Head unit/speakers
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 41
Head unit/speakers
I've looked over the How to's/DIY and the Stereo install threads but, nothing on what a decent Head unit and speakers would be. Only thing I found was Eclipse... Would a regular Sony/Alpine or any other head unit and install kit from Best Buy be ok for my '01 AE? Wondering on speaker brand also. Looking for loud. May end up adding a smaller sub in the future as well. Not looking to spend a small fortune but, an upgrade would be nice. Also curious if a wiring kit would allow me to still use my steering wheel controls? Thanks again. 
To answer Most of your questions...with some questions as well for you..
*I would consider Pioneer/Alpine and Kenwood Before i ever touch a sony.
You say regular head unit, as in single din cd playeer maybe with bluetooth/aux i imagine. or did you have a double din in mind? I would def recommend a double din to anyone looking to expand in car entertainment.
A stereo kit from Metra is ideal; unless the AE has something unique its likely a Bose cd/cd changer. Even then there is a harness to bypass the amps
A pic steering wheel control module can be purchased and programmed to use your steering controls..its somewhat complicated imo.
Let us know a budget calculating install charge if not doing it yourself and we can assist you some more....
*I would consider Pioneer/Alpine and Kenwood Before i ever touch a sony.
You say regular head unit, as in single din cd playeer maybe with bluetooth/aux i imagine. or did you have a double din in mind? I would def recommend a double din to anyone looking to expand in car entertainment.
A stereo kit from Metra is ideal; unless the AE has something unique its likely a Bose cd/cd changer. Even then there is a harness to bypass the amps
A pic steering wheel control module can be purchased and programmed to use your steering controls..its somewhat complicated imo.
Let us know a budget calculating install charge if not doing it yourself and we can assist you some more....
Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 173
From: Rleigh, NC
I have a setup that I love.
Alpine 143BT from Crutchfiled Headunit:
It's has a built in Equalizer and boosts the sound of all the speakers. Has bluetooth, iPod control and Aux. It picks up EVERY station as well. Crutchfield give EVERYTHING you need to install on your specific vehicle. Including fitting kit, and also wiring kit.
Polk Audio DXi651 Speakers:
Very quality sound at a good price. My friend has these and he probably has the clearest sound system I've heard.
Anything from "Focal" are great speakers
If you want cheap quality speakers, get Alpine Type-S. Very good for the price.
If you want something loud get the Alpine Type-R.
Alpine 143BT from Crutchfiled Headunit:
It's has a built in Equalizer and boosts the sound of all the speakers. Has bluetooth, iPod control and Aux. It picks up EVERY station as well. Crutchfield give EVERYTHING you need to install on your specific vehicle. Including fitting kit, and also wiring kit.
Polk Audio DXi651 Speakers:
Very quality sound at a good price. My friend has these and he probably has the clearest sound system I've heard.
Anything from "Focal" are great speakers
If you want cheap quality speakers, get Alpine Type-S. Very good for the price.
If you want something loud get the Alpine Type-R.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 41
To answer Most of your questions...with some questions as well for you..
*I would consider Pioneer/Alpine and Kenwood Before i ever touch a sony.
You say regular head unit, as in single din cd playeer maybe with bluetooth/aux i imagine. or did you have a double din in mind? I would def recommend a double din to anyone looking to expand in car entertainment.
A stereo kit from Metra is ideal; unless the AE has something unique its likely a Bose cd/cd changer. Even then there is a harness to bypass the amps
A pic steering wheel control module can be purchased and programmed to use your steering controls..its somewhat complicated imo.
Let us know a budget calculating install charge if not doing it yourself and we can assist you some more....
*I would consider Pioneer/Alpine and Kenwood Before i ever touch a sony.
You say regular head unit, as in single din cd playeer maybe with bluetooth/aux i imagine. or did you have a double din in mind? I would def recommend a double din to anyone looking to expand in car entertainment.
A stereo kit from Metra is ideal; unless the AE has something unique its likely a Bose cd/cd changer. Even then there is a harness to bypass the amps
A pic steering wheel control module can be purchased and programmed to use your steering controls..its somewhat complicated imo.
Let us know a budget calculating install charge if not doing it yourself and we can assist you some more....
I have a setup that I love.
Alpine 143BT from Crutchfiled Headunit:
It's has a built in Equalizer and boosts the sound of all the speakers. Has bluetooth, iPod control and Aux. It picks up EVERY station as well. Crutchfield give EVERYTHING you need to install on your specific vehicle. Including fitting kit, and also wiring kit.
Polk Audio DXi651 Speakers:
Very quality sound at a good price. My friend has these and he probably has the clearest sound system I've heard.
Anything from "Focal" are great speakers
If you want cheap quality speakers, get Alpine Type-S. Very good for the price.
If you want something loud get the Alpine Type-R.
Alpine 143BT from Crutchfiled Headunit:
It's has a built in Equalizer and boosts the sound of all the speakers. Has bluetooth, iPod control and Aux. It picks up EVERY station as well. Crutchfield give EVERYTHING you need to install on your specific vehicle. Including fitting kit, and also wiring kit.
Polk Audio DXi651 Speakers:
Very quality sound at a good price. My friend has these and he probably has the clearest sound system I've heard.
Anything from "Focal" are great speakers
If you want cheap quality speakers, get Alpine Type-S. Very good for the price.
If you want something loud get the Alpine Type-R.
I'm assuming the fronts are 6.5" and the rears are 5.25"?
If your not wanting to spend a lot of money, going the used route will give you more bang for your buck. You can figure out what you want & check ebay, as well some audio forums.
