distortion.
I addressed the bass issue with a JL Audio 6W0 (6 ½ sub) in-between the seats.
The speaker I took out was running 6 ohm BTW.
I had to add some spacing (about ¼ inch) in-between the sub and factory mounting holes.
That helped quite a bit in the bass area, but had bleed through to the sub and still seems distorted.
Still not happy, I just bought a set of speakers for the doors. I chose the Diamond Audio HEX S600sseries components.
I looked at several brands including Infinity, MB Quarts, Polk, ect. But these seemed to have the best specs in terms of Signal to noise ratio, power handling and frequency response.
Yes, they –list- at $599. but only a fool pays list. I found a set; New, on Ebay with full Warranty for $319.00 plus about $25 for shipping. (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...p;item=5714518271&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT).
(Sorry the links for some reason need to be cut and pasted into URL window.)


To drive these speakers I again researched specs via internet and Car Audio magazine 2003 directory (June 2003 issue).
I narrowed it down between the JL 300.4 and what I ended up choosing:
Soundstream Van Gogh 320.4

Again, I went to Ebay as –list- was $799.00
I again found a’ sweet deal on a brand new (with 1 yr warranty) unit at $295.00 plus $27.00 shipping. (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...p;item=5713421971&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT)

Now, the way I figure the math… that amp runs 75 watt (RMS at 4 OHM at 4 channel, with <.02% THD) wile hitting a SN ration >115 Db.)
The speakers are rated to handle 20-170 watts
The JL sub is rated for 75 Watt (RMS)
The amp should max out around 150 Watts per channel of true clean power witch just about perfectly blends to the speakers and subs.
And have everything running 4 Ohn.

I found this cap to go with the system that is rated at 1.5 Fared with digital display. (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...p;item=5714833377&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT)

Because I am a UNSANE man, I decided that I want to be able to watch a DVD and listen to my favorite CD’s without changing the disk out, I thought about a CD Changer BUT…NOPE!
I told you, I am a UNSANE man… I added a Music Keg to my order list.
Picked up the Kenwood KHD-CX910 (http://www.kenwoodusa.com/product/p...Id=162&productLineId=1&productId=2373).

Again, -List- is around $600.
I picked it up (with full warranty but refurbished) for $164.95 plus about $30. for shipping. (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...;item=5714666944&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW).
Now, I can control the music Keg from the dvd touch screen 

That means when this is all done I have $988.00 (under a GRAND!!!) (plus headunit) ******* in a system that will just plain ROCK!!!

Diamond Audios $ 319.00 + $25.00
JL Sub $72.00
Soundstream Amp $295.00 +$27.00
Keg $164.00 + $30.00
1.5 Cap $40.00 + $16.00

Now to mount all this I decided that I would remove the spare.
In the well where the spare goes, the Keg and cap will be mounted so that they are each half covered with black carpet (same as inside of doors) with a custom carpet covered fiber board that will hold both in place.
The entire bottom of the truck will be covered (helps hide wires) and the Soundstream amp will fit where the stock one sits.
The distance between the top of the music Keg and the top of the tire well will have supports built in that will hold a clear cover about ¼ to ½ inch thick.

When you look into the trunk (or spare tire compartment…LOL) you will see the protective cover that lifts off to expose the Keg to enable the DMS cartridge to be swapped with only lifting the lid.
The lid will provide not only a visual, but will provide protection so the Keg does not get damaged should I want to take a trip in the car away from home…I can throw the spare on the throw blanket I have in the trunk.
Then my only concern is: should I blow a tire a few hours from home and put the spare on in the middle of the night…will the rear tire (should it be one of those to blow) fit in there over the clear cover and allow me to tie down the trunk and spare with a motorcycle Tiedown run from the latch; through the center of the rim and tied off in the trunk????
Coolest thing...I can have it ALL put back to stock should I decide to.

I will have to let you know how that works out !

 

[sbkim]

I spent about $2K on mine and if I could do it all over again, I would not do it. I have the top of the line alpine mp3 player along with rockford fosgate amp and speakers (high end but not as good as Focals/boston pros). I think the acoustics in the car is terrible and doesn't really matter what you put in there and it will still sound bad. Dont' get me wrong it sounds much better than stock - gets louder and more bass but still not the quality I was hoping for. If you have limited budget, just keep everything stock and have a stereo shop add an amp and sub.

 

[GraphiteGTS]

My stereo sounds fine. Exhaust sounds even better.

 

[Cop Magnet]

Anyone able to tell me how to get the upper door panel off to change out the tweeter? Thanks for all the information posted so far!

 

[Photo pro]

WWWWAAAAAHHHHHHOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

I just rolled into the garage with my first mod. I purchased the Eclipse 3434 head unit. WOW! What a difference. I never really realized how good the stock speakers would sound. Sure ,it's not a "superior" system until I replace the stock speakers and amp. Now I can hear the highs and lows better than ever. I can actually hear bass now. The sound is full and rich.

Replacing the head unit was most definately the best "bang" for the buck. I may or may not replace the speakers now. I'm definately not in any hurry. My goal was to at least take the stock system from poor to good.

 

[GTSJERRY]

Great choice, thats the exact radio i have in mine!

 

[GTSnake]

Anyone able to tell me how to get the upper door panel off to change out the tweeter? Thanks for all the information posted so far!

It's pretty easy. There's a bunch of screws from around the perimeter. Don't forget the screws on the hinge side by the door handles. Then there's 2-3 x-mas trees you pull on and that's it. When you have taken off all the screws the door will be loose. Make sure you lift out to pop off the x-mas trees then up as the door trim kind of hooks onto the door inner. The tweeter has 2 screws and your done.

Reading all these posts about how bad the acoustics are in the Viper. You're all totally correct. However with tuning and the proper EQ you can make it sound decent. I got the Pioneer Auto EQ which comes with a mic that will set the level and EQ for each speaker. I made an amp rack that has 2 rear speakers built in that give it a much better imaging. Check my gallery for pics.

 

[nazar]

Those of you interested in an upgraded subwoofer setup, this site might help.
http://www.wickedcas.com/index.php?option=com_rsgallery&catid=3