Changing my car stereo...

_Tank_ · #1 01-05-2006, 04:59 PM

So I have a Saab 9-2x....which is basically a rebadged Subaru WRX...and the factory stereo pretty much sucks....so I wanna change it.

I want to get something fairly pimp that's Sirius ready as well. I don't want to do a plug and play unit...i want to rip out the factory system and pop in something aftermarket....possibly even change the speakers.

I did a little research at Crutchfield and found a couple I like. I want something good but I dont need to go overly crazy and get like a DVD or anything crazy.

This looks interesting.
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-A85ulXH...sp?i=113XXV01D

Any other thoughts/suggestions? I'm somewhat of a newb at this kind of stuff.

swede123 · #2 01-05-2006, 05:03 PM

Kenwood is solid, I'm sure the unit you are looking at will fit the bill. But if you're looking at head-units for $450 you want to make sure you're leaving another grand in your budget for a good amp and speakers and what not. Just a heads up.

Swede

_Tank_ · #3 01-05-2006, 05:10 PM

Yeah see I don't know if I wanna do all that.....at least maybe not right away. I'm doing a few things....window tint, remote starter, change the stereo, so Im not really sure where speakers/amp fall into the budget. I don't want a huge sub sitting in the back either.
My car is a hatchback and I somewhat need to use that functionality and the cargo space, so having something that causes an earthquake when I turn up the volume isnt necessary.

Does a good head unit necessarily need to be paired up with expensive speakers?

blinden84 · #4 01-05-2006, 05:14 PM

that head unit will work well unamped, upgrading the speakers will cost you between $80 and $200 a pair for what you are looking for if I understand you correctly.

Although a much cheaper HU would work equally well as far as sound output goes.

swede123 · #5 01-05-2006, 05:19 PM

It depends on the brand of car. Honda is known for putting pretty good speakers in their cars, I'm not sure about Subaru/Saab/GM. But if you're looking at a big fancy head-unit you really need a good amp and speakers to use all the power that comes with it. If you want to keep the speakers you probably don't need to drop more than $250 for a head-unit that plays MP3s etc.

Swede

_Tank_ · #6 01-05-2006, 05:26 PM

But the screen is soo purty... [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

Yeah, I'd like something that looks good as well as sounds good. Can you offer any suggestions?

blinden84 · #7 01-05-2006, 05:28 PM

That screen will be pretty crucial though for satellite radio, it sucks trying to use satellite on a 1 or 2 line display... if you wanted justifcation.

swede123 · #8 01-05-2006, 05:31 PM

Hey, if you want a big screen and don't mind spending some extra cash go for it. If I was in the market for a simple MP3 head-unit I'd look at something like this.

Swede