Stereo Upgrade

jpauly9292 · 01-25-2009, 08:24 PM

I am now the proud owner of a 2006 Sport. I want to upgrade the stereo system but want to do it in phases. (Money's the issue.) Let's say over the next year I want to spend somewhere between $800 - $1,200. What I'm looking to find out is what should I upgrade first? Or otherwise asked: for stereo upgrade purposes, what will give me the most "bang for my buck"??? Then, what's the second most important upgrade. I've heard differing opinions on whether the stock speakers, and then which stock speakers, or the stock receiver should be replaced first. Also, I do my loudest jamming in the summer with top and doors off, in the event that would make a difference in the answer. Thanks much!!

Jma20a · 01-25-2009, 09:01 PM

for the best bang for your buck go shopping on ebay. i say to start with a new headunit, if you own an ipod look for a headunit that will let you control the ipod through the buttons. go look around crutchfield for what you want, then by going to ebay you can get a good deal. so lets say you have $200 to spend on a headunit, go to crutchfield and look for a headunit in the $250-$300 range and you should be able to find them on ebay for around $200. after the headunit go with all new speakers and speaker wires. when it comes time to get a sub go with a real sub not one of the "powered" subs. there really is no need to have any thing larger than a 12" sub, and when it comes to getting an amp you get what you pay for so don't skimp out.

nicolas-eric · 01-25-2009, 10:03 PM

I replaced the stock speakers in the dash and in the soundbar and still have the stock subwoofer in the center console. for me that´s enough.
I drive an offroader and not a bling-bling lowrider.

Triple88a · 01-25-2009, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicolas-eric

I replaced the stock speakers in the dash and in the soundbar and still have the stock subwoofer in the center console. for me that´s enough.
I drive an offroader and not a bling-bling lowrider.

there is nothing wrong w/ a good quality sound system.

As far as what will be the best bang for the buck. Get a good head unit (NOT SONY), then get a sub so you can turn off the low frequency for the rest of the speakers.. From there install some pod tweeters on top of the dash and do the sound bar. At last do the speakers in the dash.

Giancarlo · 01-25-2009, 10:40 PM

dont put the size speakers in the dash that is supposed to go in.. there is a special bracket you can buy to put regular round speakers in.. puttin the oval speakers back in is a waste of money i will try and find you the link

nicolas-eric · 01-25-2009, 10:44 PM

you only need a piece of plywood and a jigsaw for such a bracket.

Giancarlo · 01-25-2009, 10:47 PM

wow eric nailed that one for me.. you can also buy it online if u cant make it urself

Triple88a · 01-25-2009, 10:48 PM

here u go, if you can get your self on some sheet metal and some sheet metal cutting scissors or you can make them out of thin 1/8-1/4" plywood

hehe hey would you look at that, same as nicos

jpauly9292 · 01-26-2009, 08:20 AM

Very much appreciate everyone's thoughts.

Here's another issue to lob out there. I believe CD players/changes will become obsolete in the next three years - just like 8 tracks and cassettes. I've seen some super small headunits that accomodate ipods, flash cards and similar ultra-small digital media formats. some even are incorporated into your existing console. should i get my speaker upgrades done and wait for the next generation of cd-less head units?

Jma20a · 01-26-2009, 11:36 AM

its up to you, if you want speakers first then get speakers first. just remember that the stock headunit in the jeep is not going to make those speakers sound anywhere near the way they should. when you get a new headunit you will be able to get the right sound out of them, so if they don't sound too good just wait till you get a headunit to judge the speakers. what is you current spending limit? that is what depends on what to get first and so on.

Giancarlo · 01-26-2009, 02:09 PM

first replace soundbar speakers... then put tweeters on dash .. then put good headunit with removable face plate.. then put 8-12 inch sub in trunk.. with good amp.. last step is replace front speakers with the speakers that have the brackets as shown as above... trip what size speakers r those?

**ccain** · 01-26-2009, 03:10 PM

Great info guys! I moved this to Communications and Electronics so it get's a bit more attention.

Jma20a · 01-26-2009, 05:56 PM

if you are going to replace the speakers in the soundbar and would like to have tweeters to go with it go with a set of component speakers. i went with the infinity kappa perfect's and got them off ebay for around $125 shipped.

Triple88a · 01-26-2009, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Giancarlo

first replace soundbar speakers... then put tweeters on dash .. then put good headunit with removable face plate.. then put 8-12 inch sub in trunk.. with good amp.. last step is replace front speakers with the speakers that have the brackets as shown as above... trip what size speakers r those?

I went this route.

You can have the best speakers in the world. They wont sound any better. Just now you will listen to high quality crap. The tweeters helped a bit since they brought the voice where it should be.

As the speakers sizes.. you're talking about the cutout template i posted? like nicos images? Those are 5.25s