rtonko

hi all,

i am sorry in advance if this kind of post is not allowed.

i am very new to car audio and thought you can offer me some good advice for a system and maybe some good shops to turn to for parts (i can order online or go in person)

i have an older nissan altima, year 1998. i am looking to put about $500 CAD into a stereo/speakers for it. is this way underpriced? what is a good starting point for a decent sounding system. it does not have to crank out loud music but rather give a nice immersive audio experience while driving the car.

i would love some advice for what i need to buy, or even if someone can design a system for me for around that price point. i can spend more if necessary. i would like a unit that is capable of playing either an ipod or usb memory keys.

i will listen to any advice or guides if this is against the rules. please someone point me in the right direction or help me

thank you
rick

lpchouinard

500$ is a little small, but you can build a decent system if you purchased used.

to start with i would find a 4 channel amp to power the front speaker and a sub, a deck that will give you some tuning capability, some nice 2 way components and a little sub.

Here's an example from FS part on the forum.
6,5in component 200$
Eclipse deck 50$
4 Ch amp 200$
10" subwoofer 50$

this sum up to 500$ but you won't have any install parts (wires, deadening, sub box, harness...) so you might want to add another 120$ for that.

mystamo

I'de buy some used stuff if I could get my hands on it. Sometimes you can find good value there. Some people on this site sell great gear.

rtonko

hi,

awesome, thank you so much for the links and advice. it is very appreciated.

i will gladly buy used components.

with your build out, does this not require rear speakers? i see mids for front door & tweeters (i think?) what would you recommend for rear?

how difficult is all of this to set up? i am no stranger to electrical however have never set up any kind of audio systems so i might be missing some things that would be common sense to many of the members here.

once again, thank you very much for your help.

rt

lpchouinard

well i don't like speaker in the back... If you do you should try to power the stock one with the deck (maybe add a capacitor to cut some of the bass) first.

Well if you don't know i how ton install car audio, I suggest you go read a bit on Basic Car Audio Electronics and learn the basic. The install part itself is easy but you can find some challenge with some cars or equipment... don't rush it, come here and ask and someone will help you out OR some might say, "noob go see an installer b4 you put fire to your car" those ppl might be right but it's up to you to decide if you're too noob or not. We all need to start somewhere, right?

vactor

take a listen to speakers. it's the only way you will be able to tell what works with YOUR ears!!

rtonko

thanks for some more insight. i think i would like rear speakers. so, its possible to run rears with the deck, whilst having output to an amp that is running the fronts and the sub? is it better to get a different amp to begin with if this is my goal?

sorry for the noobish questions, you guys are really great.

i have no fears about fire haha. but there are a lot of things i dont understand.

thank you very much lpchouinard, you have been very helpful.

rt