Not too powerful but budget audio setup

[r3b3lw0lf]

Hey people.
First time as a "I want to drive a holden" person.
I have owned a VS, but well have been raised in a ford family.
So next car I got was a AU wagon.
This car was my choice....
When it comes to people, its the insides that count, not the outside. Can look sexy as hell, but if she/ he is evil... looks mean squat.
But when it comes to a car... its def the looks more than the personality LOL
So now I am a WANTing to drive a holden kinda person, cos the fords look crap LMAO

In the VS, I just put a A/M HU, kenwood if I recall. Remote and usb. It was meant to be android compatible... but my galaxy stopped the "showing as drive" in the S3 I think if I recall. Or maybe it was S5 cos S4 still showed as drive when you put it in debug mode., anyways...
I put a pioneer (plug and play with this one, where as the VS was cut and clamped together LOL) in the AU, same thing, usb.

Now for my question....
I now own a 2004 VY S2 Excecutive (why a VY? I been told the VZ and upwards have the alloytech engine and its a lemon (and is a real bitch if the thermo goes)LOL.) it has 170k on the odo and if I am reading the book that came with the car right, was once a cop car/ undercover car.

I am looking to put a system into the car.
I don't want...
"Hear me coming from a mile away"
"Oh ****,... earthquake!!!!"
TV speakers... they be ****... and a 5.1, even if not TRUE 5.1 but PCM... it STILL sounds heaps better!!
So thats what I am after.
Just something that sounds better

I was tempted just to have a go at "splicing" the rear speakers and adding sub/ amp that way... BUT, the radio stations are doing my head in, and im sick of changing cds, all my music on mp3/ phone LOL
Yeah, I could take the HU outta the ford and put it in the VY, but I wanna get with the times, and get bluetooth, and maybe extra

Is it better to have double din (which is kinda always on display, if can't take face off), or single din?
Is it because the stock HU is not all that crash hot that makes the speakers crap?
Will just getting a good A/M Hu make the speakers sound better? Or should I get new speakers too?
I know I also want to get sub and amp.

For something that sounds sweet, but not loud as fk.... what brands/ models etc, do you recommend?
On a tight budget.
(Though, even if I had a million bucks in bank right now, I would still want the same. I do believe I don't need to break the bank to get what I am wanting to hear )

Sorry if I bored anyone of you... I am actually excited bout this car.... and I can feel my mums glare all the way from NSW.

Thanks for reading and any suggestions

 

[wraith]

Need a budget before we can really give advice. Best option. Aftermarket headunit. Single or double DIN doesn't matter you can get mounting kits either way. A decent set of splits (Focal etc.) amped. Maybe upgraded back speakers if budget allows. Will be more then enough in most cases. Won't have stupid bass but won't be as bad as factory either. It will be able to go loud but that's not really what your after so more importantly it will be clear.

 

[r3b3lw0lf]

Thanx for the quick reply wraith
I would probably say a budget of maybe $300. If I CAN maybe bit more... but not going to get my hopes up.
Get what I need bit at a time per say... and then when I got it all... either study very carefully, or pay someone to install.
Like head unit, then speakers etc... or if there is a combo, get both at once. You know?
The youngest kid has a 25th Anniversary VY. Picked up for $3400... but yeah, he has a fair bit to get it road worthy (handbrake does like 20 clicks, suspension possibly cos back scraps over any bump and there is talk of a head gasket? he didn't look around, he was stoopid and went and bought strictly on looks. (I made sure mine came with rego AND rwc)
http://www.getyourwheels.com/content/products/53354/main.jpg (sorry if can't post that link.
Anyways, it has a double din clarion and was thinking about it last coupla days... that says "come and get me" to a crim? you know? So I not totally sure I want something like that... so might stick to single with a face removal LOL.

