NOOB Help
#1
02-22-2010 | 03:54 AM
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 8
NOOB Help
alright guys, i really dont want to be a PITA but i have tried to research about audio systems and how they work, but i have no idea whats going on. amps, subs, installing them, whats good or not good. i have no idea.
i was wondering if maybe someone can help me understand how to improve my sound system by directing me to a website or something. any help is much appreciated!
i got a 8th gen Accord I4 Ex-L Coupe
thanks a lot guys!
- Chris
i was wondering if maybe someone can help me understand how to improve my sound system by directing me to a website or something. any help is much appreciated!
i got a 8th gen Accord I4 Ex-L Coupe
thanks a lot guys!
- Chris
#3
02-22-2010 | 07:11 PM
Super Moderator
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,279
From: Quad Cities, IL
http://forum.sounddomain.com/ubbthre...=1#Post1318392
Both DIYMA and SoundDomain are good forums for car audio advice.
The link above is a list of educational sites i've compiled. Start with the MECA and USACi rule books for installation and judging. That will tell you what you should do, how to do it, and what you want to end up with.
Research is key, spend time reading, looking at build logs, etc. The build logs on both DIYMA and SoundDomain will teach you a lot. Look for competition build logs - those guys take a ton of pictures for judging.
Finally, ask questions on either site.
You'll probably need some adapters from http://pac-audio.com/ so you can keep your factory head unit and add amps and speakers for better sound.
Both DIYMA and SoundDomain are good forums for car audio advice.
The link above is a list of educational sites i've compiled. Start with the MECA and USACi rule books for installation and judging. That will tell you what you should do, how to do it, and what you want to end up with.
Research is key, spend time reading, looking at build logs, etc. The build logs on both DIYMA and SoundDomain will teach you a lot. Look for competition build logs - those guys take a ton of pictures for judging.
Finally, ask questions on either site.
You'll probably need some adapters from http://pac-audio.com/ so you can keep your factory head unit and add amps and speakers for better sound.
#5
02-23-2010 | 07:02 PM
Super Moderator
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,279
From: Quad Cities, IL
interfacing with the factory radio could cost about $150
for an average to above average sound system upgrade, the following prices can give you an idea on budget:
new front speakers should be between $200-$500 (if you want to improve factory)
new amp for the front speakers between $200-$500
new sub(s) about $150-$300 each (min)
new sub amp about $300-$600
wiring, deadener, and accessories - $200-300
obviously, you can spend a lot more. you can easily spend a grand on front speakers alone, a grand per amp, a grand on subs, a grand or more on a head unit, etc. $2,000 is a good budget for an above average to very good system. I recommend the front speakers and amp should cost as much as the subs and sub amp. bass is expensive, but the front speakers are 95% of what you hear - invest in music.
buying used can save you a ton of money, if you get lucky and buy from good people and the equipment is in good shape.
if you're looking to upgrade everything, i recommend a minimum of $1,000 budget. you can't rely on the factory amp to power aftermarket speakers, so you'll need amps. and i never recommend just adding subs (although it can be done if you like the factory speakers).
i recently built a very simple system for a 1939 Chevy Coupe show car that consisted of a Kenwood HU, Hybrid Audio Technologies front component speakers, Herts sub, Alpine amp, and wiring, for approx. $1000, all purchased new, authorized from the local shop (HAT speakers ordered direct from HAT).
buy quality, don't shop at Walmart for anything related to car audio. stick to name brands. find local car audio shops and go in, talk, listen, etc. my local shop is cheaper than most online shops, i get a warranty, and i get service. they always have good deals.
Crutchfield is a great online resource for beginners. they will provide all the necessary wiring diagrams, vehicle information, accessories, etc. which will save you money and a lot of time. plus, their customer service is great.
Installation is everything. just dropping speakers in factory locations without extra effort and fabrication will yield poor results regardless of how much you spend. nothing drops in perfectly, so some fabrication skills are required. factory speakers have special mounts, you'll need to make baffles for your front speakers, and wood working tools are required. you'll need to make wiring connections so electrical tools are required. you'll also need to disassemble the car so some general tools and spacial intelligence are required. you'll need a space to work on the car, place interior parts, lay out parts, build and fabricate, etc. so a garage is almost required. you can do it outside if you have the location and weather cooperation, but no one likes doing this stuff outside.
lastly, be careful. you can destroy mobile audio equipment very easily and very quickly. ask questions or pay a professional if you aren't willing to spend time learning and researching. the price of an installer is usually less than the replacement cost of any piece of your equipment.
even more lastly
Have Fun!
for an average to above average sound system upgrade, the following prices can give you an idea on budget:
new front speakers should be between $200-$500 (if you want to improve factory)
new amp for the front speakers between $200-$500
new sub(s) about $150-$300 each (min)
new sub amp about $300-$600
wiring, deadener, and accessories - $200-300
obviously, you can spend a lot more. you can easily spend a grand on front speakers alone, a grand per amp, a grand on subs, a grand or more on a head unit, etc. $2,000 is a good budget for an above average to very good system. I recommend the front speakers and amp should cost as much as the subs and sub amp. bass is expensive, but the front speakers are 95% of what you hear - invest in music.
buying used can save you a ton of money, if you get lucky and buy from good people and the equipment is in good shape.
if you're looking to upgrade everything, i recommend a minimum of $1,000 budget. you can't rely on the factory amp to power aftermarket speakers, so you'll need amps. and i never recommend just adding subs (although it can be done if you like the factory speakers).
i recently built a very simple system for a 1939 Chevy Coupe show car that consisted of a Kenwood HU, Hybrid Audio Technologies front component speakers, Herts sub, Alpine amp, and wiring, for approx. $1000, all purchased new, authorized from the local shop (HAT speakers ordered direct from HAT).
buy quality, don't shop at Walmart for anything related to car audio. stick to name brands. find local car audio shops and go in, talk, listen, etc. my local shop is cheaper than most online shops, i get a warranty, and i get service. they always have good deals.
Crutchfield is a great online resource for beginners. they will provide all the necessary wiring diagrams, vehicle information, accessories, etc. which will save you money and a lot of time. plus, their customer service is great.
Installation is everything. just dropping speakers in factory locations without extra effort and fabrication will yield poor results regardless of how much you spend. nothing drops in perfectly, so some fabrication skills are required. factory speakers have special mounts, you'll need to make baffles for your front speakers, and wood working tools are required. you'll need to make wiring connections so electrical tools are required. you'll also need to disassemble the car so some general tools and spacial intelligence are required. you'll need a space to work on the car, place interior parts, lay out parts, build and fabricate, etc. so a garage is almost required. you can do it outside if you have the location and weather cooperation, but no one likes doing this stuff outside.
lastly, be careful. you can destroy mobile audio equipment very easily and very quickly. ask questions or pay a professional if you aren't willing to spend time learning and researching. the price of an installer is usually less than the replacement cost of any piece of your equipment.
even more lastly
Have Fun!
Last edited by keep_hope_alive; 02-23-2010 at 07:09 PM.
#6
03-09-2010 | 08:43 AM
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 62
From: Emerald Isle NC
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