Car Audio Advice from the Audio Gurus: Use "Search thread" before posting a new Q!

rsjaurr · 27th May 2006, 13:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by delu

Hi All,

................ I'm really worried about specification mismatch. I personally prefer SONY but I can go for a full BOSE system also but don't know whether it would fit my SAntro or not. Budget is not at all a constraint but again I don't want to convert my car into a Car theatre system with heart pounding beats. It should be cute.

Any help in this regard is highly appreciated. Even if someone can confirm me whether Santro and Accent share the same specification that will also be great.

Tx in advance.

1st of all,Dont buy sony & bose.

If budget is not a problem and u really want a cute system,then i think u should go for SQ [sound quality] setup rather than SPL[sound pressure level].[I hope by cute u mean better sounding]

I will advise u to get only HU+amplifier with door speakers from states.Wiring and subw can be bought here as these will add to luggage weight greatly.

there r few sites to search for e.g. crutchfield.com,onlinecarstereo.com,ebay.com and many more.Try pricegrabber.com as well if u r bit mean with ur money.

Crutchfield is almost 20% more expensive than others websites but u can trust them with ur eyes closed.Ebay.com is least expensive but somehow some people dont feel comfortable buying from ebay.I myself bought few items from ebay.

HU [mp3 player]-- Alpine 9853 is selling for around $230 on crutchfield.I'm advising this bcoz alpine 2006 range is not that good and this HU will have few settings which will make ur system sounds even better like Time Alignment.U can also look out for 9830/9833.These r even better.

Amplifier-- If u r planning to go for single subw,then single 5/6-ch amplifier should be fine.As alpine 450 is not readily available,go for JL audio E6450 6-ch amplifier.Its one of the best.U should be able to get it for around $300.DONT BUY SOUNDSTREAM,BOSS,KICKER,PHOENEX GOLD IF LOOKING FOR CUTE/SQ SYSTEM.

Speakers-- I'm not sure what size santro's door takes in,JK might help u.But u can install biggest 6.5" with some modification/cutting of door panels.Bigger the better.
Go for Focal/polk momo/infinty kappa series/boston/JL audio.These u can buy from ebay.com without any fear.Buy components for front and co-axial [2-way or 3-way] for rear.Dont buy 6x9".

wiring -- If there is no weight problem,buy wiring from www.knukonceptz.com. These r good quality and not expensive like monster.We can only advise u wiring size once u have chosen or bbought ur rest of system.
In india we have wiring by audison and JBL which r quite reputed brands.It will cost u around 7-8k here.

subw-- Go for image dynamics subw.These r also available here.Single 12" should be ok for u as u dont want too much sound presure level.JL/infinty/alpine r also good brands for subw.

box-- Get it built here for <1k.

kb100 · 27th May 2006, 14:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by delu

but I can go for a full BOSE system

EKKKSSssss NAHEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeei.!!!

BUy Anythign else but NOT BOSE!! .. The Guru's will elaborate... While I get cure for my Chills!!

Bass&Trouble · 27th May 2006, 15:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by kb100

EKKKSSssss NAHEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeei.!!!

BUy Anythign else but NOT BOSE!! .. The Guru's will elaborate... While I get cure for my Chills!!

How can he buy Bose even if he wants to? They don't make any aftermarket car audio. Unless he puts an AM5 or something in the car, which people with good ears wouldn't even consider installing in their bathrooms!

Autophile · 27th May 2006, 18:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by swale84

Thanks Sam,

BTW, do you know what (brand) speakers/music system is used in a SKoda LAura? Also what other components it has, i.e amps, woofer etc..My friend just bought one and was wondering, I think it(she!) has 3 way components, front and back(?)

Suhail

Skoda Laura has OEM system, not sure about the manufacturer. It has space for 3-Way components in the doors.

However the placement of the drivers is weird. The tweeter and midrange location in the door is fine but the midbass location is little off, its towards the back of the door rather than the conventional front.

They have done this to make space for usable doorpockets with a space for glass/bottle.

Autophile · 27th May 2006, 18:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by delu

Hi All,
I personally prefer SONY but I can go for a full BOSE system

Bose does not cater to the aftermarket car audio, they only do the OEM's for luxury cars like Mercs, Porsches etc. So you can't buy one for your santro

Sam Kapasi · 27th May 2006, 21:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Autophile

Bose does not cater to the aftermarket car audio, they only do the OEM's for luxury cars like Mercs, Porsches etc. So you can't buy one for your santro

Correct. And thank god for small mercies.

harmon_bro · 28th May 2006, 13:50

There are some problems with the Alpine CDA-9853

http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/4/138435.html

- Vikram

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsjaurr

1st of all,Dont buy sony & bose.

