Ask Us About Car Audio, Part 4: Gasp Harder

The Something Awful Forums > Discussion > Automotive Insanity > Ask Us About Car Audio, Part 4: Gasp Harder

KeanuReevesGhost: Apr 24, 2008

Old Thread: http://forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?threadid=2233053

This thread is meant to be a Successor of the old "Ask me" thread, since that thread is just shy of 6 years old, and the OP hasn't posted in it for a year and a half.

I am nowhere near an expert on Car Audio, but I have 10 years experience installing head units and speaker systems on the side for friends. There are plenty of other posters from the old thread that are probably more knowledgeable than I, such as MikeyTsi, some texas redneck, Lowclock,Bulk Vanderhuge etc

Here are some helpful links:

https://www.crutchfield.com - Great tech support, great way to find exactly what you are looking for, and to compare different products to make an informed decision.

http://www.the12volt.com/ - Access to many, if not all cars wiring diagrams.

https://www.sonicelectronix.com Is a decent place to buy stuff with the caveat that they're not an authorized dealer for most stuff so you'll be losing the warranty.

Have you never installed a head unit, and are scared to? Don't be. Want to take it to a shop and have them install it? Don't. Head unit installs are some of the easiest things ever. A few screws, some electrical tape, heat shrink, and/or wore nuts and an hour of your time (on average)

Things to avoid
Bargain bin Walmart/Best Buy products - For the most part these are poo poo, and it'll be worth spending an extra $20 to $50 for a reputable head unit. That's not to say all products they sell are poo poo - but in my experience, most are.

Discount Wire Kits - Sure, that ebay 2 Gauge wiring kit looks really appealing at $25 instead of the $150 from the store, but good luck. You spent the money to get a nice system, why risk ruining it with wire that isn't what it says it is? This is not to say that you can't get cheap wiring, just be smart about it. My local shop will sell wire by the feet. I have plenty of RCA and remote wires laying around, that when I do an install, I spend $40 for appropriate length of Power/Ground wires, and save $100, but still get the top of the line.

Certain Brands to avoid: BOSS, Pyle, Pyramid, Dual, SuperSonic etc. They are cheap for a reason. If you don't want a $500 head unit with all the thrills, and just want something with an AUX input/ your stock cd player died and you just want to replace it, still avoid these. You can get basic head units from major brands (Pioneer, Alpine, Kenwood etc) under $100 that will be miles above those other brands and last you (probably) forever.

FM Transmitters - These all pretty much universally suck, but there are alternatives. There are ones that you can tie into your Antennae that will work much better, also if you have a tape deck, a trusty old tape deck adapter is the way to go.

Also, let's avoid brand elitism. The old thread was great with that, but in real life discussions I run across people that absolutely hate Pioneer and will only ever use Alpine. Which is fine, its personal opinion like coke vs pepsi, but this isn't really the place for that. I have owned nothing but Pioneers for the last 5 years, and have only ever owned one Alpine, but I wouldn't ever discourage someone from getting an Alpine.

Let me know if you want anything added/removed from the OP.

KeanuReevesGhost fucked around with this message at 21:48 on Dec 4, 2012

# ¿ Dec 4, 2012 21:12

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# ¿ May 2, 2024 14:19

KeanuReevesGhost: Apr 24, 2008

Unanswered questions from the last thread

Jeff Goldblum posted:

I've decided to give my trusty old 2002 Mitsu Montero Sport a little love, since I've done my damnedest to destroy my sound system in the past. I'm pretty sure there's more than one speaker busted in the thing and the sound has because pretty poor. Not to mention I've been wanting to use a means of playing music off my phone that doesn't involve a god awful radio transmitter unit.

I was fortunate enough to have been given some Kenwood KFC-1662S speakers last Christmas, but I've yet to have these installed.

As for a headunit I'm torn between a USB control Pioneer and a Bluetooth JVC. The Pioneer is on sale for $84.99, currently, and the JVC is $99.95 after rebate, both come with free shipping, both are advertised as supporting my Android phone and fitting my car, I have no idea about the amount of power they provide against what I need. I have about $150 to spend, and I would appreciate any advice or recommendations.

