Need advice on picking components
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 900
Likes: 3
Need advice on picking components
Hello,
I'm trying to build a reasonable ($) sound system for my old truck. (79 regular cab) I've looked through catalogs, reasearched this and reasearched that. The problem I'm having is, even though there are so many choices, I can't find one I'd be satisified with. I want a basic system that sounds good, is simple to operate, and will last for more than a year or two. I don't like the modern dash units with the tiny buttons and video game screens and don't need all the extra options they come with. I'm really thinking about using the dash unit from a 97 (or older) Ford and running a decent amp, 4 speakers, and possibly a small sub. Can that be done with a factory unit without the RCA cables?
Here's my checklist:
Best FM reception possible
Good quality (last for many years)
Easy to operate (no tiny buttons or flashy displays)
Good sound quality ( I listen to all types of music)
No need for mp3, wav, cd, bluetooth, ipod, usb etc..
Scan feature (I'm a channel surfer)
Based on your experience, what brands / models would you reccomend for speakers, amp and sub that would work well with a factory dash unit? (97 and older M100 series??)
Thanks.
I'm trying to build a reasonable ($) sound system for my old truck. (79 regular cab) I've looked through catalogs, reasearched this and reasearched that. The problem I'm having is, even though there are so many choices, I can't find one I'd be satisified with. I want a basic system that sounds good, is simple to operate, and will last for more than a year or two. I don't like the modern dash units with the tiny buttons and video game screens and don't need all the extra options they come with. I'm really thinking about using the dash unit from a 97 (or older) Ford and running a decent amp, 4 speakers, and possibly a small sub. Can that be done with a factory unit without the RCA cables?
Here's my checklist:
Best FM reception possible
Good quality (last for many years)
Easy to operate (no tiny buttons or flashy displays)
Good sound quality ( I listen to all types of music)
No need for mp3, wav, cd, bluetooth, ipod, usb etc..
Scan feature (I'm a channel surfer)
Based on your experience, what brands / models would you reccomend for speakers, amp and sub that would work well with a factory dash unit? (97 and older M100 series??)
Thanks.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
The radio tuners are some of the first parts manufactures skimp on to bring the price down, odds are the less money you spend on the radio, the poorer the FM processor is. OE cassette decks might be better but I'd suspect the manufacture would use the same FM board as the CD player so I wouldn't count on it being any better.
I know what you mean about the looks of the radios, I'm in the same boat. I actually like looks of the marine units better. I think it was MB Quart and Clarion that I keep seeing in the marine catalogs. I was also infatuated with MB Quart speakers a few years back, but I didn't get a chance to try them.
Someone will be along shortly to tell you to go listen to all the different ones and pick the one you like the best. That's a good place to start, get the warm and fuzzy's. I like to pick my specs first and find the parts that match them closest.
I know what you mean about the looks of the radios, I'm in the same boat. I actually like looks of the marine units better. I think it was MB Quart and Clarion that I keep seeing in the marine catalogs. I was also infatuated with MB Quart speakers a few years back, but I didn't get a chance to try them.
Someone will be along shortly to tell you to go listen to all the different ones and pick the one you like the best. That's a good place to start, get the warm and fuzzy's. I like to pick my specs first and find the parts that match them closest.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,047
Likes: 2
From: North west La
Get a good Cd player if you want good sound. The factory radio just can't sound as good as a aftermarket unit. The Kenwood KU 235 in my truck is easy to use & cost less than $200. It came with the truck , I added the rest from old gear of mine.
