Let the battle commence.....

Asterix · Post by **Asterix** » Sun Apr 11, 2004 4:47 pm

I have had enough of the standard sterio so I have decided to replace, I have had a look around and taken in all the advice here but I thought I would run my selection past you lot for any ideas????

Head unit: Alpine ALP-CDA9812RB (the nice blue one so it matches the car colour)
Front Speakers: Phoenix Gold PHO-T4.0
Rear Speakers: Phoenix Gold PHO-T6.0 (not colour matched.... bummer).

I may stretch to a base unit in the boot but I am torn with loosing too much of the limited space plus, the extra cost (Â£250, Â£100, and Â£130 aready

). How much????? err I may change my mind....

The main point is to get overall improvement in sound quality and have it a bit louder
I don't know if the stalk will work for my choice and how much it will tempt the thieving toe rags that nicked the last sterio from my golf.....

Comments on a postcard to......

Cheers
Asterix

boyracer · Post by **boyracer** » Mon Apr 12, 2004 12:59 pm

Hey Asterix,

I'd recommend you do what I did if all you want is better sound and morevolume.

I kept the head unit (so the stalk and display still work perfectly and I fitted 4 way 220w Pioneer speakers in the front, dropped in a 1000w 4 channel amplifier, and a 600w sub in the boot. I built the sub box myself out of mdf and upholstered it with car carpet. The sound is 100 times better and so is the bass.

I'm sure this is a helluva lot cheaper than springing for a new head unit and then having all the hassle of trying to get the display and the stalk to work again.

I'm sure the purists would find something to chuckle at with my DIY installation, but hey - I'm more than happy with it !

Cheers,
Michael

(There are pics of my FIRST sub box installation on my profile page. The NEW sub box goes the whole width of the boot and also houses the amp. I made the box quite big in case I wanted to add another sub or amp at a later date.)

MattB · Post by **MattB** » Mon Apr 12, 2004 5:00 pm

One of the problems with the CC is that the enclosures where the speakers are located are far from ideal. When I had my CC I found that the best improvement was gained by changing the headunit (Kenwood Z828) and the front speakers (PG Tantrums). There's little point changing the back speakers as they're small so you won't be able to get anything bigger/louder in there and you barely hear them anyway. For the effort and cost required I wouldn't bother.

As boyracer says, the standard headunit won't be able to drive any decent speakers to get more volume, and the factory fit speakers won't handle the extra power that a better headunit would supply, so you'll either need to:

a) Use existing HU, install new speakers & inline amp
b) Use new HU, install new speakers.

Of course, if you really want power then you can add an amp into option b).

By far the best thing to do though is get a sub & amp installed in the boot. You will be amazed at the difference that it makes to the overall sound in the car and is a relatively cheap thing to do.

Asterix · Post by **Asterix** » Mon Apr 12, 2004 5:19 pm

Cheers for the comments guys, I will have a look at different speakers and the amp option. It will be good if it is cheaper... those kind of things always help especially after having to replace one of the tyres doh!

keeping the diplay and stalk wouldbe good also. off amp hunting it is then.

Bri · Post by **Bri** » Mon Apr 12, 2004 5:50 pm

I've just installed an amp and sub with a new head unit and kept the standard speakers. As the others have said here, the sound is soooo much better. It's definately worth the investment if you can afford to do it. If not, why not get the head unit now which will give you improved sound, then get the sub and amp later? Best of luck with your hunting

Bri