Just bought a VS, any ideas for a cheap soundsystem

[nath_120]

i recently bought a VS executive and i'm lookin at gettin a new head unit and speakers. At this stage, i don't need a sub coz i listen to rock, but i will look into it in the future.

Are there any cheaper head units, around $350-$450 that are standouts? I have an ipod, so it would need an rca input as well. Also, are there any good quality speakers that would go with the head unit? What size speakers would be best? Again, I dont wanna spend too much on speakers.

Any ideas would be great.

[shaggerz]

My head unit cost a bit under $400 and I love it to bits. It has a sort of "slide down" face which allows you to still see the screen and use controls when changing cds. It also has RCA inputs, 2 RCA outputs, one switchable between rear and sub, with adjustable low pass filter (which I don't use because my sub amp has a LPF that is more adjustable.) and plays WMA, MP3 and ATRAC cds

The model is Sony CDXR5610 and you can check it out here

It is wonderfully adjustable in every way. 3 band EQ rather than shabby presets, a million different settings for shuffle and repeat, shiny VFD display which can show ID3 tag info, filename, folder name, etc, and suave looking VU meter which does this cool "wave" thing when you push the face up or down to change disc.

If you want I can video it doing cool stuff and email to you cause the face push down thing is hard to describe.

Any questions please ask

[nath_120]

Thanks for the idea. What size speakers would you get to go with the head unit? As I said before, I dont need a sub at the moment.

[rattattack1313]

You can get really good systems from places like Supercheap ,Autobarn, etc etc...they have some wicked deals....... I got a ripper Panasonic with 2 speakers for $170 awhile ago..good old Supercheap.....

[shaggerz]

If you're not using a sub it's a good idea to use 6x9s somewhere (usually parcel shelf) to ensure you get good bass response but its really up to personal taste. The speakers I use are JL Audio splits (u know, with the funky tweeter stuck on the dash) which cost about $170 and the stockies in the parcel shelf for rear fill. I have a sub though so your setup will be different of course. You usually get what you pay for when it comes to speakers, so pick your price range and then follow your ears to decide which brand

[nath_120]

I am heading out to the Sydney Motor Show in a few weeks. Do u think that it would cheaper to buy a sound system from the motor show, or from a shop?

[rattattack1313]

I prefer to get things like that from a local shop..if something is wrong, it can easily be returned......

[nath_120]

What would be your suggestion for the best brand for head units (under $500) and 4 speakers (under $200)?

[Boonz]

haha go the SOUND4 stuff ......narrr a head unit under $500 probably something pioneer or alpine....and some DLS speakers maybe they go alright and are reasonably priced

[nath_120]

Thanks for the idea. Without a sub, what size speakers would i get for a VS?

[shaggerz]

Play around with them and see what you like. There is no "best brand" really. Just what you prefer. For example I like my Sony HU because I can configure it however I want and the sound is crystal clear and silence is truly silent (no interference or other noise at all). The Clarion unit that was in my car when I got it was shabby as far as I was concerned. It sounded good alright but it was very limited when it comes to how you can set it up.

Just a matter or prioritising features and picking one that is in the right price range and has all the features you want.

Oh and extras don't hurt either. You might think "i'll never use that" but you might find later that you use it all the time!

EDIT: JB Hifi are good for letting you stuff around with head units. Just don't get them to install it for you

[Boonz]

get 1 pair of 6 inch splits for the front and 6 inch 2 ways for the parcel shelf and it shuld be soundin nice......they have between 60rms to 80 rms on the speakers so there is more than enough power there and ive heard what they can do in a car and i like it alot

[Bob129]

the biggest sized speakers u can go would be 6" so they can be mounted in the door pods, plus as an added bonus they will fit back under the factory grilles in the parcel shelf too. Alltho, i recommend just going for a headunit, im still running my stock speakers, ive just replaced my headunit and got a sub and amp. But before i got the sub and amp, the non-stock headunit with equaliser type stuff really got the stockies workin, makes such a difference, so yer, get a headunit before you go forking out dosh on new speakers!

[ucwepn]

If you are getting a sub in the future get 6" speakers and if you want it loud get an amp to go with them, if you don't see yourself getting a sub go for 6x9's but always go for an amp as well because you get much more power than the head unit and it sounds heaps louder and clearer.
infinity are a high end brand or alpine which is mid to high end, pioneer are loud but they can be unpure at times, clarion aren't as loud but have good all round sound.

everyone here is going to have their own opinion on what you should do with you're stereo but at the end of the day it is your stereo for you to enjoy.

my 2c

[Tasmaniak]

You know personally....People bag the arse out of the stock speakers in the VR-VS but I can't fault them. I quite often install a 400-500 CD Player without changing the speakers and thesound quality goes through the roof and sounds like the car is running a low powered 10" sub. Drop your dosh on the Player and deal with speakers later.

Even though the new CD Player claims 4x50 or so...thats impossibile. It's only good for about 17Wrms. Guess what? so are the speakers in the VR-VS

[garfa]

the stockers do pump quiet well. but if you want to go on the cheap, import from the usa. alpine cda-9851 and alpine spx-177r for $600 australian inc. dutys (there were none) and shippping. damn good deal if you ask me.