Some Help

[elitecloud]

I can't seem to get the back speakers out, i can't get the plastic thing that's on top of the back dash out. Could someone explain this to me, pictures would be very nice :P

also, i heard that you can put 5 inch speakers in the doors, does anybody have a kit or detailed (pictures plz) instructions on how this is done....

also would it be difficult to install a cd player myself, i've been thru the issues of having to buy a 50 dollar wiring kit, and if that's what i have to do, i guess i have no choice....but is that the only high dollar thing i will need besides the deck?

(deck - harness with chimes for doors - antenna adapter?? - dash kit )

thanks

[Vtolds]

If you have a Sedan, fold your seats down and pop the black clips and pull the molding next to the window and it will come right out. On the Coupe you gotta pull all the back molding and I believe even remove your seat belts.

[elitecloud]

sedan thanks, i'll try that after work tommorow :)

[Vtolds]

It real easy theres only like 4 clips pop the molding pull the whole back section out.

[elitecloud]

another question, i don't mean to bug anybody LoL

i want to install a radio, and (in the bottom of my stomach) want to do it myself

i also want to install an eq for my amp / amps eventually down the road

i want a small eq, because i would like to install it in the dash, under the h/u

what is a good brand? that's small..

http://store1.yimg.com/I/mobile-emotions_1819_26424347

that's a boss, iam not sure how good the "boss" brand is, but iam sure it compares to roadmaster, but that's too wide i think, i havn't looked at one yet tho

thanks :lol:




edit : also i want 2 12' sony vegas, with a 400 - 500 watt amp, will i need a cap?

[Youngblood77]

All the info you'll need will be in 1 of these threads elite:

2001-2004 aftermarket radio installation (http://invision.aleromod.com/index.php?showtopic=333)

dash kit and harness options (http://invision.aleromod.com/index.php?showtopic=2028)

Crutchfield mastersheet, 99-04 Grand Am and Alero (http://home.cwru.edu/~nkp2/mastersheet.htm)

And for information regarding aftermarket electronics, there's a ton of sites that give you the info to make your decisions. Here's a few....

Crutchfield (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-URRLwdSh4vC/cgi-bin/autoinfo/autoinfo.asp?vehicleid=0&typeCH=home&vb=Y&lp=%2FS-URRLwdSh4vC%2Findex%2Ehtml%3F%26id%3D0%26vehicleid %3D0&cm_re_o=TkB_zkEzM*kwufEzM*ctzfubflFYgzy)


Sound Domain (http://www.cardomain.com/shop)

Hope this helps bro. :thumbsup:

[elitecloud]

young i love you

have my baby :lol: :lol:

[elitecloud]

Is Boss a good brand?

can you recommend any good eq's?

thanks

[isellalerodrop]

Originally posted by elitecloud@Dec 31 2004, 08:56 PM
young i love you

have my baby :lol: :lol:
wow.....I can feel the love in here :thumbsup:

[Youngblood77]

Originally posted by elitecloud@Jan 2 2005, 08:24 PM
Is Boss a good brand?

can you recommend any good eq's?

thanks
No, by mainstream standards Boss is in NO way a good brand, but noone knows your budget better than you, and noone's gonna break your balls for being restricted by a small budget. ( Especially me, I'm running complete junk for a system right now, but it sounds decent, and my money's better spent on other mods anyhow )

Ok, back on topic. :P

I've looked around a bit, and here's a few I've come across.

Crutchfield's EQs (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-vZKsTlgk5AW/cgi-bin/ProdGroup.asp?g=140&avf=N)

Ebay search using "1/2 DIN" in the Equalizer section (http://search-desc.ebay.com/1-2-DIN_Equalizers-Only_W0QQcatrefZC3QQcatrefZC6QQfromZR2QQsacategory Z79841QQsatitleZ1Q2f2Q20DINQQsbrftogZ1QQsofocusZbs QQsosortpropertyZ1QQsotextsearchedZ2QQsotrtypeZ1QQ sotrvalueZ1)

Sound Domain (http://www.cardomain.com/shop/list.pl?brand=Clarion&brand=Kicker&type_plural=Equalizers&x=45&y=19) <---please ignore the Kicker KQ30 on this page, it's definately not what you're looking for.