Edit: I haven't even figured out which speakers are broken, but I think all the bottom speaker units are the same so I can mix and match between those 4, if the two tiny door speakers are broken then I guess I'm poo poo out of luck.

Reggie Died posted:

I've been having issues with my Alpine 9886 lately (doesn't want to recognize my iPhone or iPod anymore....possibly an iOS imcompatibilty). I've been making due with USB sticks just fine, but looking for an excuse to upgrade to a BT unit.

That being said, has Alpine display quality gone downhill? My current head unit seems far clearer (and an extra line) then their current offerings. They also seem to have discontinued their IDA units, which I thought were kinda cool (and pretty sweet display).

ErectorBeast posted:

Alright AI, I am the lucky owner of a 1966 El Camino that hasn't gotten a new sound system since well before I was born. However, there's a lot of room in this drat car and I'm confident you guys can help me out. To warn you, I know absolutely nothing about cars, and just a little about audio (and not of the car variety, either).

First question, where do I even go and who do I talk to in order to get a sound system installed? Secondly, how much might I expect for a pretty decent one, because what's in it now has no bass and just sounds utterly terrible. I need the whole deal, a new deck, door speakers, subs should fit behind my seats. Let me know if you need any more information.

Are you looking to have a headunit that will kind of fit the look of the car? http://www.crutchfield.com/shopsearch/retrosound.html May have some things you like.

Also, how much room do you have behind the seats? You might want to look into truck boxes/preloaded enclosures built for trucks as they'll be slimmer and built to still sound good in that tight of a space

KeanuReevesGhost fucked around with this message at 21:47 on Dec 4, 2012

# ¿ Dec 4, 2012 21:14

KeanuReevesGhost: Apr 24, 2008

powderific posted:

I'd maybe add sonicelectronix.com as a place to buy stuff with the caveat that they're not an authorized dealer for most stuff so you'll be losing the warranty. And that old school tape adapters actually work extremely well compared to FM transmitters.

Why don't you just get the JVC since that gets you bluetooth? I don't think there's THAT much difference between decks as far as power goes, and those speakers don't look like they need much going by their sensitivity. I just installed a double-din JVC unit in my Subaru and love it so far (it's only been in there a day so I may not be the most trustworthy source on that one.)

Done.

And yeah, Reggie Died, if you are wanting to go to a Bluetooth deck, then go with one. No sense in getting the USB Pioneer and having buyers remorse. I've never done BT before, but my USB controlled pioneer is great for my ipod, but it gets rather slow at times trying to sift through 60gb of music when I want to find something particular. Not sure if BT has this issue or not.

Hyrax, I do not have a clue about XM and haven't really dealt with FM Modulators that much beyond getting frustrated with them easily, sorry.

ErectorBeast http://www.crutchfield.com/shopsearch/Truck_boxes.html for truck boxes, but if you are looking at getting everything installed at a shop, look up Mobile Electronics on yellowpages/google and go down to the shop. If you are wary of the shop/seems seedy stop there. Also, you may have issues with them installing a head unit that you buy online, and may be able to get you a retro head unit, but they will mark up the cost. Doing an install, especially in cap like the El Camino will be fairly simple if you have the time

KeanuReevesGhost fucked around with this message at 21:54 on Dec 4, 2012

# ¿ Dec 4, 2012 21:52

KeanuReevesGhost: Apr 24, 2008

some texas redneck posted:

Oh, you!

Oh, you know, I might have as much knowledge as you when I am as old as you. Ask me in 2025

some texas redneck posted:

The in-line modulators aren't going to sound as good as a real 3.5mm or RCA connection, but the in-line ones used by satellite radio kits aren't bad. Probably the best option if you're going to keep the factory head unit.

Several of the SiriusXM kits do include an in-line modulator.

http://www.amazon.com/Audiovox-FMDA...m+radio+fm+wire

This should work for you Hyrax

# ¿ Dec 5, 2012 00:28

KeanuReevesGhost: Apr 24, 2008

Physical posted:

I had a Pioneer DEH-P6700MP for a loooong time. It got stolen this year and I have been driving around without any radio I went to best buy and none of their stuff looked as good as the DEH-P6700MP. So now I am going to go about finding something comparable to the same look and feel, and all I require is an AUX input, gently caress the USB or iPhone connectors. I'm just bummed that I have to buy another head unit when I could have been happy using that one forever.

