So I don't know anything about radios and sound system. I usually have to pay someone install a radio componenet.

So I need help. Here's what I want to do..

I don't think my stock (non JBL) system is loud enough. Like I have it about 45 - 50 on the volume dial, and still can barely hear it out side of the truck.

Can I keep my current stock radio and increase the power, maybe add a sub and amp of some sort to amplify my music?

The XM is even worse, I have then commander volume control set to 8 out of 9 and I still have to have the volume up all the way.

I don't want to go beyond 50 because I don't want to blow the crappy stock speakers.

TIA, guys.

 

bite the bullet, get a sub or 2 with some upgraded speakers.

only way to really get that loud clear music, stock stuff wont cut it, there isnt a way to make the stock stuff really loud, and if there is i dont know about it,

if you cant afford a sub and speakers and whatnot, save for a sub and amp, run all your speakers, front and rear, off your front channel of your deck, sounds better that way cause you can fade your music to the front, or rear.... cant really explain it, but it works,

wade

 

So what your saying is that i don't have to replace my radio just my speakers.

What would it cost to replace my speakers and and get two really good subs.

my 2003 should have (or I need)

2 6x9

2 6.5

2 tweeters

2 subs (12" ?)

a box for subs

and a amp.

What does this normally cost?

What is a good speaker brand?

Sorry for the dumb questions.

 

I think you should replace the stock headunit with an aftermarket one first. It makes the biggest difference in how your system sounds. Even with stock speakers a new headunit will make them sound way better.

 

check out:

www.caraudioforum.com

I have a 3rd Gen and replaced everything dealing with the sound system down to the speaker wire. The HU is just a pre-amp at this point. All of the power to the speakers is coming from external amps. I did the complete install for a little over $1200. If you have general sound system questions, please PM me. Since I don't have a 4th gen I may not be able to get "specific" but there is a ton of info on this board and the car audio forum as well. To answer the questions you asked:

2 6x9 - ?

2 6.5 - I would go with components that have the tweeters

2 tweeters - see above

2 subs (12" ?) - 1 or 2. or maybe 2 10"

a box for subs - build it yourself or you can find them pre-built

and a amp. - maybe 2 amps? 1 for the front and 1 for the sub.

What does this normally cost? - depends. I did the work myself and "shopped" around for the best deals and did my research.

What is a good speaker brand? depends on what you are wanting. I realized that there are a lot of lesser known products out there that are built much better and sound much better that what you can find at BestBuy, Circuit City, etc, and cost much less I got the CDT CL-61's for half price at www.thezeb.com Nothing can touch them for the price. I got my sub from www.edesignaudio.com Check them out. They have a forum too. http://forum.soundillusions.net/forumdisplay.php?f=20

 

Yos,

There's some good advice above. I have done a bunch of research on this topic and both Henryv and saintsteve are right on... To get a really clear, thumping, butt-kicking stereo, expect to spend $1000+. Unfortunately, you can't skimp on a single thing with a stereo since it only sounds as good as the worst component. Even wiring (speaker and power) needs to be of decent-to-high quality.

Hopefully, I can be of some help to you since I also have a 4th Gen and am going through the same issue as you. I, unfortunately, had the "upgraded" JBL stereo, which I have found to be a piece of junk. The problem with this setup was the weak little amp they decided to hide in the back of the truck.

You, however, should be better off. IF you have the stock, non-upgraded, stereo, you shouldn't have the amp, but instead be driving your speakers off the head unit. This would explain your having to pump up the volume to hear anything. Like Henryv said, you will probably want to start with a good quality head unit and work your way towards the speakers from there (installing amps, new wiring, and new speakers).

But don't just take my word for it, do a bit of research. Here are a couple links that have been very helpful in getting me going on my stereo...

http://ccs.exl.info/frame_main.html
http://www.the12volt.com/

...And also spend some time on Crutchfield and SoundDomain to get an idea of prices and different products.

Good luck and let us know if you need more help !

Steve

 

Here is a more economical suggestion... this is what I did with the same system that you have and I am happy with the results.

Add a sub and an amp. This is where the bass is going to come from. The more money you spend here the better the bass will be. For $400-500, you can get a decent 12" sub and amp. This is the most important thing to improve your system. Additionally, better bass is all about air movement, so if you want to sacrifice the space, the bigger the sub and the more subs there are, the better the bass will be (Assuming adequate power). i.e. a 12" is better than a 10", 2 12" are better than 1 12", etc. Of there are exception in that a 12" quality sub is better thana 10" crappy sub, etc.. Price is the guideline here.

Replace the rear stock speakers. These were the first ones that sounded distorted when I turned up the volume.

Wire in "bass blockers" to the front speakers, as they are not very good at handling bass either. I have mine cut off about 70 Hz and below.

With this set up, I adjust the bass setting on the factory head unit to -3 (as I am getting plenty of bass from my sub) and I can turn the factory head unit up in the 50-60 range with no distortion. Distortion is what blows speakers.

Good luck.

 

I agree, definately get the headunit first. When I first installed my new system last weekend I had intended to use my stock headunit. Hooked everything up, turned it on and I was NOT impressed...my buddy that was helping me who also works at one of the biggest car audio places here in town said he would put in an aftermarket HU...went to Circuit City, got my CDA-9827 and WOW! It was like I just added another sub...and not to mention the clarity was amazing!

On my entire system I probably spend ~$700 that included: Rockford Fosgate 800W wiring kit, sealed pre-built box, 2 12" memphis subs, 760W pioneer amp, and the Alpine HU...

The difference is absoultely unbelievable...

So what I'm trying to say is I would get a good headunit, when it comes to headunits I prefer Alpine but its up to your personal taste...and if your not looking for instant bass, wait on the subs...concentrate on the components. Find some good speakers that meet the size requirements for your rig and then find a good amp that can power those. Get that installed and I guarantee you will be amazed...after all that money's gone, go ahead and spring for another set of upgrades, another amp and a sub or 2.

Its pretty much all about personal taste, if you have to have bass put the subs first in line...if you want clarity and overall loudness go with a new headunit(do this first no matter what) and get some component speakers and an amp to power em.

OK, I think I've talked enough...

Fink