I been trolling gumtree for something... but on the whole, im not sure what it is im looking for... like watts/ ohms etc. I not want to blow it up LMAO

 

[wraith]

Crims really don't care much for stereos now days I don't believe. I would be hesitant to pick up anything second hand but that's just me. Just did up a basic system. Over budget but $300 will maybe get a headunit installed if your lucky and probably not do much of anything.

https://www.ryda.com.au/jvc-kd-r671-cd-receiver-with-front-usb-aux-input
https://www.ryda.com.au/rockford-fosgate-prime-r165s-6-car-speakers
https://www.ryda.com.au/rockford-fosgate-prime-r165s-6-car-speakers
https://www.ryda.com.au/alpine-bbx-t600-600w-2-ch-car-amplifier

https://www.ryda.com.au/aerpro-bsx208-8ga-450w-amp-power-kit

https://www.ryda.com.au/aerpro-holden-commodore-vy-vz-install-kit-fp9046k

 

[r3b3lw0lf]

Cheers for the tips and recommendations wraith.
Yeah im thinking 300 might be small too lol. I will get the parts week by week...
Dont want the other half thinking im spending more on the car than fam lol.

 

[r3b3lw0lf]

Having a browse. Got someone who will help fund my system

How are these?
Head Unit
http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/Pr...D-Player-FH-X775BT/375636?menuFrom=2147483454
Amplifier
http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/Pr...l-Amplifier-KAC-PS527/353863?menuFrom=1021694

Will they be compatible?

Unsure of what speakers to get from supercheap.
Wanting to replace the rear "dash" speakers, more so than the doors

Are they these ones?
http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/Product/Pioneer-6x9-3-Way-Speakers-TSA6966S/405469?menuFrom=1021693

Hmmm what bout these ones?
http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/Product/Sony-6-Component-Speakers-XS-N1620C/353898

These ones?
http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/Pr...ent-Speakers-EN-CM652/377130?menuFrom=1021693
Sorry for the "newbie" questions

Also... to keep steering wheel controls...
http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/Pr...ss-Suits-Holden-VY-VZ/378244?menuFrom=1021699

That yeah?
But it has me confused... as you will see if the links work (please let the link works as they should)
Steering Wheel Control Harness Suits Holden VY/VZ <=-- as you can see in link title... BUT
down further, it says "ISO Female harness to Holden Commodore VR-VS with stereo steering wheel controls"
Hence my confusion... will it work LOL

I gotta pick some of the stuff up tomorrow... sale "ends 17/3/2017" LOL
Head Unit, amplifier are the ones that on sale and rend tomorrow.
PS. Hope the links work properly.

 

[wraith]

Need this install kit to do the stereo install properly and easily. Still need the adaptor that goes from this to the head unit itself.
http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/Pr...ble-Din-Grey-Holden-VY-VZ-FP9056GK/SPO3753232
http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/Pr...ble-Din-Grey-Holden-VY-VZ-FP9056GK/SPO3753232
Head unit is 2015 model so that's why it's so cheap.

I wouldn't go with any of those speakers they are cheap for a reason. The one I linked you is not much more but a good brand. Amp seems OK but is only 2 channel meaning only 2 speakers. Still need an install kit for the amp to.

In my experience the best option is to upgrade the head unit and install some good front speakers running off an amp. Usually find that's more then enough.

 

[r3b3lw0lf]

One of those speakers are half price for sale... so normally 150.
Could you link some sweet speakers n amp from supercheap that would be good?
I didnt think of that install kit and that adds 150 to the 150.
Is there amp / speakers that be good for max 200 combined?
Budget of 300, maybe 350. So i got roughly 200 left.
Cheers matey.

 

[VT13]

Hi mate, having recently done a full audio/tech upgrade into my trusty VT which I spent months researching/planning I can share some insight and verify what gave superb results for me in the VT. I purchased the following gear over 18 months and installed incrementally as listed:

Phase 1 $367

$266 for BT Head Unit http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BRAND-NE...ONE-ANDROID-/121957951132?hash=item1c6542a69c

$32 for ISO wiring harnesses.

$25 for Aerpro Facia kit http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/COMMODOR...ASCIA-BLACK-/181622558971?hash=item2a498c50fb

$10 for magnetic phone holder http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/360-Degr...blet-GPS-ID-/252797415319?hash=item3adbe66f97

$8 for dual USB cig lighter upgrade http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Dual-USB...r-Outlet-BU-/262623402299?hash=item3d2593193b

$6 for twin usb fly lead (rear passengers) http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DC-12V-t...-for-Car-CU-/162379076345?hash=item25ce8c12f9

$20 sundries for solder, zip ties, insulation tape, wire etc.

