Hey what's up all,

I'm a new proud owner of a 99 se, and even though I hardly have any money, I'm looking at upgrades now.. especially sound. I want a nice sound system which can replace the 200w bose sound system in there now. But, I'm a bit lost..

First of all, is it a smart choice to replace the sound with something better? I could get a head unit, and subs in the trunk. Would I also need an amp?

I'm just a bit lost.. if anyone can point me in the right direction I'd really appreciate it.

Edit: Also, do most of you guys have your sound system installed for you or do it yourself?

Thanks alot,
Dan

 

DIY is the only way to guarantee its being done right..and, then its only right if you know what you're doing or have somone to help ya..

Ok..I've never worked with a max other than 3rd gen, so i cant tell ya where ya need to run wires or how to remove your factory components, but I can tell ya what to look for..

you'll want a new headunit, front speakers, rear speakers, sub(s), and amp(s) to drive the subs..

these brands are my opinions for what sounds good, and only what i can think of off the top of my head:

Headunit: Kenwood, Pioneer, Alpine
Speakers: Kenwood, Pioneer, Alpine, MB Quart, Boston Acoustics, Infinity Kappa or Kappa Perfect, JL audio, Rockford Fosgate

I assume you want sound quality, not sound pressure, but you have to decide if you want 10" or 12" sub..you want them in a sealed box made out of 5/8" or thicker MDF or particleboard..you can buy a Q-logic box for your subs, but they're kinda expensive..you might try building your own box if you're a decent carpenter..

the smaller the sub, the more accurate they TEND to be..this is not always the case, as the type and size of box you use and what the sub was designed for (SQ or SPL) will play a part in it..depending on the type of music you like, you'll want to choose 1 or 2 subs, 10" or 12" subs...the more bass ya like, quantity and size of subs will make a difference..

anyway, brands that I like for subs for sound quality are: JL audio, Pioneer, Alpine, Infinity kappa or kappa perfect, rockford fosgate punch stage 2, stage 3, and power stage 1, and 2 series

no matter what anyone tells ya, stay away from all sony car audio..since they came out with the explode garbage, all sony car audio sucks.

Amp(s) for the sub(s) requires some thought...you can usually get away with using a cheap brand amp to drive subs, even a sony amp, but they wont last as long as a quality brand..this could get long winded and confusing, so rather than all this, i'll let you tell me if you want 1 or 2 subs and 10 or 12" subs..I dont reccomend a 15" sub to anyone thats not into rap exclusively...other opinions will vary..so..lets hear from ya about the subs, then i'll go into amps

 

Not correct. The motor (magnet assembly) has the most to do with how accurate a sub is. Adire Audio has a technical paper on woofer speed.

The current measured leader in low distortion subs is TC Sounds. Monte Kay's site has the measurements to back it up. On the other hand, he hasn't measured any subs that use XBL^2 low distortion motors. These are currently available on the Adire Brahma series and the Tumult. Resonant Engineering has them on their XXX series subs.

-Robert

 

Thanks Golden Ice & Robert, I really appreciate your help.

I guess I'll want to go and grab 2 12" subs, with an amp. Would I really require a head unit, though? The bos is a solid sound system right? Couldn't I just add the subs and amp? For example, I'm looking at this guy's max: http://www.cardomain.com/id/maximase97 - he kept the bose header.

He seems to have everything stock audio wise except 2 subs/amp. I'm not saying I want to do this, just curious. Just seeing if buying a header would be really necessary.

Thanks.
Dan

 

aftermarket headunits make it easier to add on and upgrade..

It has been MY experience, that larger subs TEND to produce less accurate bass when used in the same type (not size) of enclosure..I dont go by test specs for any of my gear..I listen to it..if i like how it sounds, i buy it..thats what i reccomend you do..