QuestionHi Brian,
I have a little 98 Saturn and I want to buy new speakers and a Stereo for it. I'm willing to spend up to about 350 give or take. I've done a lot of research and found most people are happy with infinity speakers that were over 100 bucks. I listen to metal and rock and I want to have a good quality speakers that can make my music sound amazing!! I want people to come into my car (even if they don't like my music) and go, "holy shit!!," haha. Do you have any advice as to what I can buy without having to buy an amp or sub? I don't want to spend the extra money but if I do then what amp should I buy? Also what is the best stereo for a car that is good with speakers? Sorry there's so many questions but I want to get this right so I can be happy with my music in my car. Thank you!! Jake.
P.S. I have no experience in cars so I want to get them professionaly done at like best buy or something.
AnswerHi Jacob,
Unfortunately, I don't think your budget will be sufficient for a full audio system with the type of performance you're looking for. My suggestion would be to concentrate on the core components, the head unit and front speakers, with an eye toward future upgrades.
The biggest single factor in your overall sound will be the front speakers. You're going to want to listen to as many different models as you can find, and pick the best that you can afford. Don't pay much attention to the published specs, like frequency response, sensitivity or power handling; and don't automatically assume a 3-way (or 4-way or 5-way) speaker is better than a 2-way design. Some of the very best 6-1/2" car speakers are 2-way systems. Just listen for the most realistic, natural-sounding speaker. Don't overlook "component" sets, which separate the woofer and tweeter; but keep in mind that these would be more difficult (and therefore more expensive) to install.
For now, I'd leave the rear speakers alone. They're not as important to your overall sound as the front speakers. As long as the rear speakers aren't blown or crackling, your money can be spent more effectively on other components. You can always replace them later, if you want.
Generally, most after-market head units are pretty similar in terms of sound quality; but some include built-in sound processing and equalizers that make it easier to tune the sound the way you want it. Make sure you check out the audio controls, when looking at head units in the store; many people overlook these features. For future expandability, look for a head unit that has three sets of RCA pre-outs (front, rear, and sub). These will make it easier to add amplifiers later on. Also, if you want to be able to use the deck with other sources--ie, Bluetooth phones or audio players, iPods, satellite radio and so on--find out what additional components are needed, and how much they'll cost.
To get the sound you want, I think you're going to need an amplifier; but I don't think your budget will support one at this point (especially when you consider the cost of installation). You can let the head unit run your speakers for now, but I doubt you'll get the effect you're really looking for until you use an amplifier. Your best bet would be a CEA-2006 compliant, 4-channel amplifier rated between 50 and 80 watts RMS per channel. You'll have quite a few to choose from. With an amplifier like this, you can use two channels to drive your front speakers, and bridge the other two channels for a single 4-ohm subwoofer, letting the head unit drive the rear speakers.
A head unit installation in your vehicle is actually pretty easy, provided you get the right parts for the job. You might save some money doing your own head unit installation, but the speaker installation will be very important. I'd suggest investing in a damping material, like Dynamat, for the door speaker installation. Damping material helps prevent the sheet metal in the door from vibrating when the speaker is playing; so the speaker's energy is available for generating sound, not shaking your doors. It also can help seal the rear output of the speaker away from the front output, resulting in better mid-bass, and clearer, tighter sound.
Remember that an effective car audio system is something that can be built one piece at a time; you don't have to do everything all at once. Replacing your front speakers and head unit can make a big difference now, but I think you'll be better off in the long run if you buy high quality speakers, instead of compromising on the speakers so you can afford rear speakers and an amplifier.
Hope this helps!
Brian
