Audio question, for a car audio novice

[Phathom]

Hey all, this is my first post on the forum, I am going to be getting my FIT in a few weeks. I am getting the base model, with the base audio system. I was wondering what the average cost would be for replacing the stock speakers with some average ones. I am not talking about blowing out my windows or anything, but I want a pretty good all around sound. I bought the I-pod upgrade for my car so I will be listening to a great deal of music. I just dont think I have the tech. skill required to put them in myself, so I was wondering what an average price would be for parts and labor.

[sam]

Seems like many fitfreaks are not liking the music link. Search and read a bit on that in the threads
Hopefully the Dice product will work too- I just sent them an email. It appears to be a better option.

[sLiVeRwOrM]

Speakers.. a good sound and good priced brand I usually got with and trust is pioneer. there are tons of sites online you can compare prices and things.
www.outpost.com
www.shopzilla.com
www.crutchfield.com just to name a few you will have 6.5s all around.

[bigmanbrainy]

Thats a very difficult question.Because not only is there the problem of which company to go with, but also which inparticular speaker to buy. You want to go with 6.5inch speakers in my opinion. Lots of companies make good speakers, some get very expensive and some are crap, and then there is everything in between. Tell us, about how much were you planning on speniding on parts for the 4 speakers you want to replace. I can give you some good shoping tips then.

I will tell you one thing thow. Some people will try to ream you on labor! I payed 50 dollars to get a set installed in the hatch of my jeep cherokee(there are no speaker holes in a jeep cherokee hatch, so they had to cut steel and what not to get them in(i think thats preity inexpensive)) and everyone will try to ream you on parts. Dont buy pre-mature.

[Phathom]

Well...I just found out that I am actually getting the FIT Sport so my speakers will be better than I thought. I was thinking of spending around 300-400 dollars...would that add much of an improvment to my sound, or should I just leave it?

[fm2n]

If you want the best bang for your buck, you should buy this component kit through madisound.com

Vifa manufactures OEM for many high end speaker companies and this kit here is OEM for Eclipse Audio.

Here is the link:
http://www.madisound.com/cgi-bin/ind....2417&pid=2129

This will blow away any brands such pioneer, JL audio, kenwood, etc. I would group Eclipse Audio up there with brands such MB Quartz, Audiobahn or Diamond Audio.

On my accord, I couldn't fit a 6 1/2" speaker because the magnet gets in the way of the window when it is rolled down. So the 5 1/4 will be perfect. I am assuming the same for the FIT.

Andy

[sam]

Originally Posted by Phathom

Well...I just found out that I am actually getting the FIT Sport so my speakers will be better than I thought. I was thinking of spending around 300-400 dollars...would that add much of an improvment to my sound, or should I just leave it?

I'm happy with the Fit Sport speakers so you may want to waitsee. On the other hand: I'm not much of an audiophile nor sure what you'll want.

[bigmanbrainy]

I have a lot of audio equipment already...but im gona wait because it would be a lot easier to install later. Since you are getting someone else to do it for you that might not matter. But im priety sure that the fit sports audio system is designed and manufactuerded by an aftermarket supplier anyway, so...I would wait unless you are unsatisfied.
I tell you what. You can save a lot of money by using best-price.com thats my bit of info. Find what you want to buy then search for it on their. You might be able to get it half price! Its not uncommon.

[Phathom]

awesome... thanks

[spider2k]

up there with audiobahn? audiobahn is crap unless they got bought out and completely changed their product. i used to install it and damn near every piece had to be warrantied du to shoddy parts and build. plus it didnt sound good at all. it doesnt belong anywhere near quart or diamond.

[fm2n]

Originally Posted by spider2k

up there with audiobahn? audiobahn is crap unless they got bought out and completely changed their product. i used to install it and damn near every piece had to be warrantied du to shoddy parts and build. plus it didnt sound good at all. it doesnt belong anywhere near quart or diamond.

You may be right. I honestly have not kept up with the auto-audio industry. I once did research and found the best compromise in price and quality and the rest was history. Name doesn't say much these days since a lot of these quality speakers are of OEM from makers such as VIFA, or SCANSPEAK. I believe it is only Focal that purchases OEM components and modifies them for maximum quality. Even makers such as Wilson Audio (www.wilsonaudio.com) uses their speakers. But then again, there's very little you can do for quality in car stereos because the floor noise (ambient sounds) will suck up any life out of the speaker. I have found that a decent quality setup with excellent crossover and proper gain setting will give you far superior results than just the best speakers and no knowledge in audio tweaking.

If I were to do it all over again, I would buy separates from Vifa and build my own crossover based on the response of my doors cabinetry.