Cheep audio upgrades

[surreelantra]

Well, cheap because I had most of the audio equipment in my old Jeep Wrangler:

- Dynamat/soundproof the car (gotta buy it)
- XM radio tuner + antenna (gotta buy it)

- Sony CDX-MP70 head unit (23 watts RMS)
http://home.dejazzd.com/mikesmith/csexpo_1827_26427877.gif
- Bazooka 8' powered sub SM8A-hp (150 watts RMS)
- Infinity 6000CS 6-1/2" 2-way components (90 watts RMS) for the front
- Kenwood KFC-1738C 6-1/2" 3-wayspeakers (40 watts RMS) for the rear

This stuff -should- give decent (but not ghetto blasting) sound in my Elantra if I set everything up right; the obvious upgrades being an amp and more powerful rear speakers.

[KeWLKaT]

Question: why do people insists on putting dynamat? doesnt it just let less sound out of your car? (as in, is it just benefic for people who are close to your car?)

[mrhoaf]

it does the opposite too.... lets less sound IN..... less road noise lets you hear the stereo better.....

i'm sure there are other benifits, but i would be speculating.....

[2loud2k2xd]

dynamatt keeps the sound in, lessens the vibrations from the BASS, and is a major PITA to do a full install. took me 16 hrs.

[southpawboston]

dynamat reduces panel vibrations and road noise, which muddy up and mask the sound of your audio system (especially the bass). dynamat makes the system sound louder because there is less ambient noise, and it also acts as an acoustic baffle, so speakers in your door panel will put out better bass. it also makes your car ride quieter.

[surreelantra]

I prolly won't use Dynamat brand if I can find something cheaper, but you get the idea.

[KeWLKaT]

Wow, I never knew that. Would you guys reccomned dynamat just for hardcore systems, or normal ones with just a woofer (or something similar)?

Also, sureelantra, didn't want to hijack your thread, i swear this is my last question :)

Lookin' sweet on the setup btw, but i thought you were going for an alpine?

[southpawboston]

dynamat will help any sound system sound better, cheap or expensive. dynamat is just the best known (and most expensive) brand of sound deadening sheets. there's also brown bread, fatmat, and other less known brands. fatmat seems to be the best value, at $100 for 100sq ft, which is enough to do the entire car. it's a lot of work though. the most bang for the buck comes from just doing the trunk (takes 25sq ft or less to do a trunk). a huge amount of road noise comes form the trunk, and that's also where most subs end up going.

[Josh K]

If you play your music with a lot of bass, then you better have Dynamat on every resonating panel - otherwise all you'll hear from the outside is a bunch of rattling and you'll see a bunch of people like me pointing at you and laughing for looking so ghetto. ;0)

[KeWLKaT]

...how about getting it installed (i dont know ANYHTING about this :( )... how much does that look at?

[surreelantra]

Wow, I never knew that. Would you guys reccomned dynamat just for hardcore systems, or normal ones with just a woofer (or something similar)?

Also, sureelantra, didn't want to hijack your thread, i swear this is my last question :)

Lookin' sweet on the setup btw, but i thought you were going for an alpine?

Alpine setup (dynamat/new HU/amp/rear speakers/XM) = $1000+

Sony setup (dynamat/XM) =$200?

I -really- want that Alpine HU but it's gotta wait for now. I was playing with the factory stereo today :winces: and I think I need to upgrade ASAP.

[surreelantra]

:eek:

That frickin' Sony HU I have won't accept the Terk XM box and the original Sony XM box is rare and expensive...grr...

BUT, I whined to wifey about this and now I can get the Alpine. The Sony will go in the Sonata. :D

[getfuzzd]

depending on the bass you listen to, you don't need that much sound deadening. The cavalier I had, had to 12" in a band pass you could hear a mile away, ask my mom. The only real rattle to the car was the license plate and a bit of the trunk, I used maybe 3 sq ft of dynamat extreme on the deck lid, back of the license plate, and 2 more squares around the 6x9's. Before I got rid of the system the car still never rattled and it was 11 years old.

You dont have to fully treat the car with dynamat, you'll just be adding unwanted dead weight which lessens fuel economy too. It might be nice to fully install dynamat everywhere, but your probably adding a good 70-80 pounds in the end. For one; you won't here what you should here outside the car like, sirens, mechanical problems, or the sound(s) of speed. :-)

With the XD, I'd suggest it only under the areas of the dead pedal, some of the fire wall on both sides of the car, around the speaker mounting areas, and around the rear wheel wells.

P.S. Don't forget the license plate.

[Nerraux]

You might want to consider something like this as an alternative to Dynamat for doing it on the cheap:
http://www.quietcoat.com/
If you follow the DIY instructions on this site for removing panels, you should be able to install yourself.

[surreelantra]

I'll be going with a less costly brand but I think of all of the soundproofing materials as 'Dynamat'.

And now I'm bouncing back and forth between this:
http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/products/2004/500/h500CDA9833-f.jpeg

and this:
http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/products/2004/130/h130DEHP960-f-1.jpeg

Why do I do this to myself? I don't even have my refund check yet... :rolleyes:

[Chef]

I like the Alpine!!

