Rocksteady's Audio Questions

[Rocksteady]

As some of you know, I recently bought a 2001 Dodge Conversion Van, and the OEM sound system in there suxxors! It doesn't even have a CD player, just a cassete,



I plan to do something soon, and already have a Kicker Impulse 652xi amp that I've been saving... .... I could take the Sony (aftermarket) CD player out of my old van before I sell it, but want to make sure everything's compatible.

I hesitate to yank the oem system out of the dash, and have considered bypassing the entire system, mounting the CD player elsewhere, but hooking it to the existing speakers. Those are all built in to the new van's wood interior panels, and my question is: will I need to get better speakers, and bypass the system entirely,,,, or will the amp itself make the factory ones sound good (or better?)
( I'm used to 600 watts thru 2 JBL double 15's with horns in the house, maybe I'm a bit spoiled?)

On the other hand, I'd hate to clutter up the van with a bunch of audio stuff , even though I cringe when I hear the tinny, wimpy quality sound. SIGH... What to do, what to do?...
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[Google]

[ToggleHead]

just didnt want to get it cluttered, or lost somewhere


well first off dont be suprised to hear the stock speakers giving you no where near the bass those 15's did..... but we can fix that....=]

Yes your old Head unit is "compatible" but the aims thing you need to focus on is the DIN size. Are the radios the same height? if not there are kits to fix that, to make a single din radio fit in a double..... but if its the other way around...we got trouble.....you would need to but a new one

anyway.... with a head unit and the use of that amp and subs, you can kill all the bass to the interiors, and just run it through some subs..... this will lighten the load in the interiors, but i still cant vouch for their quality.... chances are, that amp will just hurt them, and your ears
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[Rocksteady]

Thanks for moving it TH, I read the entire other thread, then forgot to find one with questions about audio, oops....

Yes, the Sony has a kit that made it fir the Grand Voyager it's in now, and the old one is a double width, so it would work-- IF I yank it out of the dash, but wonder if I should install it somewhere else in the van so as not to deal with the wire harness problems encountered with the Sony to the Voyager. It was a nightmare, and never did sound right.

I'm thinking of having the Kicker straight~wired to the battery, then mounting the Sony CD player (Or a new multiple CD player with a remote) in one of the wood compartments near the TV.

Then again, I could just buy an OEM CD player made for that model van, and pray that it sounds good....
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[fussnfeathers]

Eh.........OEM fit stereos are typically garbage. I'd use the Sony you have, personally, and if the wiring harness isn't the same, hit up Crutchfield for one that will go between the Sony harness and the stock van harness. Makes your life alot easier, for about $15 or so.

And yeah, the speakers will sound like crap, they're most likely stock Dodge speakers, but it might not hurt to pop a door panel and check for sure. Sub-wise, you can get some good sounding boxes that fit under the seats, or (personally) I'm a big fan of the Bazooka tubes for van applications. Easy to wire in, stay put in the huge space they're in, and you can take them out pretty easily if you need the space to haul something. And they sound pretty good, too.

Otherwise, you could have a sub box built that matches either the wood trim or the carpet, and fits snugly along one wall in the back.
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Big enough to scare you

[Rocksteady]

...LOVE the new emoticons, thanks Nate!

FnF, what a coincidence, I ordered a Panasonic MXE CQ-C8400U CD/MP3/WMA Receiver from Crutchfield yesterday afternoon, and it'll be here by Thursday. Great advice about the tubie speakers, I'll check those out for sure, since I'm positive the sick stock speakers are still in there... ... There's only one wire to solder, and the rest is a harness that plugs right in, so I'm pretty happy... ....

The matching wood trim over a new sub box might be the way to go if I need bigger speakers up there too, but the tubes under the seats in back should shake people up pretty good.,,,,

I'll keep you posted, thanks guys...
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[Rocksteady]

Hey, thought I'd list the features for the new rig:

( I decided on Panasonic cause I have one in the house, not real big, but it sounds great,, considering it's size. It comes in handy when I don't need to fire up the big system that makes the little wheel spin around on our electric meter ... .)

Panasonic MXE CQ-C8400U
CD/MP3/WMA receiver

Clearance: Save $100! Was: $349.99, Now: $249.99
Item #133C8400
In Stock

30-day Money-back Guarantee!
Free installation gear for most items!

The Panasonic MXE CQ-C8400U CD receiver has the ability to download custom graphics into the 3DDM display! Go to Panasonic's website and you'll find images and movies that you can download to your computer and then transfer to the receiver via CD-R. The exciting high-definition, animated display will look even better with backgrounds and movies that appeal to your tastes!

In addition to playing your MP3 and WMA discs, this versatile CD receiver also has a convenient auxiliary input to add the sound from a video game or portable music player to your system. Use the 7-band equalizer to tame the powerful MOSFET60 (26 watts RMS x 4) internal amp. Your music will be turbocharged for serious sound!