I have a concern about installing the device though, the thief ripped the mounting stuff out and I think may have broken one of the brackets that connected the car to the mounting brackets, how do I deal with that? I was hoping to just take it to a shop to get them to do the installing, but would they even be able to?

Won't really know unless you can get us a picture of it to know how to repair it. Also if you loved that head unit why don't you search out another on Amazon or ebay?

# ¿ Dec 5, 2012 17:11

KeanuReevesGhost: Apr 24, 2008

Physical posted:

Yea I just looked it up on ebay and got a couple of hits, but I also checked out what the "modern" equivalent would be. I don't see any swimmin' dolphins though and I'm not sure I like the contours on the newer ones. My old one had a flatter surface (you could push the volume knob in)which seems like they don't do anymore. The only problem with that unit is that I had to buy a AUX adapter thing for it, so I'd rather not have to buy that thing again and just get one device. gently caress that thief for this pain in the rear end.

Pictures are a good idea, I'll do that later.

The 4200ub has swimming dolphins and should be fairly cheap by now, I've had the 4200 for like 3 years and has been great, never an issue, unlike my 4200DVD

# ¿ Dec 5, 2012 18:48

KeanuReevesGhost: Apr 24, 2008

some texas redneck posted:

and a massive loving pain in the rear end on something with power windows, locks, mirrors, personal blowjob machines,

God drat, I need to get myself a new car.

# ¿ Dec 23, 2012 16:50

KeanuReevesGhost: Apr 24, 2008

The BOSS is a single din, should fit fine.

Be careful with BOSS though. I bought one for my winter beater a few years back, and it was absolute poo poo. Most BOSS is, thats why you can get a headunit for $35

# ¿ Dec 30, 2012 22:18

KeanuReevesGhost: Apr 24, 2008

the posted:

Wait, poo poo... Is that what that black hole is on the bottom left? God I'm such an idiot

Yep that's it.

Does anyone have experience putting in a headunit in a late 90's escort? I'm having troubles getting the climate controls hooked back up because there isn't much slack on the cables, but I need to get around to fixing it because I bought another car and we now have too many cars in our driveway

# ¿ Jan 27, 2013 23:20

KeanuReevesGhost: Apr 24, 2008

LloydDobler posted:

So how is the MP3 searching on those newest head units? I don't use an iPod and my real goal would be to have a big SSD hooked up to a head unit with a large library of tunes on it, somewhere around 60 gigs. From what I've seen, searching leaves a lot to be desired, but I haven't looked lately. It just seems they cater to iPods and nothing else. I want to be able to find either a specific artist, album, or track with a minimum of clicks or menus. It also needs to support custom playlists with ease and simplicity. Is there any particular unit or brand that does this really well?

In a perfect world I'd have a head unit with wifi and a giant hard drive right in it.

This is why I ended up getting an ipod classic, and I have a double din touch screen that mimics the ipod so finding what I want is a breeze, but with my old single din it was a pain with 120 gigs of music and podcasts

# ¿ Feb 26, 2013 21:27

KeanuReevesGhost: Apr 24, 2008

some texas redneck posted:

The mount kit I linked includes a center piece replacement that has a single DIN opening.

And yeah, it's a pain in the rear end to reach it while driving. For both driver and passenger.

Passenger should never have to touch the radio anyways :colbert:

# ¿ Mar 23, 2013 14:43

KeanuReevesGhost: Apr 24, 2008

I picked up an 03 Explorer today and put in my AVH-P4200DVD in it.

I wired it up correctly according to the directions that came with the wiring kit. It was a bit different then previous installs I've done as it comes with a factory amp/sub and rear DVD system.

Now when the radio turns on I have a loud POP from the back where the sub is.

Instinct tells me that I have a bad ground (it didn't do this with the stock radio) , but just checking if anyone else has any other ideas.

# ¿ May 26, 2013 03:40

KeanuReevesGhost: Apr 24, 2008

RodShaft posted:

Pyle PL573BL 5-Inch x 7-Inch and 6-Inch x 8-Inch 300 Watt Three-Way Speakers for $22.(normally $64)

Are Pyle speakers any good? I've heard to avoid their head units, but the reviews on the speakers are good.

