Howdy All:

If you would not mind I would like some thoughts on a new system for my 96 Maxima. I posted a similar message in audio but I though other 4th Gen owners might be able to help with some specifics. Here are the items and my Ipaq MP3 idea after this list:

Head Unit - Sony Xplod ES CDX-M650
http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S...DXM650&o=M&a=0

Amp - Sony Xplod XM-405EQX 5 channel
http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S...M405EQ&o=M&a=1

Speakers - Sony XS-V1621 for the rears and Sony XS-V1631 for the fronts
http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S...SV1631&o=M&a=1

Subwoofer - Sony Xplod XS-L1230
http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S...SL1230&o=M&a=1

RCA Input - Sony XA-107
http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S...8XA107&o=M&a=1

I figure this should work well for me and with the RCA input I can input MP3 tunes from my Ipaq. I looked at MP3 decks that are out now but do not like the current choices. Besides this way I can just copy any tunes I wish to a 1gb microdrive and play for quite a while.

Any thoughts on where to bring the RCA connections?? I was thinking that I could bring them to the space under the HU and also a powercord and then I could plug the Ipaq in and leave it there as it played but it would be tough to change tunes. Another thought might be behind the shifter area in front of the center armrest??

I would appreciate your thoughts and if anyone knows what other items I might need I would appreciate it. This is my first foray into doing this type of work in a car.

Best regards, tony

 

My roomate has the 4 channel sony Xplod amp in his car and it is really nice. I personnaly like more power for my fronts, 40w isnt all that much. I think you will be able to find much better speakers for only alittle more money if you shop around.

Crutchfield is good for comparing specs and they have good service, but they have fairly high prices. Try shopping around.

 

I dont have a problem with sony head units but as for sonys other products notice how they really jazz them up to look cool. They normally do this to intice people into thinking if it looks good then its gotta be good. Wrong imagine the look of those sony xplod speakers through your back window I personally dont care for red speakers. I do love that head unit and it has some really cool features. For the money go to sounddomain.com and buy some crystal audio speakers for your doors and back they might cost 20.00 bucks or so more but expect the quality to be better also. As far as a sub goes if you want one 12" or 10" that will pound the hell out of you get an audiomobile at audiomobileinc.com they have the number one rated 10" and 12" (ratings by car stero review) . If you dont plan on adding more woofers for competiton go with their evo series it will cost you 169+ shipping for one ten but trust me impress your friends dont tell them its only one ten, they will think you've got two of those pretty sony subs in the back. Now for the power by the best amp you can afford and stay away from sony the have terrible distortion at high volume levels. I'd say go with a alpine, mtx, ppi, or xtant. Point being if you've got 250.00 make sure you have a good sub amp and you can run the mids and highs of you head unit until you can afford another amp. By the way I install stereos on the side and have delt with many situations like this please reconsider at least different mid and hi speakers.

 

Thanks for the thoughts. I am not really hooked on the other Sony items. But I really do like the HU, it seems to offer a lot and I like the button arrangement and general looks as well. Is $279 a good price, I found it for that on the auction site??

Also I looked at the Audiomobileinc site and they seem pretty cool. What is the diference between the single and dual voice coil??

Any thoughts on the Ipaq placement??

Best regards,

tony

 

I's say mount that Ipaq thing somewhere you can get to it. Make it look professional though dont use two sided tape and mount it on the dash. There is no difference in sound of a dual voice coil and a single if that is what you want to know thats why in most cases they are equal cost. Some speaker makers do charge more for dual voice coils.

 

ok first the head unit is a nice one but I have seen them on ebay for $240 those were the 650 series. I would go for the 750 model, it has three preouts and it has more features such as the EQ ( you want this). I am also lookin in to getting the 750, right now i have the JVC kameleon. I wouldnt go with sony speakers. They are only for looks, not too impresive if you as me. I would go with Polk speakers or even poineer. I had them in my old car and I had no problems with them at all. The 3 way is a nice choice. Im thinking of having 3 ways in the front and back doors ( have a gxe, pain in the ***) and two 6x9 in the back. ok im tired of typing later


mike

 

I have to say: Don't get anything with the word "Sony" on it. Their stuff is terribly unreliable. There are plenty of other brands out there that are way better and will keep you happy for many years.

 

I have owned sony car audio equipment for many years, mainly mobile ES. It has always performed well, and lasted a long time. I never used their speakers or amplifiers just head units and eq's. My last mobile es unit lasted for 10 yrs and is still going strong in the new owners car.

 

the sony head unit is ok...the amp is good to power you mids and highs but the xplod subs f*@king suck... get some kicker subs they bang for the money