Custom Audio in a car

[starsfan71 9]

I know there are a lot of knowledgeable people on here so I have some questions.

I have a 2001 Honda civic coupe EX and I am really interested in upgrading my stereo system but I really have no clue where to start.

I am looking to probably put in some new door speakers and a subwoofer, and maybe eventually some tweeters. So here are some questions

1. How hard would it be for someone like me or my dad to install a system in my car

2. How much would it cost to have someone install it?

3. What do I need to buy in order to get this done (amplifiers, a new face plate?)

Thank in advance

[Hockeyman11385 1]

I would go to www.crutchfield.com and take a look around there. They will give you very good information on what's needed and the cost of doing. As with most projects, always budget more than you think it will cost because there inevitably more things that you didn't think you needed.

[starsfan71 9]

Thanks for the website, the outfit my car feature is really helpful.

[Chadd 916]

Crutchfield was great when I used to use them,. I haven't done the car audio thing in a while though.

[Race4LastPlace 31]

Here's a tip: DO NOT let Best Buy install anything in your car.

[Hockeyman11385 1]

No problem, I'm glad I could help.

Big, huge, gigantic +1 to not letting Best Buy touch your car. Find someone local that does quality work.

[Powerfibers 8]

My buddy just used Crutchfield to put a new Sony in his Toyota. They did a great job sending all the right info, kits, and tools. The new deck is awesome with the USB and bluetooth capabilities. I'm gonna use them too.

[sitzlejd 0]

In high school I got into the whole car audio thing for a while. It's actually pretty easy to install everything yourself; I taught myself and ended up installing subs, amps, etc. in two of my own cars and several friends' cars. One thing I learned the hard way is the draw those components can put on your battery if not installed correctly.

[Tikkanen 1]

If you're going to by a sub, mids, an amp, a faceplate-you have to buy tweeters. Otherwise you'll be one of those guys where just bass can be heard from the car. I've had 2 high end systems in my cars in the past both installed by the strip mall car stereo guys. I had good experiences with both as I think they do a better job since you may be their only money coming in at that time. The most important selection is the deck. If you pick one you kind of don't like you get to stare at it for a few years every time you drive. Spend the extra money if you really like one but it's more expensive. Amps must have a crossover in them (it's been a few years and I think most come with built in cross overs now). I just bought a Mini Cooper so I will be attempting to squeeze a nicer system in it than the crap stock setup. In a smaller car I would focus on buying very nice mids and tweeters and bargain shopping for a sub and amp.

[starsfan71 9]

So to actually completely redo my stereo what do I need to buy? Do I need a new receiver?

[Tikkanen 1]

So to actually completely redo my stereo what do I need to buy? Do I need a new receiver?

Yah, if it's just the factory deck you need a new deck. It can be done without it but if you have a car where it's not a problem removing (like my car since it's a part of the main console) you should do it. That's why it gets expensive. I'd go to a few shops, tell them what you want, get them to get you a price and go from there. If you plan on doing it yourself then like others have said read Crutchfield, become knowledgable on the products and buy what you need. I used to subscrube to Car Audio Magazine so when it came time to put a system in my car I knew what I wanted, the general price range and I didn't sound like a guy they could rip off when I came to their store. So many variables when it comes to a system from type of car, amount of space, price range and type of music you listen to. People say avoid Best Buy but there isn't anything wrong with getting a price from them as well.

[shotty 7]

So to actually completely redo my stereo what do I need to buy? Do I need a new receiver?

depending on a whole lot of variables, you'll need a new faceplate (headunit), an amp or two (depending on what you want to accomplish), new speakers and a subwoofer.

the best thing to do is take your car down to a reputable car audio shop and have the sales guy show you a bunch of options based on your budget, and while he's doing that, he'll have the installer take a look at your car to quote labor and parts. since you've got a fairly common vehicle, his estimates should be pretty close to actual cost. do not let the sales guy write you up a quote until the installer has been inside your car and quoted his portion of the work... if there's a factory amp, he has to with/around it, and that costs time and money... and the sales guy may not be aware of that. he also doesnt know how mnay feet of speaker cable, power cable, hours of labour, extra parts that are needed. i've seen projects go WAY over budget because of miscommunication between sales and install.

[Goalieboy#1 1]

I'm a little late, but I use Sonicelectronix.com. They have really good prices and their service is actually really good. And you'll probably want to get a yellowtop Optima/similar battery, and dont skip out on the wiring either. Let us know what you got, and how the installation went. I love doing installations.

[starsfan71 9]

I actually haven't started yet because I am a giant gear whore, but I am actually going to start with in the next few weeks.

I have a friend who is going to do the install for free, because he loves installing stereos and he owes me a favor.

[Goalieboy#1 1]

What are you going to get? (Sub/amp wise)

[starsfan71 9]

Sub and Amps are coming later, I think what I am going to do is just replace my head unit then the door speakers then the rear speakers. Then put in an amp and sub.

But probably for the sub I will get an alpine type r 12 inch because I have a few beds with them and they love them.

I am getting a DEH-3200UB head unit from Pioneer and some Kicker KS5250 front door speakers, while they are small speakers I once again love them in my friends truck, so I think it will be fine in my civic.

I am still pondering on the rear speakers.