[Maky]

Hello Everyone

We have booked a new swift which is due to arrive in second week of April. It is the mid variant which lacks a music system. I would like to put one in with a touchscreen display. Rs.30,000 is my budget. Sony or Pioneer brand preference. I would simply like the HU, and 4 speakers in the doors I do not care for subwoofers or anything fancy like that but I'm very open to your opinions on this. Hope to get some nice builds from you guys : ). Following is the form filled up as requested in sticky:

1. Your Car: New Swift

2. Your current setup (If any): None

3. Your Budget: Rs.30,000

4. Do you drive most of the time or is it chauffer driven?: Self Driven

5. Your Music preferences (Genres, favorite artists, etc.): Anything thats popular, Rock, Hip hop, RnB.

Additional Information:

6. Are you ready to sacrifice your boot space/modify door panels? : No, Only utilise existing provisions for speakers in the boot.

[Epic]

Originally Posted by Maky

Hello Everyone

We have booked a new swift which is due to arrive in second week of April. It is the mid variant which lacks a music system. I would like to put one in with a touchscreen display. Rs.30,000 is my budget. Sony or Pioneer brand preference. I would simply like the HU, and 4 speakers in the doors I do not care for subwoofers or anything fancy like that but I'm very open to your opinions on this. Hope to get some nice builds from you guys : ). Following is the form filled up as requested in sticky:

1. Your Car: New Swift

2. Your current setup (If any): None

3. Your Budget: Rs.30,000

4. Do you drive most of the time or is it chauffer driven?: Self Driven

5. Your Music preferences (Genres, favorite artists, etc.): Anything thats popular, Rock, Hip hop, RnB.

Additional Information:

6. Are you ready to sacrifice your boot space/modify door panels? : No, Only utilise existing provisions for speakers in the boot.

Hi Maky,

Your requirements seem really simple and straight froward so here's what I suggest:

HEADUNIT

Pioneer

http://www.pioneer-india.in/product-...-built-in-lcd/

Blaupunkt

http://www.blaupunkt.de/index.php?id...fproducts2_pi1[view]=1562&no_cache=1&L=1

JVC

http://www.jvc.co.in/car/av_receiver/index.html


SPEAKERS

You can look at front components and rear coaxials from the following options:

- Morel
- Focal
- JBL
- Infinity


EDIT : Sorry forgot to mention my setup

1. Your Car: Volkswagen Polo 1.6

2. Your current setup (If any):

Headunit : Alpine ICS-X8
Fr Comps : Gladen Zero 165
Rr Coax : Audio Systems
Amp : Mosconi One 120.4



3. Your Budget: 1.60 lakhs

4. Do you drive most of the time or is it chauffer driven?: Self Driven

5. Your Music preferences (Genres, favorite artists, etc.): Hip Hop, Club

6. Are you ready to sacrifice your boot space/modify door panels? : No

[Sprucegoose]

if you got a Budget of 30K, I'd suggest you go in for a regular Single DIN headunit [Pioneer / Alpine] and get a good set of speakers.

Get a good set of components [Focal/Morel] for the front and a pair of Basic JBLs at the back. You might be able to pick up a basic Amp as well which will really improve the sound.

1. Your Car: Skoda Octavia vRS

2. Your current setup (If any):
Alpine CDA 9855
Focal Performance Series Components [up front]
Focal Performance Series Co axials [at the back]
Running of a s**t Sony Amp, because my <some profanities here> mechanic stole my DLS amp. I intend to get it back though.

3. Your Budget: i don't really remember

4. Do you drive most of the time or is it chauffer driven?: Self Driven

5. Your Music preferences (Genres, favorite artists, etc.): Everything except for Bollywood and Hip Hop

Additional Information:

6. Are you ready to sacrifice your boot space/modify door panels? :
Ready to modify, but not going to sacrifice Boot space, or compromise the folding seats. [fold seats up for more boot space].

[Maky]

Originally Posted by Sprucegoose

if you got a Budget of 30K, I'd suggest you go in for a regular Single DIN headunit [Pioneer / Alpine] and get a good set of speakers. ...

