6.5" Coaxial speaker upgrade + Headunit

Forums › Transport (cars, bikes and boats) › 6.5" Coaxial speaker upgrade + Headunit - 2007 Holden Crewman

1Philip

22 posts

Geek

#165899 23-Feb-2015 23:58

I have a 2007 Holden Crewman with factory head unit and speakers. I like louder clearer sound than what they offer.

After speaking with some people, a sub and 6x9 is more or less out of the question, and for ease of installation I'm not bothering with components.

That leaves me with wanting to purchase four, 2-way coaxial, 6 - 6.5" speakers and a new head unit.

I have never purchased speakers before, so I would like some help from the community here! I did find another topic that was very similar, but my question was more specific so I wanted to start a new topic.

My budget is around $150-250 for the four speakers, and $250-350 for the head unit, I want one of those double shelf ones (more aesthetically pleasing given the space available). I heard pioneer head units are good, so probably heading in that direction. 50W x 4 I imagine, as that is standard??

I'm hoping I can get away with no external AMP (is this going to effect sound quality/volume much for the setup I'm wanting?)

Lastly, as far as installing goes, will I find I can just take the old speakers out, put the new ones in, and use the existing wires all round? and what sound insulation type stuff should I be considering for around the speakers/inside doors?

So - speakers suggestions foremost, headunit second, discussion around amp vs no amp third, and lastly bit of advice on the install aspect.

Cheers all in advance

1 | 2

Hammered
8205 posts

Uber Geek

Moderator

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1245302 24-Feb-2015 00:06

Is that the VZ? I think the Crewman was still VZ in 2007. Perhaps try this as a starter:
http://forums.justcommodores.com.au/car-audio/76335-full-stereo-install-guide-vz-sv6.html

I have a 2007 sedan (VE), which you just can't go swapping head units out at will, unfortunately.

People often mistake me for an adult because of my age.

Keep calm, and carry on posting.

Referral Links: Sharesies - Backblaze -

Are you happy with what you get from Geekzone? If so, please consider supporting us by subscribing.

No matter where you go, there you are.

AliExpress

Shop now on AliExpress (affiliate link).

1Philip

22 posts

Geek

#1245306 24-Feb-2015 00:16

Yeah the last of the crewmans are VZ and 2006 technically but obviously plenty around first registered in 2007,
Thanks for the link ill check it out re: head unit

Wade

2225 posts

Uber Geek

#1245325 24-Feb-2015 07:22

Loud and clear = need an amp

Forget the rear speakers, invest in some good front speakers, seriously consider components, they really are not too much more difficult to install and for the added benefits well worth the hassle

heylinb4nz

656 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#1245392 24-Feb-2015 09:24

+1, no rears, spend the full $250 on fronts. Consider amping, even a cheap Clarion APX2121 ($50-60) running a $250 set of front components will sound like a dream compared to the Headunit. If you must run only a headunit make sure your chosen speaker has a high sensitivity (92-96db) it will make the most of the power available.

Treating your doors will also go along way into improving the sound especially mid range.

Headunit wise Ive found the Pioneer mechless units (MP3\USB only no CD) good value with great sound with a ton of features for tuning sound, these can be found for around $99, or $149 with CD.

Stu

Hammered
8205 posts

Uber Geek

Moderator

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1245394 24-Feb-2015 09:26

Yes, you should be able to use existing wiring, and that includes for the head unit. Adapters are available to connect pretty much any mainstream head unit to pretty much any car capable of accepting an aftermarket head unit.

As above, components will be worth the hassle. They'll also help give you the clearer sound you're after. You will need to run some extra speaker wire for the tweeters, but if you think about placement that won't be a problem.

If it was me, with the Crewman I'd get myself some components for the front and a two channel amp to run them. The budget on the head unit is a little light, but something like a FHX-775BT can be picked up for about $300 (no idea how good they are, but RRP was $499 by the looks. Make sure they have line-outs for amps). I'd also look at the best compact under seat amp/sub I could afford (something like, but not limited to, an ALPINE PWE-V80). From there if I could stretch it I'd perhaps replace the rear speakers, but that money might be better improving other items (better front speakers etc).

This is just an idea. My last audio upgrade was on a VT II sedan. I replaced the head unit, added an amp to run new components in the front and decent 6x9s on the back shelf, and a custom made double sub box in the boot with it's own amp. I don't know the Crewman well enough to say the above would be easy, but I'd certainly give it a go. Check the Aussie Commodore and car audio forums for tips and ideas, because this won't be the first audio upgrade in a Crewman so learn from what others have discovered.

People often mistake me for an adult because of my age.

Keep calm, and carry on posting.

Referral Links: Sharesies - Backblaze -

Are you happy with what you get from Geekzone? If so, please consider supporting us by subscribing.

No matter where you go, there you are.

