Sound Upgrade Questions
New Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8
From: kailua
Crutchfield is saying,and some reviewers as well,that they provide speaker adaptors that require some drilling but it is not difficult. I would replace ONLY the speakers,and not do tweeters or component speakers. I specifically do not want to deal with running new wiring and fabricating new speakers locations in the doors.
like java said, there WILL be some work involved with installing new speakers, regardless of what brand/size you go with. that's just a given with the rather aftermarket-unfriendly design of the fit's audio system. true, it's not all that difficult, but it is time consuming. if that's something that you'd rather not deal with, i'd really recommend finding yourself a solid, reputable mobile audio shop in your area and having them do the install for you. it shouldn't cost you too much more than 150 or so to do all four speakers if they're all coax's, and any shop worth their salt should guarantee their work, should anything go south.
I don't want to get the Alpine units because I want to get BT without having to buy and install a costly add-on adaptor. Now looking at the Pioneer FH-P8000BT.This one has rear USB and AUX inputs. A big plus as I can run the iPod cable to the existing location in the upper compartment.
another option would be to look into one of the alpine or kenwood digital media receivers instead. both the kenwood KIV-BT900 and the alpine iDA-X305SBT have rear usb for ipod (included, no seperate adapter purchase), display album art, and have BT built-in (again, no adapter.) on the downside, you do lose the CD, but it seems like solid ipod integration and hands-free calling are at the top of your required features, so maybe losing the cd wouldn't be that big a deal? the kenwood runs 300, while the alpine runs 400, but also has streaming pandora capability. plus the sound processing for both the alpine and kenwood are better than the lower-level pioneer HU's. plus they're both pretty sexy looking.
just something else to think about...
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 692
From: bay area, cali
I have the pioneer 3300bt. I pretty much love it. let me know if you have any questions.
a couple of weeks ago, I installed a pioneer avh-p3300bt double din deck to replace my aging alpine single din. I absolutely love it. it has built in Bluetooth for calls and it works very well. it has a DVD player which I won't use very often but it's nice to have. it has an optional GPS unit which I did not purchase sine I use navigon on my iPhone. it has an awesome pandora interface that gives you access to your lists and the thumbs up/down feature.
best of all, it has app-mode. basically, what it does is enable any iPhone app with video out to use the deck's monitor. here are some examples:
YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.
YouTube - MotionX-GPS Drive
some of the things I don't like about the unit is that the iPod cable has to be plugged into the face and that the BT is for calls only, no streaming A2DP. if you spend more for the higher end models, these issues are addressed. I really don't have too many complaints since this unit is available on amazon for only $350.
best of all, it has app-mode. basically, what it does is enable any iPhone app with video out to use the deck's monitor. here are some examples:
YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.
YouTube - MotionX-GPS Drive
some of the things I don't like about the unit is that the iPod cable has to be plugged into the face and that the BT is for calls only, no streaming A2DP. if you spend more for the higher end models, these issues are addressed. I really don't have too many complaints since this unit is available on amazon for only $350.
Thread Starter
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Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 337
From: Syracuse, NY
Just letting you know, if you do decide to replace the door speaker and new tweeters, it will become much more involved than you think. First off the speaker adapters crutchfield sells for our car do not work for our cars mounting spots so you will need to fabricate your own out of mdf most likely like i did. then if you want a clean install job and solid sound connection i recommended running new wiring to the doors and tweeters which takes a lot of time with a coat hanger feeding wire through the wire conduits in the door jams. I literally just replaced my stock speakers and I am glad I did BUT if you plan on ever making any changes to your sound system in the future, trust me and just do it all in one shot, it will be worth it and not drive you insane that you need to redo it later on. This project of just the speakers took about 10-11 hours total working time for me. that doesn't include the 3ish hours it took for my to install my jvc navi a couple months back.
basically what i am trying to say is, if you even think about changing door speakers in the future, just do it now. as far as speakers, I am very happy with the ones I chose(Blaupunkt Mystic series) and they are even smaller than the stock ones at 5.25" both in the front(component) and the rear(coax). This size is actually perfect when you make your own adapters and it does NOT require bending any of the door metal to allow the speaker magnet to fit in the door, there is also plenty of clearance between the speaker and window when rolled all the way down. FYI i used 1/2" mdf and was able to install my speakers with the grills they came with and the door fit back on with no issue.
If you have any questions about my install let me know.
basically what i am trying to say is, if you even think about changing door speakers in the future, just do it now. as far as speakers, I am very happy with the ones I chose(Blaupunkt Mystic series) and they are even smaller than the stock ones at 5.25" both in the front(component) and the rear(coax). This size is actually perfect when you make your own adapters and it does NOT require bending any of the door metal to allow the speaker magnet to fit in the door, there is also plenty of clearance between the speaker and window when rolled all the way down. FYI i used 1/2" mdf and was able to install my speakers with the grills they came with and the door fit back on with no issue.
If you have any questions about my install let me know.
