Thread: Modest B13 SE-R audio system.....

I am purchasing a new sound system for my '93 Classic.....

I am not car stereo savvy so I figured I would ask for input from you gentlemen.

I have already sound deadened my vehicle to considerable lengths (Quietcar). Further, I have replaced every single window and door seal with brand new OEM seals. I am *guessing* that when finished and tested, my interior db readings will be incredibly low.

I've been satisfied in the past with just the door and rear parcel shelf speakers upgraded to JVC units, with a Sony Explode headunit. The door speakers were 2-way units with a seperate tweeter flush-mounted up on the door, the rears 6 /15 inch 3-way units. That system was a while ago....

I figure that with a new head-unit, 2-way door speakers with seperate tweeters, new 6 1/5 inch rear parcel shelf speakers, and the addition of a small self-powered subwoofer under the passenger seat, that I should be set. That should give me plenty of volume and some reasonable bass. I am not looking to blow out my windows, crank the sh*t out of it, or rattle my trunk. Nor am I an "audiophile" with excellent hearing. I just want it clean, clear, and relatively loud.

This is what I have been looking at at Crutchfield:

(1) Sony CDX-GT630UI head unit. $159.99. http://www.crutchfield.com/p_158GT630UI/Sony-CDX-GT630UI.html?tp=5684

(1) Infinity Reference 5020cs pair door speakers. 5 1/4" with seperate 1" tweeter to be flush mounted. $159.99. http://www.crutchfield.com/p_1085020CS/Infinity-Reference-5020cs.html?c=3&tp=106&avf=N

(1) Infinity Reference 6022si pair rear parcel shelf speakers. 6 1/2" 2-way speakers. $79.99 http://www.crutchfield.com/p_1086022I/Infinity-Reference-6022i.html?tp=95

(1) Blaupunkt THb 200A self-powered subwoofer. 70 watts, 8" driver, fits under the passenger seat no problems. $199.99. http://www.crutchfield.com/p_023THB200A/Blaupunkt-THb-200A.html?o=p&c=3&tp=114&avf=N

That is about $600.00 worth of new stereo. A very reasonable buget, but I could spend a bit more if it would provide much better results.

High quality wires, etc......

I would *think* that should be plenty for my needs and stereo happiness (?), and keep my budget at reasonable levels. Nor do I want some big power drain, as I have an Odyssey PC-680 battery.

A buddy of mine who is very adept at car stereo intalls will assist me on the installation for a small fee and some pizza.

All well-known name brands, relatively inexpensive gear, and I like Crutchfield.

Thanks for any input or suggestions.

Shawn B

I think you should go alpine, i find sony headunits to be very poor, i would recommend alpine speakers too type r ones are excellent and i think they also make a small underseat sub. the sound quality from alpine is in a league of its own. In my daily p11-144 i put a high end alpine headunit thats about 10 years old and the sound is 100% better even on standard speakers

with alpine all you are paying for is their marketing. Its garbage to be honest and if you think the type r has sound quality you dont know what sound quality is to be honest. Also back speakers are pointless unless you have people riding in the back. If you have a strong front stage with an amp pushing them you will be in heaven.

Shawn whats your budget with this? I can direct you to a site where they sell used car audio and you can get some steals on stuff.

What are you mobile audio (iPod, etc.) needs?

Do you prefer to load CDs, listen to the radio, or have an entire MP3 collection at your disposal in your car?

Hmmm....I never thought of deleting the back speakers. It's true that pretty much no one rides back there. However I come from a discotheque background and kind of like my speakers surrounding my head. I shall ponder that further.

Budget? Based on my extremely limited Crutchfield search, I'll say from $600.00 (where I am at now) to about $800.00 or even $900.00. IF it will provide consirably better results. No more than a grand, with all the cables and installation materials.

I'd like to keep things as simple as possible, with as little energy drain and extra weight as possible. In order to reach my "good sounding" yet modest system.

I have a factory (upgrade) OEM Bose system in my 2004 Tahoe that I never crank. It sounds pretty damn nice and gets loud enough for Wifey, if that gives you an idea of my (our) limited needs.



Good questions.

Uh...Wifey and I are very simple electronics creatures. We don't own an iPod between us, nor have any desire to do so.

I prefer to listen to the exhaust and intake. Or, on occassion to the pre-sets on the radio, and/or pop in a CD. Moderate to low volume levels.

Wifey wants to crank a Kid Rock CD to loud levels, or listen to pre-sets on the radio. "Loud" being a relative term. She likes it at about "in a nightclub but not on the dancefloor" loud. Loud where you have to speak up, almost but not quite shout, to be heard.

Pre-set buttons on the faceplate are a must.

Removable face plate a must (security).

Crutchfield=overpriced so basically knock off some cash for them overpricing. Also do you want to buy brand new or used? If you go the used route you can probably be in the $500 area to be honest with you.

Hit up 87SENTRASE, he can take care of any questions you have. Great guy!

Have you ever thought about using a center channel as well? Like a 5.1 setup?

Personally, Im going with 2 sets of components and 2 subs, but I want to thump with good highs.

If you want 87Sentras number let me know. He has many head units and will let you know what to get, but have free time cause he is very thorough! Excellent guy and reputation!

His media is 2.0


Shawn, I'll scrap together a recommendation for yah when I have time.

here you go shawn
Onlinecarstereo.Com - Wholesale Car Audio/Stereo Deals At Bargain Prices

you can get good deals from this place. I would go with a alpine hu sony units suck. I would also recommend a nice amp to power everything including a small sub. Beware mounting depth is a issue with the front doors. I found that the infinity speakers fit with out a spacer. If it were my car I would hit up the local shops and take some music you are familar with. Find what sounds good to you because at the end of the day your the only person that matters.

Something to be sure you take note of. There's not much space before you hit the window guide.