Car Discount Stereos (http://www.cardiscountstereos.com/Equalizers.asp)

Online Car Stereo (http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductList.aspx?CategoryID=13)

Audio Discounters (http://www.audiodiscounters.com/catalog.php?view=type&qtype=Equalizers&qcategory=Car+Audio)

and last but not least, one of my favorites.... the Zeb (http://www.thezeb.com/c-Equalizers-237.htm)


Ok, Now. With all these options, it may become a tad overwhelming, but there are a few ground rules for you to consider, and keep them in mind while you're making your decisions as to what EQ is best for your particular application.

1) For the location you described above, you'll need to have a 1/2 DIN sized EQ. This is the only EQ that will fit in that location, so this narrows it down alot.

2) Passive or Powered? A passive EQ alters the signal without giving you a boost in channel power. Ideal for customising the sound of your music BEFORE the signals are sent to amplifiers. My advice to you is this: stay away from EQ's that boast having an amplifier in them. My logic is this: In-dash amplifier/equaliser combos are like a backhoe. ( I work in construction, so pardon my crude analogy ) Backhoes are designed to do 2 or 3 different jobs, but RARELY do any of them well. Just like a Backhoe, an in-dash amplifier/equaliser combo is trying to amplify a signal, but can't quite do it very clean or powerfully. The added room that the amp is taking up in there takes away from the cicuitry that's normally giving you the ability to customise the signal. Therefore, how can it possibly do the job of 2 components in such a small space? I'll tell you how: It does it, but half-assed. 'nuff said. **Stick to a passive EQ and let REAL amplifiers do the job of making your speakers louder. The result will be a much cleaner sound...you'll have to just trust me on this one.

3) How many bands? Eq's are differenciated by the number of bands they can manipulate, as well as the range of decibles or db they can add or subtract within each respective band.

**To sum it up: the more bands you can change, the more you can fine-tune your music's sound. The same can be said about the amount of range each band has...the more the merrier.

4) Subwoofer control: If you intend on adding an external amp and subwoofer combonation to your system, this feature is often handy to control the cut-off or crossover point which in changes what frequencies your sub will reproduce. Not only that, but they can often control the sub level or volume.

** IMHO, subwoofer control isn't really required, as most amplifiers have crossovers in them, as-do aftermarket head units. ( Aftermarket head units often also have control of the sub's volume aswell. )

There's alot to consider when making your car-audio purchases, and what I've written here is only the tip of the iceberg. If there's anything here that I've written that's wrong, feel free to correct me...I'm hardly an expert.

Hope this helps. B)

[elitecloud]

i mainly want an eq for sub control :P

i might get another amp to run all my highs, but money is tight right now
making 6.50 an hour + paying for the car + insurance = ouchiebibbles

:P

thanks for the links man, i've book marked em :P

edit : ok i think i have it down now

Deck = http://www.etronics.com/product.asp?icatid...5mp&svbname=403 (http://www.etronics.com/product.asp?icatid=317&stk_code=cladb345mp&svbname=403)

Eq = http://www.etronics.com/product.asp?icatid...744&svbname=403 (http://www.etronics.com/product.asp?icatid=323&stk_code=claeqs744&svbname=403)

clarion is a good brand, my friend has that deck and i love it

i have a box for 2 - 12 inch subs, but money is an issue


- another question, is there a guide to install a 5 inch speaker in the doors, or should i be able to do it myself without any problems? i havn't taken the door panel off yet, working full time can do that to ya

I really appreciate all the help your giving me young, the most resourcful person i've met about alero's to date ! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :ph34r:

[Youngblood77]

In terms of swapping your 4x6's for 51/4's, there's an adapter made by either Metra or Scoche...i'll track down the part number for ya. You can make your own baffels, but these plate-besel adapters they make are the cat's ass, i'm tellin ya. :lol: Making your own would take about an hour per door, with all the materials and tools in front of you. These pieces I'm talking about make it a VERY simple install. ( roughly 5 minutes per door, not including taking the interior off the door )

As far as using the EQ to control your sub: You can do it, but I think you're taking a 5 mile shortcut for a 3 mile trip. If you were to spend an extra couple bucks on your headunit, you could make better use of the space the EQ is gonna take up in your dash. You do what you wanna do man, but there are some kick-ass EQs out there with 10 or even 12 bands for about the same amount of cash as your spending. The only thing I see you're gaining is that the components in your dash would match. So I guess it comes down to what you'd rather have: more control over the music, or matching components in your dash. You're money, your call. B)

No matter what, I'm glad that you've decided on Clarion. They make a great deck, and they sure beat the hell outta Boss' electronics any day of the week. :lol:

Glad I could help man. :thumbsup:

[elitecloud]

by no means am i a "music freak" lol but i like the fact that with an eq, let's say that a good bass song comes on, i want to punch the bass and break an ear drum :P

it gives me that control with the simple turn of a dial, not having to hit one button to get to High - med - low ---- and then turn it up

:) to each his own is what your saying right? LOL :thumbsup:

[Vtolds]

Originally posted by elitecloud@Jan 2 2005, 10:45 PM
break an ear drum :P


Been there, done that happpened a couple ears ago I had real fun walking around with a cotton ball in my ear.

