New deck or new speakers?

[Lone Wolf]

I want to improve my sound experiance in my car, but I'm not interested in paying too too much money, at least not at the moment.

My question is, would investing in a $150-$200 aftermarket deck result in a noticeable improvement in sound quality/level even with stock speakers?

[id3379]

Most after market stereo's (good brands atleast) have better sound quality. Not sure how much better it gets with stock speakers though, Probablly a bit better but it won't make you go "WOW AWESOME! OMG !!!"

[Lone Wolf]

Hmm. What if I kept the stock deck and got new speakers? How much would I have to spend to get a noticeably difference?

[CpKi1g3]

just go for the speakers at least you would be able to handle the bass without worrying about blowing them. what you got stock???

[Lone Wolf]

Ya everything is stock for my sound.

[CpKi1g3]

well i can say is you won't notice a big difference but at least it will sound a bit more crisp and deliver a better smoother bass by changing the speakers. the stock headunit works absolutly fine i use to have it like so for a long time. i have 2-way 6 1/2" in the front and 6 X 9 4-way in the back sounded good

[Lone Wolf]

Hmm..Well what if I just used the stock deck, stock speakers, but get an amp and a sub? Would that give me the most improvement for my money?

[CpKi1g3]

ok so you want bass huh??? if you do so like you said i would recommend lowering or leave the bass level on the deck from 0 to -5 or lowest setting but raising the amp's setting higher and so even can give you a hard hitting bass but so you won't lose your treble leave that one at its highest since treble or high frequencies can't blow speakers :-) i use to run like this for another while till i got my deck

[CpKi1g3]

oh and i didn't answer your question..."Would that give me the most improvement for my money?" It does. but it all depends on what you want really

[Lone Wolf]

ok so you want bass huh??? if you do so like you said i would recommend lowering or leave the bass level on the deck from 0 to -5 or lowest setting but raising the amp's setting higher and so even can give you a hard hitting bass but so you won't lose your treble leave that one at its highest since treble or high frequencies can't blow speakers :-) i use to run like this for another while till i got my deck

Hmm that's a good idea. That way you get more mileage out of the stock speakers.

For a modest sub and amp + inst. what am I looking at?

[CpKi1g3]

as a minimum it has 2 adjusters or knobs one is level and the other is crossover or bass boost but the one i have has about 3 or 4 but the more expensive or higher tech they might come with equalizer built in and those knobs its not hard its just like setting up a stereo at home :-)

[CpKi1g3]

well just to let you know that a "decent" sound system WILL give you more loudness in the yaris that any bigger car just so you know... so if you get an amp and a sub/s that are less than or around 100 bucks each will not give you a decent sound it will be louder. but right now i checked on bestbuy.com and they have good stuff for budget sound. for install is way easy and i would be able to give you instructions or anyone in the forums to save you money b:-)d

[WolfWings]

Better thing for $200 by itself to improve the audio quality inside the car is sound dampening, IMHO. Sure, a deck can make things more clear, but if you don't lower the ambient noise level first you can't pick up the extra clarity.

[YotaYaris]

We have an economy car, that I am sure has economy speakers.

Go for the speakerss, no doubt about it. Which ever path you take you will have to get new speakers. Thats where I would start.

[MPC Motorsports]

I would start with new speakers all around, then schedule future upgrades as your funds allow. Next, I would upgrade the HU with one that has 3 sets of preamp outputs so you could later add an amp(s) to power all four speakers and a subwoofer. That is how I did my system and if you aren't afraid to shop the internet, you can build a nice system without breaking the bank.

Here's a link to my system if you need any inspiration.
http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?p=310683#post310683
Look for post #50 on page 3.

