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Easy Car Stereo Question!

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Steve98GTP

Steve98GTP

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I am trying to decide on a new head unit for my 98 Grand Prix. What i want is an auxillary output, and the ability to hook up 4 speakers and my subs. If i want all of this, do i need to search for a head unit with 6 Pre-Amp outs? (2 front, 2 rear, 2 for subs?)

For now i will be running my stock speakers (non Bose) with a couple of Rockford Fosgate 10" Subs running out of an old amp i have (150 watt i believe), but eventually i will be upgrading to aftermarket speakers.

Also, any reccomendations on a head unit? I am looking to spend around $150.
 


If you want something good but on the cheap, check out eBay. You just have to watch the fine print to avoid refurb units there. But honestly I have not had any issues with refurb units on eBay. You just have to know what you are buying in regards to them. Sometimes refurbs are better than new, cause they corrected the issue with a new unit to make them a bit better. Or you can search your local Car Audio shops for good discounted deals.

Myself personally I grabbed a Pioneer 5000 HU from Best Buy for right around $200. I love the thing. It has built in USB, I never carry CDs anymore, just one 16gb thumb drive to listen to my music. Pioneer's Premiere edition of HU's is actually better than Pioneer stamped products. Either way it came with 6 RCA jacks in the rear, 4 RCAs for speakers and 2 RCAs for the Sub.

I can tell ya to avoid Dual, Jensen and others in that same category if you are looking for a good HU. One other source you can check is online Audio forums that have For Sale sections, you can get lucky picking up used equipment there as well.

You just have to remember when picking up an aftermarket HU you need to get the adapter to connect between your new aftermarket HU and the factory wiring. Don't try and splice your own setup cause 9 times out of 10 you are gonna fail miserably unless you really know what you are doing there. Also you will need faceplate/holder for your HU.

Just some other things to keep in mind.
 
GeddyLee said:
If you want something good but on the cheap, check out eBay. You just have to watch the fine print to avoid refurb units there. But honestly I have not had any issues with refurb units on eBay. You just have to know what you are buying in regards to them. Sometimes refurbs are better than new, cause they corrected the issue with a new unit to make them a bit better. Or you can search your local Car Audio shops for good discounted deals.

Myself personally I grabbed a Pioneer 5000 HU from Best Buy for right around $200. I love the thing. It has built in USB, I never carry CDs anymore, just one 16gb thumb drive to listen to my music. Pioneer's Premiere edition of HU's is actually better than Pioneer stamped products. Either way it came with 6 RCA jacks in the rear, 4 RCAs for speakers and 2 RCAs for the Sub.

I can tell ya to avoid Dual, Jensen and others in that same category if you are looking for a good HU. One other source you can check is online Audio forums that have For Sale sections, you can get lucky picking up used equipment there as well.

You just have to remember when picking up an aftermarket HU you need to get the adapter to connect between your new aftermarket HU and the factory wiring. Don't try and splice your own setup cause 9 times out of 10 you are gonna fail miserably unless you really know what you are doing there. Also you will need faceplate/holder for your HU.

Just some other things to keep in mind.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the response. I have been looking at Crutchfield.ca, i like that they include a wiring harness, cage and even printed instructions specific to your vehicle. Plus, they are offering me free shipping!

They two units i am comparing right now are the Kenwood KDC - MP442U and the Sony CDX - GT630UI. Both have pretty similar stats, the Kenwood seems to be a more favorable brand name from what i read online though.
 
for what you want to do the best bet is go with Panisonic, 90% of there units have the amount of pre outs you need with the addition of a aux in so you can add a ipod with simple headphone to RCA wire and have it all hidden in glove box or center console. $150wont get you a kenwod with sub controls and Sony just straight junk imo
 
Steve98GTP said:
Thanks for the response. I have been looking at Crutchfield.ca, i like that they include a wiring harness, cage and even printed instructions specific to your vehicle. Plus, they are offering me free shipping!

They two units i am comparing right now are the Kenwood KDC - MP442U and the Sony CDX - GT630UI. Both have pretty similar stats, the Kenwood seems to be a more favorable brand name from what i read online though.
Click to expand...

Crutchfield is good I have gone through them several times and they send every part you need for the install.
 


ok on a scale of 1 to 10 how hard is it to install new hu sub and amp in 01 gp gtp with onstar. also if anyone has any pointers to send my way it would be appreciated.
 
I think if you get the correct adapters from Soundgate or Metra it might be easy. Mine had Bose w/Onstar everything was bypassed and all new wiring was done.
Look and see what Metra or Soundgate have.
 
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