Wade

2225 posts

Uber Geek

#1245411 24-Feb-2015 09:49

edsauto.co.nz

These guys sell just about everything you need to plug n play an aftermarket stereo into existing factory wiring

1Philip

22 posts

Geek

#1245746 24-Feb-2015 17:44

Thanks for the help, How do these looks for 6.5 components?

http://www.qualitycaraudio.co.nz/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=346&search=ALPINE+SPR-60C&description=true&sub_category=true

I looked on some review website and these were rated highly. I'd just get two for the front, and maybe one of those underseat subs+amps, otherwise just a cheap amp. And then the head unit obviously.

Wade: edsauto.co.nz

These guys sell just about everything you need to plug n play an aftermarket stereo into existing factory wiring

Cheers! A catalog I found on there looks exactly the same as what a guy pulled out at a car audio shop the other day.

If it was me, with the Crewman I'd get myself some components for the front and a two channel amp to run them. The budget on the head unit is a little light, but something like a FHX-775BT can be picked up for about $300 (no idea how good they are, but RRP was $499 by the looks. Make sure they have line-outs for amps). I'd also look at the best compact under seat amp/sub I could afford (something like, but not limited to, an ALPINE PWE-V80). From there if I could stretch it I'd perhaps replace the rear speakers, but that money might be better improving other items (better front speakers etc).

This is just an idea. My last audio upgrade was on a VT II sedan. I replaced the head unit, added an amp to run new components in the front and decent 6x9s on the back shelf, and a custom made double sub box in the boot with it's own amp. I don't know the Crewman well enough to say the above would be easy, but I'd certainly give it a go. Check the Aussie Commodore and car audio forums for tips and ideas, because this won't be the first audio upgrade in a Crewman so learn from what others have discovered.

Cheers, will probably head down that route.

So probably components after all. Bit more fussing but I should manage, will see what time I have available.

There's no where sensible for 6x9 or a regular sub in the crewman, but the under seat idea should work if the space is large enough.

nickb800

2715 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#1245765 24-Feb-2015 18:06

Compared to stock, Pioneer headunit + four entry-level Sony/Pioneer/etc speakers will definitely sound a lot better. You can spend more and get better, but there's gonna be a point where you can't notice the difference/rarely use the power

heylinb4nz

656 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#1245857 24-Feb-2015 20:08

1Philip: Thanks for the help, How do these looks for 6.5 components?

http://www.qualitycaraudio.co.nz/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=346&search=ALPINE+SPR-60C&description=true&sub_category=true

I looked on some review website and these were rated highly. I'd just get two for the front, and maybe one of those underseat subs+amps, otherwise just a cheap amp. And then the head unit obviously.

Wade: edsauto.co.nz

These guys sell just about everything you need to plug n play an aftermarket stereo into existing factory wiring

Cheers! A catalog I found on there looks exactly the same as what a guy pulled out at a car audio shop the other day.

If it was me, with the Crewman I'd get myself some components for the front and a two channel amp to run them. The budget on the head unit is a little light, but something like a FHX-775BT can be picked up for about $300 (no idea how good they are, but RRP was $499 by the looks. Make sure they have line-outs for amps). I'd also look at the best compact under seat amp/sub I could afford (something like, but not limited to, an ALPINE PWE-V80). From there if I could stretch it I'd perhaps replace the rear speakers, but that money might be better improving other items (better front speakers etc).

This is just an idea. My last audio upgrade was on a VT II sedan. I replaced the head unit, added an amp to run new components in the front and decent 6x9s on the back shelf, and a custom made double sub box in the boot with it's own amp. I don't know the Crewman well enough to say the above would be easy, but I'd certainly give it a go. Check the Aussie Commodore and car audio forums for tips and ideas, because this won't be the first audio upgrade in a Crewman so learn from what others have discovered.

Cheers, will probably head down that route.

So probably components after all. Bit more fussing but I should manage, will see what time I have available.

There's no where sensible for 6x9 or a regular sub in the crewman, but the under seat idea should work if the space is large enough.

As for underseat subs the most you will get from those is some mid bass, I looked into them and ended up going for one of these in 12L box http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/car-stereos/subwoofers/10-or-smaller/auction-851101636.htm

running 140RMS to it and setup in a downfiring config, extends the bottom end to about 80hz so compliments the Alpine components nicely, I listen to jazz, blues, rock and dance\techno and never felt it lacked in the bass department.

RE: Components I can reccomend these, I run them at the moment in my Mitsi Colt off an APX2121 Clarion amp (2x60RMS) great sound

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/car-stereos/speakers/other/auction-850488270.htm

1Philip

22 posts

Geek

#1245883 24-Feb-2015 20:37

heylinb4nz
As for underseat subs the most you will get from those is some mid bass, I looked into them and ended up going for one of these in 12L box http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/car-stereos/subwoofers/10-or-smaller/auction-851101636.htm

running 140RMS to it and setup in a downfiring config, extends the bottom end to about 80hz so compliments the Alpine components nicely, I listen to jazz, blues, rock and dance\techno and never felt it lacked in the bass department.

RE: Components I can reccomend these, I run them at the moment in my Mitsi Colt off an APX2121 Clarion amp (2x60RMS) great sound

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/car-stereos/speakers/other/auction-850488270.htm

Cheers, how is that mounted underseat (I literally have no idea) I.e which way should it face? If it's standing upright like a regular sub there wouldn't be space unfortunately.