[Youngblood77]

Allllllll-righty then ! Back from reseach, and here are my findings: This was taken from the Grand AmGT forums, courtesy of the member sunrunner_pei:

"For my 6.5" mids I used a Metra adapter, part# 82-3300

I had to do a little trimming of the interior door panel to clear the speaker, but it was nothing serious at all. No cutting of metal involved.

http://www.gaownersclub.com/founders/shawn/mid_install.jpg


For my tweeters, I bought a pair of the plain sail panels (No tweeter hole), then used a hole saw to flush-mount my tweets."

http://www.gaownersclub.com/founders/shawn/tweeterinstall.jpg






Looks to me like a decent install, especially on the tweets. Notice his use of dynomat on the door panel, a MUST for anything over 4x6's in our doors.

sunrunner_pei's ride is an '03 GaGT, so this install is identical to what would have to be done in our cars. You can do without the Metra adapter and use a 1" spacer cut from wood using a router and a jigsaw, but the plastic adapter makes for a nicer finished product IMHO.

Hope this helps. B)

[elitecloud]

http://www.audioallies.com/getitem.asp?Item=82-3300&Sys=FR

found a link for it

thanks man

[mikegett]

If you want a EQ I may have one for sale. I will have to check the number but I believe it is either the MA audio MPE100 or 200 parametric EQ. http://maaudio.com/productcatalog.cfm?class=250
I can check the specifics later. Either way, you should read up a bit on EQ's prior to buying. There are two main catagories. The graphic and parametric eq. A graphic (the clarion you chose) has seven frequencies that you can apply a boost to. If the frequency you want to boost is not in one of these bands you will not be able to apply any changes to it. A parametric eq allows you to select the frequencies you want to alter. This means that if you want the 20 Hz to be boosted you dial in 20 Hz and apply the boost. Another benefit of parametric is the ability to alter the frequency slope. The slope is how many frequencies around your selected area will be affected. In low frequencies a large slope is normaly wanted. This away you can raise many frequencies at the same time. In highs and mids, a smaller slope is normaly prefered. This allows you to eliminate one frequency from beeing heard. A parametric will normaly cost more than a graphic and have fewer bands. Four to five is quite normal. But the flexibility of it makes the parametric a much more powerfull tool. I also want to clarify what a passive eq means. An active crossover is called active because it needs it's own power supply. They normaly take the form of a DSP but can just be a simple eq utilizing some electronic sources. A passive is simple componants such as capacitors and coils that require no external power. Almost all eq's will be active. Youngblood did bring up a good point. A slightly better HU will give you the functionality of a EQ with little of the hassle. If you do not need the added tweaking of a EQ I suggest going with a better HU. Once a EQ is installed the master volume of your radio will be void. Instead the EQ controls all volumes. This is very hard for friends or family to understand. I constantly had to battle them increasing or decreasing my HU volume. I then had to take the time to set up all of my gains again. Not very pleasant. The other downfall is that a eq can be difficult to adjust by ear alone. A scope at a local shop is normaly needed to get everything set properly. Just a few suggestions for you to take in mind. Good luck.

[elitecloud]

iam not into frequeny's and all that hoola

i just want it for bass - mids - highs

controling the volume and stuff for em.....like seperatly out to the amp(s) :lol:

my friend got this - http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp...dest=9999999997 (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=2168512&sourceid=0100000030660804302498&dest=9999999997)

and this is what i want, not neccesarily that brand, but that's the one he had, and i liked it alot.... :thumbsup:

[elitecloud]

CRAP

ok it's 3 a.m. and i am bored as heck, after reading i think all the information located in this thread - i wonder if it's sticky material?

