STi audio set-ups...
Where should I start......
Well $2400 is a pretty reasonable budget......but depending on installation costs it could be difficult if you want high end speakers. I'm not a fan of Blaupunkt but to save some money you could probably get away with their deck. If you seriously were considering Boston Pro series or higher.....don't even listen to Blaupunkt speakers. The 6.53 are excellent but I think you should pass on them because of the fact that you will need a custom install (most likely a custom kickpanel). Because of this you should probably consider 5 1/4 components (proseries or Z), and the install is a piece of cake. I have yet to do the install in my STI but I've been told the tweeters fit perfectly in the stock location. Now if you take into consideration you're budget and installation costs, the 5.5pros are probably the best fit.....BUT you have to listen to them for yourself. When it comes to high speakers what's best can only be determined by YOU.
Now if you like the Bostons.....you can probably go with 4' for the rear fill. The most economical would be the Rally series. Keep in mind your rears don't HAVE to be the best speakers when you're on a budget. They are mainly for fuller sound.
Now about the amps. Alpine does make some decent amps but you need to keep in mind that Xtant, Rockford, and Phoenix Gold have built their reputations through amp building. You're amps should be determined by the type of speakers you run, and the level of output and sound quality you're looking for.
You're probably looking at something like this right now:
$300-400 for a decent deck
$650 or so if you go with Pros and Rallys
$800-1000 for amps and their installation
$300-500 for decent sub(s)
You should also consider some sound dampening in the doors so you can get the most out of your speakers. Subaru has some strong doors but they are very light and can sound hollow. Sound dampening in the doors will allow you to HEAR the music and make your system much more efficient.
Well $2400 is a pretty reasonable budget......but depending on installation costs it could be difficult if you want high end speakers. I'm not a fan of Blaupunkt but to save some money you could probably get away with their deck. If you seriously were considering Boston Pro series or higher.....don't even listen to Blaupunkt speakers. The 6.53 are excellent but I think you should pass on them because of the fact that you will need a custom install (most likely a custom kickpanel). Because of this you should probably consider 5 1/4 components (proseries or Z), and the install is a piece of cake. I have yet to do the install in my STI but I've been told the tweeters fit perfectly in the stock location. Now if you take into consideration you're budget and installation costs, the 5.5pros are probably the best fit.....BUT you have to listen to them for yourself. When it comes to high speakers what's best can only be determined by YOU.
Now if you like the Bostons.....you can probably go with 4' for the rear fill. The most economical would be the Rally series. Keep in mind your rears don't HAVE to be the best speakers when you're on a budget. They are mainly for fuller sound.
Now about the amps. Alpine does make some decent amps but you need to keep in mind that Xtant, Rockford, and Phoenix Gold have built their reputations through amp building. You're amps should be determined by the type of speakers you run, and the level of output and sound quality you're looking for.
You're probably looking at something like this right now:
$300-400 for a decent deck
$650 or so if you go with Pros and Rallys
$800-1000 for amps and their installation
$300-500 for decent sub(s)
You should also consider some sound dampening in the doors so you can get the most out of your speakers. Subaru has some strong doors but they are very light and can sound hollow. Sound dampening in the doors will allow you to HEAR the music and make your system much more efficient.
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adityaax,
That Pioneer Unit looks sharp. The only downside is that it doesn't play MP3'sAt least I can hook up an iPOD or something similar using the cassette deck.
As good as that unit looks, I still think the stock stereo looks better in the STi.
There is something about simplicity and matching the rest of the trim.
Thanks though. That is the best looking Double DIN unit I have seen available in the US.
Trebz
That Pioneer Unit looks sharp. The only downside is that it doesn't play MP3'sAt least I can hook up an iPOD or something similar using the cassette deck.
As good as that unit looks, I still think the stock stereo looks better in the STi.
There is something about simplicity and matching the rest of the trim.
Thanks though. That is the best looking Double DIN unit I have seen available in the US.
Trebz
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Originally posted by acarguy
You're probably looking at something like this right now:
$300-400 for a decent deck
$650 or so if you go with Pros and Rallys
$800-1000 for amps and their installation
$300-500 for decent sub(s)
You're probably looking at something like this right now:
$300-400 for a decent deck
$650 or so if you go with Pros and Rallys
$800-1000 for amps and their installation
$300-500 for decent sub(s)
My plan was to get two 4 channel amps and bridge them so each would put out about 250Wrms per speaker. I was going to go with Blaubunkt plastic amp model PA4100 http://www.blaupunktusa.com/amps/amps_index.html only because I can get a great deal on two of them.