You might want to consider something like this as an alternative to Dynamat for doing it on the cheap:
http://www.quietcoat.com/
If you follow the DIY instructions on this site for removing panels, you should be able to install yourself.
In the days before this "quiet coat stuff" us old timers used to use spray undercoating to deaden any buzzing or rattles. The fumes were a bit strong but after a while you didn't mind it so much. :cool:

[surreelantra]

here's some interesting crap (to me):

The Pioneer DEH-P960MP (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_4041_64496605,00.html) and DEH-P9600MP (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_4039_63891896,00.html) head units look virtually identical and are about the same price, but the P960MP -- the Premier unit -- has 6.5V RCA preouts while the other has 4V preouts. Hrm...

[surreelantra]

From irs.gov:

"If you file a complete and accurate tax return and you are due a refund, your refund will be issued within six weeks from the date we receive your return. If you filed electronically (including use of TeleFile), refund checks will be issued within three weeks after the acknowledgment date."

GAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!

:mad:

[surreelantra]

An update? Hrm....

Instead of the Kenwoods, I bought a pair of Rockford Fosgate HPC2206 6-1/2" 2-way speakers for the back. They can handle a little more power, and even though the Kenwoods would prolly be more than enough for me, I can just imagine someone (like my brother) sneaking in my car and turning the amplified volume all the way up...POP! Buh-bye Kenwoods... :rolleyes:

[billydog]

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_4041_150519112,00.html

i bought that the other day, so far its pretty kick ***. :)

[wildman92]

That pioneer looks like a newer version of the pioneer radio I have in my car. Not sure of the model I have right now, but it looks like mine.

[surreelantra]

http://instagiber.net/smiliesdotcom/otn/realhappy/xxrotflmao.gif

Got my money!!

http://instagiber.net/smiliesdotcom/otn/realhappy/xxrotflmao.gif

[surreelantra]

Heh...so much for 'cheep'...

What the proposed system looks like at the moment:

- Infinity Reference 600OCS components for the front
- Rockford Forsgate HPC2206 speakers for the back
- Alpine V12 MRV-450 (50 x 4 + 200 x 1) amp -- on order
- Eclipse SW6102.4BX 200 watt subwoofer (got it for free :D)
-*Pioneer DEH-P960MP head unit -- hunting for the best price
- Pioneer SIR-PNR1 Sirius tuner and antenna -- on order
- Pioneer*CDIB100 iPod adapter -- not out yet
- car soundproofing

[mrhoaf]

not cheap... and it definately won't sound cheap either......


one thing to watch out for.... make sure the head unit can take the sirrius adapter AND the iPod connector..... most headunits can only have one add-on: satellite, iPod, cd-changer, etc.

[surreelantra]

I may have to buy the iPod adapter after i check out the back of the Pioneer HU. The specs for the 960MP state that it can control two IP-Bus items at the same time, but whether I'll need a Y-connector or not I have no idea...

[2loud2k2xd]

i have the 960mp and LOVE it. and i have the p-8dvd.
here is a few pics:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v287/2loud2k2xd/bothdecksopen.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v287/2loud2k2xd/bothdecksclosed.jpg

[surreelantra]

That combo looks goooood...maybe in a year or two I'll go for the monitor. :thumbsup:

[2loud2k2xd]

the 960mp can and will controll up to 2 ip-bus imput connections. with my 2 indash units, all the controlls are now thru the dvd screen. all touch screen. i still have to figure out all of the functions

[surreelantra]

Waiting for the stuff...http://instagiber.net/smiliesdotcom/contrib/edoom/sad2.gif

[2loud2k2xd]

so what did you decide on?

[surreelantra]

The 960MP! The output voltage, eye candy, and design won me over.

And now I must hafta wait until it arrives :mad:

[2loud2k2xd]

NICE CHOICE!!!!!
you are going to love it :) sooo many options

[surreelantra]

That horrid day at Tweeter:

Wifey looking at 960MP: "There's dolphins on it!" :rolleyes:

[2loud2k2xd]

go to pioneers website, you can download different screen savers and movies, you can custom make **** too.
shh, dont tell her you could upload a pic of her, and have it on the 960mp screen all the time. she might want you too. lol

[surreelantra]

An update? NOTHING! :mad: :mad:

Components are on their way, blurgh...

[acarzt]

heh, i'm about to get a new set up too...

Alpine CDA-9833... $300 shipped...
Infinity Kappa speakers front and rear ... $200 shipped
XM Roady + homekit and car kit(car kit included) ....$50 plus 3 month subsricption must be paid in advance with a 6 month contract.... I work for Circuit City so i get nice discounts :-)
Dynamat + Install.... $200... so i'm looking at about...$800 for the set up i want....

Then later i'll upgrade my subs... looking at going with a 1k watt set up :) it's gonna be yummy...

[2BIT]

If you do a loud exhaust Dynamat (or it's equivilant) will keep the exhaust noise inside the car alot lower.

