I'm thinking about upgrading my car stereo as a Christmas gift to myself and was looking for recommendations.

I used to be a huge car audio junkie and custom-installed everything myself on my previous two cars...but I'm all over that now.

What do you recommend for a solid head unit and speakers that fit in the OEM location? I won't be using an amp or DCI. I also would like everything to be an easy, no-mod installation. I don't care what it all looks like as long as it sounds better than my OEM setup while driving top-down on the freeway.

Thanks!!

 

Alpine 9857 HU, Modfry IR control unit, Polk Momo's 6.5 up front (components), & Momo 5.25 in rears if you do decide to go with the Spods!!! And you might want to reconsider an amp & sub...I have this setup, and it sounds great!!!

 

9857 HU, if you want fullspeed iPod connectivity, otherwise whatever, but the 9857 is fine, if you want a DCI and get the 9857, then get the WIRED DCI. As for speakers, since you have an audio background you know that's a loaded question, but I prefer the Alpine Type-S components for a "no mod" install. You will still have to cut the OEM speaker "box"to allow for the larger magnet and basket. Trimming the OEM tweeter covers also helps, or remove the metal grills from the new tweeters. Modifry harness if you get the DCI, otherwise any brand harness adapter is fine (so you don't have to modify the stock wiring)

 

I've always been hesitant to run components off of HU power (even some coaxials). Does it sound ok?

 

Depends on the sensitivty of the componets. The Polk DB and Alpine Type-S are both OK on HU amp power. They'd sound better with a decent or better amp, but they're acceptable. Problem with not using components on your 05 is that you'll have to wire the tweeters yourself with a capacitor, then you may have load issues anyways depending on the resistance of the speakers, or leave them out and just use the tweeters with the coax's down low on the door.

My preference is to use the components, even underpowered. Obviously I wouldn't suggest hooking up some speakers to the HU, as they simply won't put out enough power for them, but the Type-S and such are ok with HU power.

This is my current system and it's fine for what I wanted in this car (basically to clearly hear all of the music with the top down, but not for my neighbors on the road to hear it clearly or that loudly):

HU: Alpine CDA-9857
DCI: Modifry Wired
Door Speakers: Alpine Type-S 6.5" Components
Rear Speakers: OEM 06 rollhoop speakers
Sub: Infinity Basslink-X

I'm also like you, I was a huge junkie that has probably spent more on CA gear than the S2K cost. I didn't want anything huge for this car and wanted to stick around $1,000. I didn't quite make that because of wiring, loom, random supplies, etc, but I was still around $1,200 I think.

 

Infinity components are very sensitive, and would work very well on headunit power.

 

just be careful because *some* of the infinitys are 2-ohm and most
headunit internal amps are not 2-ohm stable.

 

Correct, kappa's are 2ohm. Last I checked references and perfects are 4 ohm, but perfects with a HU power aren't going to be very enjoyable. The reference series will work fine, although I haven't heard enough of them lately to compare with the Alpines and Polks.

 

I just picked up my 01 gpw and Brian had Type S speakers installed in the car. I have not had a chance to see what it sounds like with the top down yet, but with the top up they sound amazing!

They are running off stock HU power. I personally think they sound really good as is. I am even debating on not amping them now. I guess, I will wait tell I drive with the top down to see how they sound.

But, Top up driving = Great sounding setup IMO!