So it was head unit upgrade and while the dash face was out I replaced the cig lighter with twin USB socket and ran the twin USB fly down the centre console to provide rear seat USB connectors. Tech sorted with full Bluetooth hands free phone integration, four USB sockets plus I ran a micro-USB from the rear of the head unit through the under stereo pocket to allow direct USB phone connection to the head unit. Even with the factory speakers the sound improved significantly but more importantly I now had automatic full bluetooth connectivity and no longer needed any form of stupid cig lighter USB adapters. The magnetic phone holder is great, slapped it to the right side of the stereo, phone sits nicely just toff to the left of the steering wheel.

Note I left things as above for a year, totally acceptable and great to have the tech in.......but I'm a bit of an audiophile and started collecting the phase 2 bits to deliver significantly upgraded sonic output. If you have a power aerial, this is also the time to do some simple wiring re-assignments to keep your aerial happy with an aftermarket head unit.

Phase 2 $634

$286 for two sets door speakers http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/PIONEER-...RS-TSD1602R-/301733629638?hash=item4640b9cec6

$279 1200W Digital 4ch amp/wiring http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/PIONEER-...ffType=OrderSubTotalOffer&_trksid=p5731.m3795

$35 for Sound deadener pack http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/172387809034?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

$25 for Roller Tool http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DYNAMAT-...T-RESISTANT-/171193841691?hash=item27dbf2b81b

$9 for 10 metres of EPDM single sided seal strips http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Weather-...ape-5M-/390753145301?var=&hash=item5afab3d1d5

So it was time to crack off the factory door speakers and add 4 channels of 100WRMS external amplification. Tip, if going to the effort of replacing speakers, throw in the sound deadener as well. The stuff I bought was just as good as expensive Dynamat that I have used previously and only a fraction of the price. Now I decided to go with 2way Coaxials for all the doors (decent quality ones) and not bother with splits. My Berlina already had dash tweeters so I decided to leave them in place and just do all 4 doors with 2way Pioneer D series. The amp also went in at this stage, however I only amped the front door speakers, leaving the factory tweeters and rear doors to run off the head unit. This is because I decided there would be phase 3 with 6x9s going up back to be driven by the amps rear channel.

With the Pioneer's into all doors and 100WRMS hitting the front doors there was a dramatic sonic improvement, clear and powerful with much more bass capacity.....smooth not doof doof stupid. Quality sound achieved.

Phase 3 $174

$149 for Infinity 3way 6x9s https://www.ryda.com.au/index.php/i...cS0YCeDypS8MgCgkpx2w3vH1u634IAmMPUaAs6C8P8HAQ

$25 for 6x9 grilles http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/6x9-BLAC...GRILLS-PAIR-/172514235457?hash=item282aa65441

Off with the parcel shelf, spread the deadener and fit up the 6x9s. This was easily the best bang for the dollar. Once these babies powered up it was another massive leap, beautiful sounding speakers, lots more smooth bass and the rear shelf projection really brought out the quadraphonic stereo imaging. All in all the results were great, beautiful 8 speaker sound with sufficient power. Just right for me, I like good sound and don't mind a bit of volume at times. Everyone who has heard it is blown away by the sound quality, mission accomplished for me. Total run of $1175 but I can hear that money every day and having the full bluetooth integration is a must have these days.

My recommendation for you; do Phase 1 for now, getting the tech upgrade is what you need first and foremost. The rear USB fly needs the centre console out and is not really worth it unless you are hauling kids, but definitely do the cig lighter USB upgrade.

Good luck.

 

[VT13]

By the way, as mentioned earlier you will need to spend more on harnesses to keep SWC, can recommend Aerpro, they have solid plug n play soultions to match VY to whatever head unit you go with. Don't be tempted to buy **** speakers, if the budget does not allow reasonable speakers just stay with the factory ones until you have the funds. $350-450 will get you fully sorted with initial tech upgrade if self-installing.