Marc

[talnlnky]

new deck won't make a different... not to your ears at least.
minimum should be a deck and 1 pair of speakers, honestly tho.. if your going to do this.. do it right and do 1 pair of component 6.5's an amp, and a deck... if you are smart you can do it for under $500.

start here... www.ikesound.com

amp kit (8awg AT LEAST, but 4awg is better) $20-50
http://www.ikesound.com/lanzar_lq81ps

6.5" components $100-150 (for entry level comps, which will be better than most coax's)
http://www.ikesound.com/infinity_reference_6020cs

Small amp 50x2rms to 80x2 rms (looking for an amp with a total fuse size of at least 20amps, otherwise it won't do what it claims for power)http://www.ikesound.com/kenwood_kac_6202


so... gave you general ideas.. and even gave you an option that would work for each piece of equipment. rear speakers are darn near worthless and a HUGE wast of money.. so don't pay money to replace them... just spend all your money to upgrade the fronts to a much better quality speaker. And amp is very key to a decent install cause decks just suck at giving power.. and a new deck will give you a clean signal to supply the amp... stock decks are a paint to integrate with amps... it can be done.. but is far from ideal (that said.. I currently am running a stock deck and two lil 8" subs with stock speakers... not cause I like it... just don't have the access to a garage and tools I need to do my install yet).

good luck.

In order of importance...
Speakers,
amp (LOTS OF POWER!)
deck

oh yeah.. you don't need a deck with 3 sets of pre-outs... one is plenty... two is better... three is overkill and really only needed if you start doing crazy installs... or think you NEED rear speakers and the ability to change the fade function on the fly while driving.

[talnlnky]

We have an economy car, that I am sure has economy speakers.

Go for the speakerss, no doubt about it. Which ever path you take you will have to get new speakers. Thats where I would start.

I've yet to see a car equiped with something other than economy speakers... even the ones that come with "premium sound" like Bose and infinity are cheap crap.

[YotaYaris]

I've yet to see a car equiped with something other than economy speakers... even the ones that come with "premium sound" like Bose and infinity are cheap crap.

:w00t: Thanks for the heads up.

[bdc87]

The current speakers are cardboard (basically). I did the deck first since mine didn't come with a radio. Then I did speakers with an amp, I have to say go speakers it will give you a better foundation then a new deck on the very cheap speakers. I would like to reccommend sonic electronix for ordering, they have great prices and do fantastic price matching.

[Lone Wolf]

Hm, well sounds like I'll go with 2 front speakers and an amp to start with then. What sort of money should I be spending on those speakers though, no point if they are just as cheap.

[MPC Motorsports]

I'm not a car audio professional, but I've been into car audio since the days of the 8-track tape and power boosters!:headbang: I built my system on a budget (I'm an Accountant and know all about budgets LOL) and I'll build you one too.

I'd start with a Pioneer HU, this one being a Pioneer Premier DEH-P400UB.
http://cgi.ebay.com/PIONEER-PREMIER-400-CAR-CD-MP3-USB-PLAYER-IPOD-CABLE_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ65Q3a10Q7c66Q3a4 Q7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a0Q7c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3 a200QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem518a36864 6QQitemZ350211180102QQptZCarQ5fAudioQ5fInQ5fDashQ5 fReceiversQQsalenotsupported
For $138 US you get 50x4 WATT AMP, 3 PAIRS OF BUILT IN PRE-AMP OUTPUTS + HIGH AND LOW PASS CROSSOVERS + SUB CONTROLS + BLUETOOTH READY + USB AND AUX INPUTS AND IPOD INTERFACE BUILT IN + IPOD + USB CABLES and a remote control.

I like the 6.5" component speakers in my sedan with the tweeters surface mounted on the triangle behind the door mirrors. Here's some Kicker components for $68 US.
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-KICKER-DS600-2-6-5-CAR-AUDIO-COMPONENT-SPEAKERS-SET_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ65Q3a10Q7c66Q3a4Q7 c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a0Q7c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3a2 00QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem3ef35dc679Q QitemZ270370981497QQptZCarQ5fSpeakersQQsalenotsupp orted
Now you are just over $200 US plus you will need a wiring harness, HU mounting brackets and speaker adapters which will set you back another $30-40 for a DIY installation.

Next, I would get some new 6x9" speakers for the rear deck. Here's the matching Kicker's for $68 US.
http://cgi.ebay.com/2-NEW-KICKER-07DS6930-6x9-280w-CAR-AUDIO-3-WAY-SPEAKERS_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ65Q3a10Q7c66Q 3a4Q7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a0Q7c293Q3a1Q7c29 4Q3a200QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem33521c 8a6cQQitemZ220420934252QQptZCarQ5fSpeakersQQsaleno tsupported