I would prefer some suggestions on double DIN only as I want to be able to view video : D

Originally Posted by Epic

Hi Maky,

Your requirements seem really simple and straight froward so here's what I suggest: ...

Coaxials are the 6x9 ones right? The Oval ones? If so they would go on the self I assume , I do not wish this. Only ones that will go into the provisions made for speakers in the four doors.
I forgot to mention I would also like to know if its possible to put rear parking cameras in conjunction with double DIN systems or is that a different unit altogether.
Thanks for the quick response guys. Hope you can advise further.

[agspins]

My friend is getting a Swift Vxi next week, Planned install are
Hu: Pioneer FH X759BT @ 9XXX
Front Comps: JBL GTO 609C @ 5k
Rear Coax: JBL GT6 2.5K
Sub: Steelmate SW816 9K

While Other friend's Swift Zdi has
Hu: JVC KW AVX840
Front Comps: Hertz EV130
Rear Coax: Hertz ECX 130
Sub: Steelmate SW816

[DerAlte]

Originally Posted by Maky

I would prefer some suggestions on double DIN only as I want to be able to view video ... I would also like to know if its possible to put rear parking cameras in conjunction with double DIN systems ...

Look for an entry level 2DIN from Pio, JVC, Clarion etc.- that should do the job. Should cost you ~20K, and would have provision for switching in the rear view camera image when you engage reverse gear. You will need to buy the camera separately.

Buy a set of decent 6.5" components from JBL, Infinity, Morel, Bull, Polk etc. - for mounting in front. BUT, before you buy make sure you get an audition - you will like some, and hate some. If the shop doesn't give an audition, go to the next shop. This should cost ~6K.

Contrary to what you think, oval coaxes on the parcel shelf (you would need to get an MDF one to replace the OE one) would give you some feeling of bass in the sound. Round coaxes in the doors are OK, but without a sub or at least the ovals, the sound feels like ... food without salt. Ovals would cost you 3-4K, and round ones about a K less.

[Maky]

Originally Posted by DerAlte

Look for an entry level 2DIN from Pio, JVC, Clarion etc.- that should do the job. Should cost you ~20K, and would have provision for switching in the rear view camera image when you engage reverse gear. You will need to buy the camera separately.

Buy a set of decent 6.5" components from JBL, Infinity, Morel, Bull, Polk etc. - for mounting in front. BUT, before you buy make sure you get an audition - you will like some, and hate some. If the shop doesn't give an audition, go to the next shop. This should cost ~6K.

Contrary to what you think, oval coaxes on the parcel shelf (you would need to get an MDF one to replace the OE one) would give you some feeling of bass in the sound. Round coaxes in the doors are OK, but without a sub or at least the ovals, the sound feels like ... food without salt. Ovals would cost you 3-4K, and round ones about a K less.

Alrighty thanks.
Could you perhaps suggest some cameras. I don't personally care much for them but my father is very fascinated with a reversing camera 0.o
I see you have not mentioned Sony xplod HU do u not recommend it.?
I shall rethink about rear ovals as well...

[Sprucegoose]

you should replace the parcel tray at the back with an MDF tray and put ovals in it, otherwise the sound will lack any bass what so ever.

you can retain the original parcel tray and swap it out when the need arises.

Unless you go in for 2 pairs of components [in the doors] and a subwoofer, but I'm quite sure that will exceed your budget.

[DerAlte]

Originally Posted by Maky

... Could you perhaps suggest some cameras ...

There are no branded ones, and all of them are Chinese make. Buy a simple inconspicuous one. There are some which have some LEDs around it - avoid those.

Originally Posted by Maky

... I see you have not mentioned Sony xplod HU do u not recommend it.? ...

Sony has nothing close to Pio / JVC / Clarion / Kenwood / Alpine HUs in terms of practically useful features, ease of use and reliability. Their speakers are very pedestrian.

Nothing wrong with Sony stuff, just that one gets better stuff from other brands at the same price.

