TragicMagic

Hey Guys,

My fiancee just bought her first new car earlier this year. And I want to piece together a very decent upgrade to her audio system for her birthday next March.

I'm thinking that a decent Head Unit, with a bridgeable 4 channel amp, a pair of decent component fronts, and an 8" sub in a ported box would do the trick.

I found a Clarion deck with 6V pre-outs, that is definitely in the price range.
DXZ585USB

Something like this Kicker amplifier might work. However, the input sensitivity is 125mV to 5V. If that particular deck was sending a 6V signal, what would happen. The amp just wouldn't recognize the signal?
Kicker 06ZX650.4


This Pioneer amp will accept a signal as high as 6.5. Probably a better choice in that regard.
Pioneer Premier PRS-D4000F

These speakers for the fronts. I'm going to go the the local audio shop that carries the Clarion brand, to have a listen. If the 6.5" will fit (with some work) I'll opt for those. These speakers have a 35Hz low frequency response. Though they may not produce that sound too well.
Clarion SRP1320M

I guess I could give her the 10" Type S I have, once put into a much better enclosure...

For starters I'd just get the deck and the components and have them installed. Then do the amplifier and sub later on.

Does that seem like something worthwhile?

Sikk Nation

iTrader: (1)

The shop I work sells Clarion and we've had 3 returns out of 21 of those head units we've sold.

DOn't concern yourself about the voltage ratings too much. I'm sure she'll mostly be listening to MP3's anyway so your gains will have to be up there.

I do like the Pioneer Premiere amps. very clea sounding and lots of power.

For speakers and head unit it depends on your budget. and if she's a girl. the "pretty" factor. Get her a pioneer head unit that has the dolphin background and she'll love you. like the 600UB also has rear USB which is much safer IMO. too many people broke thir USB sticks off the faceplate of the clarions and other front loaders.

Will you be in her car alot?. Will she even notice the upgrade other than the dolphins. It's great to wan to give your g/f a good upgrade, but make sure the financial to appreciation factor is high. If she'll be thrilled with a radio with dolphins and the upgrade in sound just that provides. stick with that.

This thread is half equipment, half reltionship advice..

TragicMagic

Thanks for replying, Sikk.

Perhaps the Clarion HU quality isn't up to par. 1 unit returned for every 7 sold... that's not too good.

I think I'm going to opt for the cheapest 'pretty' model that has 3 pairs of pre-outs.

Have a look at this ----> FutureShop Deal

I figure that'd be a good way to go. However, when you check out the specs on the head-unit on the Pioneer site, it is not a 3 pair pre-out unit like FutureShop claims. Its only a 1 pre-out unit.

I figure that the amp/sub combo would be good. I'd probably not install the front speakers. We'd run her stock speakers off the deck, then upgrade when more money is set aside.

Sikk Nation

iTrader: (1)

good choice..now take that deal and go to a local retailer, not a big box store and get them to match it to support the industry.

Everytime you buy car aduio from a big box store, you make baby jesus cry.

TragicMagic

Yes. But how flexible are you shop owners when it comes to reaching a price that makes both parties satisfied? Would Futureshop get their inventory from Pioneer for less than a local audio shop would? I would like to think that the audio shops, since they move/sell more of this equipment, would be able to sell this stuff for less than the big-box stores can. But for some reason, that doesn't seem to be the case. Hell, I'd even pay a little extra at an honest-to-god audio shop, for better advice and a better install.

Sikk Nation

iTrader: (1)

big box stores buy and centrally warehouse in an area. They usually buy a few hundred units a shot and distribute to their stores in that area so they get much better deals than local, individual retailers. If your local shop doesn't want to be competetive that is their perogative.

MR2NR

iTrader: (66)

Given that you have until March to piece together the system for her, take your time. There are lots of options available. One must be careful when buying the deal, if it is not the right item for the system, then it is no deal at all.

Right out of the gate I would look towards Premiere for their 2 year warranty and the fact that USB and IPOD cables are included, something that the normal Pioneer line does not (and has a 1 year warranty). Kenwood Excelon also has a 2 year warranty and right now I am throwing in the IPOD cable with their cd players as well.

Want more info, drop me a pm, I am one of those local retailers that always need and appreciate new business.

TragicMagic

Other Thread

MR2NR, I started another thread before checking for replies to this one. Perhaps you can go to that one, and recommend a reasonable Premier line replacement to the one I've mentioned in the other thread.

I'm kinda under the impression that if I were to decide to buy, it'd be in my best financial interest to buy as many of the items I can, all at one time. If only to save on shipping costs...