[mooch91]

All,

Looking for some suggestions for the design of a stereo system for my new 2007 crew cab. Your suggestions are requested. Sorry for the length of the following, just trying to set the stage for what I'm looking to accomplish.

<u>Background:</u>
I'm not an audiophile in the classic definition of the term. I have not kept up-to-date on the various manufacturers, components, and technologies. I do have a high-end "sound" that I am looking to achieve, but cannot describe it in eloquent terms that an audiophile would use. My best attempt would be to describe clear highs that are not harsh or tinny, mids that are not muddy or overpoweing, and a substantial low end that would complement a variety of music from rock, to top 40, to country.

<u>Current system:</u>
In my 97 regular cab, I installed a mix of middle to middle-low end equipment, including Sony ES head unit, Sony 10-disc CD changer, Pioneer EQ/crossover, Sony 45Wx4 RMS amp powering Pioneer coaxial speakers (6.5" in doors, 6x8 in rear), Sony 250Wx1 RMS amp powering 8" Kicker Solobaric in pre-made enclosure behind seat. Although the system sounds better than most of the high-end stock systems I've heard, it never quite gave the "sound" I was looking for, and requires frequent EQ adjustment depending on what I'm listening to. I suspect this is due in part to the balance of the system and also to the age and quality of the components overall (low S/N ratios, low efficiencies).

<u>Overall criteria for new system:</u>
- Simpler than my regular-cab system; that is, no external EQ/crossover, no amps with different wiring configurations, no external CD changer.
- Middle to middle-high end quality equipment.
- Budget $1500 +/- a few hundred.

<u> Some of my thoughts so far:</u>
- Head unit: Not sure if I want an audio-only system or an audio/DVD/NAV system. Would like a double-DIN configuration, with built-in EQ and line-level outputs for front, rear, and sub. Can be single-disc. Front-panel USB connection desired. Must not look too space-age in color or styling. Bluetooth, iPod, HD, and satellite are not required. Not sure how head unit manufacturers compare nowadays. Strongest contenders so far: Pioneer AVIC-D3 (incl. NAV and DVD) or Kenwood DPX-701 (audio only).

- Door/rear speakers: Big decision here is between separates (components) and coaxial speakers. I like the flexibility and quality of separates, but don't like hiding external crossovers and hate the idea of cutting my interior. Also trying to decide between 6.5" or the stock 6x8". Will probably go round in the front and keep oval in the rear. Strongest contenders: Infinity Reference or Infinity Kappa. Feedback on the Reference has been mixed; some describe the mids and highs as very inaccurate. Kappas are 2-ohm and seem better equipped to handle high-powered systems. Also interested in listening to some Boston Acoustics.

- Amplifier(s): Would like simple wiring (i.e., one power cable from the battery) and space saving, so have been looking at 5-channel and 6-channel offerings. Afraid of sacrificing quality by trying to do all channels in one. To be mounted under rear seat or behind rear seat. Strongest contenders: JL Audio 500/2 or A6540. Looked at RF, but they do not manufacture 5/6-channel amps.

- Subwoofer(s): Single 10" or 12" or dual 10"s. No more, no bigger. Behind the rear seat in custom or semi-custom, color-matched enclosure. I've seen a lot of folks running the shallow-mount Pioneer 12", but when I was in to car audio, Pioneer was not a competitive manufacturer of subs. JL still seems like a popular brand. Strongest contenders: none at this point; this seems like it's going to be the hardest to decide on.

So there you have it... hit me with your thoughts and suggestions. Thanks in advance. <u></u>

 

[NCHornet]

Did you read my post on the Infinity components I recently installed? Iam like you, not a stereo Geek but I know a good sounding system. I wanted crisp highs and solid bass, not this tubby bass the kids have today. I used the Infinity Reference speakers and don't need a sub woofer, the bass is good n solid and the highs are crisp and clear. I an not going to replace the HU right now but the guy at the stereo shop showed me the new Pioneer AVIC (?) or something like that. It is a double din unit with a flat no motorized screen, it is awesome and the H/U I would install if I wanted a new one. They want a grand for the unit but I have seen them on Ebay for $750. Feel free to PM with any ?. I would do things in steps, you may be surprised just how good the stock H/U can sound if good speakers and a amp is used and hooked up properly.
Take Care
Kevin/NCHornet

 

[coldair]

most muliti function head units nav, DVD, blue tooth lack sound quality the only head unit that can play DVDs and do a really good job at audio is the Alpine Status F1 but with a screen its almost 3900 bucks list. Zapco makes an nice amp that is 5/6 way amp

there is no external settings you set it up with a laptop and its done no body can mess around with it. it includes a 10 band parametric eq, cross over and time alignment for each speaker. I would use my stock head unit and get a good amp and speakers Jlaudio makes a really nice interface to go from line out put to RCA and the Zapco amps use a single low impedance cable (symalink) from the head unit back to the amp

 

[opie1knobe]

well i have the Avic D3 with a backup camera, nav, XM Radio... I LOVE IT (it can also be bypassed to watch while riding) it installs very cleanly in the truck. You can also change the D3 Background and put in somethinng that says F250 Ford... Mine says F250 with the ford logo. When people get in the truck they think the radio is factory installed. My vote Is the D3.

jm2cents

 

[Grumpy_Jim]

hows did you bypass to watch while riding?

 

[KingE]

I think I got what you are describing with a four channel amp for the speakers (60 watts per channel) and another (500 watts)for a 12" sub. I ran one big wire to the back seat that connects both amps. I think I got a wire kit at Wally world that had wire, fuses, distribution block for cheap.

It is super clean and just gets better as I mess with it. My advice....don't use equalizers and stuff unless you have to. I get the best sound with it set up properly and no EQ. This takes knowledge, that I didn't have, but am learning more all the time

Jeb.

 

[Tallavana]

For the D3 a believe you have to move one of the pins in the Pioneer harness over to a different hole. There is a web site called Avic411 or something like that, that will tell you everything you need to know.

 

[GAZ4x4]

I just installed the pioneer AVIC-D3 with a backup cam on the truck, a backup cam on my trailer, the iPOD adapter(all my cd's are in my iPOD so I don't use the cd player), steering wheel interface, and I installed some infinity reference component speakers,
I can say the system works and sounds GREAT !!! and it will be very easy to add amps or subwoofers in the future.
I also did the bypass so the navigation can be adjusted without having to stop and set the parking brake. Got my info off http://www.avic411.com/

 

[coldair]

all you have to do is ground the wire to the brake switch, you can get really fancy and put a switch in soif you get pulled over itreverts back to the safety switch