If budget is not a problem and u really want a cute system,then i think u should go for SQ [sound quality] setup rather than SPL[sound pressure level].[I hope by cute u mean better sounding]

I will advise u to get only HU+amplifier with door speakers from states.Wiring and subw can be bought here as these will add to luggage weight greatly.

there r few sites to search for e.g. crutchfield.com,onlinecarstereo.com,ebay.com and many more.Try pricegrabber.com as well if u r bit mean with ur money.

Crutchfield is almost 20% more expensive than others websites but u can trust them with ur eyes closed.Ebay.com is least expensive but somehow some people dont feel comfortable buying from ebay.I myself bought few items from ebay.

HU [mp3 player]-- Alpine 9853 is selling for around $230 on crutchfield.I'm advising this bcoz alpine 2006 range is not that good and this HU will have few settings which will make ur system sounds even better like Time Alignment.U can also look out for 9830/9833.These r even better.

Amplifier-- If u r planning to go for single subw,then single 5/6-ch amplifier should be fine.As alpine 450 is not readily available,go for JL audio E6450 6-ch amplifier.Its one of the best.U should be able to get it for around $300.DONT BUY SOUNDSTREAM,BOSS,KICKER,PHOENEX GOLD IF LOOKING FOR CUTE/SQ SYSTEM.

Speakers-- I'm not sure what size santro's door takes in,JK might help u.But u can install biggest 6.5" with some modification/cutting of door panels.Bigger the better.
Go for Focal/polk momo/infinty kappa series/boston/JL audio.These u can buy from ebay.com without any fear.Buy components for front and co-axial [2-way or 3-way] for rear.Dont buy 6x9".

wiring -- If there is no weight problem,buy wiring from www.knukonceptz.com. These r good quality and not expensive like monster.We can only advise u wiring size once u have chosen or bbought ur rest of system.
In india we have wiring by audison and JBL which r quite reputed brands.It will cost u around 7-8k here.

subw-- Go for image dynamics subw.These r also available here.Single 12" should be ok for u as u dont want too much sound presure level.JL/infinty/alpine r also good brands for subw.

box-- Get it built here for <1k.

Bass&Trouble · 28th May 2006, 18:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by harmon_bro

There are some problems with the Alpine CDA-9853

http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/4/138435.html

- Vikram

Wow, that sure is scary. Alpine quality going downhill. Fortunately for me, I have the 9855 and it isn't plagued by all the problems listed there. Good I bought that cos it was the only one with the hi-volt pre-outs.

And yeah, the glide system sucks.

navin · 29th May 2006, 10:42

The 9851, 53, 55 had QC issues but the 9847, 9852, 9856, and 9857 and CDE series dont seem to suffer from this.

and Bose does OEM for cars other than luxury cars unless ofcourse Mazda is considered a luxury barnd
http://www.bose.com/controller?event...ve/mazda/3.jsp

Sam Kapasi · 29th May 2006, 11:26

Welcome back Navin.... Hope you had a good time away from us all

satish_appasani · 29th May 2006, 12:00

In my Palio, My current setup is Sony MP50 MP3 HU, Sony 222 Amp (bought used) powering the Sony ovals in the rear and Pioneer 5" coaxials in the front door. This setup is older than my car. I used it in my Zen for few months before I changed to Palio.

I am not at all happy with the system. I want to do a gradual upgrade. My choice of music is Jazz is my priority though I listen to all sorts of music.

I want to upgrade my system in the span of next 10 months. Also I want to connect my PocketPC to the HU to play my Podcasts. First I want to concentrate on speakers, woofer and Amps. I want to upgrade the HU in the last.

Can the specialists please give me the suggestions?

And does anybody know a good dealer in Hyd who charges decent prices and does a decent installation?

navin · 29th May 2006, 12:03

Kodaikanal was colder than we expected. None of us had adequate clothing but we survived. Other than that we had a great time. No cell phones! no internet!

satish_appasani · 29th May 2006, 14:58

Forgot to add few crucial things in my earlier post

I am on a budget. Between 10K and 20K over a period of 10 months to 1 year. The lesser the best.

I don't want to loose whatever little trunk space i have in my Palio. Don't mind having a easy unplug and remove setup.

navin · 29th May 2006, 16:24

satish:
Keep the HU. BTW does it have a auxillary pre-in socket on the front panel? I cant tell from the photo you have posted. Some Sony model do have this. If so you cna use this to connect your pocket PC player.

Good front speakers will run you about 4-6K per pair. JBL (CS and GTO series), Alpine SPS/SPE series, Blaupunkt GT series offer models in the price range.

Then I would add a nice 4 ch. amp. The Pioneer 6100 at 7k will serve this prupose.

Lastly if you have the space I would add the a subwoofer. There are a few 8" woofers that will occupy less space than the more commonly available 12" woofers. I think JBL sells one in India but I forget the model number. Hertz sells a 8" woofer that needs a small (15 liter) box.

