Question about car audio....

[billybob3]

I have a 98 Outback, with everything stock. I want to install two subs, all new speakers, and a new deck. What parts do I need...amplifier, etc...??? I don't really need brand names, but just the basics would be great.

Thanks!

[sigmazeta314]

In the front and rear doors, you can fit 6-1/2" Speakers, the head unit can be any single din unit (that means just about all CD players made) and for the subs and amps, that is totally up to you...most anything will fit so long as you can afford the install. If you are looking for a kickin system, I would not reccommend buying anything real low end and if you can afford it, the following brands are real good:

Head units: Alpine and Eclipse

6-1/2" Speakers: MB Quart, Focal, JL Audio, and Polk (The Polks are a budget alternative)

Subwoofers: Kicker, JL Audio, MTX, Polk MOMO, and Orion (The Orion is the loudest of of these but not much sound quality)

Amplifiers: A/D/S/, Xtant, Eclipse, Kicker, JL Audio, Phoenix Gold, and MTX

Any combination of this stuff will yield a pretty good sounding system. But make sure to have it professionsally installed (Not at Best Buy or Circuit City).

Check out this site for good deals: http://www.sounddomain.com

Good Luck!

SZ 314

PS - Two subs can be a lot...1 12" Kicker L7 or 1 JL 10 W7 will be freakin loud.

[billybob3]

Quote:

Originally posted by sigmazeta314@Jun 22 2003, 12:50 PM
In the front and rear doors, you can fit 6-1/2" Speakers, the head unit can be any single din unit (that means just about all CD players made) and for the subs and amps, that is totally up to you...most anything will fit so long as you can afford the install. If you are looking for a kickin system, I would not reccommend buying anything real low end and if you can afford it, the following brands are real good:

Head units: Alpine and Eclipse

6-1/2" Speakers: MB Quart, Focal, JL Audio, and Polk (The Polks are a budget alternative)

Subwoofers: Kicker, JL Audio, MTX, Polk MOMO, and Orion (The Orion is the loudest of of these but not much sound quality)

Amplifiers: A/D/S/, Xtant, Eclipse, Kicker, JL Audio, Phoenix Gold, and MTX

Any combination of this stuff will yield a pretty good sounding system. But make sure to have it professionsally installed (Not at Best Buy or Circuit City).

Check out this site for good deals: http://www.sounddomain.com

Good Luck!

SZ 314

PS - Two subs can be a lot...1 12" Kicker L7 or 1 JL 10 W7 will be freakin loud.

Wow, thanks for responding with a lot of information! Just wondering, why do I need to have them professionally installed? I kind of like to do stuff myself. But, if I do need to get them professionally installed, what's a reasonable cost for labor? And, last but not least, how did you know which size speakers I needed? Is there a website or something that will tell me?

Thanks for helping!

[GSD]

Code:

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-HeOeSEAK8BH/ProdMenu.asp?s=0&cc=01&c=3&vst=Y

this is a good site for in depth vehicle info and equipment that fits properly

Zo

[billybob3]

Quote:

Originally posted by GSD@Jun 22 2003, 03:56 PM

Code:

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-HeOeSEAK8BH/ProdMenu.asp?s=0&cc=01&c=3&vst=Y

this is a good site for in depth vehicle info and equipment that fits properly

Zo

Thanks GSD, i'm checking that site out.

[Stringent]

Or if you are like me you get a mate to do it

[billybob3]

Quote:

Originally posted by Flanderz@Jun 22 2003, 04:33 PM
Or if you are like me you get a mate to do it

Great, now I just need to find a "mate" that knows how <_< , and is willing to help me

[just_do_IT]

Quote:

http://www.crutchfield.com

this is a good site for in depth vehicle info and equipment that fits properly

Wow I forgot all about that magazine. Thanks for the reminder Z

[adams]

another good brand for the speakers/subs is memphis audio(or at least my friend that has his own shop recommended them). but i have never seen anywhere to buy them, but they are around cause i've seen other people that have them.

[sigmazeta314]

Regarding the professional install:

Unless you have done it before, have all of the wiring diagrams, access to and skill with a soldering iron, the knowledge of your car's electronic systems, and the knowledge of what kind of wiring is best to use - where to run the wire, what amp fuse to use and where to run the power cable, and the skill to actually do the install, a professional from a reputable car audio intall shop is the best to do the install of the amps and head unit.

Almost anyone can install speakers unless you have a complicated component install you want done. So, yes the speakers can be done by you and if there is a good wiring harness (adapter) for your car (available also through Crutchfield), the head unit can be installed by you too if you want to spend the time.


I would leave the amps to a pro who can match up fuses with your amplifiers, use the correct guage wiring, and know how to make the install clean. For a bi amplified system, it is going to run probably about $300.00 for the amps to be professionally installed...but if you are up for a challenge go for it yourself!

I used crutchfield to find out what fits. I don't care for thier selection of speakers they have but thier head unit selection is okay...I would really reccommend Eclipse (Which they don't carry)...especially if you don't have a real good alarm on your car. Read up about Eclipse's ESN (Eclipse Security Network) to know why Eclipse's are rarely stolen.

Have fun and let me know what do decide to put in your car.

SZ314