Funny you linked those speakers, as they're the predecessor to the link I posted above.

"The Alpine SPR-17S has been replaced by the Alpine SPR-60C" - qualitycaraudio.co.nz

I'm unsure whether to use my $250 speaker budget to buy two good speakers 6" speakers+ 2channel $50amp, or four cheaper 6" speakers. Opinions seem to be slightly divided, what are the benefits/drawbacks?

Stu

Hammered
8205 posts

Uber Geek

Moderator

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1245922 24-Feb-2015 21:11

Yes the under seat sub units will only help with a bit of fill in around the mid base mark. Because you're not able to install 6x9s in a rear parcel shelf into a boot space and no room for a full sub box, this should help compliment what you'll get from the components. The shallow mount subs would be okay but you'll still have to make sure you can make an enclosure that still fits under the seat? You'd also of course need a separate amp to run it.

Of course, with a ute it's a matter of best bang for buck with limited install space! ;-)

People often mistake me for an adult because of my age.

Keep calm, and carry on posting.

Referral Links: Sharesies - Backblaze -

Are you happy with what you get from Geekzone? If so, please consider supporting us by subscribing.

No matter where you go, there you are.

heylinb4nz

656 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#1246207 25-Feb-2015 10:28

1Philip:
heylinb4nz
As for underseat subs the most you will get from those is some mid bass, I looked into them and ended up going for one of these in 12L box http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/car-stereos/subwoofers/10-or-smaller/auction-851101636.htm

running 140RMS to it and setup in a downfiring config, extends the bottom end to about 80hz so compliments the Alpine components nicely, I listen to jazz, blues, rock and dance\techno and never felt it lacked in the bass department.

RE: Components I can reccomend these, I run them at the moment in my Mitsi Colt off an APX2121 Clarion amp (2x60RMS) great sound

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/car-stereos/speakers/other/auction-850488270.htm

Cheers, how is that mounted underseat (I literally have no idea) I.e which way should it face? If it's standing upright like a regular sub there wouldn't be space unfortunately.

Funny you linked those speakers, as they're the predecessor to the link I posted above.

"The Alpine SPR-17S has been replaced by the Alpine SPR-60C" - qualitycaraudio.co.nz

I'm unsure whether to use my $250 speaker budget to buy two good speakers 6" speakers+ 2channel $50amp, or four cheaper 6" speakers. Opinions seem to be slightly divided, what are the benefits/drawbacks?

- If you really enjoy music then Components in front + small amp (and possibly underseat sub) are the only way to go. The cost difference is minimal and its a DIY job (plenty of google articles online, possibly people here who may come over and help you). I managed to do my whole system over a weekend.

- If you dont care to much about music and are happy with marginal upgrade over factory, then grab any $100-$130 speaker set and run them off the headunit.

The only drawbacks are some extra $$$ and a little install time.

I personally for years did the whole 4 speaker + headunit thing, and it wasnt until recently with my new car I took advice on GP Forums and went with components, treated doors, amp and 8" sub. Total cost about $800 including headunit. Even if you dont intend to do sub right away the sound will be better, you will look forward to driving the car and listening to music.

RE: install of sub and amps, PM me your email address and I can send pics of my install.

CitizenErased

207 posts

Master Geek

#1246256 25-Feb-2015 11:37

nickb800: Compared to stock, Pioneer headunit + four entry-level Sony/Pioneer/etc speakers will definitely sound a lot better. You can spend more and get better, but there's gonna be a point where you can't notice the difference/rarely use the power

I can't possibly agree with that. You've got to realise that the power figure quoted on head units is peak power - the 50 watts x 4 is actually about 18-20 watts RMS. Decent speakers with an amp is going to sound *way* better.

nickb800

2715 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#1246644 25-Feb-2015 19:26

CitizenErased:
nickb800: Compared to stock, Pioneer headunit + four entry-level Sony/Pioneer/etc speakers will definitely sound a lot better. You can spend more and get better, but there's gonna be a point where you can't notice the difference/rarely use the power

I can't possibly agree with that. You've got to realise that the power figure quoted on head units is peak power - the 50 watts x 4 is actually about 18-20 watts RMS. Decent speakers with an amp is going to sound *way* better.

I think you've misunderstood me. Yes better speakers + external amp will sound better, but it's a case of diminishing returns. I'm suggesting that the OP and geekzone think about where diminishing returns will kick in here, given that the OP has spent some length of time driving around with a stock head unit + speakers. An entry level headunit + speakers will achieve both of his stated goals - louder and clearer - and deliver an improvement over the stock setup. An external amp will definitely make things louder-er and clearer-er again, but is this necessary for the OP?

CitizenErased

207 posts

Master Geek

#1246651 25-Feb-2015 19:45

Factory head units are generally a lot better now than they were in the old days. The power output from the factory head unit in a 2007 Holden is probably similar to an after market head unit. The speakers will be cheap paper cone junk that probably cost Holden $2 a piece, but they'll be matched to the power output of the head unit. After market speakers would definitely sound better, but probably not louder.

1 | 2