Just a pre-purchase question......
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: New Haven, MO
Just a pre-purchase question......
I'm looking at a particular truck, but, as with all used vehicles, it has a couple problems. The biggest one I noticed is that 1/2 of the radio does not light up. When adjusting the sound (bass, treble, speaker adjustments), only 1/2 of the word appears on the screen. Is this somehitng that can be fixed without a degree in electronics (such as the light bulb burned out), or would I just be better off popping in a new radio??
btw, 02 f-350, factory radio
btw, 02 f-350, factory radio
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 24,724
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From: Blue Hill Township
I believe the problem is a cold solder joint. If I were you, I would put an entirely new system in. Re-wire all the speakers with a nice headunit, and a nice amp. The difference between amped and un-amped is amazing. To fully utilize an amp, you need RCA pre-outs, which the factory decks do not have. Alpine stuff is really nice, you can actually control the gains and such remotely from the headunit. Makes amp placement a little easier since you never have to get to it again.
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Bixby, OK
For a quick fix, I'd put in a new headunit. Alpine, and Kenwood can control the Amp (as long as it's the same brand) from the Headunit like mistercmk said. But if you're not looking for an awesome audio system, you can put in a new headunit only, and even then, the sound will be a lot better because the HU's internal amp is much stronger. But that's an entirely different question.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: New Haven, MO
thanks for the info. I was definitely thinking about putting in a complete AV package (you know, headunit, subs, amp, new speakers, dvd/tv/video game system for those long trips), but I wasn't for sure how far down the road it was going to be. Looks like it may bee soner cuz I want everything in this truck to be working, especially if I'm going to be paying on it for years and years. 
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Bixby, OK
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From: New Haven, MO
Not sure why, but the Sony Xplod has always intrigued me. But to be perfectly honest, I know absolutely NOTHING about car audio. My friend was telling me about the two subs and amp he's got in his trunk and the only words out of his 5 minute lecture that I understood were sub, amp, and a few "the"s and "a"s. 
I'm probably going to be looking for 2 small subs for behind the seat, an amp, headunit, and replacement speakers. Satellite radio is also something I might be interested in. I'm open to any other suggestions, too.
While I have the interior of the truck ripped apart, I would also like to install a video system. I'm thinking about DVD, TV, and a set of inputs for video games, all through a single roof-mount flip-down screen above the back of the front seat, and audio through the rear speakers. (this would be for long trips and if I ever get kicked out of the house) Again, open to any and all suggestions.
Good thing I'm getting a diesel, I guess. With all the elctronics I'm planning on running, I'll need both batteries.
I'm probably going to be looking for 2 small subs for behind the seat, an amp, headunit, and replacement speakers. Satellite radio is also something I might be interested in. I'm open to any other suggestions, too.
While I have the interior of the truck ripped apart, I would also like to install a video system. I'm thinking about DVD, TV, and a set of inputs for video games, all through a single roof-mount flip-down screen above the back of the front seat, and audio through the rear speakers. (this would be for long trips and if I ever get kicked out of the house) Again, open to any and all suggestions.
Good thing I'm getting a diesel, I guess. With all the elctronics I'm planning on running, I'll need both batteries.
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Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Indiana
i know that xplod isnt the top of the line, and im sure you can get higher quality stuff, but i believe in my personal opinion that xplodes are great bangs for the buck. They normaly have pretty good stuff, and i like their new P5 design. (just got 2 new ones with the new 1200W amp, ill tell ya how they sound) Ive noticed that most xplodes REQUIRE break-in time. Ive got a couple sets of their speakers and they sounded ok when they were first installed but then once they broke in they were ALOT better. hope that helps ya a little on the xplodes. (p.s. best site ive found for deals is etronics.com, good prices!!)
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Blue Hill Township
I think sony is crap personally. All the sony equipment that I own, and have heard doesn't sound as nice as it should. You are really paying for the name. I have 4-way Pioneers with a Kenwood amp in my Mustang, along with a Rockford sub and amp. Alpine is much better, and well worth it in my opinion. What kind of music do you mainly listen to? That will help you to decide on the equipment you are going to put in your truck.
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Bixby, OK
If you take the price of some cheap Sony's, add $25 a pair for speakers, you can end up having JL Audio or equivalent. IMO Jensen isn't that great either, and Pioneer is good if you get their higher end stuff. I've owned Jensen, Pioneer, Sony, Lightning Audio, JL Audio, Eclipse and I'm a soon to be owner of a/d/s components. Sony is pure crap, Lightning Audio is crap if you get their "Bolt" series, Jensen isn't high on the list either. Pioneer is ok with their $50 speakers, but for the extra $30 a pair (based on MSRP) it's well worth it. I haven't owned Alpine but they're a decent brand. They have good continuous power capabilities (even in the lower end of the spectrum) and sound pretty good as well. JL Audio is great, but as with anything, you get what you pay for, same way with Eclipse.
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From: New Haven, MO
Well, in my music preference, it varies with my moods. It's usually country, rap, or easy listening, but every once in a while something like punk, pop, or oldies will pop into my head and I'll listen to that for a couple weeks or so. I'm so indecisive. But with each of them, I usually have the bass turned up all the way in my Expy with the factory (sound quality) sub. Now I understand that I wouldn't be buying sound quality subs again, I'd be buying competitions, so I'd prolly have those turned down (or off) for everything except the rap.
The same applies to the truck, the A/V system, just about everything I do. It's a lot more than I need, but it's nice knowing you have the capability if you want to use it.
The same applies to the truck, the A/V system, just about everything I do. It's a lot more than I need, but it's nice knowing you have the capability if you want to use it.