Super Unknown -- stereo system

[monterey1962]

The more I think about it, the more I want to put a new sound system in the '88. Nothing real big, just better quality.

Currently it has the factory 6-speaker premium sound system. What I'm thinking of doing is . . . .

- stereo with CD player (possibly one that will play MP3's)
- Pioneer 6x9's in rear deck
- replace door speakers w/ 6 inchers (I put new 5 1/4" Pioneers in last summer, but I want something a little bigger for the new system)
- run all new wiring

Anyone have suggestions on a stereo? I want something that will look tastefull and fit well in the dash and not look like shit. Any other suggestions or advice is appreciated. Thanks.

-------------------
Justin

[85crownHPP]

kenwood and clarion are supposed to be good for the money. Id go with Alpine myself, if you can swing $300+ for a head unit.

[RugerP97DC]

I have 3 threads about car stereo stuff. Check them out and if you need any more help or if something that you want to know about wasent covered let me know!

[monterey1962]

Cool. I'll check 'em out. Thanks.

[monterey1962]

Where do you run the wire to get to the rear speakers from the stereo?

-----------------
Justin

[GrandmasCar]

The wiring to the rear speakers should be run under the trim pieces that cover the edge of the carpet in the door sills. This is where manufacturers runs most of their front to rear wiring in the passanger compartment.

[GrandmasCar]

Circular speakers sound better than eliptical speakers (ie 6x9s). I put 6.5"ers in the 6x9 holes in the rear deck by buying some adapters from Crutchfield. They are only a couple of bucks.

[RugerP97DC]

The wiring to the rear speakers should be run under the trim pieces that cover the edge of the carpet in the door sills. This is where manufacturers runs most of their front to rear wiring in the passanger compartment.

I usually run them under the driverseat carpet. Away form any thing that could introduce noise. If the facory wires are in good shape use them!

[RugerP97DC]

Circular speakers sound better than eliptical speakers (ie 6x9s). I put 6.5"ers in the 6x9 holes in the rear deck by buying some adapters from Crutchfield. They are only a couple of bucks.

BITE ME!!! 6x9's can handle far more power than any 6 1/2. The sound differental is only noticable if you are seting right next to the damn speaker, and then it is negligable! I have had this conversation before, DON'T MAKE ME GO THERE!!!!! :asshat:

Welcome to GMN GrandmasCar!!!!!!!!!

[monterey1962]

blazingstang, I read in one of your posts to use 12 ga. wire. How big of a role does the gauge of wire play in a stereo system? When I wired my trucks' system I used 18 ga.



Btw, your other stereo threads were really helpful.


--------------
Justin

[85crownHPP]

If the facory wires are in good shape use them!

ok, DO NOT use your existing speaker wiring whatever the shape, the factory wiring uses a common ground and cannot handle much of anything. I learned this the hard way.

[85crownHPP]

blazingstang, I read in one of your posts to use 12 ga. wire. How big of a role does the gauge of wire play in a stereo system? When I wired my trucks' system I used 18 ga.
--------------
Justin

12 ga or bigger for subs... normal speaker will be fine with 18ga unless they are high power speakers.
Just run your own new wires and you'll be fine.

[Grand Marquis GT]

I ran 12 for ALL my speakers...

[monterey1962]

Here's what I found today:

Head units:
Alpine ~ $170
Sony ~ $130
Clarion ~ $180
Pioneer ~ $190

at Walmart:
Pioneer ~$110
JVC ~$135
Sony ~110

I'm thinking that the "cost-effective" way for me to go is going to be Sony.
Sony 6.5" ~ $60
Sony 6x9" ~ $70

I'll have to think about this one.



1. Can 6.5" speakers fit in the doors? Will they interfere with the door panel or anything inside the door? I can't remember right off hand.

2. Is there a certain installation kit for the head unit that works good with our cars (i.e. one at Walmart?)?


-----------------------
Justin

[Jackup460]

2. You don't need an installation kit

The frame that the radio has will use bolts from the previous radio. The opening is the exact same size as the stock unit.