Hey, I have a 2005 F150 regular cab and I want to do a stereo in this vehicle - it's an XL and has no CD player. First, I need help choosing a head unit. I've been looking at Clarion and Alpine, Clarion seems to be winning out with several 51x4 watt units in the $100-$120 range with a lot of EQ options, so thats just what I'm looking for. Question, it says it has no preamp outs, can I still jury rig a sub output for it? Secondly speakers - need a reccomendation on 6x8's. I'm looking at MB Quart DKE-168s $119/pair and Alpine Type-S 6x8s, $109/pair. I wouldn't oppose cheaper speakers, but I'm trying to have great sound quality that doesn't fuzz out at higher volumes. Finally, for a sub I'm thinking about the Rockford Fosgate "Level 1" Punch 10 inch that comes in its own ported box already for $179. I already have a 300 watt (max) Jensen amp to power this sub. Please give me suggestions and recomendations as this is the first serious system I'm installing, and since I've already dropped money on the truck I want this to sound GREAT. Thanks guys!

 

I would shop around a little more and find exactly what you like\want

its out there you just gotta find it

for example the best buy flyer this week had
pioneer dehp 6600 for 135.- out the door
this is below my dealer cost

if you think you might add a sub and amp later- get a head with sub out now
and make life easy later

g/l

 

How is the Pioneer sound quality? I've been told that Alpine and Clarion head units sound the best, is this true or is it just brand preference?

 

To the average listener, there probably won't be much of a difference in sound between the different decks, that is until you start getting to higher end equipment and adding high end amps and speakers. The main noticable difference will be in functions and ergonomics.

Like brianas said, get a radio with preouts now.

Also, the Pioneer 6600 would be the best for the money because they are last years model on overstock closeout. If you don't mind having last years go for that.

As for the speakers, stick with a good name brand and go with what your ears tell you. No one but you knows what sounds good to you. You won't be disappointed

 

79wolf - I don't plan on any amazingly expensive car audio, so I will stick with your advice to choose a deck based on fearures and ergonomics. There are several Pioneer decks that seem very cool, the Pioneer Premiere series in particular. As far as speakers - I had Polks in my old truck and they sounded great to a certain volume, but then they would fuzz out. The stereo was never loud enough for me. I've heard several LOUD systems run MB Quarts, and these speakers are loud and clear (despite subs) powered only by a deck. I won't have any serious sub boom so I think the deck power will be plenty for my speakers. I was extremely impressed by the MBs (they were 6.5s, will 6x8 make a difference?) so I'm tempted to go with those. Also, are Pioneer's 4-way 6x8s really good, because it seems most people on the forum who have them seem to love them. Thanks for your help!

 

the 4 ways sound good for the money

these new 05 models sound excellent
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pn...089282,00.html

my cost is like 85 a pair on these so you should find them for a little over that

g/l
Josh
JB Customs

 

Round speakers will always sound more natural/better when compared to an oval shaped speaker, but again, the average listener would not be able to tell the difference. That said, the Pioneer 6x8 are a good speaker, but I've run MB Quart for years on the high end, and I've been impressed with the new Alpine. Like I said earlier, it's your ears, make sure to get a good listen before you buy. I can give you one more bit of advice on how to budget your money when buying speakers. You never said if you were replacing all 4 speakers or just the front 2, but if you're doing all 4 remember that from the driver's seat you mainly hear the front speakers. The rear speakers are for people sitting in the rear, and for a little rear fill (depends on how you like your sound quality). I often times tell people to put more money into the front speakers and get the best quality to their ears, unless they care what the people behind them hear (which I don't lol). Just some more food for thought.

 

79wolf - excellent point. It's even more valid considering I have a regular cab! I think 4 of the same speaker would be better for a uniformity of sound. For example, if I crank it, I want to hear the same coming from all 4 speakers, rather than the front 2 speakers perfectly clear and the rears farting out. I'm tempted to go for the MBs. I've only heard 6.5s in my friend's Porsche and my cousin's 4Runner, but they are loud and have a very clear sound. I haven't heard them without subs, and I was wondering if they had a full sound on their own? I don't mean pounding bass, but I mean at least as full as the stockers. I already know the high end on MB's are stunning, which is why I speak highly of them. My cousin wants me to go with Focals, but that is just overkill . As far as the Alpines, my sister has 6x9s in the rear of her Chebbie, and despite the horrendous JVC deck they are hooked up to, they sound pretty darn good. There's 10 dollars difference between the Alpines and the MB Quarts, but I know the MB's highs are superior. It basically comes down to how full the MBs sound. Thanks alot for all your replies!