Hey all,

When I get my Tax back, Ill be upgrading the audio gear in my KR. I currently have a JVC KD- PDR35 Head Unit, Stock 4"s and Kenwood 6"s. I have a budget of $700 to spend. (Dont want to go over that price too much if possible)

I would like to keep with these brands- JVC, Fusion, Kenwood and Pioneer.

What would I be able to get with that price range?

Appreciate any advice you can give me.

Thanks Stuart

I personally would stay away from Kenwood, they sound rubbish IMO. You should be able to get a decent sub and amp package, maybe a new head unit for that price

May I ask why you would like to keep in those brands?

Splits and Amp would be my next upgrade with what you have.

May I ask why you would like to keep in those brands?

Splits and Amp would be my next upgrade with what you have.

Im new into the sound gear and always wanted to know what splits do? Would I need a sub with that or are the amp and splits good on there own?

Clarion ftw. Come for a ride in my car and listen to the quality!

Splits are a separate woofer and tweeter. They won't take the place of a sub.

What do you want out of this upgrade? If you're going to spend more money on your stereo down the track, I'd do what Mr ©harisma said and put the whole $700 towards good splits and an amp, and worry about a sub later. If this is the only $700 you're going to spend, I'd be buying cheaper splits, a 4 channel amp, and a basic sub.

Ok.. With that sort of Budget we are not going to get very far but it is Possible..
Can you install yourself ?? Or do we need to factor in $200 for installation ???

If you can do your self then :

New JVC Deck $149
New Fusion 4 inch 2-ways $79
New Fusion 6 inch 3 -ways $99
Fusion Reactor 12inch Bass Package $499 (Roughly)

$846 in total but I am sure there is room for you to negotiate (I mainly went off RRP from Online Stores)


personally would stay away from Kenwood, they sound rubbish
Have to agree with Braedz.
I am a passionate Kenwood Disliker.

Im new into the sound gear and always wanted to know what splits do? Would I need a sub with that or are the amp and splits good on there own?

Splits will give you the highs and mids - 6x9s or a sub will still be needed if you want good bass. To quote a website:

A component (ie. split) speaker system gives you the best possible performance from your car audio system. A system consists of separate woofers, tweeters, and crossovers, each designed to cover one specific range of frequencies. As separate components, the woofer can move freely to deliver more powerful performance, while the tweeter can be custom-mounted in a better spot up closer to your ears, revealing a whole new world of detail. Separate crossovers are far superior to the simple filters wired into full-range speakers, so the components work together for smoother, more focused sound.

Ok.. With that sort of Budget we are not going to get very far but it is Possible..
Can you install yourself ?? Or do we need to factor in $200 for installation ???

If you can do your self then :

New JVC Deck $149
New Fusion 4 inch 2-ways $79
New Fusion 6 inch 3 -ways $99
Fusion Reactor 12inch Bass Package $499 (Roughly)

$846 in total but I am sure there is room for you to negotiate (I mainly went off RRP from Online Stores)


Have to agree with Braedz.
I am a passionate Kenwood Disliker.

Thanks for that Magnat. It looks like I may have to save up a bit more if I want better setup.

What is wrong with Kenwoods??

I'd recommend keeping the headunit you have. It's basic, but you're not going to get any benefit out of a new headunit unless you spend $300+.

My suggestion:
6" Jaycar Splits - $200
4x50w Response (Jaycar) amplifier - $200
12" Sub in pre-fab box - $200-250
Wiring and accessories - $50-100
Pre-fab door pods for front speakers - $50

Piss off the 4" speakers you already have, and put your current 6"s on the parcel shelf (running off the headunit). Run the splits off the front channels of the amp, and bridge the rear channels to run the sub. It's not a flash system, but I'm sure it'll bring a smile to your dial. Since it's all pre-fab gear you could install it yourself (or with the help of a few mates) in minimal time.

The only potential issue is that because of your headunit, you won't be able to control the splits/sub separately from your headunit (since it only has one RCA pre-out), but you can still adjust their volume somewhat using the gains setting on the amplifier. Like I said though, you'd only overcome this by spending $300+ on a new headunit, and given your budget I don't think it'd be worth it.

I'd recommend keeping the headunit you have. It's basic, but you're not going to get any benefit out of a new headunit unless you spend $300+.

