Upgrading HU Unit

[Elantrahatch]

Hi all, just want to get some feedback from you guys. Am totally new to this ICE upgrading and will need lots of advice from guru (hell, i don't even know tune the sound is for what purposes)

 

Anyway, am looking for an head unit to upgrade to. I am looking for the range of below S$450.00. Brand wise, i am not too particular so long can read mp3. If can aux to my iPOD, that will be lagi better.

 

Saw some second hand ones selling of Yahoo! auction. Like a Pioneer (no warrenty) DEH-7550 going for S$S$400.00. Is it worth it?

 

While i am at at, do i need to consider changing my front 2 speakers? I am driving a Matrix..

 

Thanks for all ya feedback!

[Zacarith]

u wan a second hand 7750?

 

i can sell u if u wan...im planning to do an upgrade

[Elantrahatch]

wat's the damage?

[Vblaster_w211]

Elantrahatch,

 

First of all, set a budget. Then work from there.

 

For $1K budget, the one that will get best bang for bucks is to hook up a budget amp + component speakers up front. Can try base phd MF component series. Think of HU change later.

 

For $2-3K budget, then consider changing to a better HU along with amp + components. If getting a HU, try to get one with Time Alignment and Parametric EQ, with 3 pre-outs 4V. Some cheaper models you can consider are Pioneer 8650, although it'll be much better if you can go up to Alpine's 9855.

[Elantrahatch]

yo dude.. dun think i can blow that much on ICE. Looking for more mid range ba..

[Headshok]

yo,

 

first u gotta ask urself how DEEEEP do u wanna get into ICE and how much are u willing to spend..

 

if ur budget is low, u need NOT get the top end HUs with various functions u will not be using anyway.

 

for you, since u already want to change ur HU, source for a reasonable HU first. if after that u feel u got more cash to spare on amps and speakers, then come back and ask us lah.. we'll be more than happy to give recommendations..

 

cheers!

[Kwongwing]

There are some new Sony HUs which you can also consider - approx. $350 upwards.

Especially if u are new, I would advise going to a reputable installer and pay a bit more for a set w/ local warranty.

Do also budget for the installation and other costs too! The installer would be able to give u a lump sum price inclusive of installtion, cables, fuese, etc.

Do join us for the regulae ICE meet-up this Wednesday, get an idea of what type of sound you are going for before taking the plunge to invest in the system.

[Vblaster_w211]

You won't get much improvement in sound if you just spend $300 or so on a HU. They're not that much better than OEM stock. Rather save the money (less than $1K will do) for an amp + components later, and keep your stock HU for a while.

[Jusnel]

no need to change HU... change yr speakers first....

 

change HU, you cant hear any sound improvement w/o changing speakers....

 

change speakers, you will hear immediate improvement, even w/o changing the HU.

 

yr speaker stock ones? then it's those 2-way types... change to 3-way type or better..... coz yr budget is only $450 or less, just concentrate on changing speakers first, and throw in a couple of tweeters for the front and, if possible, for the back also....

 

if you do this way, can already... you will hear the immediate sound quality.

[Princey_anne]

Hi,

 

I was also wondering should I change the rear speakers in my car. Will it improve?

Please advise. I am changing the front pairs it the back necessary?

Edited May 28, 2006 by Princey_anne

[Vblaster_w211]

Not 100% necessary. If you seldom ferry anyone in the rear, may consider to silence the rear speakers so that front imaging is easier to achieve.

[Headshok]

in my opinion, it depends how much into ICE u are in. if u tink u want staging and imagine all of those, best to either leave ur rear stock or not even use them at all cos it will screw up ur front imaging.

 

but if u just wanna have "more music and ohmmmff" without putting a sub in ur car, then by all means change ur rears too. but if u only wanna change one set of speakers, change ur fronts first lah, then sound proof ur doors.

 

got mani combinations on how to go about lah...

[Fff0]

True... 3rd vote for change spker 1st... however if ur current HU cannot read MP3 then u have to weight the advan & disadv...

[Headshok]

maybe his current HU is the type that still play tape, thats why he sayin he wanna change HU first.. hahahahahaha....

[Princey_anne]

Thank you I am adding tweeters and a pair of speakers at the front since rear is not important I will just leave it.

[Jusnel]

just like wat other bros advised you already. you can leave the rear speakers as stock and change only yr front ones.

 

coz you are always sitting in front driving, you will hardly hear the rear sounds. you will hear of the front..... so change yr fronts speakers and add in a coouple of tweeters.... sound improvement improve alot already....

 

and it wont cost you alot also.

[Jusnel]

it will depend whether he got MP3 music to listen or not....

 

mine HU cant play MP3, but i dun mind, coz i dun have MP3 music to listen! i only have CD and radio.... good enough for me already.....

[Princey_anne]

I also want to add a cd changer to the mp3 head set.