Got a '92 convertible with factory stereo & speakers. I want to replace them and would like some advice. I would really like to get by WITHOUT an external amp -- i.e. just head unit and speakers. I don't need overpowering sound ... but it is a convertible so it needs to have reasonable power. My budget is $300 to $600. I haven't bought a car stereo in about 10 years, but I used to love Kenwood speakers and Alpine decks. I assume those brands are as good now as they were then(?). My questions:
1. Can I get by without an external amp?
2. Will Alpine decks have enough power without external amp, or should I get another brand?
3. As I remember it, if I don't have an external amp I should get speakers with low power ratings -- the higher power speakers are made to run off higher power (therefore external) amps. It looks like all the better decks in Crutchfield run between 18/50 (RMS/Peak) and 26/60 (RMS/Peak). What power level should I be looking for in speakers then?
4. Any other comments or advice greatly appreciated!

 

One more question --

I'm not overly crazy about the looks of Alpines ... or most of the decks shown in Crutchfield. Is there a high-quality deck that compliments the Camaro's interior?

 

Not to many really look natural in a camaro we can thank the evil designers at chevy for that. I have always loved alpine decks and they have pretty good power. The have a new high current deck out that actually requires a amp wiring kit to make sure it gets enough juice, if that isn't enough i can't help you. On a side note i had my alpine in my S10 and it sounded good, but after i added my amp for the door speakers it was like night and day just awesome don't know how i lived with out it. Just my thoughts

 

I'm another big fan of alpine. While they don't look natural in our cars, they are a lot more simplistic/sleek in design than their counterparts. They also sound pretty good. Another name you might want to check out is Eclipse.

As for whether or not you want/need an amp: a good (not necessarily über high power) two channel/four channel amp will make anything sound better than a head unit. While it will be able to get cranked louder (not really a bad thing in a convertible where you have to fight wind noise), it will also sound a lot cleaner.

Also, hit up ikesound.com. They have amazing prices and a good chunk of us have bought something from them at one point or another.

 

Alpines are good...I reallylike the way they sound, and they have good power...Is there any reason you dont want an amp?I mean for not alot of cash you can get a small 4 channel amp, and you will get alot better soundout of your speakers...But if you not going to go with just a head unit, pioneer premier has couple of units that are 60x4 mofset..and when have used them in installs, they havesounded great...

 

if your concerned about not wanting to mount it in the trunk area.(if u wanna call it that.) theres tons of options....

Pocket size amps can fit almost anywhere.
Bigger amps can prolly fit under the seats
amps can fit either in the storage compartment in the trunk or a bigger one can fit in the spare tire area if you relocate the tire.

If price is your concern check out ebay.

As for head units I would suggest a Clarion, Alpine, Eclipse or really any good quality head unit.

I know you dont want amps and probably subs but youll be amazed what quality stuff in our cars can sound like.

One thing Ive gotta add is stay far away from best buy head units and anything car audio there basically. They sell trash. (dual, cheap rockfords, sony, and lightning audio to name a few.) stay far far away from brands of head units like jensen, sony, etc.

Your best bet is probably ebay for price. But if you cant then Id suggest Circuit city and Tweeter as far as retail stores go.

On the fact of looking like it belongs you could prolly get one from chevy or something I swear someone made one especially for muscle cars but they probably dont have the sound quality you want, again leading to buying an amp.(which you gotta figure in preouts and how many volts they are.)

Thats the end of my rant. Do as you like. Just thought Id throw out some advice.

Nate

 

I don't want an amp mainly because I have had bad experiences with amps and motor noise. I figure, the fewer wires I've got running here and there, the better my chances of avoiding or reducing motor noise. Also, the factory deck has motor noise, and if I can't get rid of it when I install the new deck, an amp will just make it worse.

I installed an amp years ago in a 280ZX. I spent tons of time and eventually the stereo shop spent tons of time trying to get rid of motor whine (it was an Alpine amp). I finally just took it back out and lived with just a head unit.


Having said that, I am taking this step-by-step. If I get everything installed and I have no noise issues, I may go back and try an amp. But for now I want to plan on just a deck.

Also, I would like to keep it moderately priced.

Lastly, I don't really listen to loud music. My main concern is enough power to overcome the wind noise of the top down.

Thanks for all the advice guys!!!

 

amps are not all about loud music is about tje quaility of music. Also it might be in you might just want to find the reason for the motor noise cause amp or not that sucks, wiring has come a long way over the past few years to overcome most any motor noise.
:lala:

 

If you wire it correctly you shouldnt get motor noise. Also there is things you can buy to prevent it too.

You can try rewiring it all yourself with better wiring, better connections, better grounds, and deffinitly need to run power/rca on sepperate sides from each other. It may take a little bit of time but itll be worth it and you can install whatever you want.



Nate