Thread Starter
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Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 337
From: Syracuse, NY
like java said, there WILL be some work involved with installing new speakers, regardless of what brand/size you go with. that's just a given with the rather aftermarket-unfriendly design of the fit's audio system. true, it's not all that difficult, but it is time consuming. if that's something that you'd rather not deal with, i'd really recommend finding yourself a solid, reputable mobile audio shop in your area and having them do the install for you. it shouldn't cost you too much more than 150 or so to do all four speakers if they're all coax's, and any shop worth their salt should guarantee their work, should anything go south.
the FH-P8000BT, in my opinion, is only a better sounding version of the stock HU. no display for album art or visible scrolling features, and just a single line text display. the navigation is very similar to how the stock system operates albeit maybe a touch better.
another option would be to look into one of the alpine or kenwood digital media receivers instead. both the kenwood KIV-BT900 and the alpine iDA-X305SBT have rear usb for ipod (included, no seperate adapter purchase), display album art, and have BT built-in (again, no adapter.) on the downside, you do lose the CD, but it seems like solid ipod integration and hands-free calling are at the top of your required features, so maybe losing the cd wouldn't be that big a deal? the kenwood runs 300, while the alpine runs 400, but also has streaming pandora capability. plus the sound processing for both the alpine and kenwood are better than the lower-level pioneer HU's. plus they're both pretty sexy looking.
just something else to think about...
the FH-P8000BT, in my opinion, is only a better sounding version of the stock HU. no display for album art or visible scrolling features, and just a single line text display. the navigation is very similar to how the stock system operates albeit maybe a touch better.
another option would be to look into one of the alpine or kenwood digital media receivers instead. both the kenwood KIV-BT900 and the alpine iDA-X305SBT have rear usb for ipod (included, no seperate adapter purchase), display album art, and have BT built-in (again, no adapter.) on the downside, you do lose the CD, but it seems like solid ipod integration and hands-free calling are at the top of your required features, so maybe losing the cd wouldn't be that big a deal? the kenwood runs 300, while the alpine runs 400, but also has streaming pandora capability. plus the sound processing for both the alpine and kenwood are better than the lower-level pioneer HU's. plus they're both pretty sexy looking.
just something else to think about...
EDIT: Looking at the reviews it seems that the Kenwood has a slow iPod interface. The Alpine is a bit pricey,and although BT is included,a separate box is needed(but included). I can't tell how big this thing is, and where it might go. The Kenwood looked like a great choice,but I don't want to ignore the reviews and take a chance on the iPod interface. I have always wanted an Alpine.
Last edited by LLLC1393; May 6, 2011 at 09:37 PM.
Speaker install as Java said will have work, no matter if you do components or not, if you are replacing the front speakers you might as well do the tweeters as well, it's pretty much IMO a waste not to. As far as how much effort, look at my install log on here, I detail it out almost step by step how it's done without any adapters, takes some time but not really a TON of effort. As far as Alpine is concerned, they do have a double din unit with built in BT, Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. . Now it will cost you because it looks to be the top of the line, however realize that Alpine is NOT garbage and will last a long time. Heck my current head unit is from 2004, and the only thing I have done to it is replace the faceplate from normal wear and tear over the past 7 years. I have seen that unit for under $800 online, so depending on your budget it does have the options you want, usb/ipod/bt etc and it has touch screen. Alpine IMO is one of THE best quality head units out there right now and has been for a while.
Lastly an easy option for a low cost sub without losing all your hatch space is a Bazooka tube, they are small light and some models come with a built in amp already, probably easily set up to be a quick removal if you need all your hatch for something as well.
As someone said I think it was Java, do it right the FIRST time, there is nothing I can tell you but this is TRUE. Spend the money now, instead of down the road, if you get cheap coaxials, you will notice it down the road either get a good set of components for up front and coaxials for the rear or just get components for up front and forget the rear (your not sitting back there anyway). I cannot count how many customers I would help years ago who would spend as little as possible then come back and pay an upgrade fee to upgrade what they bought to what they really wanted in the first place. Just do yourself a favor, do NOT skimp on what you want, decide 150% what you want, then do it don't half ass it you will regret it later.
Lastly an easy option for a low cost sub without losing all your hatch space is a Bazooka tube, they are small light and some models come with a built in amp already, probably easily set up to be a quick removal if you need all your hatch for something as well.
As someone said I think it was Java, do it right the FIRST time, there is nothing I can tell you but this is TRUE. Spend the money now, instead of down the road, if you get cheap coaxials, you will notice it down the road either get a good set of components for up front and coaxials for the rear or just get components for up front and forget the rear (your not sitting back there anyway). I cannot count how many customers I would help years ago who would spend as little as possible then come back and pay an upgrade fee to upgrade what they bought to what they really wanted in the first place. Just do yourself a favor, do NOT skimp on what you want, decide 150% what you want, then do it don't half ass it you will regret it later.
What head unit do you have? I saw the pics on your install thread,but couldn't tell the exact model. I'm still leaning heavily towards the Pioneer FH-P8000BT with rear USB and AUX input,full iPod control,built in BT with external mic,and a blue display to match the rest of the dash/gauges. I'm not thrilled with the one color,can't be changed display,but everything else looks good to me. Still deciding though. Crutchfield is a great resource,allowing you download the owner's manual and get all the details.
The first thing i need to say about it, is that it has the fastest processor of any in dash navi right now, aside from maybe the new model they just released. In addition you have BT with external mic, front usb and aux, sd slot in the face, ipod control through the usb in front, amazing nav system with free traffic notifications, built in hd tuner...and alot more just check out the page i linked to. I am not trying to sell you on it, but this thing is amazing and it has a removable face when u need to.
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Fit Interior Modifications
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Aug 28, 2009 10:35 AM
