New Sound System

[spressomon]

Most of you could probably give a rat's petunia about hi-fi in your cruiser. But I just had a dlux sound system installed into my '99. Eclipse cd head unit; 4-MB Quart speakers including tweeters; RL Audio amps; 8" JL Subwoofer and Dynamat in all doors and rear. The guys that installed it said it turned out to be the best vehicle for overall sound that they have worked on. And they've been doing this for 20+ years! The Dynamat really made a big difference in the overall interior quietness and sound dampning! FYI.

 

[Landpimp]

I just installed a Eclipse CD5444 in my 2000, and just that made a HUGE HUGE difference, next will be some speakers

which Eclipse did you go with?

did you install the sub in the OEM spot or elseware.

I am not a big car audio guy, but the 100 sure sounds purdy now

 

[macneill]

I thought the JBL system didn't sound so bad.

Of course, I can't thump out.

 

[spressomon]

I just installed a Eclipse CD5444 in my 2000, and just that made a HUGE HUGE difference, next will be some speakers

which Eclipse did you go with?

did you install the sub in the OEM spot or elseware.

I am not a big car audio guy, but the 100 sure sounds purdy now

I went with the new 8455...it has 8V out; full crossover control from the deck and also will be the satelite receiver...avoiding the Serius/XM dilema of where to install their receiver. I went with the 8" JL Audio sub in it's own cabinet which quick disconnects with banana's. I thought about using the factory fender area enclosure but would have to give up too much bass performance to justify...Although it is going to fit perfectly in front of the Engel frig when I get the bucks to make that happen.

 

[spressomon]

Also I can't begin to tell you how big an effect the Dynamat has made to not only the sound quality of the sound system but also deadning of road noise...

 

[macneill]

I drive with the sound off and listen to the Borla.

 

[Jukelemon]

Price?????????

 

[spressomon]

$3,800 including 3-days of install labor.

 

[ATLcrusher]

$3,800 including 3-days of install labor.

OUCH!

 

[Landpimp]

I spent $450 on my head unit..........it was worth it, but DAMN $4 is a ton of $$$

 

[spressomon]

Yeh I knew I would get some s*#t for this one. Got an unexpected sale and had to treat myself. It was installed with the guarantee if I didn't like the sound they would take it all out and part friends just the same. Lest it to say the system isn't being removed...it is incredible. That includes the deck, both amps, 4-speakers, 4-tweaters, the sub and cabinet, all wiring, install, Dynamats for all doors, speaker enclosures, rear gate, rear floor area, tuning...

 

[Jukelemon]

OH my. Damn, I love music but you REALLY love music. That is an impressive amount of money to spend on your car's sound system. Damn, I was expecting like 1500.00 or something. I wonder what my T Bone Walker would sound like on that........hmmmmmmmmmm.

 

[NMuzj100]

And all I want my stereo system to do is pick up local AM as good as the apparently identical stock unit in my 1998 Camry. Is that too much to ask ?

This thread needs pics......

 

[tabraha]

Nice group of components! Bet it sounds GREAT! Can't complain about my Nakamichi so it will be stock till it starts to sound tired. I go way back with Clarion Pro Audio heads so that'll be my route when the time comes.

 

[ryanjl]

And in related news, Reno Car Audio announces the groundbreaking on the "Spressmon Installation Bay".

hahaha....

Sounds like a lot of money, but if you think it was well spent, then it was! Congrats!

 

[ATLcrusher]

Can anybody give me an idea what I can expect from upgrading my head unit? I was looking at some ProAudio units - then you two (Pimp and spressomon) come along with your Eclipse stuff. Anyway, what I'm trying to figure out is if I spend $250-300 on an aftermarket HU, will it be an upgrade from the stock stereo (I'm guessing it will)? Are the existing speakers component speakers (requiring crossovers)? If you only replace the HU, do you wire "around" the amp?

I probably have 50 questions on this - anybody here really well versed?

 

[Landpimp]

I'll tell ya after just replacing my stock HU with the 5444, 1st thing Connie said as "WOW, that sounds SO much better" and this is from a chick and it really does sound ALOT better, heck it even looks great, no bling bling stuff.

Eclipse has a line of stuff in Japan that is really cool and very retro looking.....can't get it in the US AFAIK.

from what I can tell Eclipse is pretty much the audiophile chit, ya can't buy it on-line........so that says something.

Can anybody give me an idea what I can expect from upgrading my head unit? I was looking at some ProAudio units - then you two (Pimp and spressomon) come along with your Eclipse stuff. Anyway, what I'm trying to figure out is if I spend $250-300 on an aftermarket HU, will it be an upgrade from the stock stereo (I'm guessing it will)? Are the existing speakers component speakers (requiring crossovers)? If you only replace the HU, do you wire "around" the amp?

I probably have 50 questions on this - anybody here really well versed?

 

[ryanjl]

Yeah, if you have the stock Toy unit, most any name brand (Eclipse, Kenwood, Pioneer, etc.) is almost an upgrade in sound.

Now, the LX470's had either Nakamichi or Levinson, so there's not much room for improvement.

 

[spressomon]

Keeps me motivated to keep selling...

 

[ATLcrusher]

OK, who knows the specs on the factory system (98)? Also, I believe there are nine speakers - locations and sizes?