My suggestion:
6" Jaycar Splits - $200
4x50w Response (Jaycar) amplifier - $200
12" Sub in pre-fab box - $200-250
Wiring and accessories - $50-100
Pre-fab door pods for front speakers - $50

Piss off the 4" speakers you already have, and put your current 6"s on the parcel shelf (running off the headunit). Run the splits off the front channels of the amp, and bridge the rear channels to run the sub. It's not a flash system, but I'm sure it'll bring a smile to your dial. Since it's all pre-fab gear you could install it yourself (or with the help of a few mates) in minimal time.

The only potential issue is that because of your headunit, you won't be able to control the splits/sub separately from your headunit (since it only has one RCA pre-out), but you can still adjust their volume somewhat using the gains setting on the amplifier. Like I said though, you'd only overcome this by spending $300+ on a new headunit, and given your budget I don't think it'd be worth it.

Good write up.
May I also suggest 2nd hand gear. You could probably get a system worth $1400 for $700 in 2nd hand components. My jaycar I purchased 2nd hand a few years back, saved over a $100 and yeah, never a problem, but can be hit and miss.

I'd recommend keeping the headunit you have. It's basic, but you're not going to get any benefit out of a new headunit unless you spend $300+.

My suggestion:
6" Jaycar Splits - $200
4x50w Response (Jaycar) amplifier - $200
12" Sub in pre-fab box - $200-250
Wiring and accessories - $50-100
Pre-fab door pods for front speakers - $50

Piss off the 4" speakers you already have, and put your current 6"s on the parcel shelf (running off the headunit). Run the splits off the front channels of the amp, and bridge the rear channels to run the sub. It's not a flash system, but I'm sure it'll bring a smile to your dial. Since it's all pre-fab gear you could install it yourself (or with the help of a few mates) in minimal time.

The only potential issue is that because of your headunit, you won't be able to control the splits/sub separately from your headunit (since it only has one RCA pre-out), but you can still adjust their volume somewhat using the gains setting on the amplifier. Like I said though, you'd only overcome this by spending $300+ on a new headunit, and given your budget I don't think it'd be worth it.

Thank you very much Red, thats was the kind of info I wanted. Very Helpfull.

I have looking at head units for the past couple of weeks and I have come to like the JVC KD- R616. 2 Rca Outputs. Price ranges have been around the $270 mark. But I have just been in super cheap and saw it for $218.

What kind of amp will I be needing? For eg. If I had a 1000W sub and a pair of 260W splits?

Because I am a little confused as to how this works.

EDIT: What do you mean by pre- fab door pods? As in the KS door pods?

Yeah KS door pods would be the go.

Also, you need to start quoting RMS figures. This "1000W" stuff is a false representation of the power things make. i.e. your HU will be listed as 4x50WRMS (max) when in reality, it can vary from anything from 15WRMS to 30WRMS (based on figures around car audio forums)

Your sub will no doubt be around the 300WRMS region in your price range. Speakers about 100WRMS.
Just makes you sound a little more knowledgeable when dealing with staff.....

Thanks for all that tuffy. Now I know what all that means, hahaha.

By pre-fab door pods, I meant something like this (http://www.aerpro.com.au/list.php?pcode=APF62RF&cat_name=speakers+and+spacers&cat_no=08&product_name=6%22+(152mm)+Component+Fibreglass+Spa cers+Rubberized+finish&cat_sno=), but if you have something you can use off a Verada then that'd be the way to go.

A 4x50w RMS amp like the one I listed would be OK for the splits, but it'd be underpowering the sub a bit - it provides 160w RMS, but most basic 12" subs ask for 300-400w. You can get a 4x100w Response amplifier for about $100 more (or <$200 if second-hand). Wattage isn't the be-all and end-all (lots of cheap amplifiers make pretty bs claims about their output), but the Response amplifiers are highly recommended as a good budget amp.

Is there a particular reason why you want/need a new headunit? The only advantage I can see over the JVC you're looking at compared to the one you have is an additional/higher voltage RCA output, and while that'd be handy, I wouldn't call it a priority. And obviously, if you bought a new headunit, you'd have to sacrifice something. Although you can always ditch the sub and buy it down the track - would be pretty easy to do too if you already had the amp set up for it.

if you promise to be really nice to them... my local cashies currently has Clarion APA4200 in pristine condition sitting on the shelf, with a mate working there he agreed to give it to me for $175.