Do I need more than 50w to push these, or should they be fine just off the head unit?

Edit: is there a debate between crimping and soldering?

Pyle seems to be on the same level as BOSS Audio. poo poo.

I'm sure they are better than stock, and for $22 might be worth it, but don't expect anything special.

# ¿ May 27, 2013 20:17

KeanuReevesGhost: Apr 24, 2008

RodShaft posted:

So if I'm going for best bang for the buck looks like I should spend a little more and get Sony or Pioneer?

My Focus has 4 6x8 speakers (one in each door) should I go for matching speakers in all four doors, or is there a better kind for the front vs. the back?

I've always matched them, but I'm anal about poo poo like that.

I would suggest going for Pioneer, Sony or some other mid range speakers.

# ¿ May 27, 2013 21:37

KeanuReevesGhost: Apr 24, 2008

numbs posted:

I want everyone else outside of my car to hear my bass too.

Don't do this. I like, love bass. I really really do.

I hate douchebags that do that though.

# ¿ Jul 31, 2013 02:41

KeanuReevesGhost: Apr 24, 2008

numbs posted:

Hmm, alrighty man.

Focus on subs that compliment the music you listen to, and fit within your budget. Check out Crutchfield, come back here with some more specific questions and you'll get more helpful responses.

# ¿ Jul 31, 2013 03:10

KeanuReevesGhost: Apr 24, 2008

So I have a problem. The wife wanted to be nice and cleaned my truck when I was sleeping in.

Unfortunately she used armor all on everything - including my touchscreen head unit.

So now it's no longer a touch screen head unit. No response at all. Tried recleaning it with water, to our avail.

Can I fix this, or is it hosed?

# ¿ Sep 1, 2013 17:37

KeanuReevesGhost: Apr 24, 2008

Aflicted posted:

Maybe try rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab? I've never tried it so I can't say if it would further damage the screen, hazing etc. If it doesn't respond to touch then its pretty hosed already though. Isopropyl is generally the preferred method for cleaning electronics since it evaporates quickly with no conductive residue.

Yeah, it's boned. At least it does have physical buttons that still work, but I lost the ability to search my ipod and access the sound menu for equalizer / sub control.

# ¿ Sep 3, 2013 13:42

KeanuReevesGhost: Apr 24, 2008

Aflicted posted:

But you did get to sleep in and wake up to a clean truck. My wife just tells me her car is dirty.

This is true, and I'm not mad, I was wanting to add blue tooth to my head unit with the $150 adapter, but now I found this head unit for under $300 with bt already there http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/DVD-Receivers/AVH-X4500BT so I'll just replace it next month after I'm done blowing all my money on GTA5

# ¿ Sep 3, 2013 17:09

KeanuReevesGhost: Apr 24, 2008

Humdrum Hoodlum posted:

I'm looking at getting an amp and sub for my 1991 Acura Integra and was wondering whether it makes a difference in terms of ported or sealed boxes. I've been told by someone that ported boxes work better for hatchbacks, but does it make any actual difference?

I'm looking at a few amps/subs on craigslist.

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/pts/3966203059.html - a 10' Sony Xplod sub with a kicker amp for $80
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/nvn/pts/4050496438.html - a 10' JL Audio sub and box (sealed) for $50
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/nvn/pts/4056258968.html - a 10' Rockford sub in a baseworx box for $70
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/nvn/pts/4056267289.html - a 10' Crankenstein sub in a box for $50

Just wondering if there are any brands that I should stay away from or gravitate towards.

Thanks for the help.

1. I don't like the Xplods car audio, so I have no idea if that's a good deal.

2. That's a decent entry level JL. But, that's a truck box, not sure how it'll sound in your hatch.

3. Rockford makes solid subs along with JL, and that seems to be a well constructed box, but holy hell it's huge.

4. What the gently caress is a Crankenstein?

# ¿ Sep 11, 2013 12:48

KeanuReevesGhost: Apr 24, 2008

So, I think I decided on getting this http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/DVD-Receivers/AVH-X4500BT to replace the armor all blunder of last week.

Double Din, BT, Ipod/iphone connectivity, DVD, Good EQ, separate Pandora streaming, has everything I require plus more, and is within budget.