Three sets of 5-volt preamp outputs deliver a pristine signal to your external amplifiers so your music will sound awesome. The strong voltage delivers a high-quality, clean signal to your amps for noise-free amplification. Use the built-in crossovers to direct the mids and highs to your speakers and the lows to your subwoofer. Your music will sound more accurate and have less distortion.

Don't have a subwoofer, but still want some bass focus? If you have large rear speakers, then Panasonic's "Super Bass Control Subwoofer" feature can help. It's a low-pass filter that blocks the mids and highs from your rear speakers, utilizing them as woofers to help emphasize the bass.

Panasonic protects the MXE line of receivers with a 2-year warranty.

Key Features:

» motorized, detachable faceplate
» Day and Night illumination
» high-definition 3DDM animated display
» custom graphics
» spectrum analyzer
» plays CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs (including discs loaded with MP3 and WMA files)
» direct track selection (with remote control)
» Alphatuner V
» 18 FM/6 AM presets
» seek tuning
» SQ7 sound control (six preset tone curves and a 7-band equalizer)
» MOSFET60 internal amp
» CD changer controls
» rear auxiliary input
» 5-volt front, rear, and subwoofer preamp outputs
» high-pass and low-pass crossovers
» Super Bass Control Subwoofer — activates level control and low-pass filter on rear speaker outputs
» clock
» wireless remote
» 26 watts RMS/60 peak x 4 channels
» CD frequency response 20-20,000 Hz
» CD signal-to-noise ratio 96 dB
» FM sensitivity 10.2 dBf
» warranty: 2 years
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[Rocksteady]

*...sound of wind & tumbleweeds blowing across the empty desert....*)


I probably shouldn't have done this, but my spouse said he's too busy to install the security & stereo systems till the house is finished (See Home Improvement Disasters)

...so,,, when both items arrived yesterday, I called a highly recommended pro audio installer.. It gets done TODAY at 1:30pm, and I get to watch! .... .. I'll keep you guys posted.....
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[Xal]

Cool RS, let us know how it sounds
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[Rocksteady]

Update: The new system sounds Eons better, with a low pass filter on it, also with bass boosting.. Much clearer, crip & punchy sounding.. ...The installers were extremely helpful, and thought the MXE CQ-C8400U was cool. The speakers are going to get blown up soon I'm sure, and I asked them about brands that would fit --without adding a lot of bulk to the interior.

Anyone here heard of MB Quartz? The guys said they're "a little pricey" but very good, comparable to Bose with the size/quality factor. I also showed them the other (older kicker) amp, and it will definitly come in handy for the subwoofer, which will eventually be needed too.

I asked about FnF's recommended Bazooka brand, but when they learned of the back bench coming out for cargo reasons, they said they were a bit large for this vehicle, even tho they were good. It would need to fit under a bucket seat. I'd probably only need one....?

( I need some advice on the 8", 10" 12" subs..Anybody? I like a lot of good, punchy bass, but don't really need to go deaf while annoying people and stunning small animals.)

I think I'll pick one brand on all the speakers and go from there, for compatability purposes. Hopefully this will be possible.....?

The alarm system was put in too, and works great, it's so neat! Chirp chirp! ...
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[JayDubya]

Sounds great. I'm glad things are going well.

As for subs, what kind of music will you be listening to? Are there any size/room limitations in your vehicle?
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JayDubya aka JW Jay JD ^> ﺵ

[Rocksteady]

Thanks JW... Why, Rock, of course..... .... I like Any good dance/driving music, NO COUNTRY OMG. Some of the newer stuff is good, and I tune in to alternative stations occasionally, but am not as familiar with the names of new songs or groups.

I watched Sally's video, and I love his system, but won't need that much extreme power. Yes, space is a bit limited, and the Subbie will need to fit maybe under one of the bucket seats in the mid section.. The entire back area will be needed hauling equipment so no room there.

This van is a short wheel base, meaning less length so I'm trying to keep the stereo from taking over the place, but still be fun to listen to while rocking down the road. The guy at Crutchfield is checking on some stuff for me, but everything's up in the air right now.

BTW, I downloaded surfing graphics into the display on it, and it is Awesome, I hope I can keep my eyes on the road...
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[JayDubya]

Haha, too much fun.

Well, you'll probably limited to 8 or 10" woofers. A custom box is essentially a must. I'll take a look at how much room there is under the dodge seats or any other place a sub could hide.
One thing that might work is the bazooka bass tube. . . not the greatest, but efficient and compact for your situation. (just don't get the bass tubes at wal-mart =P )

What are the ratings on your amplifier?
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JayDubya aka JW Jay JD ^> ﺵ

[Rocksteady]

60 x 4...