This is of much higher quality than any amp remotely near your budget. All McIntosh internals, very highly rated as an extremely good sound quality amp.

I would buy it myself but i really cant afford to, and i dont want some bogan to buy it and have it go to waste. theyve also got a Response 2x150 for $150... about average price for it but it would power a sub like crazy.

from there you could quite easily find yourself a sub/box combo for $100 that sound perfectly good, and a 2nd hand set of splits (i know if a few going), for around the $250 mark.

this will leave a touch of cash for cabling, and you will have one hell of a brilliant sounding system. the advantage of having a seperate amp for sub and speakers, is that you can control the sub bass frequencies seperately by using the line out from the 4 channel, into the other amp.

Ok guys, Ive chosen what I want and will be going to get it soon.

Ive decide to drop the sub, as I am wanting wheels for the car, But with the items Ive chosen, its still under the $700 budget... just.
Also, reguarding the rms. Is that per speaker or both combined? I just want to clarify, thats all.

Pioneer 6” Speakers. TS- A1683S. 50 rms. $127.00
Pioneer TS- A6993S 6x9” 5way 80W rms. $165.00
Jaycar Response Amp AA0426. 4X 100wrms. $299.00
Wiring and Accessories. $50- $100

Total: $691.00

Ive decided to get new 6" as I want all the speakers to be the same brand.

With the amp I have chosen, do you think it will be enough, or should I get a different one. I will be running both pairs of speakers off the amp.

I appreciate all the imput youve put in for giving me ideas.

Cheers Stuart

Ditch the pioneer's way too overpriced.
These will sound much better
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/JBL-GTO938-6-x-9-3-Way-Coaxial-Car-Speakers-2-NEW-/310236435342?cmd=ViewItem&pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item483b88538e
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/JBL-GT5-652-6-5-165mm-Two-Way-speakers-CLEAR-LOUD-HOT-/200497439304?cmd=ViewItem&pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2eae942248

JBL are personally a much better soudning speaker then pioneer.
That amp is fine but you want speakers that can handle 100WRMS. buying 50WRMS speakers means your going to be pushing the speaker beyond its limit to get it pretty loud.

Unfortunately, I'd still be looking at buying an sub/amp combo for another $300 as missing the bass is half the point you listen to music

I've only just brushed through this thread but:

1. Why aren't you using splits?
2. Why is your amplifier so powerful?
3. Why aren't you using a subwoofer?

I'll be honest, when you get that system you will probably tell us that it sounds good for the money but I honestly think for what your spending that would sound rubbish (to my ear of course).

I'd recommend keeping the headunit you have. It's basic, but you're not going to get any benefit out of a new headunit unless you spend $300+.

My suggestion:
6" Jaycar Splits - $200
4x50w Response (Jaycar) amplifier - $200
12" Sub in pre-fab box - $200-250
Wiring and accessories - $50-100
Pre-fab door pods for front speakers - $50

Piss off the 4" speakers you already have, and put your current 6"s on the parcel shelf (running off the headunit). Run the splits off the front channels of the amp, and bridge the rear channels to run the sub. It's not a flash system, but I'm sure it'll bring a smile to your dial. Since it's all pre-fab gear you could install it yourself (or with the help of a few mates) in minimal time.

The only potential issue is that because of your headunit, you won't be able to control the splits/sub separately from your headunit (since it only has one RCA pre-out), but you can still adjust their volume somewhat using the gains setting on the amplifier. Like I said though, you'd only overcome this by spending $300+ on a new headunit, and given your budget I don't think it'd be worth it.




I've only just brushed through this thread but:

1. Why aren't you using splits?
2. Why is your amplifier so powerful?
3. Why aren't you using a subwoofer?

I'll be honest, when you get that system you will probably tell us that it sounds good for the money but I honestly think for what your spending that would sound rubbish (to my ear of course).


:stoopid:

What is wrong with Kenwoods??

Its a personal Taste thing..

I find the Kenwood speakers to sound too fake when reproducing mid to high end.
I have also seen some Kenwood speakers bottom out too early making the Bass sound like someone bashing on a cardboard box then a controlled smooth tone.

I hope you are aware that fitting 6x9's may require a Build out or speaker spacer as it is illegal to cut shelf metal to get them to fit.