Any one see anything wrong with this unit, or have any personal experience? I'm hoping this one will last me years like my last one did.

# ¿ Sep 12, 2013 02:31

KeanuReevesGhost: Apr 24, 2008

Nait Sirhc posted:

I have a 12" Kicker L7 08S12L74 in a folded horn box. The amp I am using now is garbage, some Soundstorm 500x2 bridged POS. I want a cheap monoblock. Looking on sonicelectronix I found this: http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_44671_Boss-AR1500M.html

Is it total poo poo too or would this be a tremendous upgrade for the sub? Sub specs state 750w RMS 1500w peak, dual 4ohm voice coil.

I don't know about their amps.... But their head units are absolute poo poo. Absolutely nothing redeeming about them..

Fwiw I had a this http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_11795_Kenwood-KAC-9104D.html when I had my L7. And it sounded amazing. It's now discontinued, but check out eBay or Amazon.

Or I could even check my garage to see if I still have one or both of the ones I had.

# ¿ Sep 18, 2013 04:40

KeanuReevesGhost: Apr 24, 2008

You Am I posted:

After two years of indecision, I have finally got my arse into gear about getting a new head unit for my car (2001 Ford Laser aka Mazda Protege5).

I am not looking at anything flash, but will be going double DIN as the current (factory) radio is double DIN.

These two radios have my attention:

Pioneer FHX-755BT: http://www.ryda.com.au/Pioneer-FH-X755BT-Car-CD-Bluetooth-Tuner-p/fhx755bt.htm

Kenwood DPX-U5130BT: http://www.ryda.com.au/Kenwood-DPX-U5130BT-Car-CD-USB-Tuner-p/dpxu5130bt.htm

I'm learning more towards the Pioneer, however do anyone else have opinions on either head unit, or another brand around the same price which I may have missed?

Also I'll be looking at installing the head unit using wiring harness conversion connectors. Is it ok going that way or can there be issues?

I would lean towards the Pioneer. Also check out the AVH-X4500BT by Pioneer. I just bought it on Amazon for an extra $30 then the Pioneer one you linked with DVD/Pandora/Touchscreen capabilities. Not sure pricing in Australia though.

Nait Sirhc posted:

That looks awesome. I wish I still had my Alpine 700W amp. If you still have yours let me know and I'll buy it off you.

I'll look sometime this weekend to see if I still have it.

# ¿ Sep 20, 2013 13:43

KeanuReevesGhost: Apr 24, 2008

Hashal posted:

Hey guys, looking for beginner advice. I have a 2004 Lincoln LS with 6x9 "subs" in the rear deck. One of them was blown when I recently bought the car used. I just replaced both of them with these JBL GTO928 as they were the only 6x9 in 2 OHM that I could find (using the stock amp for now which is 2 ohm).

Everything works fine, though a little under powered, but the holes for the mounting screws don't line up very well. Is it possible to get an adapter, or am I looking at drilling holes? I don't know if drilling would work to well because it would probably hit the edges of the existing holes. They are currently in there with the screws threading in at an angle, which only allows me to get 3 of the 4 on each speaker. Normally I wouldn't care too much about this, but I'm getting a good amount of vibration and I think this is the main cause.

I can also look into a dynomat solution, but know nothing about that, if anyone would share some knowledge on what I'd be looking to do to fix the vibration.

I know there was adapters for my 01 LS, but not sure about the 2nd Gen.

Hashal posted:

Hey guys, looking for beginner advice. I have a 2004 Lincoln LS with 6x9 "subs" in the rear deck. One of them was blown when I recently bought the car used. I just replaced both of them with these JBL GTO928 as they were the only 6x9 in 2 OHM that I could find (using the stock amp for now which is 2 ohm).

Everything works fine, though a little under powered, but the holes for the mounting screws don't line up very well. Is it possible to get an adapter, or am I looking at drilling holes? I don't know if drilling would work to well because it would probably hit the edges of the existing holes. They are currently in there with the screws threading in at an angle, which only allows me to get 3 of the 4 on each speaker. Normally I wouldn't care too much about this, but I'm getting a good amount of vibration and I think this is the main cause.

