Budget stereo improvement

[kashmir]

Searching around, I didn't see anyone that is quite the cheapskate I am...

This is a project out of budget (pretty far down on the todo list really) - so it needs to be pretty barebones.

I was thinking to replace the factory head unit with a 1 space cheapo anything, as long as it has aux in (for my phone.) I suppose bluetooth would be better yet, not sure if that is still in the under $100 category like I am guessing I can find without. I'd like to eventually put a sideband cb in the 2nd space. I don't need any fancy video screen or any of that.

I have a Phoenix Gold Xenon X100.2 laying around, so I'm hoping to use that for a subwoofer. It won't fit under the seat so I guess I'll mount it on the sub enclosure. It is supposed to be bridgeable - 200W not much, but here again, this is supposed to be a marvel within constraints!

I want to set it up so I can switch it back to the existing subwoofer and take the subwoofer box out if I need to. The subwoofer box I want just the right dimensions so it fits behind all 3 rows of seats and is the same height when they are folded down so I have a continuous platform to haul stuff (I think I measured it at 11.5" high which may make it difficult to fit even 10" subs in? unless they are down facing... or... there is a sloped side... or...)
So I think the sub box would be about 11.5" x 12" x ?? ft wide (up to the full width of the interior depending on how many cu. ft air I need) Hopefully I can find a cheapo premade enclosure but these dimensions seem odd for that.

I am hoping I can live with the regular stock speakers and be happy for a while with having a new source of music and extended bass. Maybe I'd be able to do this for $250 in parts?

What would you do different?

 

[TXLX100]

I'd do what I did and spend about $150 for a double din Bluetooth phone & audio / USB / cd /tuner and use the factory amp and sub. Sounds good all the way up to my reasonable listening volume. I refuse to annoy people in traffic or in my neighborhood with bass, so.... Yeah, that's what I did.

 

[marshotel]

Your plan sounds like a good one.

I would add, however, that replacing the factory speakers in the doors is probably the cheapest and easiest way to improve the sound quality.

Most car audio stuff is horribly overpriced, but there are good deals to be had if you don't mind using "off brand" equipment.

I have had great experiences with a mail order company called "parts express" for home audio gear.
Parts express also sells car audio stuff, and "knock down MDF subwoofer enclosure kits" so you can build your own sub box.
(I am not affiliated in any way).

http://www.parts-express.com/grs-6as-4-6-1-2-dual-cone-replacement-car-speaker-4-ohm--292-456

http://www.parts-express.com/dual-c...aux-in-usb-charging-65-speaker-pair--267-5032

http://www.parts-express.com/knock-down-mdf-067-cu-ft-subwoofer-speaker-cabinet--300-7068
hope this helps.

 

[kashmir]

txlx, I'm sure I could find someone somewhere that would object to your "reasonable listening volume" also - but thanks for the feedback

mars, thx for the parts express idea - I like the digital amp boards they have, didn't realize their speakers were that good - looks like a good bang for the buck. I was thinking it would be real cool to make a box that had the face remove to make a rugged storage box, but I don't know if I could attach it in a rattle free way. That clearance receiver/speaker pair looks interesting, I wonder if there is a cheap place to get a wiring harness/adapter...

 

[codertimt]

I personally would be looking at something like...

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_74585_Pioneer-MVH-X560BT.html

$110 - Aux in - Bluetooth - 3 sets of RCA out...

This leaves options for expansion later.

I also personally wouldn't drop below the $50/sub range for a 10... I would look at something like...

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_60587_RE-Audio-REX10S4.html

Two of those would fit perfect with your PG amp..which by the way is underrated should be putting out closer to 300W bridged...

Then I would ditch the factory amp and power your factory speakers directly off the head unit, thus removing the cost of any adapters.

That's leaves $30-$40 to buy some mdf pieces and build a box.

Assuming your stock speakers are somehow still in one piece(my 2001 LX speakers were trashed), that should sound pretty decent...and it leaves you with some upgrade options. When/if you save up another $100, you can get a decent set of components for the front. Another $50-75 will allow for the addition of a little amp to make those front components really shine.

Anyway, that's just my opinion on how to approach the budget...

 

[TXLX100]

txlx, I'm sure I could find someone somewhere that would object to your "reasonable listening volume" also - but thanks for the feedback

Haha, I prefer loud music less and less as I get older. I have definitely had some sound systems that annoyed people over the years. In all seriousness, the factory setup with an aftermarket head unit sounds pretty good... And that's listening to Bluetooth audio most of the time (which sounds inferior compared to CDs, to me at least).