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Need some help, I know nothing about stereos

SomeDudeAtHome

SomeDudeAtHome

New member
Ok guys, I'm tired of the stock stereo system head unit in my grand prix and want to buy a new one. I've been looking for some info on them but am sort of stuck. I don't really know what to look for and what's good and everything. I don't need anything too complicated, just a cd player and ipod connector. I also would like to buy one that I'm not going to end up replacing a year or two down the road. I've heard Pioneer is good and Premier is a step up. Also what do you guys think of Kenwood? The thing is I'm going to buy from a local audio store because that's my best option and that's what the guy there recommended.

Also how hard are they to instal yourself if you have no background on this sort of thing. What other than the head unit do I need?

Any help or advice on this is greatly appreciated. Sorry about all the questions, just like the title states I know nothing. BTW I can spend about $200 but if I can get a decent on for less I would prefer that.
 


you can get a pretty good pioneer for $200, doesnt have to be a premier, you won't use any of the features in a premier anyways.

Also, if you ever do decide to get a Pio, never connect or disconnect RCA's while the unit is powered. You'll have to do that stupid bare wire over the RCA terminal fix.

Also, at $200, just buy a quality unit, JVC, Alpine, Pioneer. You won't need many of the other features they offer unless you want to start changing things.
 
For basic in dash units:

(Great unit for the price, and features are amazing)

Pioneer Premier DEH-P510UB AM/FM/MP3/WMA/USB *NEW 2009 - eBay (item 110428941609 end time Sep-26-09 23:07:43 PDT)

You will need a GM Dash kit:

Metra Electronics - GM In-Dash Installation Kit - 1982-UP - BB444GM

And a GM Wiring adapter:

Metra Electronics - GM Wiring Harness - 1988-2004 - BBWHGM2

& An Antenna Adapter:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...apter&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=1186006384315

As far as installing this stuff... it's cake, just take your time.

If you want to change out the speakers, for a budget speaker with decent sound.. look into MTX speakers, Ebay has great deals on them, I'm currently running two MTX Thunder 6x9's and they sound great, cost me $40 shipped.

Any other questions, let me know.
 
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What do you have for stock sound now? If there is a stock amp, then you need an expensive wire harness or do a lot of wiring. Or you will hook it up and nothing will work, I ended up just rewiring the whole car with new speakers.

A good idea would be to go to crutchfield.com and either get it from there or get an idea of what you will need. They have full instructions for every car when buying from them...
 
FoSHO99 said:
What do you have for stock sound now? If there is a stock amp, then you need an expensive wire harness or do a lot of wiring. Or you will hook it up and nothing will work, I ended up just rewiring the whole car with new speakers.

A good idea would be to go to crutchfield.com and either get it from there or get an idea of what you will need. They have full instructions for every car when buying from them...
Click to expand...

How do you figure that?

With the "Amp"

I used everything I listed, besides the head unit.. I have a Alpine 7" in mine.

My girls car has the Pioneer, and my friends GP has it as well.
 


KawaFord said:
How do you figure that?

With the "Amp"

I used everything I listed, besides the head unit.. I have a Alpine 7" in mine.

My girls car has the Pioneer, and my friends GP has it as well.
Click to expand...

And you probably have aftermarket amps. If you want to use the stock amp with the "amp" option, it gets tricky. Any and all Bose systems have the amp FYI.
 
Alright thanks for the help everyone. I didn't want something super complicated but just something that will last. I have to buy something that they have in the store already but that's fine because they have a lot of nice ones. I just figure I'll have the guy install it for me and pay the fee cause I'd rather not screw something up.

Oh and I just have a completely stock stereo system. I'm not sure if it's a Bose system or not.
 


SomeDudeAtHome said:
Alright thanks for the help everyone. I didn't want something super complicated but just something that will last. I have to buy something that they have in the store already but that's fine because they have a lot of nice ones. I just figure I'll have the guy install it for me and pay the fee cause I'd rather not screw something up.

Oh and I just have a completely stock stereo system. I'm not sure if it's a Bose system or not.
Click to expand...

How do you expect to learn if you have other people do **** for you?

It's NOT HARD man, and it's a waist of money to have someone else do it.

But.. if you got the money to waist, more power to you.
 
KawaFord said:
How do you expect to learn if you have other people do **** for you?

It's NOT HARD man, and it's a waist of money to have someone else do it.

But.. if you got the money to waist, more power to you.
Click to expand...

This is exactly why I didn't waste time getting links. You don't know until you ask, and when you mention that there might be work involved, the faint of heart or those with hearty wallets leave.:th_thumbsup-wink:

Nothing wrong with it really, gives someone money to put food on their table.

SomeDudeAtHome said:
Oh alright thanks. I will have to check that out tomorrow since its dark now.
Click to expand...

Turn on the reading lights. You should be able to read the speaker covers. Also the deck should mention bose as well.
 
ive had my premier deck for almost 4 years now...no probs other than having to clean the prongs on the fold down face.
 
ive had a panasonic going on 3 years now. *knock on wood*. and yeah, installing a radio is nothing. especially if you get the harness, then its just unplug, and plug back in.... ordering the stuff online is gonna be a ton cheaper too. stores like to jack up the prices alot on the small things you dont think about like the dash kit, antenna adapter, and wiring harness.
 


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