audio suggestions for a 2005 Ford Escape
 

I would like to replace the OEM audio for a 2005 Ford Escape. Can anyone suggest a good deck and speaker combination? Who would you recommend having the work done, I'm in Ottawa.

Thx

I had an 06 Tribute. they are hard vehicles to get to sound really good since the windshild is close and the seating position is pretty high. The front speakers are down by your ankles. If you just want a good impreovement in sound and don't plan on amopifying the speakers. Any reputable head unit will do, (Pioneer, Kenwood, Eclipse, Alpine) for drop-in speaker replacements in 6x8 size the Pioneer Premiere TS D802P's are a great sounding efficient speaker for the price. If your looking into components. look up any 6.5" set and go to a few shops and listen before making your choice.

I have lots of great options for you to choose from and a great Ottawa place for install as well. The system I choose for you is going to be dependent on your budget and what options you need for the cd player, as in cd or dvd, ipod or usb, aux in, sat radio, steering wheel controls etc. Add me to msn and message me if you like so we can discuss things further.

Thanks for the replies.

I know I am very limited due to poor speaker placement and lack of speakers. I play all my music from an iPhone so aux input in needed in the deck, budget is about $500 for deck and speakers. I don't think I need an amp to drive the speakers the deck should be sufficient, right?

If you get good efficient speakers, the deck will have enough power to get pretty loud. An amplifier would be cleaner and definately have better musical detail, specially in the lower frequencies.

Now a quick not on speaker efficiency ratings.

Most companies now rate efficiency at 2.83V

2.83V is 1 watt of power into an 8ohm speaker.
2 watts of power into a 4ohm speaker
and 4 watts of power into a 1ohm speaker

the old standard for measuring sensitivity (efficiency) was 1watt/1Meter.

The reading was how many decibels were measure with 1 watt of power into the speaker at 1 meter distance.

Companies like infinity which have sentivity ratings like 95Db's use the 2.83V method.

the infinity kappa which is a 2ohm speaker's rating at 1W1M is actually 89dB's

Every time you double power you gain 3dB's. So they really take advantage of the 2.83V method (which into a 2ohm speaker is 4 watts of power) to make their numbers seem really high to the uneducated masses.

So find some good efficient speakers, then go shopping with your ears and pick the one that sounds best to you.

Bearing in mind that with your iPhone as the source, nothing will sound that great

Thanks for the info....

I was just out at lunch looking at decks at FS,... this one caught my eye, seems to have all the features I need too.

Pioneer MP3 CD Deck (DEH-P4100UB) for $219. I was talking to the sales guy and he thought I may not need to upgrade the speakers, the deck should make a big difference ... thoughts ... is this BS, you would think he would try to up-sell the speakers.

I listened to a few sets, they did not have many to choose from at FS, I thought Alpine 5" x 7" Car Speakers (SPS-507) sounded pretty good.

Would this be a good pairing ... install was about $100, so this fits into my $500 budget.

Comments?

Pioneer Premiere TS802P's are the best drop ins for deck power

If you are after a great deal on a last years model CD player, I have a Pioneer Premiere DEHP600UB that I need to move as well. It is still new in box. Upgrades for future system expansion and comes with 2 year warranty and includes the IPOD and USB cables (unlike the standard Pioneer line). Top it off with a set of good 6x8" speakers from Eclipse and the install hardware, you are sitting at $500.00 inc. tax and shipping. This will also come with deck harness prewired for easy self install. I am sure that one of the installers in your area will be able to give you a great deal on install for such a simple job.