Looking to upgrade the sound system (1 Viewer)

[farinvail]

A bit of a hijack, but my whole system sucks! CD player is dead, no Ipod plug in and all the speakers and sub are trashed. How much do I need to spend for a decent system? I really don't want to spend $1-$2K. To many other mods I "need" first! Can I do something better than stock for $500, or is it just not worth it? I know a $500 system won't sound like a $2K system, but can it be done?

I put in a pioneer cd player under $180 from Crutchfield included pioneer/factory amp harness and a pocket to fill the gap. Looks good and I now have a working CD player with I-pod/AUX/SAT and later upgradeable. Doesn't really sound any better than factory but it all works and I think it meets your needs. I'd like to do amp and new speakers down the road. Only regret is it's blue lights don't really go with the green of everything else. install job.

 

[pint]

I put in a pioneer cd player under $180 from Crutchfield included pioneer/factory amp harness and a pocket to fill the gap. Looks good and I now have a working CD player with I-pod/AUX/SAT and later upgradeable. Doesn't really sound any better than factory but it all works and I think it meets your needs. I'd like to do amp and new speakers down the road. Only regret is it's blue lights don't really go with the green of everything else. install job.

Thanks! This may be a good option. I may look at replacing the factory sub with an OEM unit as well. Mine's toast. I don't need a killer setup, just something that sounds decent. It's not like when I was 16...I had a $1200 car with a $1600 stereo and a $3K mountain bike on top!

 

[2000 LX 470]

Thanks! This may be a good option. I may look at replacing the factory sub with an OEM unit as well. Mine's toast. I don't need a killer setup, just something that sounds decent. It's not like when I was 16...I had a $1200 car with a $1600 stereo and a $3K mountain bike on top!

Hey Pint--Assuming you have the Nak 6 disc, you're are about where I was when I bought the truck. I yanked it, shipped it to a guy in texas who fixed it and shipped it back within a week or so. Now, I'm trying a wired FM modulator, and going to run the wire out of a vent, where I'll mount a vent clip for my iphone 3g. will keep it right at hand, and can plug in the power charger when needed. But total for the CD fix was 160ish IIRC, and 40 for the clip/fm mod. I know I know guys. I'd love a usa spec, but don't think one exists for this system. Also, at 40 years old, I just need decent sound, and to be able to listen to my ipod. I also like keeping the dash all original and I do like the nak, but it just sucked when it wasn't working properly. All is good now. Will post a pic if interested when done. Will report on the FM mod as well. I'm thinking/hoping it's close to the cassette adapter quality.

 

[moooooooo]

thanks for the info in this post.
it's very helpful in that i'm looking at the same in terms of replacing the factory system
thanks again
peter

 

[uzj100]

Any update on the vent mount for the iphone? I got an itouch and would like to mount it horizontally so I can watch the inclinometer while offroad. Also, I would like the fm modulator so I can listen to songs.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Any update on the vent mount for the iphone? I got an itouch and would like to mount it horizontally so I can watch movies while on the road. Also, I would like the fm modulator so I can listen to songs.

I'd get a windshield mount for something you're going to be looking at, a vent mount would jiggle too much (not like you should be watching movies and driving anyways).

Also, with a 2000, you still have the tape deck. I'd use a tape adapter over an FM modulator. Sound quality is going to suck with either, but it's $9 vs. $60.

Both can be had from Griffin, they make great ipod crap.

 

[uzj100]

I will check on the windshield mount. Thanks.

 

[MidTex]

Check your state laws before using a windshield mount. In many states, including TX, it is illegal to mount anything to the windshield. Now I don't think you would ever get a ticket for it but the police can and do use it as a pretext to stop motorists in order to sniff their breath. I am not advocating drinking and driving.
Not to mention thieves know to look for suction cup marks on windshields as it means there is probably a nav unit or radar detector in the vehicle.

 

[2000 LX 470]

Not actually, Trunk. Finally got the 12v wire run today and got it all in place. Have the on off switch wired to the rear of the E brake. Wired the 12 v wire onto the right socket next to the ash tray, dropped the box to the left of the left vent (nice little opening there), and hid all of the wiring. The plug for the headset input comes out of the vent on the left, and that's where I have the vent clip. The vent clip has absolutely no wiggle to it==it's rigid as hell. Got to use it tonight, and the sound quality is very good, imho. much better than teh wireless modulaors that I've heard. So, for something like $$40 or $50, I still have my factory unit, and a nice holding position for the Iphone. Will follow up with picks. Items ae:
Amazon.com: Scosche Audio FM Modulator - Universal: Electronics
and
Amazon.com: DLO VentMount for iPhone: Electronics