[surreelantra]

When I eventually get around to modding the exhaust (a year from now? two?) I'll need to find not-as-noisy performance parts. I work second shift and don't get home until 1-2am, so keeping the car reasonably quiet is a must. If I can't come up with a good solution I might just stay stock.

Having the car noise internally quiet is important to me too. I used to own a 97 Jeep Wrangler and I've had my fill of road and wind noise from that (Jeeps are tough little buggers, but man they are NOT for my leadfoot/300-miles-a-week driving habits). Sound deadening in my GT will make the daily driving a little more pleasant.

[surreelantra]

By next Friday I should have the:


- the Pioneer CDIB100 iPod adapter

I hate waiting! http://instagiber.net/smiliesdotcom/contrib/blackeye/Eyecrazy.gif

IN - Pioneer SIR-PNR1 Sirius tuner and antenna
IN - Alpine V12 MRV-450 (50 x 4 + 200 x 1) amp
IN - Pioneer DEH-P960MP head unit

:D :D :D

[surreelantra]

simplified diagram of how this mess will go into the GT:
http://home.dejazzd.com/mikesmith/GTav.jpg

http://instagiber.net/smiliesdotcom/contrib/lynx/prpldizzy.gif

...i think I'll get some professional help on the installation

[surreelantra]

-------------------------------------
The 'RCA Adapter Box' is a theoretical thingie that I can't seem to find as of yet; a piece of equipment that connects two car receivers to a single amplifier. If I can't find one, I'll connect the xbox completely to the brain, and six RCA monster cable Y's will do the job. :eek:

[surreelantra]

Since I had some adhesive velcro left over I cut some down and stuck it between the license plate, the trunk door, and the license plate bracket.

No ghetto rattle. :D Right now it's more for every time I close the trunk.

Now to install the rear strut bar! :eek:

[surreelantra]

Well my installation just got simpler - the dash monitor and Xbox will wait for now. The GT computer will play DVDs if I want.

Now it's time to install all this stuff http://instagiber.net/smiliesdotcom/contrib/ruinkai/smashfreakB.gif

[surreelantra]

Update: Remember that Sony Equipment I had? I gave it to my brother. His POS Ford F-150 sounds reeeal nice now. :)

T-minus 9 days and 12 hrs to the Pioneer installation...

[surreelantra]

Three days and 8 hours to go! :eek:

Thinking of maybe getting 35% tint too...

[surreelantra]

Good news: The stuff is IN! SIRIUS is activated! Also got tint!

Bad news: that free Eclipse sub? SHOT. :mad:

I WANT BASS!

[BlueRush]

PICS!!!

So you like that 960 huh? I sell em, and I have an 860, same thing minus the dual face function, and I love mine.

[surreelantra]

I'll take some pics this weekend. The sound quality's so much better in the car, even without the subwoofer :(:(. I need to tweek the system settings and play with my iPod tomorrow.

Cool thing about Sirius - maybe XM has this too - you get to listen to the stations over any PC. I'm listening/chair dancing to Channel 63 (Area 63 trance) right now!

http://home.dejazzd.com/mikesmith/bevis.gif

So I need a 200-watt RMS sub...maybe this...
http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/products/2004/575/l575PL2110-f.jpeg

Rockford Fosgate PL2-110...perhaps...wifey's mad that i had the tint put on without telling her, so I have time to do research before it's safe for me to buy a sub :D

Hrm...the MTX Road Thunder sub line (http://www.mtxaudio.com/caraudio/products/subwoofers/roadThunder.cfm) is all rated at 200W RMS...

[surreelantra]

The 960 is AWESOME. A little microphone Pioneer adds with the receiver helps you figure out the best speaker output and timing, Automatic Sound Leveling for when the road/wind noise increases, iPod contol from the head unit or remote, and satellite radio sounds so much clearer than FM.

I likes it. :D

[surreelantra]

>>> Update: Remember that Sony Equipment I had? I gave it to my brother. His POS Ford F-150 sounds reeeal nice now. :)

I just found out my brother only replaced the head unit and nothing else, so guess who blew out his factory speakers? http://instagiber.net/smiliesdotcom/ups/chaos/smile2.gif

[surreelantra]

Here's the leader in my subwoofer hunt so far, the 10" Infinity Reference 1040W:
http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/products/2005/108/l1081040W-o.jpeg
» 10" 4-ohm component subwoofer
» polypropylene woofer cone with large-roll rubber surround
» frequency response: 25-400 Hz
» power range: 60-250 watts RMS (1,000 watts peak power)
» sensitivity: 91 dB
» top-mount depth: 4-1/2"
» sealed box volume: .75 cu. ft.
» ported box volume: 1.75 cu. ft.

According to the paperwork, my Alpine amp will actually push 231W RMS to the sub and not 200W. While more power is good, it introduces the small possibility of a 200W sub being blown out, so I'm looking at 250W subs. Doubtful, I know, especially since I'll probably never max out the power for more than a few seconds, but I do have a dopey stepbrother who's trying to kill his hearing before he turns 40... :rolleyes:

I'd rather be a tiny bit underpowered than overpowered with the sub.