View Full Version : Where to start?
I'v never upgraded my sound system before in any of my cars, but i'm looking to upgrade the system in my Leon. I currently have a Aura single cd unit in my car and that is the first thing i would like to change as well as the standard speakers. Can anybody suggest a good starting set up for a bit more umph?
Cheers
Ken
Just been looking at http://www.bassjunkies.com/ in the MP3 CD Players section. I see some units have a built in amp, would it be best to get one with a built in amp? All i'm after is less distortion and a bit more depth to my music.
Cheers
Ken
All HUs have a built in amp but, ignoring the max power nonsense, they knock out about 15-18 watts RMS - far less than an external one. The power isn't everything, and even spending about £100 on a decent unit will make a world of difference.
You can upgrade the HU and get a decent set of front component speakers for under £200 if that's the route you want to take - or you can go all out with amps and subs etc - it depends on your preference and your budget!
Incidentally I have an Alpine HU in the for sale section (shameless plug)
Cheers for the reply :)
Ideally i'd like to spend between £200-£300 on the set up. Looking at the Alpine CDE-9873RB for £128.99 Inc vat Here (http://www.bassjunkies.com/?pid=32784&show_my_car=&return_link=%2Findex.php%3Fcpage%3Dproduct%252Fresults.php%26area%3Dshop%26GO%3Dyes%26search_type%3D quick%26search_word%3DCDE-9873RB&source=search) But not sure which speakers to opt for? All of these here (http://www.bassjunkies.com/index.php?cpage=product/browse_brand.php&area=shop&category_id=17&manufacturer_id=&sub_category_id=22&aperture_id=904533445010554&mode=all&show_my_car=yes) will apparantly go in my car. Any suggestions which would be best suited?
Cheers again
Ken
I'm a big fan of Alpine stuff - every new HU I've bought has been Alpine and I can't speak highly enough of the quality.
The speakers you have selected there are co-axial speakers, not components - components would inclide the little tweeters located at the top of the doors. It would be best to replace the speakers and tweeters all at once - replacing the main speaker but not the tweeter could muddle the sound (as you've got factory with non-factory)
Any components with a wide frequency response will do a good job - £150 could get you a fine pair.
Just stick to 6.5", or 16-17cm to get speakers that will fit although you may need adaptors for the doors themselves.
Cheers again for the reply :) Found this componant kit on there site here (http://www.bassjunkies.com/index.php?pid=27339&show=expand_image) and its more than half price at the moment :) All this mhz ect jargon is above my head, would this be a good kit to get?.
Sorry for all the questions, its not something i'v looked in to alot.
Thanks
Ken
Forgot to add this in my last post.
Is the HU a straight swap? I know you need to get a fascia kit so it fits, but as regards the connector for the speakers and power. I'm sure i'v read on here you need some kind of adaptor but not sure if it was for the Leon?
Thanks
Ken
The questions are why we all post on here so no worries.
You'll probably need an adaptor to connect a new HU to the car - although my old one came with the right adaptor, which was a little weird. The one I'm in the process of fitting today (and it has been a mission) had no plugs at all so I've been crimping and soldering. Should cost no more than £20 on top.
You WILL need a fascia adaptor as the factory HU is not what they call DIN size - it's slightly wider. Any new HU will come with a fitting cage but again the fascia adaptor is £15 from Halfrauds and a lot cheaper elsewhere.
The Alpine type-S stuff is good on a budget, their type-R stuff is more expensive but better - but that IS a good price.
As with most things a good motto with ICE, as any of the more experienced folk will tell you, is that you get what you pay for. Focal, Rainbow and MB Quart do very high quality stuff for a bit more.
Lard ty very much for the time in taking to respond to my questions :) It really is appreciated :)
Thanks again
Ken
Well let us know how you get on - what choices you make and so on...
Will do :) Another quick question :P Do the speaker covers pop off? Done a search but its not come up with a straight forward answer :(
Thanks
Ken
Nope the speaker covers are fitted to the door panel itself.
If you want to swap the speakers yourself you have to take the whole door card off - which isn't as daunting as it might sound. There's a guide on here and I swear it's only held on with a few plugs and about half a dozen bolts.