QuestionI'm a soldier stationed in Baghdad Iraq. While I'm here I'm purchasing components to replace the terrible factory audio system in my 2002 Chevy Cavalier 2 door coup. I am by no means any kind of expert on car audio, but I feel like the components I've purchased up to this point will create a pretty good sounding system (at least compared to the factory stereo). I've been told that a lot of how one selects components has to do with the kind of music they listen too. Since I can't actually listen to the components given where I am, I'm just going with what little I know about car audio and doing a little research on the subject. I listen to heavy metal, electronic/trance, and industrial music. Here's what I've bought so far:
1. Pioneer DEH P760MP head unit
2. a pair of Pioneer TS-P462 for the door speakers
3. and a pair of JBL T595 6X9's for the rear.
Is this a good all around setup? Did I match the components well? I'm thinking about getting an amp and some subs as well, but don't know if I need it and don't know what I should shop for given the kind of music I listen too and the kind of car I have.
Answer
Nathan,
The Premier deck is a good unit and the other stuff should be ok as well.
Matching it all up is only an issue when you start getting into more preamp gear or amplifiers (or when using very poor quality components like Pyramid).
I would just go with a single Pioneer freeair 10" or 12" (for subs) and a large Kenwood amp (since most military base exchanges carry or can get them). Properly setup and installed, these will give you decades of fun, loud, and pretty accurate sound.
As to your listening tastes having to do with your choices:
IMHO, it is a non issue.
A good race driver can race just about anything.. such is the case with a system. Just do not select any 'poor' gear and you should be in the ballpark for some great audio.
You will most certainly need more power and a sub (especially for high volume accuracy).
The main deal is to not 'throw' new gear at it as you start to upgrade it. Every upgrade should provide a noticable increase in your fidelity/performance (or it is just more wiring to deal with). Upgrading is the real time for compare and anaysis b4 you buy. Hopefully, you all will be back in the states where you belong b4 that happens :)
As a former Search and Rescue crewchief (1981-85), I know your pain bro.. I was in during Granada. It did however give a lot of time to learn and moan about audio.
Hang in there, best of luck and let me know if you have any more questions about future gear, ect.
Sincerely,
Jerry Mael