Lol on the bazooka at Wal-Mart, don't worry...I'm going to stick with the Crutchfield site if possible.

The installer guy said he'd build a sub box to go wherever I wanted it. There seems to be some room under the seats, but I have to measure. Hoping I can hide it!

I read that polyfiber-fill is good to stuff around it.
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[Sally]

Get a price from your installer guy for building the custom box and such. If you don't require a totally custom install, a good alternative to the bazooka bass tubes is the Infinity Bass LInk ( http://www.crutchfield.com/S-92XLf6h0V0M/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=51000&I=108BASSLIN ). Also, if you are looking for a deal, Crutchfield has some "Discount Bass Systems" listed which include sub(s) and amplifier: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-92XLf6h0V0M/cgi-bin/ProdGroup.asp?g=208050&avf=N . Another site that is credible and competative is www.sounddomain.com .

Also, glad you liked my excursion porn!
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[Rocksteady]

Yo Sally, your system WAILS, Bro! Very Cool... ..... Hey, thanks for the links. That Infinity looks great, but I already have an extra amp that will probably fit under the front passenger seat. (Kicker 652xi)

I think I found a place for the sub, what do you guys think? Possibly behind the middle seat, in front of the wheel-well. (Shown below...The back seat pictured to the left is coming out soon) It has to fit under the wood fuse box, but the available space is about 10 1/2" high, x 9" wide x 7" deep.

I'm thinking IF the box doesn't have to be square, maybe I can get a 10" or 12" speaker, but have the top & sides slope back slightly to fit.
I'll have to get the guy to custom build & install the box, maybe using the same color carpet on the outside, conforming to the shape so it blends in, with a "foot-proof" grill on the front...



As you can see, I'm going to have a problem with the wood cover for the componenent speakers.... Not very big openings, and I'd hate to cut anything. I won't know how much room I have in there till I remove the wood panel..



Here's the TV & VCR... I read in the manual that you can program it to receive cable channels if you're already subscribed....



The TV has already come in handy, the stereo installer guy was 30 minutes late, and the other guy said come on in & wait, but I said: no thanks, I'll wait out here & watch TV, closed the shades & kicked back....Home Sweet Home!...
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[Sally]

RS, that van is pretty damn dope. About how much space have you got down there in that spot that you are considering for the sub? I can't tell for sure from the picture, but It looks as if you could sneak a 10" sub down there pretty readily.

Having all of that conversion van "stuff" in there just requires you to have some fairly decent sound to go w/ it. Lets get a shot of the CD player!
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[ToggleHead]

im sure you would be very happy with an MB Quart setup, but hes right...they are pricey......

you can get damn good audio for les than that too.... check out polk audio, alpine, and for you audio nut...focal
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[Rocksteady]

Not that much space, I'd rather find another spot if it means being able to get a 10" or 12"....



Here's the new baby... I'll have to post the site where I got this surfing download, it's on the Panasonic.com site under downloads. I copied it to CD, then downloaded it into the display. It's like a little TV, and is on about a 4 second loop,,,,, Wheeeeeeeeeeee!....







TH, I am seriously considering Alpine. I would've bought the Alpine CD receiver, but a few reviews said they skipped.. but I'm sure the sub would be wonderful. The dealer said it wouldn't skip unless it was an off road vehicle, but it scared me anyway...been there done that..

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[Rocksteady]

Here's a strange looking sub....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=32823&item=5761576885&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW
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[Xal]

It looks alot like the apple subs that were sold for the old g3 imacs.... Did you look at the square 18" kicker sub wow
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[Rocksteady]

Those square kickers look weird to me for some reason..

A friend of ours is bringing a JL 12" sub over tonight to see if I like it, and there's an enclosure goes with it too. Kinda big, but what the hey. That back seat's coming out, so we'll just have to work around it with the equipment..

JL is really good from what I've read, JW likes them, so they must be..
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[ToggleHead]

JL's are great subs....last forever, and sound good....=D

That will fill that van nicely....=D
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[Rocksteady]

...So glad to hear that TH, that's what our friend said. He used to build competition systems (and win) .

This one I'm getting is a 12" JL dual coil 250w RMS (might be 300w or more, have to check tonight)
I also need to check the model number. The enclosure's pretty big, 18" high x 30" long, not sure how deep. has about 15 hours on it, & not even broken in. What, it takes about 20 hours, right?
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[ToggleHead]

eh...every sub is different..... at 15 hours id say your good.... just dont pump it too hard in the cold before it warms up...=D
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[Xal]

Sweet RS, that should make your ride sound great
_________________
Phenom II x4 955 @ Stock
Asus M3N78-EM
4gb Corsair XMS2 DDR2 667 @ 800
1gb Powercolor Radeon HD 5850 @ Stock
X-fi Extreme Audio PCI E
Nexus 600W Silent PSU
Nexus Fans
Custom case