New HU

[Jakecallun20]

Would I need one to create a decent audio setup? I've got this in my car right now.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Gh8aRx8E8x ... h=kdcmp332

when I say decent I mean 10" or 12" subs maybe 2 enclosed depending on price. Will this HU do alright with this? Thank Jake

[theprodigy79]

I'd personally recommend stepping up a bit further and going for a unit with 3 pre-amp outputs (including a dedicated sub output / controls). This unit only has 2, so you'll be limited in the future if you ever decide to ugrade futher. Also, if you run a low level (sub) amp off this unit, you'll have to use the standard bass control to control all speakers at once, rather than a dedicated sub control that would allow you to leave your main speakers alone and ONLY control your subs if desired.

[Jakecallun20]

Alright, that sounds like a plan. I would like to upgrade, do you have any recommendations?

[AllShowNoGo]

All depends on what kind of music you listen to, and how deep your pockets are.

BASS or Sound quality?

[theprodigy79]

For the headunit, features and soundquality are primary... It doesn't matter so much what types of music you listen to until you start going for speakers and subs, but for now focus on reliable, clean power with the features you need (basically 3 pre-outs and a sub control it sounds like). Looks may also be a factor for you, but that's all personal preference.

The Pioneer DEH-P4000UB is a solid unit with good sound quality, 3 pre-outs (4V) including a dedicated sub out. It's reasonably priced and will give you everything you need.

If you wanted to stick with Kenwood, the KDC-MP3035 has everything you need and is a reasonable price... You could also step up to the Excelon KDC-X591 for better sound quality, 4V pre-outs and a few other features for less than $30 more.

I'm personally a big fan of Alpine for source... The CDA-9883 or CDA-9884 would definitely be worth checking out. Unfortunately, it takes stepping up to the CDA-9885 to get the 4V pre-outs, and it's considerably more expensive (still very reasonable), but you pay for what you get... Even without the 4V pre-outs, the Alpines will probably give you the best SQ and quality. They may not have as many gimicky extreneous features as the Kenwoods or Pioneer, but they have all the necessary features and are more aimed toward people who want flat out quality. The Kenwood Excelon is also oriented toward the same crowd, and is a quality unit as well.

[redgen1]

or you can got with a setup like mine, with enough bass to enjoy any rap but clear enough to kill the bass and still be crisp

apline dca 9338 h/u
JBL audio package speakers (tweeters and 6x9's)
lanzar audio 2000 watt amp
2 12 inch JL w-2's
fiberglass enclosure i made this summer
ipod hook up


- plan to switch to polk or alpine speakers this summer, and run a new 4 or 2 chanel brided amp to em

[redgen1]

ps listen to prodigy, hes the audioman

[theprodigy79]

Nah, listen to everyone and decide over an array of ideas. I'm not the only "correct method", there are many ways to approach something, and many people on this forum who have different experiences that others can learn from.

I appreciate when anyone else contributes redgen

-James

[Jakecallun20]

Thanks alot James, that really helped. I think I am going to get the KDC-MP3035 it seems to be the best Kenwood for what I want to spend. I'd like to get another Kenwood simply because I can use my iPod adapter from my last unit. I have 2 12" Polk subs coming from a friend, I have a bit of extra cash left over from my small income to spend (80$) and I know I will need an amp. Does anyone have an amp I can buy for 80$ If not no big deal I can wait. Thanks for everyones help!

[theprodigy79]

I'd hold off until you have a bit more cash accrued.

To save a bit of $$, you can get that headunit new on eBay for $113.50 shipped from a legit seller. That way you can pocket a bit more toward your future amp, but there's not much you can do (used or new) for $80....

http://cgi.ebay.com/KENWOOD-KDC-MP3035- ... dZViewItem

[Jakecallun20]

Thanks for finding that link, I am going to buy that and save some money. I appreciate it. it will be a few weeks before my sub boxes are ready for the car so I dont have to find an amp now. So its all good. Thx

[DrLove]

Im with Nakamichi!! if you search sound quality you can't go wrong with it.
If you search a gadget with lights and cool design, Nakamichi is not the right toy for you.

If you are rich, get a McIntosh!

[theprodigy79]

And you also got a damned good price on that Nakamichi if I'm remembering correctly, definitely a nice buy.

But yeah, different category of headunits, and also more pricy. I think he went with a good choice for his needs.

[DrLove]

yes for $280 that was a pretty nice deal. Yesterday I've plug a 8mini-din cable (very hard to find!..found on www.monoprice.com for $5) to a little separate unit, now I can watch tv on my Nakamichi!! a bit useless but how fun!

Last week, I bought a 12" MTX and Infinity amp. I only need a warm day and I will plug it! it will be awsome!

For 500 bucks, I got the Nakamichi IN-DV7, a 12"MTX and the sub box,a 300W RMS Infinity amp! All brand new! A nice setup for a 99 Solara. I love it!

[Jakecallun20]

Alright guys. When I sell my truck (this weekend) I am buying the Polk 12" off a friend, building a box for them, the I am purchasing a Kenwood KAC-9103D 1800Watt Mono amp. I already have 4Gauge power cable with a fuse to run the battery. I have a whole roll of 14gauge wire for the sub/speakers if I choose to run thicker wire. I am planning to mount the amp underneath the passenger seat. If anyone has any suggestions or tips for me they are greatly appreciated... Thanks guys Jake