I'd keep the sony rear speakers as they are really only for rear fill.

satish_appasani · 29th May 2006, 17:00

Navin: Thank you so much for the response.

The HU doesn't have an Aux-In in the front. It's very old model. Bought the entire setup in 1st quarter of 2004.

Here is a pic of the layout at the back of the HU if this may help

Are the front speakers you mentioned components or coaxials? Should I use the Pioneer Amp to power 4 speakers or bridge speakers on 2 channels and use the rest two for woofer? Will my Sony 222 suffice for the woofer?

When I first installed ICE in my Palio, I wanted to replace my 2 channel amp with Somy 4 channel AMP. But the installer mentioned that i cannot power my 5" speakers with AMP as the speakers will damage.

Can I use a JBL Bass tube or Blaupunkt Bass box for the Bass? Both sell at around Rs. 6000?

29th May 2006, 10:42	#3519
navin Team-BHP Support Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 25,421 Thanked: 9,998 Times	The 9851, 53, 55 had QC issues but the 9847, 9852, 9856, and 9857 and CDE series dont seem to suffer from this. and Bose does OEM for cars other than luxury cars unless ofcourse Mazda is considered a luxury barnd http://www.bose.com/controller?event...ve/mazda/3.jsp
	() Thanks

29th May 2006, 11:26	#3520
Sam Kapasi Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mumbai (but wat Posts: 6,935 Thanked: 2,483 Times View My Garage	Welcome back Navin.... Hope you had a good time away from us all
	() Thanks

29th May 2006, 12:00	#3521
satish_appasani Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 1,114 Thanked: 110 Times View My Garage	Help to upgrade my ICE In my Palio, My current setup is Sony MP50 MP3 HU, Sony 222 Amp (bought used) powering the Sony ovals in the rear and Pioneer 5" coaxials in the front door. This setup is older than my car. I used it in my Zen for few months before I changed to Palio. I am not at all happy with the system. I want to do a gradual upgrade. My choice of music is Jazz is my priority though I listen to all sorts of music. I want to upgrade my system in the span of next 10 months. Also I want to connect my PocketPC to the HU to play my Podcasts. First I want to concentrate on speakers, woofer and Amps. I want to upgrade the HU in the last. Can the specialists please give me the suggestions? And does anybody know a good dealer in Hyd who charges decent prices and does a decent installation?
	() Thanks

29th May 2006, 12:03	#3522
navin Team-BHP Support Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 25,421 Thanked: 9,998 Times	Kodaikanal was colder than we expected. None of us had adequate clothing but we survived. Other than that we had a great time. No cell phones! no internet!
	() Thanks

29th May 2006, 14:58	#3523
satish_appasani Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 1,114 Thanked: 110 Times View My Garage	Forgot to add few crucial things in my earlier post I am on a budget. Between 10K and 20K over a period of 10 months to 1 year. The lesser the best. I don't want to loose whatever little trunk space i have in my Palio. Don't mind having a easy unplug and remove setup.
	() Thanks

29th May 2006, 16:24	#3524
navin Team-BHP Support Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 25,421 Thanked: 9,998 Times	satish: Keep the HU. BTW does it have a auxillary pre-in socket on the front panel? I cant tell from the photo you have posted. Some Sony model do have this. If so you cna use this to connect your pocket PC player. Good front speakers will run you about 4-6K per pair. JBL (CS and GTO series), Alpine SPS/SPE series, Blaupunkt GT series offer models in the price range. Then I would add a nice 4 ch. amp. The Pioneer 6100 at 7k will serve this prupose. Lastly if you have the space I would add the a subwoofer. There are a few 8" woofers that will occupy less space than the more commonly available 12" woofers. I think JBL sells one in India but I forget the model number. Hertz sells a 8" woofer that needs a small (15 liter) box. I'd keep the sony rear speakers as they are really only for rear fill.
	() Thanks

29th May 2006, 17:00	#3525
satish_appasani Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 1,114 Thanked: 110 Times View My Garage	Navin: Thank you so much for the response. The HU doesn't have an Aux-In in the front. It's very old model. Bought the entire setup in 1st quarter of 2004. Here is a pic of the layout at the back of the HU if this may help Are the front speakers you mentioned components or coaxials? Should I use the Pioneer Amp to power 4 speakers or bridge speakers on 2 channels and use the rest two for woofer? Will my Sony 222 suffice for the woofer? When I first installed ICE in my Palio, I wanted to replace my 2 channel amp with Somy 4 channel AMP. But the installer mentioned that i cannot power my 5" speakers with AMP as the speakers will damage. Can I use a JBL Bass tube or Blaupunkt Bass box for the Bass? Both sell at around Rs. 6000?
	() Thanks