I can also look into a dynomat solution, but know nothing about that, if anyone would share some knowledge on what I'd be looking to do to fix the vibration.

I know there was adapters for my 01 LS, but not sure about the 2nd Gen.

Check out lincolnvscadillac.com their forums are a wealth of knowledge about anything you would want to know about your LS.

# ¿ Sep 27, 2013 03:38

KeanuReevesGhost: Apr 24, 2008

nwin posted:

Alright question for my new iPhone 5s and how to integrate it into my car.

When I first bought my 2006 Honda Accord EX (no nav package), I told them I wasn't buying it unless they put an a port for me to hook my iPhone up to. They did, and they used the following product:

http://www.pac-audio.com/productDetails.aspx?ProductId=915&CategoryID=36

Everything except the RCA cable (upper right of the picture) in the picture is included.

That worked fine for my stock stereo using my iPhone with the old 30-pin adapter.

I just upgraded to the 5s with the lightning cord, and tried the following:

I bought a Mini USB-USB Female adapter off monoprice. This one actually.

I tried hooking that into the USB port and then the lightning cable to my iphone. No dice. None of the available settings on the stereo (Aux1, Aux2, SAT, Ipod) work. There is no USB setting so I am assuming that might be why.

So the next three solutions I have are these:

1) Find a cable that uses the same hookup as the old iPhone connector (not sure what it's called, but it's the round 8 pin or so adapter that plugs into the box itself) but uses a lightning connector to hook up. (I haven't been able to find these anywhere through google).

2) Use the existing iPhone 30 pin connector cable I have (but it's broken so I'd have to buy another one anyways), but buy the 30-pin ->lightning adapter for 20-30 bucks through Apple.

3) Just buy a new drat stereo. The old adapter, like I said, is broken. The wires have frayed so it will still play music on an old iPhone, but it won't charge the thing.

I plan on having this car for a while and driving it into the ground, so buying a new stereo isn't out of the question, but I'd like something that uses my phone as best as possible. Bluetooth, apps, maps, etc. Any suggestions for these?

Also, if you can provide me with a link for #1 or tell me if #2 would work or not, I would appreciate it. Thank you.

Fwiw, the head unit I have needed a firmware update for the 5 so that might be an issue

# ¿ Oct 3, 2013 02:33

KeanuReevesGhost: Apr 24, 2008

Misanthrope posted:

Thank god for this thread, I've just started looking around at decks and speakers and it's been at least 15 years since I've done anything aftermarket in a car so I'm totally and completely ignorant. After seeing a buddies android phone play nice with his bluetooth deck, I've gotten sick of my 2006 factory deck pretty quickly.

I want my Galaxy S3 to talk nicely with my new deck so I can have hands free phone and stream music as well, so hardly overly complicated requirements I don't think. I drive a Honda CRV and originally I was only thinking of single DIN but I have space for a double DIN so could be talked into that if the feature set was pretty amazing.

I was also looking to replace the 2 rear and 2 front (6.5" speakers front and rear) factory speakers in my doors but after reading the discussion here about rears I may choose to only replace the fronts for now.

I've looked on crutchfield and sonicelectronix and read a lot of reviews, but I'm suffering from an overabundance of choices in pioneer/alpine/kenwood models for decks both single and double DIN.

Also someone recommended Polk Audio db6501's for my front speakers:

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_9109_Polk-Audio-db6501.html

Reviews seem pretty high but I'm always interested in more educated opinions.

Pioneer has a few double dins that play great with Android, not sure about what single dins are good but sometexasredneck has more experience in that part than I

# ¿ Oct 20, 2013 19:03

KeanuReevesGhost: Apr 24, 2008

powderific posted:

Anyone have thoughts/recommendations on security systems? I've been considering one due to a "break in" in which the thieves left no marks on the car other than leaving the doors unlocked and taking a few things from inside. They did it to two other cars right next to mine as well so I didn't leave the doors unlocked or something. Already asked in the Subaru thread but figured this one might have a broader reach on the topic.

My compustar has proximity alert, shock alert, and a two way remote, so my keys alert me if a) some one is standing too close b)a bird poo poo on it, or leaf fell on it c) a door, hood, or trunk was opened.

Also, it had an option for back up battery I didn't get so if they cut your power, alarm still goes.