This brings the total equipment investment to $274 and at this point you have a great start on a system. My next investment would be in an amplifier. Again, I would go with Kicker ZX200.4 4 channel amp. Conservatively, it is rated at 50 watts per channel but the one I got was certified at 64 watts per channel.
http://cgi.ebay.com/KICKER-ZX200-4-CHANNEL-CAR-AUDIO-STEREO-AMPLIFIER-AMP_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ65Q3a10Q7c66Q3a4Q7 c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a0Q7c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3a2 00QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem3ef2b9a80aQ QitemZ270360225802QQptZCarQ5fAmplifiersQQsalenotsu pported
This one's $134 US for a brand new 2009 model with a 3 year warranty. This amp is a powerhouse and is small enough to fit under the front passenger seat. With a four channel amp wiring kit and the other installation parts your total investment now will be right at $500 US. The beauty of car audio systems is that you don't have to buy everything at one time which allows you to spread the investment over a period of time. I can guarantee that this system as it stands will be loud and clean, with the expandability to add another amp and a subwoofer as your budget permits. I need to get back to work, but I'll add to this thread later with speaker adapters, dash kits, and subwoofer recommendations.

Enjoy!!!
Marc

[fuji]

Try Crutchfield. They have the best service by far!

There is a JVC KD-S100. It appears to have very advanced digital signal processing which automatically adapts to your car. In addition, it comes with two free pairs of Infinity Reference speakers.

[MPC Motorsports]

Installation parts for your Yaris:

If you are handy at all with woodworking, you can make your own speaker adapters from MDF and save some money. I was lazy so I purchased these.
Front speakers:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/6-5-Speaker-Adapter-Toyota-07-08-Yaris-Scion-08-xD-xB_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ65Q3a10Q7c66Q3a4Q7c 39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a1Q7c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3a20 0QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem53db43ae15QQ itemZ360160931349QQptZCarQ5fSpeakersQQsalenotsuppo rted
Rear speakers:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/6x9-Speaker-Adapters-Toyota-Yaris-07-09-Rear_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2em20Q2el1116 QQhashZitem4832e399f8QQitemZ310091422200QQptZCarQ5 fSpeakersQQsalenotsupported
Dash kit and wire harness:
http://cgi.ebay.com/2007-2009-TOYOTA-YARIS-RADIO-INSTALL-DASH-COMBO-99-8216_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ65Q3a10Q7c66Q3a4Q 7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a0Q7c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3a 200QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem20ab54c95f QQitemZ140313413983QQptZLHQ5fDefaultDomainQ5f0QQsa lenotsupported
If your Yaris sedan has the "integrated" HU from the factory, you will need a non-integrated radio faceplate. You can get it here from Parts.com
http://www.parts.com/oemcatalog/index.cfm?action=getJointLocator&siteid=2&chapter=&Sectionids=0,2610&groupid=4805&subgroupid=2615&componentid=0&makeid=34&model=Yaris&year=2008&graphicID=8327535&callout=6&catalogid=2&displayCatalogid=0
You'll need an amp wiring kit. I purchased one at Wal-Mart for about $30. It was a kit for dual amp install, because I went with a second, monoblock amp to power my sub.

With the wiring harness, you can use the OEM speaker wiring. No need to go thru the hassle and expense of replacing OE wiring unless you are building a competition system. You'll need some speaker wiring to run from the harness to the amp and to hook your new speakers into the factory wiring.

That's all for this installment. At this point, your system will be rockin! :headbang::headbang::headbang:

Final installment will cover the subwoofer.

Marc

[sqcomp]

If you go Crutchfield, DO NOT be talked into buying an install card. It's a serious waste of money.

Hey Taln! I'm posting here at PDX waiting to ship out to Ft. Stewart on an 11:25am flight...to qualify up to ship to Iraq.

Keep the forums locked down brudda!

[andru47]

I got the deck and it does a good job at pushing the stock speakers for good sound. I like the bass on them, I doubt they would sounds like that had I not replaced the deck. I recommend getting an Alpine deck.

[bdc87]

I got 2 pair of $120 componets (Crutchfields Price) for $70 a pair and they came with brackets. I'd say around that price you can get some good speakers. I then got an Alpine amp at $100 and the wiring at $50 so it was around $300 but you could go with 2 Pairs for 150 and a deck for 150 and it will be alot better then stock.

