Should I pull the trigger (audio upgrade)?

Wow, here I am pondering $400 and some change for a new Pioneer HU (w/o Nav). Personally I think a new HU is worth it. Seems like it would likely fix the FM issue and I really want a rear camera. Beyond that, I think much else would not be advantageous unless you wanted to enter the car in a audio mag/show. Don't get me wrong, it would be nice to have the equipment but not in this car. But to each their own.

Peter

 

You reeally need to do something about the Tweeters/squaker - and that means matching speakers, a crossover etc...

Also, add $150 for the dash trim plates.

Read some past posts on the subject.

$550 for install seems a bit high...

 

You could probably find better sounding equipment for the money, especially where 6x9's are concerned. Better to use a quialy 6.5" component set IMO.

Unless you like to listen to the system extremely loud you could lose the rear speakers and subwoofer amplifier. Instead you could do:

Headunit = Alpine W505
Front speakers = 6.5" component set of high quality that you like
4 channel amplifier = Orion XTR5004 75Watts x 2, 250Watts x 1 (bridged rear channels to run subwoofer)
Subwoofer = Orion XTR102 or BP-HD10SD2 (sounds great for the price). *The wiring in the BP-HD10SD2 would need to be ran in series instead of factory parallel

I chose the above items because it appears you are working with an Orion (Directed Electronics) dealer and the XTR items are much nicer than the Cobalt series and IMO better than the bottom barrel Rockford stuff. I've listened to the items first hand and feel they are great for the money.

I don't run rear speakers in my car and may of our customers don't either. It just depends on how loud you like it.

 

Depending on the location of the shop and the quality of their work it could be right in line. They are likely charging for 6-8hrs of shop time and at $65-$85/hr shop rate then it sounds about right. There are cheaper shops around to be sure but the ones that stay in business AND have a good reputation generally don't charge less than that unless they are located in areas of low cost of living. SoCal is a bit of an anomoly only because of the crazy amount of competition. Then again, I've seen some of the "cheap" work that comes out of that area too. lol

 

If I am looking at the item correctly it looks like a small class-D amplifier. It's advantages are small size and efficiency. If it is a true class-D amplifier then I would be concerned with sound quality. Generally speaking nearly all quality amplifiers designed to run mids/highs are a class AB design and amps designed for subwoofers where high power (and low price) is required are class-D because high signal to noise ratios are not required. Technology ios changing though and my knowledge my be antiquated.

I would choose a real amplifier over the simplified an conveniently packaged Alpine unit.

 

You wouldn't want to put an amplifier on the stock speakers. The Rep was steering you in the right direction.

Bang for buck depends on what you find most apealing about car audio. For the typical "basshead" adding a subwoofer to a stock system is great. For someone who likes high quality and detail in their music then an amplifier and high quality speakers are very important. I should state that a quality headunit is also important because as your source unit the sound will only be as good as the stereo it comes out of.

I ran the stock speakers with a subwoofer for over a year and I was ok with it but it simply does not compare to the sound you get out of a great set of mids/highs and a new stereo. The great thing about a small system is that you can add pieces as you go. Do the stereo first. Then add and amp and subwoofer. Then add the mids/highs.

 

Kim, speakers are something you definately should listen to before buying. They each sound so different and going by brand loyatly or someone else's recommendation can lead to disappointment.

If you have a 6x9" speakers in the door there should be no reason why you cannot fab in a set of 6.5" speakers. I've never taken the door panel off a 2010 yet but I was easily able to fit a 7" speaker in the door of my 2005 and it required no cutting.


In that price range you might check out the JL Audio VR626- CSi as well. People always seemed to like these in the soundroom compared to even more expensive speakers. Focal was also a really good choice as well. Please just listen to the speakers before making a decision. They all really do sound different. Or you might find you can't hear any difference at all so then you can buy something cheap!

 

Keep in mind I have a 2005 Prius so mine came stock with a 6.5" opening.

Crutchfield usually errs on the side of caution and they usually won't recomend a speaker size that is questionable. A 6x9" hole could be a tough fit for a 6.5" speaker depending on what brand and model you choose but MANY 6.5" speakers are actually closer to 6.25" so they tend to fit anyway. You will likely have to make an adapter anyway so making one for a 6.5" vs. a 5.25" really doesn't matter unless you are doing this yourself and have no tools. Any competent stereo shop should have able to install a 6.5" midrange in a 6x9" hole. Up to you though.

5.25" speakers tend to have a bit cleaner vocals but lack midbass response and that is important to me and many audiophiles so they usually win out over a 5.25" unless space is a consideration. It's all personal taste and if you donn't listen to well recorded music you may never notice the difference anyway. Like I said, go to a stereo shop and listen to different speakers and you be the judge.