New speakers and player needed for car, any advice for a novice

Forums › Transport (cars, bikes and boats) › New speakers and player needed for car, any advice for a novice

33coupe

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#148610 24-Jun-2014 22:56

OK, so Ive finally had enough of my muddy sounding speakers, and cassette player that is in my 1994 Mazda 323.

After a lot of research, I dont feel like I have really got anywhere.

My only real requirement is that is has a SD card slot so that I can load on a playlist or two and forget about it.

The one manufacture that keeps coming up is Domain. I have never heard of these before, and have been unable to find reviews on them.
Can anyone vouch for them? Will I regret not spending a little bit more?

http://www.soundtech.co.nz/car-stereo/domain-audio/domain-dm-b7518bt-cd-mp3-sd-usb-receiver-with-bluetooth

I looked into component speakers but then realised I dont have the knowledge, tools or skills to fit them. So Full range will have to do.

What kind of differences are there between 5inch and 6 inch speakers? i.e would an expensive 5 inch be better than a cheaper 6 inch etc? Panasonic, Fusion, Pioneer keep cropping up, Im guessing they are all the same.

As my car is a bit of a turd, I cant justify spending too much of the player and speakers. Although I dont want something that isnt user friendly (cheap chinese copies etc).

Anyone advice / suggestions would be really appreciated.

Thanks

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#1073794 24-Jun-2014 23:25

What's your budget?

For a head unit, one of my top requirements was top-shelf Bluetooth Car Kit capabilities. I got the previous version of the Pioneer DEHX4650BT and am really impressed with the clarity of the speakerphone capability (Parot branded bluetooth gear - a respected manufacturer), and the Mrs says it's about the clearest she's ever heard. Unlike mine, this new model also does bluetooth audio streaming, so you can listen to tunes on your smartphone via bluetooth on the stereo, so I'm considering upgrading, especially because SuperCheapAuto have it on special for $199 ($100 off). It's grunty enough unless you want to bother the neighbours.

I was looking for a stereo with SD card capability for the Mrs as I was worried about the kids knocking a flash drive plugged into the face of the head unit and breaking the USB socket or worse. Couldn't find what I wanted, but I did find the Sandisk Cruiser Fit flash drives which are tiny and have bugger all sticking out the front. Better solution IMHO than the SD card as the USB can be plugged into any computer to upload/download music unlike an SD card. Other brands will be available. http://www.sandisk.com/products/usb/drives/cruzer-fit/

Speakers aren't really my subject.

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wasabi2k

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#1073841 25-Jun-2014 06:30

I have always had great experiences with pioneer head units - parallel imported are your best bet for cheap prices.

As has been stated USB is a ton more useful than SD Card, but you can get both.

e.g. http://www.parallelimported.co.nz/car-audio/head-decks/pioneer/pioneer-deh-x1650ub-head-deck.html for USB ($130) or http://www.parallelimported.co.nz/car-audio/head-decks/pioneer/http-www-parallelimported-co-nz-pioneer-deh-5450ub-head-deck-html.html for SD ($230, but nicer too).

Head down to Repco/Super Cheap and get a wiring loom for your car - there are different ones for make/year/model. That loom goes to a generic plug, you then buy a pioneer to generic loom to connect it to. Makes install super easy (given we aren't talking about audiophile level here looms are great).

Speaker wise - not sure where you are mounting them - mine went in the doors so I just stuck with the same size to avoid any mounting issues. I used crimping blade connectors from DSE/Jaycar to connect the speaker wire to my speaker terminals - saves soldering. I have had good experiences with Infinity Speakers in the past but can't find any below $200. Have also had some good Alpines, these sneak in under $200 but I haven't used them specifically: http://www.parallelimported.co.nz/car-audio/car-speakers/alpine/alpine-spr-69-speakers.html,

You can probably get away without an external amp if you are just driving two speakers and don't intend bringing houses down with your fat beats.

Goosey

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#1073849 25-Jun-2014 07:12

What is your budget?
What area of NZ are you?

Plenty of Car Audio shops will sell you a package including installation.

With regard to speakers, a 6in will be better than 5in (however you need to ensure this will fit in the door or dash (whichever where the current ones are mounted).
Are you able to fit 6x9 type speakers in the back tray? Just remember your not allowed to cut out the rear metal tray anymore… you must you spacers if the hole isnt big enough. I reccomend 6x9 (amped or unamped….but amped are much better). you can always provision some extra cable for a future amp and simply plug in when you have the funds. Amp can be located either under the front seat or best in the boot (back of seat, under parcel tray or side of boot…but you must consider future uses for your boot or under front seats otherwise the amp will be in the way.

