Stand alone stereo wiring
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,771
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From: Western Washington
Stand alone stereo wiring
I can't stand it any more, I need to rig up a working cd/mp3 player in my rig!
One issue, I don't know much about stereos.
Here's what I'd like to do: wire up a stand alone stereo system that's separate from the truck's AM radio, hang the radio in a bracket off the bottom of the dash and use the spots in the door panels for the speakers. How hard can it be? I'm a bit of a musician so the real tinny or scratchy stuff drives me crazy, but I'm also cheap so it doesn't have to be anything real fancy, just a basic system that will make some good quality sound.
What's a good place to get good cheap speakers? And what about the cd player itself? Would the junkyards be worth a look?
Sam
One issue, I don't know much about stereos.
Here's what I'd like to do: wire up a stand alone stereo system that's separate from the truck's AM radio, hang the radio in a bracket off the bottom of the dash and use the spots in the door panels for the speakers. How hard can it be? I'm a bit of a musician so the real tinny or scratchy stuff drives me crazy, but I'm also cheap so it doesn't have to be anything real fancy, just a basic system that will make some good quality sound.
What's a good place to get good cheap speakers? And what about the cd player itself? Would the junkyards be worth a look?
Sam
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
Wal Mart works just fine for the basic stuff.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,771
Likes: 9
From: Western Washington
Sounds good, what size speakers fit in the doors on our rigs? Would something like this fit?: Boss 60-Watt 5.25" Dual Cone Replacement Speaker: Auto Electronics : Walmart.com
Sam
Sam
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: NorCal
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,771
Likes: 9
From: Western Washington
Ok, sounds good.
What speakers would be a good match for this stereo? JVC KDR330 In-Dash CD/MP3/Bluetooth Receiver with AM/FM Tuner - Walmart.com
Don't want to spend much more than $50 for a pair.
Going to have to get some sound deadener for the floor too, I'm thinking of going with peel & seal.
Sam
What speakers would be a good match for this stereo? JVC KDR330 In-Dash CD/MP3/Bluetooth Receiver with AM/FM Tuner - Walmart.com
Don't want to spend much more than $50 for a pair.
Going to have to get some sound deadener for the floor too, I'm thinking of going with peel & seal.
Sam
Senior User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 476
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doors are 6.5, but some of your higher end speakers may require trimming. my JL audio components needed an extra quarter inch for the 6.5s.
iv installed lots of systems from basic to wild.
that distortion you hear comes from 2 and 3 way speakers,Especially sony or whatever crap wallmart is pushing. even your high end 2 and 3 way speakers will start to distort at high levels. this is because you are pushing your lows, mids, and highs all through basically 1 speaker. manufacturers do try to separate the sounds, but the inner speaker allways gets too much power and distort.
go ahead and buy wallmarts junk, keep the volume down and youll never know.
what do you plan to accomplish w/ sound deading? aint gunna make your speakers sound any better! save your money there and buy some real speakers.
and installing a second head unit under the dash, and keeping the oem am inthe dash??? really! wow,ok...
iv installed lots of systems from basic to wild.
that distortion you hear comes from 2 and 3 way speakers,Especially sony or whatever crap wallmart is pushing. even your high end 2 and 3 way speakers will start to distort at high levels. this is because you are pushing your lows, mids, and highs all through basically 1 speaker. manufacturers do try to separate the sounds, but the inner speaker allways gets too much power and distort.
go ahead and buy wallmarts junk, keep the volume down and youll never know.
what do you plan to accomplish w/ sound deading? aint gunna make your speakers sound any better! save your money there and buy some real speakers.
and installing a second head unit under the dash, and keeping the oem am inthe dash??? really! wow,ok...
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Western Washington
I don't really want to bother with replacing the original AM radio, besides it still works and I like the way it looks. The stereo will go next to the CB.
Yes it's a redneck rig!
Sam
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2010
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Good places to look for stereo and speaker components are Amazon and Overstock.com, I was able to pick up my whole system of amp, two 12" + box, door speakers and head unit for a little under $350 between the two sites. It takes a little research and patience but the deals are out there. Go on into your local Best Buy and you can listen to the speakers and get a good idea of what will work for you. Once you have all you need it isn't hard to install.
Senior User
Joined: May 2010
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mine is a 410fe flowmaster super 10's dual 3" pipes, and zero insulating... im half deaf too so idont mind cranking it up loud, the only problem now is keeping the sheet metal in the cab from flexing when the subs thump...
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
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From: Northern California
I'm one of these people.
Why there is a market to have the older OEM radios gutted and all the electronics replaced.
There are also exact fit aftermarket units avaliable for these trucks as well.
There are a lot of classic mustang owners with stereos in the glove box, so you cant see them at shows.
