So, for my 03, i had the 460 with 6cd changer, but i swapped out the head unit (was jamming up) for a cheapo VR3 (woo! walmart). kinda tired of it. really cheap, just "spliced" in with a 2 peice adapter wire kit. it takes forever to load a CD.

at same time i want to upgrade bass a little bit. im a n00b when it comes to audio, and wanna keep it on a budget. prefer to stick to DIY stuff so shops around here dont try and rip me off. whats a typical budget for a audio upgrade? i was thinkin maybe 500$ if at all possible?

i dont need some huge system with like 4 subs and 10 speakers and 4 LCD's, maybe just uprade any speakers that you think should be ugpraded, and add a sub or 2, and obviously head unit? if you have idea's and/or guides/resources lemme know! preferably step by step idiot proof stuff with tons of pictures and arrows. lol.

from what i've heard a Pioneer or Sony head unit should be good? also, any info on digital/HD radio? i've seen converter boxes and originally i had thought of maybe including a carputer dash for a headunit with digital instead but i cant really see the need for it since i have 2 laptops now and sold my extra computer parts... not really sure if digital radio is even necessary or if its all just hype?

 

So i've decided on a head unit, albeit a bit of a pricey one, the Pioneer DEH-P7100BT, i can get one for around 250$. toss in a plug-n-play adapter and it should be fine yes?

next thing on the list is a Sub? any idea's on this? i need a box too. dont know how to wire it up, so any info on a quick effective way to wire it up would be nice.

after that maybe upgrade the stock speakers? i heard an idea of switching to some cheap sony's? not sure really, was just something i heard a guy talkin about at work.

and as for an amp, do i need one? im not looking to blast my ears out at like 100 dB, im just looking for something i can listen to, and help drown out the noise of the SLP LM1's while im cruising. if its recommended i get one, price and brand name and how to hook it up?

if there's been a post that can show me more about a budget build, please, forward me to it! i did a cursory search but came up with nothing i could understand.

 

What is your budget for the speaker, amp, and subwoofer? since you plan on buying that deck.

Here is a good amp
http://ikesound.com/MB_Quart_DSC4125
Use first two channels to run front speakers and bridge the rear for the subwoofer.

These component speakers
http://www.woofersetc.com/p6952/RSD6...ker-System.htm

Really good budget subs
http://onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/...old_Rsd10.aspx
http://onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/...SWR-1022D.aspx

Best wire you will get for the money period
http://www.overstock.com/Electronics...i_sku=12222345

do two runs of 4awg one for the ground one for the positive. sell the last two runs you have to recoup some money.

 

i'd like to keep it in a 500$ range for the whole system if at all possible, not including that deck, might actually go with a cheaper version. i have very little experience wiring my car, but im sure i can find wires if they are pointed out. kinda need a guide i guess. budget is key. i have a peice of crap VR3 in there now, keeps poping out, and its wired in with a cheapo scosche plug-n-play adapter.

Walmart had some nice priced Pioneer and Sony component speakers, sony's were like 39, pioneer was 49. dont remember the specific model numbers. are the phoenix golds you listed much better?

 

if budget is the issue, you should get this deck
http://onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/...MP642U_RB.aspx

with everything listed and going with the rsd subwoofer you would be looking at 465 +shipping so you are right around your budget.

The rsd's will pack more midbass than the sony's or pioneer would.
you can also go with this amp
http://www.caraudiodeals.com/mb-quar...80-p-2248.html
powering the rsd and it should do wonderful

 

Ok, so, my plan is the, DSC4125 amp, Alpine Sub, and the pheonix gold speakers. now how to wire it up? lol forgive me, im a n00b. maybe a simple wiring diagram would help?

obviously i need a box too, but im working that right now. also any info on removing the current mach system would be helpful, so i dont have to break panels lol.

 

Good choice. what you would do is get a rca set and run it from the front output on the cd player to the 1&2 channel for the amp. after that you run the speaker wire from the amp to where you will be putting your speakers in the doors. It is essential that you run the speaker wire through the stock speaker gromet in the kick panel so your wire insulation doesn't get cut by anything and ground out.

Now for the subwoofer run another set of rcas from the subwoofer output on the cd player to the rear inputs on the amp. Bridge the last two channels and run the speaker wire from the to the subwoofer.

As for the box I high suggest you make it yourself total cost will be around $40-50 depending on carpet material and glue you do choose along with mdf you get.

I have some box designs drawn up for a 10" subwoofer that will work great for the Alpine and will fit your trunk no problem

This design is 1.37ft^3@21hz



This design is fairly simple to make
4" 16long aero port1ft@32hz


you order a 4" port and cut it to 16" long and then just fire the port sideways.
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=268-352
ports can be bought there.
If you need another design to better suite your trunk as you want just shoot me a message and I can draw something up pretty quick. There are some people on my car audio forums that will actually sell you a kit to make a box. all they do is do all cuts and predrilling. you get it and piece it together like lego's and just add glue and screws. I know a few people who will sell you a complete box for a good price but will cost you around 100 because of shipping.

 

Hmmm. ok, sounds pretty easy now lol! im well on my way! thanks!

another question is, what if i decide to add another sub? would i need another amp or would simply not bridging and running each on seperate channels work? i'll probably be doing the ported version of the box, however, if i do 2 subs i'll do a ported box on either side of the trunk.. right now i'll prolly stick to the single bridged 10.

also, what about rear speakers? would it be beneficial to run some speakers where the current rear mach speakers are? or is that just kind of a waste?

edit: Nother question - HD radio, is it all hype? i dont have an MP3 player or ipod (just yet, might get an itouch).

 

If you were to add another sub I think it will be best if you add another amplifier pref a class D mono amp. If the time does come for that just message me and I will help you find what is in your budget.
Personally I would not waste the money on rear speakers, I prefer my music to come from in front of me not from behind my head.
As for the hd Radio question I honestly cannot say as I do not use hd radio. I prefer my ipod or another source of mp3 over all. Personally I will be getting this unit
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_020FZ40...9.html?tp=5684
All I will need is a decently big harddrive and never have to use cd's again. And I could hide the hard drive somewhere in my dash or center console. I might step it up to its bigger brother for 200 more but I don't know yet.