Plenty of 'brand' name stuff out there at reasonable prices. Get bluetooth included and you will have an all in one solution.

adresdendoll

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#1073851 25-Jun-2014 07:19

If you are not in a major hurry then i would look at somewhere like Aliexpress or Deal Extreme to be honest. I just bought a new head deck for my truck that’s comparable to the cheaper Pioneer linked above, but it cost me $30 all up instead of $130. http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Car-Player-MP3-FM-radio-USB-1-Din-remote-control-USB-port-12V-Car-Audio-Auto/950009981.html

Mark

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#1073937 25-Jun-2014 09:08

Goosey:
Are you able to fit 6x9 type speakers in the back tray? Just remember your not allowed to cut out the rear metal tray anymore… you must you spacers if the hole isnt big enough.

You can't cut holes in the parcel shelf ?

Dynamic

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#1073944 25-Jun-2014 09:12

Mark:
Goosey: Are you able to fit 6x9 type speakers in the back tray? Just remember your not allowed to cut out the rear metal tray anymore… you must you spacers if the hole isnt big enough.

You can't cut holes in the parcel shelf ?

A cardboard one you can hack up as much as you like, but you are not allowed to hack into metal anymore I understand.

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33coupe

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#1074454 25-Jun-2014 17:51

Thanks for the replies.

I was worried about having a usb flashdrive sticking out of the head unit, but those san disk dont look too bad. That will be more expensive than an SD card though.

I will only be replacing the front two speakers, I think they are 5 1/4" so will probably buy the same to save any hassle. The rear seats are always folded down as the car is used for work

Why would I need a wiring loom? On my 1995 toyota camry, I just swapped the head unit using the existing wires.

I know its peanuts, but I dont think I'd want to spend more than $200 for both head unit and speakers. If that's possible!?

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Dynamic

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#1074461 25-Jun-2014 17:59

You can get a pretty good name brand mechless non-Bluetooth head unit for under $150 these days. Just keep an eye out fir specials.

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RunningMan

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#1074463 25-Jun-2014 18:04

Are you sure the front speakers aren't 6.5"? I threw a set of 6.5" speakers in the front of a '92 Familia (323) a few years back and they were the perfect size.

jfanning

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#1074467 25-Jun-2014 18:10

I got a Pioneer DEH-4550BT about a year ago, I find it brilliant, it does CD/Aux/BT handsfree/BT Audio, also not all head units with BT support will do BT audio

33coupe

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#1074473 25-Jun-2014 18:28

RunningMan: Are you sure the front speakers aren't 6.5"? I threw a set of 6.5" speakers in the front of a '92 Familia (323) a few years back and they were the perfect size.

I'm not 100% sure yet. One site said 6.5", and another said over 5", so I will double check before I buy the speakers.

Bluetooth isnt really necessary as I dont ever get calls. Streaming via BT might be handy, but I think the cost of the units are too much for me. I think USB would be sufficient.

Coil

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#1074498 25-Jun-2014 19:05

Mark:
Goosey:
Are you able to fit 6x9 type speakers in the back tray? Just remember your not allowed to cut out the rear metal tray anymore… you must you spacers if the hole isnt big enough.

You can't cut holes in the parcel shelf ?

I did and VTNZ had no issues.
That they didnt even look...

Fred99

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#1074759 26-Jun-2014 07:43

TimA:
Mark:
Goosey:
Are you able to fit 6x9 type speakers in the back tray? Just remember your not allowed to cut out the rear metal tray anymore… you must you spacers if the hole isnt big enough.

You can't cut holes in the parcel shelf ?

I did and VTNZ had no issues.
That they didnt even look...

Others haven't been so lucky - they've needed to get the modification certified.
All it takes is one WOF test guy in a zealous mood to notice, and you've got quite a major problem to deal with.

trig42

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#1074788 26-Jun-2014 09:05

I got a Pioneer MVH-355BT about a year ago (it has now been replaced by the 365). Brilliant.
No CD player (have not missed it).
Great Bluetooth handsfree and A2DP streaming from my phone. Dedcent enough built in Amp to run 4 speakers.

Look for the 365 on special, should get it for under $200, there are other options, but I would recommend getting one with Bluetooth.

NzBeagle

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#1074846 26-Jun-2014 10:16

Fred99:
TimA:
Mark:
Goosey:
Are you able to fit 6x9 type speakers in the back tray? Just remember your not allowed to cut out the rear metal tray anymore… you must you spacers if the hole isnt big enough.

You can't cut holes in the parcel shelf ?

I did and VTNZ had no issues.
That they didnt even look...

Others haven't been so lucky - they've needed to get the modification certified.
All it takes is one WOF test guy in a zealous mood to notice, and you've got quite a major problem to deal with.

Probably getting OT as it sounds like the parcel tray isn't a valid option for this work vehicle. But using spacers, pods or a full custom tray angling the speakers towards the occupants will provide better sound anyhow.

If the parcel tray is metal then yes cutting is a no go.

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