QuestionQUESTION: Hello. I'm looking to get a new sound system for a 2001 Chrysler 300m. The stock infinity 2 system is, like most stock systems quite bad. I'm looking to spend around $500 if not less if possible, but still get decent sound! In general, from what I've read at places like crutchfield.com is that this system is arranged rather strange, and it would not be as simple as just getting new speakers, taking off the grilles and plugging them in. I'm wondering if I need to just replace everything, from speakers to amp to head unit, top to bottom. If so, what kind of gear does this system necessitate and do you have any setup or brand recommendations? And, if I were to replace everything, could I get a decent system with some power and kick as well as sound quality for that amount of money? I'm a 16 year old high school student so I'm not looking for the most high end gear, and anything that I don't need to replace would be a great help!
ANSWER: Hi Jake.
A listeners definition of 'decent sounding' could mean many things.
This is the main issue in whether or not you could replace it all and be happy (for under 5 bills).
If you really want to get the best bang for your buck using some of the stock system, you were at the correct place when you went to crutchfield. Call them at 1-800-319-8264 and you will get great advice on what will fit and work in that Mopar of yours.
This is especially key since you have not purchased anything yet.
Here is the link to your specific car:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-XrE1E7DCq0W/app/car/mycar.aspx
Clarion USB/MP3/CD deck: 99.00
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_020D385USB/Clarion-DXZ385USB.html?tp=5684
Polk 6.5" Front speakers: 99.00
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_107DB651S/Polk-Audio-db651s.html?tp=105
6x9 Infinity Rear speakers: 199.99
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_1086939I/Infinity-Kappa-693-9i.html?tp=91
If you purchase through crutchfield, they will include all needed adapters and such for free, including support for your installation from start to end.
400.00 worth.
You might go up a tad on the deck, but be aware that they DO break and must be replaced since it is not cost effective to repair them. I would still go with Clarion, in any case.
JM
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hello again. First off, I would like to thank you for your last answer, I understand most of what you are saying. My main issue is that in all the directions for the front speakers under installation it says "The factory speakers in this location only produce bass. To get full-range sound from your new speakers, you'll need to replace the factory radio with an aftermarket stereo AND bypass the factory amp." Is that saying that they have separate woofers and tweeters, and I would therefore have to replace the tweeters that are mounted on the dash as well? And what does it mean to bypass the amp? Finally and foremost, the bass is terrible in the car right now, should I add a sub, and does the factory amp really have enough power to kick up these speakers?
AnswerBypass as in.. You basically do not use any of the factory wiring or components.
Two ways to do this.
1) You can pull everything (including most wiring) from the factory system and start with the new gear and just wire the new system as per its' manuals.
In some cases some of this wire can be used as speaker wires for the new stuff BUT I always suggest running all new wiring for the speakers at least. There is usually much less confusion this way.
2) You can try to run the new system along side the old one. Confusing, messy and a half a dozen other good reasons to avoid it.
Yes, it must have at least a 3rd set of high range speakers located elsewhere.
That said.. you will hear new mids and highs (which you never heard before) from the front door locations, but unless you run some kind of mid/tweet in the existing tweeter locations (from the description, I presume it has these somewhere in the upper doors, the dash or the A-Pillars) the new 4 way speaker system may lack some serious staging and front fill.
What I suggest in these matters are a small, 3rd set of coaxial speakers in that factory tweeter location. A pair of 3.5" for instance.
Then you can run a multichannel amp to run the rears at one level and the fronts and another relative level. This is essentially an overall manual fader effect using the amp level controls during setup and you can acheive really great results if you are patient.
*This 6 way setup is a great suggestion, but it is NOT mandatory if you can live with the sound from only 4 new coax speakers (or if the third set can be purchased later as an upgrade ect).
Of course, if you want it to bump you'll need the sub. One good ten incher is plenty if it has a good box and amp settings.
This is also tough to do under 500.00 but look:
http://cgi.ebay.com/KICKER-ZX700-5-CAR-STEREO-700-WATT-5CH-AMPLIFIER-AMP_W0QQite
5 channel kicker amp for 219.00. it will run 4 channels for the 4 or 6 speakers, and will do up to 420 watts for a sub.
Basically:
85 watts to each front speaker if you have 4 (or 70 watts to the front pair).
70 watts to each rear pair.
And plenty left over for a sub on the remaining channel.
Here is a good 10" from Pioneer for 119.00 (wired at 4 ohms NOT 1)
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130W1008D2/Pioneer-Premier-TS-W1008D2.html?tp=111
Your short a couple of hundred dollars but wow would it be a ride with a decent sub enclosure!
You can try using cheaper amps and you might save 30-50 on an alternative sub but I have found you get what you pay for in the long run. If you want the system to last, the suggested one is a pretty good resolve.
You can try buying used gear as well on craigslist or the web car audio forums. That amp price is hard to beat, though. I have seen that same amp on ebay for 179.00 plus shipping so it was around 210.00 delivered. You just have to keep you eye out for what yer focused on.
Anyhting else?
JM