[Lone Wolf]

Okay well instead of making a new thread let me ask in here:

My buddy of mine who was keeping an eye out for deals told me a guy was selling two Alpine 10"s /w enclosure and two amps (Alpine and a Legacy) for $350. However, my friend talked him down to $200.

So for $200, is all of this a good deal? I realize I still need a wiring kit and installation, but I think I know a guy that can wire for cheap so that just leaves a wiring kit. Also, because I got two amps, I just sell the one I don't use so that'll make the whole thing even less than $200 in the end. Good deal?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/lonewolf17/full.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/lonewolf17/close.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/lonewolf17/alp.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/lonewolf17/alpamp.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/lonewolf17/legamp.jpg

[CpKi1g3]

sounds pretty good the deal... you should keep it the other amp if in case just saying... and don't under estimate 10" subs!!!!

[MPC Motorsports]

If that's what you really want. Hard to say if it's a good deal or not. How old is the stuff? How "used" is the stuff? Careful shopping on Ebay you could probably get close to that new. You really don't "need" two 10" subs. I only have one 10" JBL powered by a 300 watt Kicker mono amp and it hits HARD!!!:headbang:

Car audio is something I would not buy used, but that is just my opinion. You can get a new Alpine 10" sub for about $80-90 USD, a sealed enclosure for a single 10 for around $35 USD, and a new 300 watt Kicker or Alpine amp for about $150. $300 you can have all brand new. Unless bass is really what you want now, I would upgrade the HU and speakers first, then add amps and subs. But it's your car and your money...ultimately your choice.

[kongquistador]

Installation parts for your Yaris:

If you are handy at all with woodworking, you can make your own speaker adapters from MDF and save some money. I was lazy so I purchased these.
Front speakers:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/6-5-Speaker-Adapter-Toyota-07-08-Yaris-Scion-08-xD-xB_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ65Q3a10Q7c66Q3a4Q7c 39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a1Q7c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3a20 0QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem53db43ae15QQ itemZ360160931349QQptZCarQ5fSpeakersQQsalenotsuppo rted
Rear speakers:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/6x9-Speaker-Adapters-Toyota-Yaris-07-09-Rear_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2em20Q2el1116 QQhashZitem4832e399f8QQitemZ310091422200QQptZCarQ5 fSpeakersQQsalenotsupported
Dash kit and wire harness:
http://cgi.ebay.com/2007-2009-TOYOTA-YARIS-RADIO-INSTALL-DASH-COMBO-99-8216_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ65Q3a10Q7c66Q3a4Q 7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a0Q7c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3a 200QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem20ab54c95f QQitemZ140313413983QQptZLHQ5fDefaultDomainQ5f0QQsa lenotsupported
If your Yaris sedan has the "integrated" HU from the factory, you will need a non-integrated radio faceplate. You can get it here from Parts.com
http://www.parts.com/oemcatalog/index.cfm?action=getJointLocator&siteid=2&chapter=&Sectionids=0,2610&groupid=4805&subgroupid=2615&componentid=0&makeid=34&model=Yaris&year=2008&graphicID=8327535&callout=6&catalogid=2&displayCatalogid=0
You'll need an amp wiring kit. I purchased one at Wal-Mart for about $30. It was a kit for dual amp install, because I went with a second, monoblock amp to power my sub.

With the wiring harness, you can use the OEM speaker wiring. No need to go thru the hassle and expense of replacing OE wiring unless you are building a competition system. You'll need some speaker wiring to run from the harness to the amp and to hook your new speakers into the factory wiring.

That's all for this installment. At this point, your system will be rockin! :headbang::headbang::headbang:

Final installment will cover the subwoofer.

Marc

I'm planning on replacing my speakers. Were the speaker adapters from ebay a perfect fit?

[talnlnky]

My question is, would investing in a $150-$200 aftermarket deck result in a noticeable improvement in sound quality/level even with stock speakers?
No, changing out the deck will have very little difference, you may get a slight increase in volume before distortion sets in, and some more eq options (which generally blow) but that's it.

Just changing the speakers isn't always a great choice because your new speakers will most likely be less efficient, and therefore not play as loud.

Changing stereo is spendy...I always reccomend people upgrade the front speakers, deck, and buy a small amp to drive the front speakers.... unless they come right out with a budget of <$400.

in Audio, its 10% equipment, 90% install... but in that 10% for equipment, The deck only makes up for about .1%.