ProtegeMaster

Hey guys--

I've done a search regarding this issue and I wasn't able to find specific results, so figured I'd start a new thread to ask about it. Sorry if it's redundant and I missed the answer elsewhere!

Anyway, I'm interested in adding a 3rd set of speakers to the back door of my '01 ES, but would like to keep the stock stereo unit to maintain the amber lighting continuity. I've already seen information on the depth of each speaker location, but didn't find any info. on whether anyone thinks the stock unit can handle an extra set of speakers at modest volumes. I don't tend to jam music THAT loud, so as long as the stock unit could handle decent base at decent volume levels I'd be okay with that. My intention is to replace the stock speakers with good quality after market brands in the front doors and the rear bench, and also add a third set to the rear doors. (Anyone else shocked at how much the stock speakers suck? ) I guess if the stock unit can't reasonably handle a 3rd set in the back door speakers I'll just replace the 4 stock ones and hope that improves sound quality for decent base response.

Anyone think the stock unit can handle 3 sets of good quality (efficient) speakers without distortion? And also, any suggestions at good brands/models to look at?

I appreciate your guys' comments/suggestions!

reefruner5

wana see something really funny, look at the drivers for the 6x9 in the back, there so puny

jpeg00

Different protege clubs, forums, and newsgroups are all asking the same question on this issue...

I've heard the wire gauge in the protege is too small and that the stock stereo can't handle another set without loosing power to rear deck speakers.

The two quotes I've gotten to keep my stock stereo is approximately 600 - 700 dollars for an install that includes this:

ampifier 159.00 4 channel
rca converts: 30.00
monster cable: 60.00
monster ampiifer harness: 80.00
wire: 35.00
speakers (infinity): 159.00 6X9 and 94.00 6X5

Then of course there's the installation cost: ?

Lastly, I've heard when you use the RCA converts there's a problem with engine noise since our stock radio doesn't have RCA cables... Typical

I've gone shopping trying to find some deals but car audio equipment doesn't come cheap.

The bottom line here is having to make a decision on buying a new CD Player with 4 channels and adding a 2 channel ampilifier for the 2 rear deck speakers. I don't want all the bass just a very clean sounding system for all types of music just like yourselves.

Thanks,

Jpeg00


Protege LX 2.0 (2001 - 300 miles)
Sand Mica...

mp4life

You can get real good prices on ebay, but then of course you're taking a gamble...

ARD MP5

Really, if you guys are trying to avoid subwoofers and just want to add another set of 6.5's in the rear doors, then I suggest you buy a Pioneer head unit that has a built in Mosfet Amplifier along with built in x-o's and a parametric eq.

Probably around $250.00 - $350.00 installed, depending on the model you want. Keep this hooked up to your stock speakers and you'll be amazed at the sound. Provided your speakers aren't already blown. It will sound three times as good, guaranteed.

Then once you put it in, PM me and I can walk you through the tuning of all the deck's functions.

I do this all the time and no deck has better deck power than the MOSFET Pioneer. Really is amazing.

My package for customers is:

Pioneer head unit, stock speakers if new, 2-channel amp, and a 10" subwoofer. All good components for under a grand installed. That includes your sub, box and everything. I'm talking about a JL Audio sub too, not a cheap *** one. We only deal with quality components.

Good luck, Rishie

BEWARE: Do not use high low converters, they suck. Just upgrade the damn head unit and keep the stock speakers.

In my Protege5 I have a Kenwood Excelon CD deck, 3+1MD in dash, 4 Channel 501F, and a JL 12W3. I took the four channel, ran the first two to the stock speakers, ran deck power to the rears, and then bridged the third and fourth into a mono channel to run the subwoofer. My other economical setup if you want more SPL out of the fronts. My stocks are taking it too. People trip out when I tell them they are just full range speakers running off good quality equipment.

azrakain

I would have to agree with Rishie on the quality audio equipment. Lots of people spend money on upgrading their car audio and buy cheap stuff. Then later down the road they upgrade again......spending more money then if they would have bought quality products to begin with. I have a 500.2 Rockford amp and a 12W3 JL sub in my Pro5 and when I crank up the volume it is twice as loud and has better bass than everyone I know. Most people around here have circuit city jobs such as MTX and Sony. My one JL cost as much as their two 12's. Get some good quality equipment people!!!! I would also recommend upgrading the stock speakers if you put an amp on them. They can only handle like 25 watts according to the rear of the speaker. I will be putting a Rockford 600.4 or 800.4 on my MQ Quart DKD 157 and DKD 116. These are awesome speakers. I would recommend them to all of you. I just installed this line in my friends Prelude as well. www.buyloud.com has these speakers for incredible prices.

ProtegeMaster

--Sigh-- Options, options! As said earlier, I was kind of hoping to keep the stock head unit in order to keep the amber lighting continuity, but the more I think about it, the more logical it seems to just say "to Hell with it" and just get a whole new system.

So, the pro's go: The stock unit uses the same cool amber lighting. It's easy to use, and I personally like the large volume/tuner *****.

The cons go: It's probably the worst sounding stock unit I've ever heard; even worse than my old stock Nissan unit was. It also doesn't put out any power. Additionally, I *don't* like the way you advance the CD tracks. The Up/Down button push, I think, should be either a left or right push to jump forward/backward to the desired track. That's minor, but still something that annoys me.

Other issues that I've considered:

I'd rather get a complete double DIN system than one that occupies half that space, like most aftermarket decks. In order to be able to play, say, books on tape, old tapes I made in years past, etc., I also want a deck with a cassette player. That limits my options, as there first off aren't a lot of double DIN decks out there.

Pretty much all the double DIN decks I've yet seen DO NOT offer a detachable face. What's up with that lameness!? A double DIN deck is likely to be more expensive than others, have more features, etc.. Based on that it should be a no-brainer to make it detachable so that you can minimize theft potential. Some electronics manufacturers I just don't understand.

In any event, thanks for all your responses! I'll do some more thinking and try to figure out what I'll do. In any event, SOMETHING has to change with the stock system-- Geeze does it suck.

Later!

azrakain

where are you gonna put the double din face when you remove it? In your pocket? If you like the "RED" lighting get a deck with red lights. My deck can change from red to green.....all new sony's are red, however they are peices of ****!!! Tapes are like you said "old" Ditch them and download the MP3s or buy the cds. Technically I think you can download them legally since you own the album already. You can make backups legally. Either download them or buy some hardware to input a casette player to your PC and make the tracks *wav's or *.mp3s (depending on your burning or ripping software) and burn them on cd.

ARD MP5

My suggestion:

Get a Kenwood Excelon deck single din.

Then can get their single din add on, either CD or MD in dash. That's what I got.

At least then you'll have double din application. I can take a pic of mine, it looks great.

Rishie