The Best advice anyone here can give you is to get over and listen to the speakers you are going to buy BEFORE you buy them..

Listen with your ears not the saleperson spin...

If you have a JB Hifi Store near by check out the following Brands
Cadence
Kicker
Orion

Also go and listen to :
Fusion
Clarion
Eclipse

Shop around.. Don't just go to one store go to many..

What Others have stated here is pretty accurate..

Installing a Set of Splits upfront and a Sub and Amp Package down back will definitely be the way to go.
Ditch buying rear speakers as you don't really need them since you sit at the front of the car more then sitting in the back seat.. buy them further down the track when money comes in..

:stoopid:

I agree with Red Valdez, why is he not going with that setup? And yes I know I should spend more time reading the thread.

id keep headunit. for now or i just bought a clarrion fold out single din dvd player touch screen and it is amazing for the price
clarion splits on special at autobarn 120$ (these sound amazing for the price)
wiring etc 100$ coax rcas +earth +power +trigger
clarion or kicker 4ch amp 300-400
cheap sub, autobarn has a cheapy for 100$ in a box (you can upgrade this latter and if your not heaps into the bass this wont be an issue
run 2 chan to the sup and 1 chan to each split.
thats around 500-600
you could also buy a pair of componants for the back although you dont realy need to upgrade the back speakers

i personaly like kicker gear. clarion is great value for money tho

hrm... another case on asking for advice then ignoring it! all too common

You, as the driver, benefit from the front speakers, not the rear speakers. Rear speakers should be your lowest priority, particularly on a back-to-basics system.

Is there any reason why you'd rather your suggestion over mine? I know you mentioned budget, but my suggestion was only $59 more expensive, and you get a sub as well as a better sounding set of speakers... not sure how you could go wrong really.


I'll be honest, when you get that system you will probably tell us that it sounds good for the money but I honestly think for what your spending that would sound rubbish (to my ear of course).
+1 to that.

I like Red's idea as well.

Plenty of packages you get put together for the $$$.

Even go something like:

Cresendo Opus 1
Ground Zero 4110GPX ( 4x 70W or 2x 250W )
FLI Frequency 12
Sub box
Wiring Kit


Keeping it simple is the best way to achieve great results.

hrm... another case on asking for advice then ignoring it! all too common

Amen to that!

hrm... another case on asking for advice then ignoring it! all too common

Each must make their own path in life.
We can offer beacons of guidance but it is up to the individual to discover if they pass by the jaggered rocks of bad choices or smash right into them..

I like Red's idea as well.

Plenty of packages you get put together for the $$$.

Even go something like:

Cresendo Opus 1
Ground Zero 4110GPX ( 4x 70W or 2x 250W )
FLI Frequency 12
Sub box
Wiring Kit


Keeping it simple is the best way to achieve great results.

that would be a nice sounding system

generalize here when you buy kenwood, pioneer, sony you are paying for brandname not speaker quality

at 700.00 id get a option audio kit, consisting of 12" sub, box and 5 channel amp, and wiring kit(8gauge) for 449.00, id then spend another 220.00 and buy a set of the option audio splits and wire them to your 5 channel channel amp that come with the kit. spend a extra 10-20 on some nice 12gauge speaker wire to run and you will slap yourself for ever thinking about pionner.

i am curious as to why you would want to stick to one particular brand, when crossing brands can sometimes be the smarter choice. option audio rock for their price tho, you wont be let down, head to your local autobarn for a listen as they are the aus stockist

was installing audio for 15 years. first jvc suck.
get some 6 inch in thr front the best you can, then a sub and amp try to match the wattage. Unless your looking for huge bass this dont matter just go for 10 inch or bigger but as i said whatch the wattage cause 200watt sub NEEDS a 200watt amp and so it goes on also 400watts is not 2 times lounder then 200watts to thats what you should look at. Heed my advise if you dont you will aist money. Catch ya

Hey all, Since my last post, I did go with the previous list I put up, I have saved up an extra $300 to add to my budget. So, now I have a total of $1000 to spend on my system.

Sorry I am confused, you are now looking at $1000 and you haven't got anything yet?

and he went with his previous list too :) Stu, you asked for advice, you got buried in it, go and get your audio already :)

PS ask Mr C what sort of deal he can do for you, based on what has been said here :)