To each their own.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,771
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From: Western Washington
I bought a stereo today! Its a JVC unit with a pair of matching speakers, got the kit at Wall-mart for $86, $30 off! I don't think it's anything really nice or special, but if it works and sound decents I'll be happy.
I agree about hacking up the dash, I don't want to hack it all up when the original radio works just fine, it just won't play the tunes I want. I thought about having my current radio re-done, but I shyed away because of the cost.
Sam
I agree about hacking up the dash, I don't want to hack it all up when the original radio works just fine, it just won't play the tunes I want. I thought about having my current radio re-done, but I shyed away because of the cost.
Sam
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,250
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From: West Virginia
for what youre doing, I would go with something like this: Kicker 11PXI50.2 2-channel amplifier and controller for iPod® or iPhone® — 25 watts RMS x 2 at 2 ohms at Crutchfield.com
That plus these: Kicker DS60 6-1/2" 2-way car speakers at Crutchfield.com
And you should be very happy, without having to mount an extra stereo.
I like the kicker stuff but it is expensive. Here is a cheaper version that would require to leave your ipod out: NEW PYLE PLIPA2 MINI 2 CH 300W AMPLIFIER AMP W/ IPOD IPHONE CONNECTOR 2 CHANNEL | eBay
I have a few friends that have used these mini amps, they are nice, don't draw much current, fit in small places, big volume **** on the front. Great for UTV's and ATV's and stuff, but would also be good for what youre doing. NEW PYLE PFA200 60W MINI 2 CH CAR AUDIO AMPLIFIER AMP 2 CHANNEL 60 WATT | eBay
If you want a head unit with radio, I got one sorta like this: Pyle Plr14Mpf In-Dash Am/Fm-Mpx Mp3 Shaft Style Dual **** Radio w/ Usb/Sd Card | eBay
mine is from a brand called "dual" and I can't find a link so maybe they don't make it anymore, but it fit in the factory shaft space and it looks nice but it has a 3.5" mini jack on the front so I can plug in my ipod or whatever.
Unlike the other options above, if you go this way, you will still keep am/fm radio, which is nice. Its just more work to install than using one of the small external amps setup.
That plus these: Kicker DS60 6-1/2" 2-way car speakers at Crutchfield.com
And you should be very happy, without having to mount an extra stereo.
I like the kicker stuff but it is expensive. Here is a cheaper version that would require to leave your ipod out: NEW PYLE PLIPA2 MINI 2 CH 300W AMPLIFIER AMP W/ IPOD IPHONE CONNECTOR 2 CHANNEL | eBay
I have a few friends that have used these mini amps, they are nice, don't draw much current, fit in small places, big volume **** on the front. Great for UTV's and ATV's and stuff, but would also be good for what youre doing. NEW PYLE PFA200 60W MINI 2 CH CAR AUDIO AMPLIFIER AMP 2 CHANNEL 60 WATT | eBay
If you want a head unit with radio, I got one sorta like this: Pyle Plr14Mpf In-Dash Am/Fm-Mpx Mp3 Shaft Style Dual **** Radio w/ Usb/Sd Card | eBay
mine is from a brand called "dual" and I can't find a link so maybe they don't make it anymore, but it fit in the factory shaft space and it looks nice but it has a 3.5" mini jack on the front so I can plug in my ipod or whatever.
Unlike the other options above, if you go this way, you will still keep am/fm radio, which is nice. Its just more work to install than using one of the small external amps setup.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 604
Likes: 4
From: Antioch, CA
Heres my 2 cents on stereo stuff. You get what you pay for. If your only willing to spend a little bit on stereo setup it probably wont sound good. Ive spent a little over $1500 for mine. Thats with component speakers, sub/speaker amps, nice headunit, sub, all wiring. If you want really nice sound, you have to pay for it.
But you can get really nice sound without amps or subs and not spending a ton Just stay away from the cheap brands(theres a reason why its cheap). I usually stick with alpine for speakers and alpine or pioneer for headunits.
Ebay is where I get everything for the cheapest prices, just make sure your buying brand new stuff and not refurb. Sonicelectronix. com has good prices too.
I put alpine type s 6.5 and a base model alpine headunit in my brothers s10 and it sounds great. Total was close to $300. If you wanted to add some base you can add some 6x9's.
But you can get really nice sound without amps or subs and not spending a ton Just stay away from the cheap brands(theres a reason why its cheap). I usually stick with alpine for speakers and alpine or pioneer for headunits.
Ebay is where I get everything for the cheapest prices, just make sure your buying brand new stuff and not refurb. Sonicelectronix. com has good prices too.
I put alpine type s 6.5 and a base model alpine headunit in my brothers s10 and it sounds great. Total was close to $300. If you wanted to add some base you can add some 6x9's.