Speakers will differ in sound. Go to your local audio shops & listen to as many as you can. That way you'll know what sound your after.
Speakers will differ in sound. Go to your local audio shops & listen to as many as you can. That way you'll know what sound your after.
Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 274
+1 for Alpine and Kenwood head units. Kenwood will give you more features for your money so if you're on a budget you might consider Kenwood.
I"m a fan of JL Audio speakers and subs as well as Alpine subs. I have a 10" Alpine Type-R sub run by a 500w Alpine amp with a Kenwood head unit. Sounds great.
EDIT: You say you're not looking to spend a small fortune, what are you willing to spend? Without knowing what your budget is it's hard to make suggestions that fit what you're looking for.
I"m a fan of JL Audio speakers and subs as well as Alpine subs. I have a 10" Alpine Type-R sub run by a 500w Alpine amp with a Kenwood head unit. Sounds great.
EDIT: You say you're not looking to spend a small fortune, what are you willing to spend? Without knowing what your budget is it's hard to make suggestions that fit what you're looking for.
Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 173
From: Rleigh, NC
Well, not necessarily a Sony. I was looking for just a single din install. Not wanting a huge double din unit. My system is not Bose but, I'm still unsure of a CD changer... As far as maney, I'm looking cheap in money as possible but, not bottom of the barrel install. Do Kicker 6.5 and 5.25 speakers sound decent?
I was looking at the Polk speakers when I was in town earlier. Most likely would stick with Alpine speakers. I'll check into Crutchfield. Forgot about those guys!
I'm assuming the fronts are 6.5" and the rears are 5.25"?
I was looking at the Polk speakers when I was in town earlier. Most likely would stick with Alpine speakers. I'll check into Crutchfield. Forgot about those guys!
I'm assuming the fronts are 6.5" and the rears are 5.25"?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 41
+1 for Alpine and Kenwood head units. Kenwood will give you more features for your money so if you're on a budget you might consider Kenwood.
I"m a fan of JL Audio speakers and subs as well as Alpine subs. I have a 10" Alpine Type-R sub run by a 500w Alpine amp with a Kenwood head unit. Sounds great.
EDIT: You say you're not looking to spend a small fortune, what are you willing to spend? Without knowing what your budget is it's hard to make suggestions that fit what you're looking for.
I"m a fan of JL Audio speakers and subs as well as Alpine subs. I have a 10" Alpine Type-R sub run by a 500w Alpine amp with a Kenwood head unit. Sounds great.
EDIT: You say you're not looking to spend a small fortune, what are you willing to spend? Without knowing what your budget is it's hard to make suggestions that fit what you're looking for.
Any upgrades to the tweeters on the door pillars?
Last edited by tonka329; Aug 31, 2014 at 07:33 PM.
Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 274
If you're talking $200 you won't get much past the head unit if you go new. If you're talking $300 you could get away with a head unit and two pairs of 6.5" speakers. I'd recommend looking on Crutchfield to find something in your price range that you think might work for your needs. Once you've found some options head to a local stereo shop that has those components and see what you think about the sound.
And I would completely skip a CD changer. Pretty much useless these days with USB and bluetooth.
EDIT: A few suggestions. I have not heard the speakers myself. Just a suggestion that might fit in your budget.
Alpine CDE-143BT
Kenwood Excelon KDC-X598
Kicker 40CS654
Last edited by Unclejunebug; Aug 31, 2014 at 10:24 PM.
Remove all your defective parts and send to these folks:
http://www.carstereohelp.com/nissan.htm
http://www.carstereohelp.com/nissan.htm
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 41
^^
If you're talking $200 you won't get much past the head unit if you go new. If you're talking $300 you could get away with a head unit and two pairs of 6.5" speakers. I'd recommend looking on Crutchfield to find something in your price range that you think might work for your needs. Once you've found some options head to a local stereo shop that has those components and see what you think about the sound.
And I would completely skip a CD changer. Pretty much useless these days with USB and bluetooth.
EDIT: A few suggestions. I have not heard the speakers myself. Just a suggestion that might fit in your budget.
Alpine CDE-143BT
Kenwood Excelon KDC-X598
Kicker 40CS654
If you're talking $200 you won't get much past the head unit if you go new. If you're talking $300 you could get away with a head unit and two pairs of 6.5" speakers. I'd recommend looking on Crutchfield to find something in your price range that you think might work for your needs. Once you've found some options head to a local stereo shop that has those components and see what you think about the sound.
And I would completely skip a CD changer. Pretty much useless these days with USB and bluetooth.
EDIT: A few suggestions. I have not heard the speakers myself. Just a suggestion that might fit in your budget.
Alpine CDE-143BT
Kenwood Excelon KDC-X598
Kicker 40CS654
Remove all your defective parts and send to these folks:
http://www.carstereohelp.com/nissan.htm
http://www.carstereohelp.com/nissan.htm
go to crutchfield and look for a HU first, install it and go fron there.. build it around your HU, take your time and you will do great.Im buying a Jenses GPS HU for the car in a few months, keeping the Bose speakers for the moment.
I've actually had really good service from my Bose system and just recently my 2003 Maxima lost the CD abilities and the subwoofer went inop about 12 months ago....So I'll be removing them to have them rebuilt with the much better components and add an Aux jack and UBS by FCSR....I'll really not an audio geek and decent sound is all my family needs with the Bose was loud enough as it is! I figure $300 wouldn't give me a system that's even comparable to the OEM BOSE equipped in my Maxima! I would say it jammed many years flawlessly....only downfall was a lack of a jack to plug my MP3 or iphone. that'll be taken care of as well!
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