Who around the DFW preferably southern side, but I'll drive. Looking for new headresters, doors and head unit. Maybe a little sub/amp in the trunk IF I can get the price right. anybody had any good experiences w/ local sound guys?
Printable View
Who around the DFW preferably southern side, but I'll drive. Looking for new headresters, doors and head unit. Maybe a little sub/amp in the trunk IF I can get the price right. anybody had any good experiences w/ local sound guys?
Most of us are too cheap to hire someone. Personally, I like Alpine head units with Infinity Reference component speakers. You might want to check out Black Roadster's passenger side footwell sub box to save some trunk space.
+1 on footwell sub enclosure from BR
Thanks guys. I built my system myself. I'm not an audio guru either.
Here's what I did.
Step 1: Call Crutchfield, order a catalog and read up on features to look for. Do you want Bluetooth? Sirius/XM? HD Radio? Pandora? iPod controls?
Step 2: Visit some car stereo stores. Preferably specialty shops like Car Toys or Earmark and not Best Buy.
Step 3: Listen to some speakers and play with some head units. Bring a CD or USB drive with some music you are familiar with and compare the different equipment. Figure out what price point gives you the sound you like or what manufacture sounds good to you using your music that you are familiar with. Don't buy just based on price. If you have to, save for the gear you like and can justify in a budget.
Step 4: If you know what specific gear you are looking for, either negotiate a better price at the car stereo shop or order it on eBay from a reputable seller.
Step 5: Budget for an external amp rated at similar power to what yor speakers can handle. This make all the difference in the world in an open convertible on the freeway. Internal amps in car stereos are weak.
Step 6: Installation: Run new speaker wire. Factory wiring is crap. Get an installation kit from Crutchfield. Get an Amp Install Kit. Do not cut the factory harness. Solder your connections or use good quality crimps. No wire nuts, no electrical tape (heat shrink tubing is way better).
Step 7: Get one of my foot well subs. Best option for bass in a Miata IMHO.
BR's Step 3 is VERY important. Take cd's, music you like on USB, cables for your iPod or phone and test the head units at the store. Car Toys is a good place to go and try out different car stereos and speakers. Figure about the same for install that you pay for equipment.
Another +1 to step 3.
The most important thing you can do is listen to the speakers yourself. Throw the specs out the window and take reviews with a grain of salt. Not everybody has the same preferences. See what you like. And it sure helps to have good music during that process (your own).
As far as local places go, I've had some stuff done at Earmark in Addison (I think they have a couple other stores), though not on the miata yet. They do great work but, unfortunately, aren't cheap.
Yep. I've only had them tint the windows on my car and build a speaker box years ago. Not cheap but you get what you pay for with them I think. They are a good plce along with Car Toys to try before you buy.Quote:
Originally Posted by GroceryHauler
Ultimately keep in mind this is going in a Miata so don't worry too much about having SQ (Sound Quality). You don't need uber-high-end gear to have a good system and likely will not be able to appreciate the expensive stuff in the Miata environment. I'd go with good mid-range stuff. I have Boston Acoustic speakers, a Polk Audio Sub, Sony deck and an Alpine amp. I'm obviously not brand loyal. ;)
thanks for the suggestions y'all. would rather save the install money and do it myself...but I HATE wiring!!! I've put in a couple of stereos, but nothing with amps or woofers. pretty sure I could do the speakers in the doors and headrests, but the harnesses and amp wiring I would end up looking like crap. the footwell speaker sounds cool...but I have long legged people in my house. Not supper concerned with high end stuff either...especially in a ragtop that could be ripped off. I also don't have to do it all at one time, though I might get a better deal as a package.