Seems most people complain about the factory audio system in the Evo. I actually think it's pretty good, ha. The cars I've had in the past were terrible. My issue is it seems like once I changed the HU in my old cars it actually got worse. The sound that came from the speakers, stock or otherwise, was absolutely terrible. I'd really like to avoid that with the Evo.

My car doesn't have the SSQ package, FYI. What I'd like is MP3 capability and a little better sound than what I have. I'd like to be able to have the windows down on the expressway and still have a good clear sound from the speakers. I think to do that I'll probably need to amplify the speakers, which isn't a big deal. I will need help figuring out all what I need. I've been trying to do my research on different ratings of HU's and speakers and amps. I've probably done too much in the past few days...it started to make sense for a while but now I'm confused again, ha.

Any help is appreciated. Want good loud sound, no subs, MP3 capability.

I'm sure this question is asked quite often so I really appreciate everyone being patient with me.

 

throw out a budget. how much you lookin to spend for radio, amp and speakers if you're planning to upgrade them. that'll help.

 

Never thought about that, oops. I'd be happy to stay under $500. If I need to spend a little more to get what I want it wouldn't be the end of the world. I'd do most of the install so everything would go to the HU/amp/speakers.

 

got any brand preferences on the headunit? lots of good ones. i think most people like alpine and pioneer but kenwood is decent too. i have some hertz components in the front and coaxial speakers in the rear. i'm pushin mine of a jl450/4 which is ok but i think there a little pricey for just an amp. it would take most of your budget. i'll look around and see what kind of headunits i can find and where. do a little research and see what you like.

 

The only aftermarket HU I had that I liked was the Blaupunkt San Jose. I bought it off a friend when he changed to something different and loved it. I had a warranty issue with it and was only without a radio for about a week. Great company to deal with.

Now that I think about it...I don't know why I've made the past purchases I have with HU's. I pretty much always went to crutchfield.com and looked at what they had on sale or clearance. They worked but I was never really happy with them. I guess I really like Blaupunkt because of that...

Edit: In looking at Blaupunkt, the Hamburg looks alright and seems to be around $200.
Edit2: But crutchfield says it doesn't fit..

 

now that you have a head unit in mind asking about speakers and amps is gonna be all about preference. most people will give you their opinions on what they liked. i'd say visit a best buy or local stereo shop and listen to what they have on display and see how you like the sound. after you pick out the speakers you like then you can figure out what sub to push them with. hope this helps some.

 

I bought this HU a few months ago:

http://www.amazon.com/Clarion-DXZ785...7833306&sr=8-1

It's not the best looking necessarily, but the features can't be beat! I've always used Clarion units and I love this thing. Normally a $400 unit but because it's last years model it can be found for under $150. I bought mine at Newegg.com but Amazon looks like the only spot online still offering it. Crutchfield has a great write-up on it, but they don't have stock anymore.

I bought an 8GB USB key, filled it with mp3s, ran the usb cable to my glovebox and have never looked back, no use for my Zune in the car anymore!

 

The HU will be easy to shop for. For speakers, will I want something that has a separate tweeter to mount somewhere or do I look for a certain rating or spec when shopping for those? And for the amp, how much power or what size will I need?

 

how many speakers do you have? you have a 8 correct? i have a 9 with 6 speakers so i bought components for the front and coaxials for the rear. it really depends on what you want to spend for the speakers. when you get the speakers that'll help you decide which amp to go with. what exactly are you lookin for? just a clearer sound or something with a little more punch/bass?

 

I don't care about the bass so much. I'm looking for a clear sound even if the volume is turned up.

 

Alright..I'm thinking the Pioneer DEH-P7000BT for the HU. Can be had for $220 shipped which is roughly what I was looking at. Has what I want (CD, MP3, bluetooth, USB, etc.)
http://www.buy.com/prod/pioneer-deh-...ml?dcaid=17988

For speakers...I'm still kind of lost but looking more now. I would assume I don't need an overly expensive amp since I won't be powering a sub.

 

IMO - Alpine or Clarion!

 

What kind of AMP are you looking into?

 

Sub too!!

 

That's pretty much what this thread is about..


I'm not sure what you're asking...but I still don't want one.