Fellow biac folks,

I know that this is not the "right" forum for this but this is a very active forum section....

I need a little advice. I drive an 05 sti and want to get a new stereo for the car. I know nothing about car stereo systems and would not consider myself and audiophile. Specifically, the only driving factor in my desire for a new system is that I want to be able to use my ipod or other mp3 playing device through the car stereo (as well as playing a cd--somewhat optional).

That said, I am not looking for anything fancy. I don't want a big nav screen, a huge sub-woofer taking up the trunk and rattling my license plate, etc. In fact, I am not even sure if I want to change out the stock speakers (I do have the optional suby bass box under the passenger seat). I have been told to go with Alpine but open to other suggestions and furthermore, what alpine setup I should go with! Am I an idiot for not wanting to do the speakers etc...

Please give me your $0.02.

thanks,
lndbrusr

 

i run something similar to this: http://www.jazzyengineering.com/prod...n1srenpl736mn0

 

wow that looks very interesting.... I might go that direction!

Still interested in hearing other options/opinions!

thanks,
lndbrusr

 

check out www.crutchfield.com

They have lots of useful information and specifically made instructions per vehicle with a hotline to help you every step of the way. They're a tad more expensive than other internet stores, but they'll set you up with everything you need (adapters, wires, etc) and everything to know.

After that, you might want to upgrade the front speakers with some decent component speakers that can be found for 100-150 bucks. You might need spacers for these speakers so you might need to look into that (maybe someone can chime in?) I know I had to use em for my 03 wrx.

For better sound, amplifying them would be great, but with your experience level, using the newfound power from your new deck will be more than enough for some quality sound. good luck!

 

Definitely upgrade your front speakers. It will make a HUGE difference and you can get something half decent for $150.

I have an alpine deck sitting in my office right now that has the ipod set up for it. I also have the ipod box and wire so it's good to go for running and ipod.

I guess I'd sell the whole set up for $200? Seems reasonable I think. I'm not sure how much the stuff goes for these days. It's an alpine 9855 with the kCA420i I think it is with the wire as well. I think retail was around $800 when I got it.

Otherwise I'd go with a middle of the road alpine or pioneer that has the ipod connectability. Getting the cd replacement thing is cool but you still have ****ty sound through the deck and you loose your cd usability.

Let me know. I'm in Watsonville. I'd be happy to meet in Santa Cruz or Campbell.

I also have the mattjk screen and a gauge pod if you were interested in that. I ran it with a PS2 thin attached to it so I could watch DVD's and play games while chillin. You can hook up GPS to it or like an HKS camp system. I'd throw that in on the cheap.

 

check out ikesound.com once you find out what you want. great prices and fast shipping.

 

I have this and it works pretty good. However, you might get better sound with an aftermarket deck (I used to rock Kenwood in my previous cars and I was very satisfied). Plus a new deck would be cheaper than modifying the stock one.

 

Changing out the head unit first is highly recommended before buying the speakers. The stock deck doesn't output enough power compared to the aftermarket head unit for it to make much of a difference in sound quality if you just want to change the speakers. Although any sort of stereo deck by itself isn't enough power in the first place, but a little bit goes a long way for a lot of people. That's my opinion on it.

 

Too bad you're not into a touch-screen do everything but the dishes kind of system. I have one for sale:

Alpine IVA-W205 with PMD-B200 Blackbird GPS Nav. system.

AM/FM/CD/DVD/SD card/iPod input (controlled by the stereo)
Bluetooth hands-free setup complete control (phonebook, etc./though the stereo speakers and mic)

Comes with Subaru wiring harness - plug/play

 

Alpine CDA-102 is a very nice inexpensive head unit you get full speed ipod control cd am/fm radio and the front has a usb port so you can run any usb mp3 player or even a flash drive for music and as far as changing the door speakers i would leave the stock ones in there and put a nice 4 channel amp on the stock speakers and that will sound super good because your car is still fairly new the speakers aren't bad also alpine started makinga new amp type thing that you would use if you have an alpine head unit it gives you some more atts out of the head unit, and more watts= louder and better sound quality, for every 10 watts you get rid of 3 dB of distortion so theoretically you are adding 3 dB of clarity and if you want to do a nice head unit look at the Alpine 9887 or 9886 those are also very nice but they are more expensive...

 

Since this is a bday present for myself, from members of my family, I am going to go with new gear...

Here is what I am considering after hearing you all sound off and reading some other stuff:

Alpine CDA 105 and probably some front speakers (I have not done that research yet...).

What is the best solution to filling the area left in the console by taking out the double din (is that terminology correct) stock stereo and putting in a single din unit?

thanks,
lndbrusr