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binliner
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binliner

binliner 0

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My VR still has the factory sony unit & cd changer (!) which Im looking to improve by initially replacing the head unit for an mp3 cd player, an amp and small sub, then eventually replace the front speakers as well. The aim being to improve sound quality rather than all out volume.

I also dont want to spend a huge amount of money question is what would people recommend. Im possibly thinking of a pioneer DEH-P3500MP head unit anyone got any opinions on that and suggest a cheap amp/sub package?

cheers people :)

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adeingolf

adeingolf 0

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The first thing I would suggest, after the headunit would be a set of component speakers for the front. These will make the biggest noticeable difference to your sound quality at the mo. As for the sub and amp, the possibilities are huge. I have had a sony xplode package for over 2 years now and I know there are supposed to be poo, but I prefer quality rather than noise too and they are perfectly adequate for my needs, yet can still vibrate all mirrors and seats if I want em too!

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dubloke

dubloke 4

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justin, you looking at a bottom of range unit there, and,while pioneer are good units, you will be better off spending a little more i would reccomend! are u sure you got your model number correct there? i may be in the market to chenge my current pioneer hu, and if you're intersted in a second hand unit maybe we can do a deal! i currently have a deh-p7400mp. its a real top unit in the same model range as the one u mentioned, has all the gizmo's and more. if you wanna know more pm me and i'll give u the spec! if not, i would definately go for the deh-p5500mp @ £170 with a free steering wheel remote! a top unit with enough to build the system as you go! any advice u need i would be wiling to give you the benefit of my limited knowledge!

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VR6Steve

VR6Steve 0

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Justin, invest some money and get an Alpine, you won't regret it. I have a single CD/MP3 player with 6 disc autochanger, which if memory serves is MP3 compatible too. (You can also connect multiple CD changers too the head unit too!) The whole thing cost about £700 fitted.

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antera309

antera309 3

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A pair of Infinity Reference 6x9s on the rear shelf, run from a decent amp will give a great punchy sound without resorting to subs etc.

If possible, go for a 4 channel amp so you've got 2 spare channels to do the front doors (Infinity reference 2-way components)

Infinity Kappas do an even better job than Reference, but do cost a fair bit more.

[ Edited Wed May 26 2004, 12:06AM ]

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tommy

tommy 0

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ive always been a fan of sony for head units.....ive got the M100TF which is a very good unit with lots of trick features......also by staying with sony you dont have to change your cd changer or replace the leads to the boot ;) .....like adeingolf said component speakers are a must if you want to improve the sound in the cabin and imo......infinity perfect or kappers are the babbys to have......adam with the blue audi is thinking of selling his headunit sub& its a sony mp3 player with a small sony amp and 10"sub all under a year old as the car is going soon....if your interested i can find out what he wants for them...one thing i would say is don't buy from the highstreet as prices are much cheaper on line here are a couple to look at ;) www.mcs-direct.co.uk www.bassjunkies.com www.letsbuycaraudio.com If you need a hand fitting your chosen system i'd be more than happly to help :)

[ Edited Tue May 25 2004, 11:39PM ]

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shail

shail 0

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I'd definatly go with a amp/sub rather than 6x9's. I used to have 6x9's, but am currently running a 10" JL Audio sub running of an Infinity amp (not the best) and have a set of MB Quart Discus componets up front. If your strapped for cash i'd recommend buying a discontinued amp from somewhere like www.bassjunkies.com and running front compnents and sub from the amp, and the rear speakers from the head unit.

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Pittuf

Pittuf 0

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Running a sub in a box will give lots of bass, i'd say that 6x9's would begin to distort if you crank it up. (but it also depends on what music you want to listen too, I like D&B and techno which needs lots of bass and needs to be loud, IMPO)

I run a 12" kicker comp sub in a box with Kenwood 6x9's in a stealth shelf, all running off sony 400 watt amp,(sub on low pass, and 6x9's on high pass), simple but effective. Comps for the front is definately the next move tho.

Not too good with model numbers, but I think Alpine hu's are the best.

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andy c

andy c 0

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If you're more interested in sound quality, the biggest difference I found after components, amp and sub was to Dynamat the doors and cards, and seal up the actual speaker enclosure.

And save money buy getting high quality more specialist equipment from www.talkaudio.co.uk

Also use their advice on the best brands you won't yet be aware of, and keep an eye on ebay - nearly all of my install is from ebay!

Alpine CD Max, Soundstream reference amp, Diamond Audio Speakers and sub. Alpines use the same CD changer cable already in your car, which is nice.

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binliner

binliner 0

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wow loads of good advice! cheers for the URLs

Im afraid Alpine is out of my price range and tbh the only real difference between entry level and mid range units is flash graphics & gadgets I probably will never use so I'm really after the best value head unit that has sufficient outputs and mp3 playback... sony, kenwood, JVC, pioneer kinda stuff.

I agree about the 6x9s.. never seen the point in adding speakers behind you when you want the sound up front! so what front components do you recommend and what should I be paying

tommy I'll be taking you up on the install help mate!

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kilokilla

kilokilla 0

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just thought id mention some ov the lower range stereos dont have as many rca preouts for amps aswell all though i find the front components can run very loud off head unit so then you just need amp and sub personally i got 1000w infinity 12" running off alpine 400w v12 amp oh and if your near to midlands i can reccommend purchasing from donnington market my amp cost 95 and my sub cost 90, im not saying you should get this just giving you an idea ov wot i got and how much it cost .oh and infinity make pukka component speakers.

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dubloke

dubloke 4

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if you're after a quick fix on the component front, pioneer do a set of custom fit comps(ts-1784) 75wrms, inline filter for the tweeter, sound nice combined with pioneer hu, and at only £50 a set you can do front and rear for a ton! okay, you can buy better, but for the money they make a huge difference to sound inside! i would def recommend buying a roll of dynamat though, and putting a square behind each speaker hole on the door! as good as a really expensive set of comps without imo!

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binliner

binliner 0

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ok it looks like its a toss up between these 2

sony CDX-F5500 £122

http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=3047

JVC KDSC601 £125 (with a plain silver front not that stupid flame effect!)

http://www.hiwayhifi.com/site/product.asp?section=6&cat=19?=310?=21808

or spend a wee bit more for the sony CDX-F5700 £150

http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=3072

b_cdxf5700.jpg

what do you think?

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