Budget Audio Build - I Know Nothing About Audio :)

[Bishop]

Ok, so I'm gonna kick things off by saying, "Hey, I know absolutely dick about audio except that my speakers are not making me happy, and I'd like to do a very budgeted upgrade. Not looking for top shelf here, just want to upgrade from my stock, non-premium sound. Already have a head unit."

So, with that said, this is going to hopefully be funded by my tax return, but I honestly dunno what I'm getting back (or what I'll owe) since I haven't done the legwork to see yet. BUT, I'm here to get an idea of what I wanna start collecting and what I'm getting myself into... Remember, AUDIO NOOB like you wouldn't understand otherwise. Very noobish. Like, gonna need my hand held through most of this I'm thinking... Who knows. :D

Not sure if any of this will matter, but I'll just give info.
- 1990 325i w/ stock, non-premium sound.
- Stock head unit was yanked in favor of Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X693
Need sub box to be removable for autocross and track use, I'm also thinking I want just 1 10" sub. I'm not looking for most bass, I'm looking for a full sound.

After talking to Luke he suggested tracking down some rear premium speakers in good shape. I'm currently awaiting information in regards to premium rears and front tweeters. Like I said before, I'm not looking to make this top shelf. I'm a simple guy, and I just wanna listen to semi-clear, loud music without worrying about breaking anything. I'm gonna need suggestions pertaining to the rest of the build like front speakers / components, subs, amps, etc., etc., etc., etc..... (Luke box will be determined by Tax return. I'd rather spend the money on speakers and a normal square box for now, and get a Luke box down the road).

PLEASE, I'd appreciate any and all assistance R3v can offer to a noob with toast non-premium speakers who's in need of some music.

- Bishop

[Jean]

I am actually pretty impressed with the sound of stock premium speakers myself, I am using a newer Alpine headunit with them. Obviously you won't get bass from them, but pretty good mids and highs though. I would start with this first, then add a 4channel amp and a sub if you are still not satisfied.

What color premium speakers are you looking for ? I have a black set of rears, but don't have a good set of front tweeters at the moment.

[fiftytakedowns]

Im thinking a set of 6X9's in the back should be satisfactory with not to much weight to gain.

[Bishop]

Well, I've contacted someone here already about their premium rears. They're gonna test em and get back to me. If they're in good shape, I'll send funds. That just leaves the fronts and sub. I'm already wanting a sub so i don't have to put as much bass through the speakers. Would you say get premium fronts, a 4ch. amp and a sub?

[Jean]

6x9s look ghetto in the rear shelf though.

[Jean]

Yeah, you would want to upgrade the fronts as well, not just the rears. If anything you can upgrade the fronts FIRST, then add amp and a sub. The front stage is most important, vs the rear.

[Bishop]

Yeah, I don't necessarily want to cut and fit stuff. I just want better sound and to be able to turn up the volume. Also, since it's an autocross and track car, speaker weight would be ideal to keep similar to stock, since I know I want a removable sub

[Jean]

Upgrade the front speakers (premium or aftermarket 2 way components), add 4 channel amp and 1 sub. Use the front two channels of the amp for the front speakers/components and rear for the sub. Rear speakers can run from the deck/headunit.

[Bishop]

Im thinking a set of 6X9's in the back should be satisfactory with not to much weight to gain.

Yeah, you would want to upgrade the fronts as well, not just the rears. If anything you can upgrade the fronts FIRST, then add amp and a sub. The front stage is most important, vs the rear.

I hear ya, and that's kinda where I'm at. Like I said, I'm waiting to hear the condition on some Premium rears that come with the front tweeters. I need to figure out some front speakers, an amp and sub. I think... Like I said originally, I really don't know dick about audio.... :)

[Jean]

Budget about $200 on the amp, $50-100 on wiring/cables/fuse, about $100+ on front component speakers, another $50-150 on the sub of your choice.

You can go lower if you buy used etc, or much higher as well.

[Bishop]

Upgrade the front speakers (premium or aftermarket 2 way components), add 4 channel amp and 1 sub. Use the front two channels of the amp for the front speakers/components and rear for the sub. Rear speakers can run from the deck/headunit.

Didn't see this at first, ninja edit? Luke said the same thing about the amp and where to run what, but like I said.... noob, and I can get friends to help, but I need help picking hardware, and I can go from there. I'll probably keep this thread alive once it's put together and I'll offer my impressions.

[Jean]

With speakers you'll get as many opinions as many people you ask. You need to head out to a couple local stereo shops and just listen to as many components/speakers as possible. It's a preference, I like the sound of smooth components/tweeters (silk dome) and you might hate it and pick something with metal or titanium tweeters instead. Pick a couple choices, report back with specific brands/models and Luke and others will be sure to comment on them

[Bishop]

You'd suggest aftermarket fronts and tweeters though? Stock size w/ tweeters in the pods I have? If so I'll go listening tomorrow maybe. I already have a set of tweeter pods too, so if I'm going aftermarket then I'll just buy the rear premiums.

[Jean]

If you can budget for a good front aftermarket component set do it, otherwise you can try a stock premium set for now and save your $ towards amp/sub/box.

I would look for a set that can provide as much spl / kick in the midbass area as possible (although it's tough job for small 5.25" speakers, but some are better than others at this). The stockers aren't that bad though, and you might just be happy with premium speakers front/rear + 1 4ch amp and 1 sub.

Fitting 6"+ upfront won't be a "drop-in and go" and will require some work.

[Bishop]

If you'd say that aftermarket would be a better route than premium, i'll look into em. I have a friend who works for a local Ultimate Electronics and he can get me good prices on a ton of stuff. I'll probably go in tomorrow and listen to some, get a price, check ebay and go from there....

So, just to get an idea of where I'm at.

Listen to, pick, and buy some front component speakers.
Pick a 10" sub and get a simple box for now (unless tax return is AWESOME)
Pick up some premium rear speakers

What about an amp (specific suggestions) and wires and stuff. I dunno dick about other stuff, but I have heard people using terms like capacitors... So, caps, fuses, wires, etc....?

Also, I want as little work / hassle as possible. So stock size is a plus, I don't wanna fit some 6x9s or something..