Audio upgrade - done

[oilbrnr]

Since the speakers were pretty much dust, and this is going to be my DD, I decided to spend some $$ on an overall upgrade. The HU had already been replaced by the PO and it is an OK unit, Kenwood DDX-470. I would not recommend it to anyone however. The user interface sucks, will not retain setting once the battery is disconnect, and really tough to do things while driving.

Now, I've been out of the higher end car audio scene for quite a while, and I really didn't want to take the project on myself. Just not fun to me like when i was younger. So, I interviewed three local firms. One proposed JL Audio, the other two were Hertz dealers. While the JL dealer had good reviews, the shop was a mess. One Hertz dealer in Scottsdale, had to be called twice to get the quote. Then I went to Handcrafted Audio in Mesa. Clean shop, knowledgable owner that didn't try and oversell me on things.

Overall, I'm pleased. No, it won't shake the rearview mirror of the car next to me at a stoplight, but it is CLEAN and way loud enough, and I didn't loose any cargo space.

Oh and thanks to 98 Snake Eater for the back seat monitor idea. Cheap and the kids are happy, happy, happy. I had them prewire the rear for a backup camera, but I'll install it after a new bumper. Not sure the amp would have fit under the DS seat without the Landtank extensions.

 

[oilbrnr]

More shots. The boxes show the model numbers of the equipment.

BTW, those flip down monitors were $139 shipped from ebay. Not the best, but for the price not a bad deal.

 

[98 SNAKE EATER]

Looks awesome

*sent from my android powered string cup*

 

[80seriesnut]

What are those rear monitors?

 

[Kernal]

Can you break down the equipment prices and installation cost?

 

[Tbkw01]

Yeah, I am also interested in what the equipment cost was.

 

[oilbrnr]

liswholesale is the ebay seller of the monitors. Again, these aren't made by Apple with retina density! But for the pair price, so far so good. Plus they will rotate to the sides, so if you are at a campsite, you could in a pinch sit outside the rear side door(s).

I don't have the invoice in front of me, but roughly:

Front components, $299
Rear coax, $199
8" sub, $150
5 channel amp, $599

In the past, I've used ether Dynaudio, Morel or Focal drivers. I'd put Hertz right up there after listening to them over the past couple of weeks. Tweets might be a bit brighter than I'd like, but overall pretty impressive. Here is the power specs on the amp, I'm running 2x1, the rear doors are on the HU.

Here is a link to Hertz, an Italian company;

http://www.hertzaudiovideo.com/default_en.htm

 

[eurorom]

I like your Sun Visors I want some what size are they!