Same with the deck: Blaupunkt.
As for speakers I wasn't going to cheap out. I want the Z5 series and those two Blaupunkt amps should drive them fine, hopefully. But are you sure they will fit in the Sti, the Z5 5 1/4" speakers? Are you so sure that I can order them now?
Also, when it says $1000.00 for a pair, you actually get 4 speakers right, not two? It's not $1000.00 for the two you see in this picture is it? http://www.bostonacoustics.com/ca_pr...&CategoryID=14
Finally, I wasn't planning on getting a sub. Where would it go? Is it necessary? and if so I need two 5 channel amps so I can bridge the sub as well.
Thanks, acarguy!
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Just spoke to some hardcore audio gearhead at a local audio shop in Toronto here. He told me Blaupunkt is complete $hit as far as he is concerned. Fo my budget he recommended a Fosgate 851X 5 channel amp, a alpine or pioneer headunit and image dynamics component speakers; Apparently they are the shiznit.
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From: She's so hot, I'd tongue-punch her in the fartbox
Car Info: 2001 RSTi Widebody
I'm looking at a Alpine IVA-D900 deck, 1 Alpine MRV-F450 amp, 1 set of Alpine Type R SPR-176A 6.5" separates for the front, 1 set of Alpine Type R SPR-174A 6.5" speakers for the rear deck and one Alpine Type R SBR-102CR 10" sub. I know...I'm an Alpine *****, but I've never had any problems with the 5 Alpine decks I've had in the past...
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Originally posted by Ditchhanger
I'm looking at a Alpine IVA-D900 deck, 1 Alpine MRV-F450 amp, 1 set of Alpine Type R SPR-176A 6.5" separates for the front, 1 set of Alpine Type R SPR-174A 6.5" speakers for the rear deck and one Alpine Type R SBR-102CR 10" sub. I know...I'm an Alpine *****, but I've never had any problems with the 5 Alpine decks I've had in the past...
I'm looking at a Alpine IVA-D900 deck, 1 Alpine MRV-F450 amp, 1 set of Alpine Type R SPR-176A 6.5" separates for the front, 1 set of Alpine Type R SPR-174A 6.5" speakers for the rear deck and one Alpine Type R SBR-102CR 10" sub. I know...I'm an Alpine *****, but I've never had any problems with the 5 Alpine decks I've had in the past...
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Originally posted by Trebz
adityaax,
That Pioneer Unit looks sharp. The only downside is that it doesn't play MP3'sAt least I can hook up an iPOD or something similar using the cassette deck.
As good as that unit looks, I still think the stock stereo looks better in the STi.
There is something about simplicity and matching the rest of the trim.
Thanks though. That is the best looking Double DIN unit I have seen available in the US.
Trebz
adityaax,
That Pioneer Unit looks sharp. The only downside is that it doesn't play MP3'sAt least I can hook up an iPOD or something similar using the cassette deck.
As good as that unit looks, I still think the stock stereo looks better in the STi.
There is something about simplicity and matching the rest of the trim.
Thanks though. That is the best looking Double DIN unit I have seen available in the US.
Trebz
I probably would stay with single DIN though. I'd like to use the space below it for my gauges (Boost, oil temp and oil press.).
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Originally posted by essogas
Just spoke to some hardcore audio gearhead at a local audio shop in Toronto here. He told me Blaupunkt is complete $hit as far as he is concerned. Fo my budget he recommended a Fosgate 851X 5 channel amp, a alpine or pioneer headunit and image dynamics component speakers; Apparently they are the shiznit.
Just spoke to some hardcore audio gearhead at a local audio shop in Toronto here. He told me Blaupunkt is complete $hit as far as he is concerned. Fo my budget he recommended a Fosgate 851X 5 channel amp, a alpine or pioneer headunit and image dynamics component speakers; Apparently they are the shiznit.
On $2400, I'd probably go for this setup, price may vary:
- Pioneer DEH-P9400MP $500
- a/d/s 235is $200 (front)
- a/d/s 345im $210 (rear)
- PPI PCX-5800 $500 (5 channel amp)
- a/d/s R10S x2 $300 (sub 10")
- Wiring/install, custom box $700
w.r.t. rear speakers, try (with the fader) to direct all sounds to the front speakers, see how you like it, then try (with the fader again) to direct all sounds evenly to all speakers, see how you like it. Then decide if you need rear speakers for rear fill or not.
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Sorry to keep you in suspense but this is the $hit. I'm getting this. No ifs ands or buts about it.
http://www.redmountainaudio.com/default.asp?id=35
http://www.redmountainaudio.com/default.asp?id=35