MP5mn

Hey all ~ I'm pretty new to this. I need help with picking out a system for my MP5 2003. I already blew out my factory subwoofer (100watts) and I've been wanting to get a bigger/better system anyway. Now I have a reason to get a new one!!

I've been asking around as to what kind? What size? Do I have to replace my stock speakers (door speakers)? If I don't replace my factory speakers, will they blow out? What size amp is best? What size subs? Do I need to replace my factory deck?

I don't want competition size but I like bass and I like to feel it. I'm at a loss with people here in MN either being clueless or not so helpful so I thought I'd ask you guys for help.

If you have any ideas or suggestions I'd really appreciate it!! Thanks and have an awsome day!!

Roddimus Prime

well, I'm using the mazdaspeed audio system in my car and it sounds good. I've got 2 pair of door speakers and the amp/sub rack in the back.

It may actually be for sale soon if you're interested.

eggynatey

My old Infinity Basslink was great. It kicked a decent amout of bass(undoubtably more than the stock sub in an MSP), and it didn't take up much space in the hatch area. The guy I traded it to has it literally rolling around in his trunk, and it still has never failed. I'd still have it if I didn't get such a good deal on my current set-up.

You don't really need to swap out the door speakers, but it will make a nice difference in sound quality. Car manufacturers are famous for skimping on the speakers...after all, paper-cones sound fine for the first 6 months or so, but afgter that, SQ goes downhill fast. Replace the door speakers and you'll hear the difference. The stockies in the door are oval 5"X7" but you can fit a 6.5" round speaker in with an adapter.

If you do swap out the front speakers, it would probably be agood idea to also put in a 2 channel amp. Something with at least 50W RMS per channel will work.
One more little suggestion: With amps, the old addage "you get what you pay for" really rings true. Alpine, PPI, JL, and Rockford Fosgate are four good companies to start with.

P5ChemDood

Roddimus, what would you be looking to get if you sell your mazdaspeed setup? I already have a Kenwood MP3 player HU. I've not heard this system first-hand, but have been pretty happy with Kenwood products. I'm deciding how to go about upgrading and although I'd like to do it all at once, I am on a tight budget and thus need to put in a little at a time. Sorry to have threadjacked. Oh, and since this thread was started by MP5mn, I defer first dibs to her provided you decide to sell it. Thanks!

Roddimus Prime

taken to pm's.

kcidmil

[QUOTE=MP5mn]Hey all ~ I'm pretty new to this. I need help with picking out a system for my MP5 2003. I already blew out my factory subwoofer (100watts)[QUOTE]

Hmm lets see, with every aftermarket sub you get they recommend a break in period. And for a very good reason. Now I love bass, but there is a distinction between sweet hitting bass. And tearing the **** out the speaker bass. Many of which the locals tend to do. Here's a good example of why you use the break in period, and pushing the sub to it's limit and not over. I have a pair RF Punch Z 12", that have lasted me over 2 years now. No rips, no damage, and still sounds and hits just as sweet as the day I got them.

And seriously, anyone who says that running just a little over the limit is ok. Is a complete moron! The limit is where the sweetest sound will be. And nothing is more annoying than someone over running their sub, and making it sound like ****.

My point is, if you put any subs in, break them in first for the love of god. They last alot longer.

CDNeh

Just thought i would throw in my 2 cents.. you May take it for what its worth... 2 cents!!! haha well no just your time reading this...

One of two things you can do..

1. Keep the Factory deck.. Replace all Factory speakers with any brand of Aftermarket. Run amps to Speakers and run a seperate amp to sub woofer.

2. New Everything (Better Suggestion). Replace all speakers and deck with aftermarket. Add Subs... Depending on Decks power.. you may or may not need to run amps to your main speakers. Subs should have their own amp.

Now for sound wise. Having a truck with ALOT of speakers in it, this is what i have found....

10" Subs are GREAT for a punch. Alternative, techno, ect..

12" Subs are GREAT for rolling Bass.. ie Rap, Hip Hop, ect...

12" subs bass is sometimes overpowering if the system is not set up right.. as well, if you have ALOT of power running to the subs your car WILL RATTLE ALOT! More money gonna be thrown into sound deadening material to stop the vibrations...

My Suggestion for subs.. 1 12" MAX or 1-2 10". I previously ran 2 10" Kenwood subs powered by a 600wat Amp off the STOCK deck. Yes, sounds very lame.. But the setup is perfect for a quick install. Tuning the amp properly gives me Enough BASS for all types of music, not too overpowering AND my car (MP5) doesnt rattle!! No sound deadening material used..

So there is my 2 cents... i hope it helped.

iain

fiveseven

As in my other thred, Im really pondering a swap for a p5... can I take my clarions out of the 4 door and put them in the 5 door? It would suck to have to loose 200 dollar speakers. The speakers I put in the front doors of the 4 dr were 6.5 Im pretty sure. But are the back door speakers in the p5 6x9s? If not, that sucks.


To add on to CD's post--

If your looking for Sound Quality --- GET A 4 channel amp for your cabin speakers! The sound that comes from the head unit will have alot of distortion. Using the RCA plugs instead of Hi-Level outputs will give your sound a massive boost. Also, 10's are good for just about everything. They hit way faster then 12's, and they hit harder. 12's miss an good amount of frequincy in the lower spectrum. 10's pick almost all of it up. Obviously the smaller you go, the faster it will hit. 8's are great... if you have like 4 of them =)

JAL1639

MB Quart.

Keebortz

I would suggest the Kenwood DDX-7015 since it's a double-din and would look GREAT!!

Roddimus Prime

good lord that stereo is HOT!! too bad I don't have $3K for a radio.

fiveseven

Or you could go with a Clarion Joyride and the nav system. I can give you a link to a reputable company that sells the Joyride w/nav system for 850. The LCD screen is going to be extra tho.

MP5mn

Hey All!!

I just wanted to thank you all for your help. Thank you for taking the time to reply to my post. Thanks a lot of your suggestions - helped me out a lot!!!

Hope you all have an awsome day!!!

Roddimus Prime

Keebortz, how much for the kenwood?

BruinsMan

Damn,

Here's what the Bruinsman pro 5 Has for sound. I yanked out that crappy factory radio like the second day I had the car. Right now, I have a Kenwood CD player with SIRIUS radio built in. I have Infinity front speakers and JBL rears. I aslo have a Kenwood amp and twin JBL 12" Subs. Damn, talk about ear candy!