[Maky]

Originally Posted by DerAlte

There are no branded ones, and all of them are Chinese make. Buy a simple inconspicuous one. There are some which have some LEDs around it - avoid those.

Sony has nothing close to Pio / JVC / Clarion / Kenwood / Alpine HUs in terms of practically useful features, ease of use and reliability. Their speakers are very pedestrian.

Nothing wrong with Sony stuff, just that one gets better stuff from other brands at the same price.

Oh dear..
Well Sony is out then. I'm still unsure of rear parcel shelf as it kind of reduced the already minimal boot space. The removing and replacing of shelf during travel with luggage is a bit unpractical. So I think I'll have to sacrifice sound quality with the round speakers in the rear instead. I will do a bit more market research and find some models. I'll post back in a day with exact model numbers or so once I've found something I like with your recommendations in mind.

[DerAlte]

Originally Posted by Maky

... rear parcel shelf as it kind of reduced the already minimal boot space. ...

Eh? If the OE parcel shelf didn't reduce boot space, how will the replacement MDF shelf reduce it? The MDF shelf is kept free to swing up (just like the OE one) and not screwed down. You don't need to remove it unless you pile on luggage to above seat back height.

[Maky]

Originally Posted by DerAlte

Eh? If the OE parcel shelf didn't reduce boot space, how will the replacement MDF shelf reduce it? The MDF shelf is kept free to swing up (just like the OE one) and not screwed down. You don't need to remove it unless you pile on luggage to above seat back height.

When I said MDF reduces boot space I meant the speakers that I choose to put on the rear tray rather than in the doors. I'd imagine I'd loose 4-5"s of space. I wasn't aware that the shelf swings though.

[navin]

Originally Posted by DerAlte

Eh? If the OE parcel shelf didn't reduce boot space, how will the replacement MDF shelf reduce it? The MDF shelf is kept free to swing up (just like the OE one) and not screwed down. You don't need to remove it unless you pile on luggage to above seat back height.

Originally Posted by Maky

When I said MDF reduces boot space I meant the speakers that I choose to put on the rear tray rather than in the doors. I'd imagine I'd loose 4-5"s of space. I wasn't aware that the shelf swings though.

The OEM parcel shelf swings up and down as it is light and the struts that lift the hatch can easily lift this weight.

If however you replace the OEM fiber shelf with a MDF shelf and then add the weight of 2 6x9 speakers the strut might not be able to lift the new weight. Either the strut or the elastic that attaches the OEM shelf to the strut might be stressed.

I would suggest you ask your local installer if the MDF shelf would be lifted by the hatch. The other option is to lift the MDF shelf by hand when you need to access the space below it for luggage. The space reduction for the luggage will be minimal though as only the magnets of the 6x9 speakers will be protuding into the hatch.

Many years ago (2004) My wife had an Opel Sail and we had a similar problem. Our goal was to install 4 6" midwoofers from Vifa (http://www.europe-audio.com/img/Data/HQ/m18wo-09-08.gif ). Eventually we did the following.

a. We built a rear tray from 6mm MDF sandwiched between 2 layers of resin bonded fiberglass (about 3mm each) to get a shelf that was bith stiff and light.

b. We used the strut of a Skoda Octavia

c. We built a new elastic band that was thrice as strong (3 rows of the same elastic) as the OEM band.

Sure the Sail and Swift are different cars and a pair of 6x9s might not weigh as much as 4 6" wofoers but the philosphy is the same.

[DerAlte]

Originally Posted by navin

... the struts that lift the hatch can easily lift this weight. ...

If however you replace the OEM fiber shelf with a MDF shelf and then add the weight of 2 6x9 speakers the strut might not be able to lift the new weight. Either the strut or the elastic that attaches the OEM shelf to the strut might be stressed.

I would suggest you ask your local installer if the MDF shelf would be lifted by the hatch. The other option is to lift the MDF shelf by hand when you need to access the space below it for luggage. ...

