I plan to go to Best Buy this weekend to get a new HU and speakers. I do understand that brands, speakers, etc... are subjective. I am a newbie at this. I want better sound and more power. I don't need for everyone on the street to know what I am listening to but I would like clearer and louder music. After reading a few posts last night I have come to the conclusion that I will get a new HU and speakers (components) and maybe S-pods. There are a couple pieces that I am looking at online and I'd like to get opinions. I hope this post makes sense. I am considering these...

Rockford 6-1/2" 2-Way 120W Component Car Speakers with Polypropylene Cones (Pair)

Model: P162S $219 -- is this a good price?

I am also considering these two HU's.

Alpine - 45W x 4 CD Deck w/MP3 Playback & Detachable Face - Silver CDE-9843


Alpine - 50W x 4 iPod-Ready Satellite Radio-Ready CD Deck with MP3 Playback
CDA-9847

I know this is long, I have just two more questions. Do these have enough power to give me significant power, or will I need an amp too?


Sorry for the long post.

 

While I don't really feel like looking up each individual component you listed I'll just tell ya to head over to crutchfield.com and you can look up detailed specs and even read what customers had to say about the products... you might be surprised at what you find out.
-Doug

 

buy my setup

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=308920

 

I know this is not so much discussed here but I am really happy with my components from CDT Audio. You can get a set of the CL61 series for $150 or the EF series for $200 (search the sounddomain speaker forum).

They also have a new convertible series in which the speaker can either be mounted coaxially with the woofer or separately. They are not too harsh, fairly sensitive (probably okay with decent HU power) and better bang for the buck than stuff you'll find at the big chains. I have also been very happy with their support.

Your headunit choices sound good. The gives you a lot for your $50 extra if you can afford it, because it has the AI-net which gives you the opportunity to add satellite radio or the iPod controller in the future. There is also the 9845 which is like the 9843 but has an Aux-in for connecting mp3 players etc.

For the lower end Alpines, there's not much price benefit to getting them elsewhere (ebay, internet etc.). Best Buy is fine. Although if you go with Crutchfield you can get $20 off (google crutchfield coupons), free shipping, no tax, and they give you the necessary harness.

Peter

 

Thanks for the reply. I will check it out.

 

Very good information. I will google search the components that you mentioned. I can pay the extra $50 for the HU. What will be needed if I want to keep my dash controls? Is it possible with the Alpine?

 

Ok, now that I'm off work and have some free time to look at this stuff in detail:

Speakers: P162S for $200 (crutchfield.com might find cheaper somewhere else... but best buy's price may include free install)

Can I ask why you're looking at 6 3/4" speakers? Crutchfield says 6 1/2" is what fits... which is why I got these:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-CqVkQSt1Esy/c...0&search=db6500
Same price, better sensativity and better power handling... and better review...


Headunit: CDE-9843... for the price the specs look decent.
Good sensativity, but no changer/sat radio controlls, might want to consider looking at some other units that may offer that. Such as the CDA-9847, definately worth the extra $50.

For power you should be sufficient running these two speakers off of that headunit. A seperate amp will USUALLY get you better clarity (and clearer signal = better for speakers and harder to blow), but most aftermarket headunits are LOUD enough for most people at 3/4 of their output (but clarity goes out the window as you reach the limits)

Hope this helps.
-Doug

 

For dash controls you need Modifry's DCI:

http://marketplace.s2ki.com/s2ki/product.p...85&cat=0&page=1

I heard Alpine had some solution of their own but given their past record on such innovations expect it to be late, expensive, and not very good.

Peter

 

Doh, I knew I forgot to mention somethin, hehe.
-Doug

 

I am blown away you guys really know your stuff. I appreciate the time spent on checking this stuff out for me. As stated before I will gladly pay $50 more to get the added options. I was merely trying to find out if Alpine could justify the difference in price (I am less than a Noob). I thought the speakers were 6.5. I will take a look at the ones mentioned above. Yes the install is free with a purchase over $150. I will check out Crutchfield.

Thanks again to you guys.