How to install a killer stereo for $500 (loads of pics)

[DER E30]

I'm probably not the first to think of this but the sub level controller fits in the ash tray if you cut the a hole for the controller to sit lower in the tray so that it closes like stock...

[george graves]

Man, calm it down a few notches. If you can't deal with someone challenging a single statement you made (fiberglass = shit), you shouldn't be posting on a public forum. No reason to get all uppity & pissy.

How dare you question Luke. There is only one opinion allowed on this sub-forum. Silly rabbit.

[aeon]

Man, calm it down a few notches. If you can't deal with someone challenging a single statement you made (fiberglass = shit), you shouldn't be posting on a public forum. No reason to get all uppity & pissy.

[StereoInstaller1]

I don't doubt your experience in the car audio game, nor your knowledge of SQ principles. I targeted your statement that Fiberglass isn't worthy of SQ, and simply referenced the king of IASCA's SQ Division (and most notably his Regal, and the fiberglass'd 10" subwoofer up front). It's good enough for top level SQ wins, which means it's good enough for $500 builds.

YAY, one of the kings of fiberglass has a glass box in his $25K system.

Big fucking deal....that has to be about the most retarded argument ever.

This, in case you had not noticed, is a recipe for E30 people to get FANTASTIC sound quality for $500 TOTAL...deck, amp, speakers, and most importantly, a top notch enclosure too. This is not a discussion of how other people build anything, this is how R3V people can build a kick-ass system for very little money in a few hours.

Got it? If you want to discuss the merits and drawbacks of other speaker enclosure materials, feel free to start your own thread, there is a whole damn section of our forum here to discuss it in.

Capiche? Comprende? Save your stupid argument for your own thread, OK?

Luke

[aeon]

I don't doubt your experience in the car audio game, nor your knowledge of SQ principles. I targeted your statement that Fiberglass isn't worthy of SQ, and simply referenced the king of IASCA's SQ Division (and most notably his Regal, and the fiberglass'd 10" subwoofer up front). It's good enough for top level SQ wins, which means it's good enough for $500 builds.

[StereoInstaller1]

Gary Biggs, and basically any other IASCA power house would disagree completely.

What? Are you out of your fucking mind? Yes, Gary is a badass with glass, but no way would he ever say fiberglass is a better choice for SQ, that is pure nonsense. Fiberglass is too "live" a material, that is why there are so few high-end home speakers made from it.

If you disagree, go ahead and have fun with that, but go ask Richard Clark, David Navonne, Scott Buwalda...whoever you want, they will tell you MDF is superior to fiberglass in SQ, period.

This isn't some "opinion" bullshit, it is physics, pure and simple.

(BTW, I was a professional when Gary was still in Junior high school...winning trophies, judging IASCA shows and all...just sayin')

Luke

[aeon]

Oh: fiberglass is a shit material for enclosures. I don't give a fuck what anyone does with it, how thick it is or if they can stand on it, fiberglass is shit. Anything built out of glass will sound better with LESS weight if built from MDF. Go study the term "Youngs Modulus" and report back. You will never use fiberglass again if quality sound is your goal. Fiberglass sounds like shit, that is why it does not happen here at G.A.S., ever.
Luke

Gary Biggs, and basically any other IASCA power house would disagree completely.

[george graves]

These guys are hilarious. Well in that UK - not so funny sort of way.

But if you've never installed a a stero or an alarm, and think it's all black magic - it might be worth a watch.

Skip to 12:40 for where Luke will hate this post.

[nickflic3]

Deck power is not used, so it makes no difference

FYI, the 5500 is cheaper here:

http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-DEH-X5500HD-Receiver-MIXTRAX-Pandora/dp/B0091UY0HE

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...H-X5500HD.html

Thanks a lot guys, I appreciate the quick replies!


I forsee a lukebox in the near future. Wish I could have had you bring one while on your tour.

[AndrewBird]

FYI, the 5500 is cheaper here:

http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-DEH-X5500HD-Receiver-MIXTRAX-Pandora/dp/B0091UY0HE

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_60593_Pioneer-DEH-X5500HD.html

[StereoInstaller1]

Deck power is not used, so it makes no difference

[nickflic3]

Hey Luke quick question, is the RMS wattage a big enough difference to differentiate these 2 pioneer decks? The DEH-4400 you recommend has 22wx4 vs. 14Wx4 of the DEH-5500.

They are listed here at Bestbuy for the same exact price but I do prefer the look of the later 5500. If it's that much of a difference in sound quality I will forgo form for function ;)

4400

5500

My apologies if this has been asked before, I read through most of this thread for the 3rd time and just now started looking into putting together my own audio setup.

Thanks in advance!

[StereoInstaller1]

Got my luke box last night! If anyone is doubting this purchase, don't. Just add to cart. Even Ari was thrilled.



Thanks GAS!

Hell of a woofer!

[JCarp90]

Got my luke box last night! If anyone is doubting this purchase, don't. Just add to cart. Even Ari was thrilled.



Thanks GAS!

[Wardie]

NO!!!!

OK, here is the deal: you connect the back speakers to the front speakers behind the deck, then cut into the speaker wiring behind the back seat.

You are in the wrong thread! You need the $500 stereo thread....

Luke

Thats how brain dead I was last night and typing this when I just wake up should be interesting as well.

I just looked at the late model non premium post you made(Even though mines an early). I am missing two ground wires behind the deck which I am assuming is the major difference between early and lates. Do I have to run new grounds? Which grounds are behind the deck?

Do appreciate you helping me out through this, trying to wrap my head around it.

Edit: Read some old threads, looks like I got to rewire. woo.

Edit Edit: Unless I can just leave the ground as is in the deck and wire it up on the back seat like you said.