The installers don't take a chance. They don't connect the MDF shelf to the hatch door at all - one has to lift the shelf by hand.

[Maky]

Originally Posted by DerAlte

There are no branded ones, and all of them are Chinese make. Buy a simple inconspicuous one. There are some which have some LEDs around it - avoid those.

Sony has nothing close to Pio / JVC / Clarion / Kenwood / Alpine HUs in terms of practically useful features, ease of use and reliability. Their speakers are very pedestrian.

Nothing wrong with Sony stuff, just that one gets better stuff from other brands at the same price.

Originally Posted by agspins

My friend is getting a Swift Vxi next week, Planned install are
Hu: Pioneer FH X759BT @ 9XXX
Front Comps: JBL GTO 609C @ 5k
Rear Coax: JBL GT6 2.5K
Sub: Steelmate SW816 9K

While Other friend's Swift Zdi has
Hu: JVC KW AVX840
Front Comps: Hertz EV130
Rear Coax: Hertz ECX 130
Sub: Steelmate SW816

Originally Posted by Epic

Hi Maky,

Your requirements seem really simple and straight froward so here's what I suggest:

HEADUNIT

Pioneer

http://www.pioneer-india.in/product-...-built-in-lcd/

Blaupunkt

http://www.blaupunkt.de/index.php?id...fproducts2_pi1[view]=1562&no_cache=1&L=1

JVC

http://www.jvc.co.in/car/av_receiver/index.html


SPEAKERS

You can look at front components and rear coaxials from the following options:

- Morel
- Focal
- JBL
- Infinity


EDIT : Sorry forgot to mention my setup

1. Your Car: Volkswagen Polo 1.6

2. Your current setup (If any):

Headunit : Alpine ICS-X8
Fr Comps : Gladen Zero 165
Rr Coax : Audio Systems
Amp : Mosconi One 120.4



3. Your Budget: 1.60 lakhs

4. Do you drive most of the time or is it chauffer driven?: Self Driven

5. Your Music preferences (Genres, favorite artists, etc.): Hip Hop, Club

6. Are you ready to sacrifice your boot space/modify door panels? : No

Originally Posted by Sprucegoose

if you got a Budget of 30K, I'd suggest you go in for a regular Single DIN headunit [Pioneer / Alpine] and get a good set of speakers.

Get a good set of components [Focal/Morel] for the front and a pair of Basic JBLs at the back. You might be able to pick up a basic Amp as well which will really improve the sound.

1. Your Car: Skoda Octavia vRS

2. Your current setup (If any):
Alpine CDA 9855
Focal Performance Series Components [up front]
Focal Performance Series Co axials [at the back]
Running of a s**t Sony Amp, because my <some profanities here> mechanic stole my DLS amp. I intend to get it back though.

3. Your Budget: i don't really remember

4. Do you drive most of the time or is it chauffer driven?: Self Driven

5. Your Music preferences (Genres, favorite artists, etc.): Everything except for Bollywood and Hip Hop

Additional Information:

6. Are you ready to sacrifice your boot space/modify door panels? :
Ready to modify, but not going to sacrifice Boot space, or compromise the folding seats. [fold seats up for more boot space].

Sorry for the late response guys.
Now, As this car is mainly for my mother I'll have to get a music system she's happy with, She and my father both are big on Sony as they've used only sony branded music systems & TVs in the house for many years and all have been of great quality and reliable, I forwarded your concerns regarding Sonys build quality etc. when it comes to their offerings for ICE but they wouldn't have any of it and insist on having only Sony branded HU and speakers as well!. So I must thank you all for the feedback but It looks like I'll have to go with Sony >.<.
Lastly I would like to ask you all for your opinions on the following Sony Xplod hardware I've singled out for our install which should be in 2-3 weeks time when our car arrives:

HU - XAV-64BT
Front - XS-GTF13382
Rear - XS-GTF69382

Additionally, I have an old 222 2Channel Amplifier left over in storage from the old days of when I was a young teenager : P. It was functional last I checked so should I bother connecting it to one of the pairs or is it better just to sell it off.