Basically, I have a 1997 Nissan Maxima and I'm planning to switch out the entire stock stereo system. I'm planning on buying a Pioneer DEH-P4800MP deck and 4 Pioneer Ts-A1680R 4-way speakers to switch out the stock speakers in the front and rear. Now I'd like some advice. Is it a good idea to put the same exact type of speakers all throughout the car or should I consider some other type of setup? Also, I know that the deck can only push out 22 RMS watts. Does this affect the quality of sound and the amount of bass the speakers can deliver? Should I consider investing some money into an amplifier so I can fully take advantage of what the speakers can deliver? I might consider adding a subwoofer in the trunk sometime in the future. Are there any steps I should take now in order to be better prepared for expanding my system to accomodate new additions? I'd appreciate any guidance/insight on the issue as this is my first attempt at trying to replace those damn buzzing stock speakers with something that can bump. Also, any tips on how to wire up the system would be greatly appreciated (how to get wiring for amp all the way to the trunk from the front of the car and how to get under the carpeting). I'm planning on installing this system myself as I am a VERY hands-on person and like learning how to do things myself. Thanks in advance.

BTW, is there really that much of a difference between 3-way and 4 way speakers? Just wondering

 

If you're electrically inclined and know how electrical systems work, than more power to you and I say go for it, but personally, I try not to mess around with electrical stuff unless I absoluley have to...As far as the difference between 3-way and 4-way.....I say save your money and get the 3-way speakers. The rears won't be hear that good anyways, just get yourself a good component system for the fronts (tweeter/mids/crossover) and 2 amps shoule be good 1 to power the inside speakers and 1 to power a sub/box. a crossover wouldn't hurt either. I have a 10 JL in mine and it pounds like crazy, but I Im thinking about going for the 12' because that way you can turn it up really loud with no problems....I mean a 10' can handle only so much...

Good luck

 

Thanks for the input. After talking to some people, this whole install thing is seeming alot harder than I initially thought. I can get the HU and speakers installed, I would just need to find out how to wire them. Also. you said I should get two amps (one for inside speakers and one for subs). Would I be able to start out with just one amp for the inside and later add on a second amp if I decide to get subs? Is it harder to wire up a dual amp system and are there any downsides to this setup? I'm guessing if I'd like to run a dual amp setup, I'd have to get one four channel amp for the inside speakers and one mono/dual channel amp depending on how many subs I'm going to have. I think there are also 5/6 channel amps out there that would help in this situation. I'm kind of new to the whole audio system thing so I'm trying not to jump in too quickly and overspend, but I'm a sucker for GOOD music.

BTW, I was thinking of getting one of those Bazooka built in amp subwoofer things instead of buying two seperate amps. Anybody have any experiences with those?

Thanks.

 

http://forums.maxima.org/forumdispla...aysprune=&f=25

These guys can probably help you more.

 

You'll get alot more advice in the Audio and Electronics forum near the bottom of the forum index. =)

 

Well I posted there yesterday and still haven't any replies. I posted here and get a response in like 15 mins. I'm trying to get as "enlightened" as I can before the weekend hits so I can start on my project. However, I'm still reading all the stickies in that section to try and get a good idea of what I'm getting myself into.

 

By the sound of it, you are building a pretty simple set-up, if you don't know too much about audio, I'd recomend not to go in deeper in complexity of the system, every headunit has a wiring diagram with it for simple set-ups, use that as a reference and if you're getting a pioneer, it should come with rear outputs when you decide to upgrade with the subs, which is not hard to do at all...if you keep it simple. Good luck on your audio project.

BTW: your current stock radio, is it a Bose hu or no? ( makes a little difference in wirring the speakers, but not somehing you can't conquer by yourself).

 

After going over the costs in my mind, I've pretty much decided to keep it simple without going overboard. I think I'd be able to achieve decent results just running the new HU to the speakers without an amplifier. I'm not looking to shake and rattle the whole neighborhood. I just want something to keep me entertained on the road because that's where I spend alot of my time.

How much improvement can I expect in the following situation: Switching from only the HU's 22 watts RMS output to an amplifier putting out 50 watts RMS to speakers that have a 220 watt max with 50 watt RMS capacity. Is it a subtle or major difference and where is most of the difference found (high tones, bass, etc.)? Thanks for all the help so far guys.

 

Get a new HU, get new decent speakers and just power them off of the HU. Most economical and easiest way to go.

4-way will cost you a minimum of several thousand to do, don't even play with the idea.

 

im waiting for my bills to get caught up over the next month then i can order my two 12in solobarics. My kicker comp's are ok and all but they need to be passed on lol. should go well with the Rockford Fosgate Punch P8004 i have sitting in the garage.

 

The higher voltage gives it more juice, it will be noticeable. Unless you know how to do some stuff I would just do a little at a time to get some experience with dabbling in it. I'm actually right now just running the stock hu (cause I'm being lazy right now) with stock tweets and rears,pioneer midbass' with inducter coils to crossover the frequency. I have a class d amp hooked up through an rca converter through the rear speaker inputs and it sounds pretty good. I can turn it up to a decent level without distortion. To go the route you are planning you are talking about abit of wiring. Do a little at a time and it won't be too bad.

 

Thanks for the input. I think I can get everything wired. I'll probably just get a 200 watt RMS amp and hook it up to all the 4 inside speakers. I just haven't figured out how to stretch the wires under the carpet and get it from the HU to the amp in the trunk then from the amp to all the speakers. Anybody have any suggestions?

Also, what's the best mix of speakers for the front and rear? 3-ways all around, 3-way in the front and a component in the rear, etc.

 

personally i like to have 3 ways for the fronts and component for the rear. it really depends on how you listen to the speakers. Right now i have my two stock rear deck speakers disconnected because they are trash and rattle, and i put 3 way alpines in the door. Kicker VR Comp in the trunk.

 

dude, i went w/the Pioneer DEH3700MP (1 step below the 4700MP) & some 6.5", 2-way, removable-tweeter audiobahn's. they sound insane! really good bass w/out a woofer. i think the H/U has plenty of juice, too--no need for an amp. my setup was pretty affordable too, from crutchfield.com.
(these 6.5" 3-ways look good: http://www.audiobahn.com/Audiobahn06...fullrange.html)

 

I have 3 ways in rear, 4 ways in front and a infinti basslink 2 (id recomend that sub very easy to install and no need to deal with an amp)

 

Why not go with Alpine ???

Anyway, two way speakers will be just fine for both front and rear.
Perhaps getting two-way separates for the front doors would be cool.

A two-way has more cone area for the low end.

If you really want decent sound, get a head unit with manually adjustable time correction for each speaker --- Don't get a head unit that just has a preset delay "one size fits all" setup.

 

I was thinking of buying this setup for my Maxima but I wasn't sure if it would have been a worth while investment. How does this system rank performance wise in comparison to the $150 price tag? Thanks.