# ¿ Nov 5, 2013 01:27

KeanuReevesGhost: Apr 24, 2008

Also, some of those extra cubbys have doors on them to prevent stuff from flying, not sure if they made one for your car though

# ¿ Nov 11, 2013 16:57

KeanuReevesGhost: Apr 24, 2008

numbs posted:

Okay my dad says he will buy me $200-$250 worth of car audio. I want bass, and good sound. Preferably more bass because I'm a senior in high school and it's cool.

What do I get?

Do you already have a head unit? Or do you need one?

Walmart used to have Sony Xplod sets that came with a head unit, small amp, and small 10inch sub for like $150,which would leave you room for a box and wiring kit.

Keep in mind you aren't going to win any competitions, or really impress anyone, but it's a way to start.

Or troll craigslist.

# ¿ Dec 25, 2013 16:59

KeanuReevesGhost: Apr 24, 2008

two_beer_bishes posted:

I bought a Pioneer DEH-X6600BT for my wife to replace her 10 year old DEH1500. We don't have the removal tools for the old one but for some reason the tools that came with the new one don't seem to go in far enough to trigger the mechanism. I tried sticking a couple thin allen wrenches in the groove but that didn't seem to help either.

I found these on ebay and they look like they're longer than the ones I'm trying to use. Any other household items I can try to jam in there before I spend any more money?

1. Try a butter knife

2. If you have a car audio shop in town (not best buy), go there with the car and ask them if they can do it for you. Typically they will because it takes 2 minutes.

# ¿ Dec 25, 2013 17:03

KeanuReevesGhost: Apr 24, 2008

Fucknag posted:

So my sister drives a 98 Lexus es300. As you can see, some of the lcd elements have leaked and blecked out the display. She's just been dealing with it for years, but I thought I'd try and install the head unit from my Blazer, a Kenwood kdc x496.

Crutchfield, at least on mobile, only says "the car will need to be modified". How hard would it be to install a single din reciever in this car? It has a disc changer, so I'd like to keep that if possible; there's a round serial port on the Kenwood, so hopefully that's fairly straightforward.

Crutchfield is closed today, or I'd just call them and ask , but I'd like some goon input as well.

Enjoy http://m.clublexus.com/forums/showthread.php?t=210521&styleid=13

# ¿ Dec 26, 2013 04:36

KeanuReevesGhost: Apr 24, 2008

Fryhtaning posted:

I saw that external mic on one of the Alpines, and on the Pioneer after you mentioned it, so that should be a good solution.

Somehow, this:

... isn't big enough for a double din, either. I was hoping a GPS unit would possibly fit, but looks like I'll be sticking with the regular unit unless I want to shell out $700 for a slide-out screen.

I have an 03 Explorer with a pioneer double din and bluetooth.

The double din fit perfectly, I have the microphone mounted on the a pillar and can talk with the window down at normal town speeds, but above 30mph the person I'm talking to can't here me unless I roll the window up.

Installation was one of the easiest ones I've done.

# ¿ Mar 10, 2014 01:18

KeanuReevesGhost: Apr 24, 2008

Heres the headunit https://amzn.to/1dJS6CG
Installation kit https://amzn.to/PlAcxN

I did lose functionality of steering wheel controls (that can be fixed with an adapter) and the rear DVD player no longer works (I haven't cared enough to see why)

# ¿ Mar 11, 2014 00:50

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# ¿ May 2, 2024 14:19

KeanuReevesGhost: Apr 24, 2008

Fryhtaning posted:

Steering wheel controls and rear DVD?

I just realized that I failed to specify that I have an '03 Explorer Sport. It's XLT and has cruise control, but there aren't any audio controls on the steering wheel, and I'm pretty sure there wasn't a rear DVD option.

When I put in the non-Sport Explorer in Crutchfield's search options, I'm seeing all of the double-din options, so I'm guessing it's possible that the Sport's head unit slot might indeed not be big enough for a double DIN.

Ah yeah well I have no idea then. Check for cheap Chinese poo poo on eBay, you might get lucky.

# ¿ Mar 11, 2014 15:46

The Something Awful Forums > Discussion > Automotive Insanity > Ask Us About Car Audio, Part 4: Gasp Harder