--- anyways i go to see what i can do about my 6x9 speakers in my car, the passenger side speaker wasn't working, i run two wires, from the black connecter to the speaker itself, nothing.....i flip the polaritys just in case, nothing...hmmmm

so i do this - http://home.cwru.edu/~nkp2/mastersheet/rearspeakers1.jpg

but i don't have to remove the seatbelt just the window trip part, that had 3 pop in snap things. i was oh yeah pop in's are good :P

so i pull the speaker out after like 5 minutes, Keep in mind, i've never done this before, first NEW CAR Wee anyways...so i go in the house and grab an 8 ohm speaker i have for testing, i get back in the trunk, i run two new wires to the speaker and the song stops, iam like well crap i crawl out try to crank the car and notta...iam like poop

the battery is dead?? after 10 - 15 minutes IF THAT of having the lights running? could it be a dead cell? would that explain why my radio, after i crank the car, the clock would be at 12:00 ??
is the alternator to blame, or just a dead battery?

any help is greatly appreciated, i have work tommorow :wah: :wah: :wah: :thumbsup:

[mike2002]

i like this deck

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-YMDXNDdJ9OO/c...=300&I=133C9800 (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-YMDXNDdJ9OO/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=300&I=133C9800)

i think its the first deck to use a digital amp for deck power, ive heard its very powerful. never seen tests to see if its really 60rms, but it is definatly a powerful deck. and its got your built in eq

[elitecloud]

out of my price range - $499.99
sorry but it looks like a tight deck tho

[ImSoBored]

this is what I got
http://www.mr2guydistribution.com/auctionimages/kenwood/kdc-322.jpg

[mike2002]

the reason i love the internet.....

http://www.etronics.com/product.asp?icatid...00u&svbname=309 (http://www.etronics.com/product.asp?icatid=317&stk_code=pancqc9800u&svbname=309)


$349.99

still expensive, but it is a deck w/eq, and no need for a amp if your running nice 5's or 6's up front, then 6's or 6x9's in back

[Youngblood77]

Damn-near every mid-level deck has adjustable Eq frequencies now-a-days, even my sub $200 Pioneer has them. I tatally agree with MikeGett....with all the nonsense that surrounds setting up and utilizing the full potential of an EQ, it's just not worth the effort for anyone that's not an audiophile. It ya want a knob to crank the bass, just buy a decent amp. Most reputable amplifier companies feature remote gain controls now-a-days. another option for getting said knob is with a decent crossover set-up. My crossover has a remote for the db level of the sub channel. Just a couple more options for you to consider, man. B)

[mikegett]

Dido Youngblood. The remote bass knob is a kick ass accessory. One that my eclipse does not have. :angry: Got to deal with it. I just don't see spending fifty dollars or more for a volume knob. This money can buy so much more. If you are set on getting a eq, let me explain the joys of setting one up. First, you will set the gain of your HU. 3/4 max is a pretty good area to start. The gain is not critical here. The EQ will be sending the final signal. Just be certain not to set the HU at clipping. This is why 3/4 max is a good spot. From here comes the EQ gains. Set it up in the same manor that a HU will be set up. Here is the wanderfull part. Remember the HU volume number. If anyone adjusts it up or down your eq and amp gains will be distorted. I suggest a fly swatter in the front seat for wandering hands. From there you get to set the frequency. Trust me. There is a reason why I have a 140 dollar eq sitting in the garage. I thought it was cool for about six months. More like two, but it took me six months to remove it. I tend to procrastinate. I don't want to convince you that this is wrong. I just want for you to be certain. And as youngblood stated , know your options.

[elitecloud]

how much is a crossover? because i don't think that the clarion i want has a sub out


had to get a new battery yesterday, 70 bucks :(

so while i was at it, i just got new tires too :) 200 bucks :(

total spent because my car wouldn't start - 300 ish lol

:thumbsup:

[Youngblood77]

Prices on crossovers vary greatly, depending on numorous factors. Number of channels, remote/no remote, brand name and quality, exterior flashiness, and a few more that are hardly understandable by the layman. My motto is: If you don't know what it's for or how to set-up / use it, then you don't need it. BUT. There's undoubtedly alot of crossovers on those sites I gave ya links to, just browse around man, you'll find'm. B)

[mdodge]

I may have no place in this discussion but, as far as an eq. I agree that only get them if you know how to use/set one up. I have a pioneeer digital eq. Took awhile to get everything the way i wanted it. Gains,volume,frequecny settings..etc. But it is worth it in the long run. It's great having such granular control over your music and it allows you to add more dimension. And good motto eric, I agree.