What's up everyone. I just bought a 2000 Mustang V6 (Couldn't afford a GT). The original window sticker said that it came with premium sound, but I'd like to upgrade the sound system, especially since I don't use CD's anymore, I need something with an AUX input for my MP3 player. Any suggestions? I dont't know a whole lot about car sound systems. I'm not really looking to spend a ridiculous amount of money (at the absoulute most about $400), but I do like loud music and a lot of bass so I'm willing to spend a reasonable amount for a decent system.

 

ok the rest will answer about the speakers and subs...

but if you don't care about losing a CD player check out alpine-usa.com and the new iDA-X001 radio that is built specifically for iPod...(assuming you have an ipod)...it has a direct digital connection to the ipod and you control the ipod from the radio

are you looking to replace everything? or just a new head unit?...if you want to replace everything for $400 i hope you are doing the install yourself...do you have a coupe or a convertible?

if you have a coupe you can get away with a new radio (probably not THAT one though), a high-powered 4channel amp, nice component set of front speakers (ditch the rears) and 1 10" or 12" sub that would be powered using the two rear channels of the 4ch amp...give us some more info before the experts come and ask you all these same questions--------even then you probably won't get all those things for 400 bucks if you do the install yourself and include wiring...you can look at used stuff too...PM Preal or some of the other guys in here for help

 

Word.

For $400 I would do.....

Something like this for hu (cheap with 4 channel preouts and aux input)
http://ikesound.com/product-product_id/5852$125

Fronts.
http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?...roduct_ID=5207$99

Amp.
http://ikesound.com/product-product_id/2841$70

Sub or something similar.
http://ikesound.com/product-product_id/3848$42

Wiring $20 at wal mart

Box $20 build your own ported box out of mdf.

Thats $376 and will sound ok. If you wanted to save a little, buy a used sub already in a box for around $50.

 

I have one of the later generation Sony MP3 decks with line in and I've been very happy with its performance with my iPod. I looked at the alpine deck that controls the iPod, but I just couldn't pony that much cash for it.

So... The line in on the cheap Sony works pretty well... Believe it or not, the line in on my absolutely bottom of the barrel Awia deck in my beater is the best I've ever seen.

 

i had a awia deck with a knock off of kenwoods "mask" face flipping feature - bought it with a 10 disk awia changer for like 150 bucks and it sounded great.

my suggestion is to buy from ebay, just watch the feedback of the seller. you can score NICE head units and amps for alot cheaper than retail, even if they are used who cares as long as they are in nice shape

 

+1 on the ebay route, but I really like the fact that new stuff comes with a 1 yr. warranty.

In general, ikesound is about the same price as ebay.

 

well depending on what kind of MP3 player you have...pretty much unless you have an iPod you will be using the Aux input on ANY head unit you get...i put a Sony GTX-300 in my friends Honda Accord...and well...the sound of his iPod hooked up to the front Aux was ok to HIM...but i'd have to say if left me wanting a LOT more...i have a direct connection from my Alpine to my iPod and i have all my "top played" playlists converted to Apple Lossless format so they are CD quality...but even then the analog signal isn't as good as that new Alpine iDA-X001's digital connection...ir eally want to hear that to see if i can tell the difference...i sure as hell can tell the difference from an MP3 recorded at 192 kbps (each file is about 4-5 MBs) and the Lossless format in which each song file is 25-30 MBs

 

So i have a dell dj mp3 player, so I'm pretty sure that there are no head units out there that directly connect to the dell dj, so I'll probably just have to suck it up and take the loss in sound quality by plugging in directly to my head phone jack with an aux cable. I checked out the ikesound webiste and it looks like they have some good stuff. The only problem I would have is installation. I'm not sure how much it would cost to have someone else install everything, but I imagine that it's not cheap. Would I be able to get some type of instruction manual to install things myself, or is it too risky for someone who has never messed with a car sound system? What do you guys reccomend?

 

well i would be comfortable doing everything except MAYBE the sub box...although i'm sure i could do it if i took my time...i've never built one but i know it isn't that hard...other than that depending on where you get your equipment from (crutchfield...while selling everything RETAIL price...they also give you free harnesses and color instructions for your specific car) you might need to go out and get a car audio installation book

 

I had my iPod playing through the Sony line in through my ZPA and my Adcom GFA-4404, MBQ Reference up front, cheap JL 6x9s for rear fill, and 4 JL 10s... As gay as it sounds, Disney's "Under the Sea" would have made you a believer in the Sony line input.

I'd say it was about 90% of CD quality, which was fine for communting to work and road trips. After all, the deck still plays CDs too...

dwalk: The only way to learn is to do. Jump in, take your time, and ask lots of questions. For a beginner, I would find a good audio shop and stick with them until you're ready to swim on your own. You might pay more, but good service and advice is what you need in the beginning and being able to take your car to someone locally to help out is priceless.