Audio System In A '95 C1500

ChaoticMind08 · March 31, 2009

I'm doing some research for what brands to use for an audio system for my 1995 C1500 Regular Cab.

Going to start off by getting a new deck, wiring, replace the speakers in the doors (6.5X2.5) and an amp. My friend who has been doing audio for a while now suggests I go with Pioneer (fairly decent prices, good sound from what he says). I'll be adding another amp, tweeters in the doors, and two 12 in. subwoofers in the back when I get the money.

What other brands do you guys suggest?

08_Denali_22 · March 31, 2009

First off whats your budget? I could recommend Morel, Rainbow, DLS, etc all day long but if you speaker budget is only $200 then suggestions that I just made won't work out. The same goes for amps.

What is your music taste? Rock, rap, country, etc?

Do you like to play your music very loud or are you looking for more clarity? Is sound quality the main goal or is spl (drive your neighbors nuts loud)?

Its been a long time since I've been in a 1995 looking at the factory system. Are the tweeters seperate from the 6.5" woofer? If they are I would look into a set of components vs buying the woofer and tweeter seperate. They come as a system with a passive crossover that seperates the signal for the tweeter and woofer. If the tweeter is not seperate and you don't want to go through the hassle of mounting one then a set coaxial speakers are what your looking for. Even some component sets have the option to be turned into a coaxial speaker.

As far brands go it is hard to suggest what to look at without more input. Pioneer is a decent brand for speakers. The Prs line has phenomenal mid bass output. http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Pro...oneer/TS-D1720C The D-series is also a very nice set. Not quite the same midbass but still decent. http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Pro...oneer/TS-D1720C

15002NV · March 31, 2009

Ok I am not trying to be a A-hole. However the 95 trucks are very bad for audio. if it is the same as the 93? As it has 4x6 plate speakers in the dash and the rear VERY hard to get to with out breaking the rear panels. Have to remove seats then panels.

The radio has very little depth and needs a paint matched dash kit and sticks out far. And then you get a useless pocket for the dash panel.

I say this b/c if you are wanting high end or amped system you may want to look into kickpanels so you can run 6.5" and a tweeter. I would take one good set of components rather than 2 sets of 4x6 plates or 4x6 with 6x9.

Also the dash kit,pocket,harness,antenna run a few dollars at retail. So I would start there and buy a radio first. I would go Pioneer for that. Pioneer has the best radio tuner and if you spring for one with preamp out you are ready in the future to upgrade.

ChaoticMind08 · March 31, 2009

First off whats your budget? I could recommend Morel, Rainbow, DLS, etc all day long but if you speaker budget is only $200 then suggestions that I just made won't work out. The same goes for amps.

What is your music taste? Rock, rap, country, etc?

Do you like to play your music very loud or are you looking for more clarity? Is sound quality the main goal or is spl (drive your neighbors nuts loud)?

Its been a long time since I've been in a 1995 looking at the factory system. Are the tweeters seperate from the 6.5" woofer? If they are I would look into a set of components vs buying the woofer and tweeter seperate. They come as a system with a passive crossover that seperates the signal for the tweeter and woofer. If the tweeter is not seperate and you don't want to go through the hassle of mounting one then a set coaxial speakers are what your looking for. Even some component sets have the option to be turned into a coaxial speaker.

As far brands go it is hard to suggest what to look at without more input. Pioneer is a decent brand for speakers. The Prs line has phenomenal mid bass output. http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Pro...oneer/TS-D1720C The D-series is also a very nice set. Not quite the same midbass but still decent. http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Pro...oneer/TS-D1720C

Not really sure on the budget, haha.

I listen to a lot, but I listen to a lot of songs with a lot of bass. I'd like to be able to hear the lyrics but with bass. Best of both worlds I suppose.

I was looking at http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Pro...oneer/TS-A1702C for the components.

Not too sure on the Amp.

I was also looking at this deck. http://www.xplodsony.com/xplod/headunits/CDX-GT430IP

thecraft · April 1, 2009

Ok I am not trying to be a A-hole. However the 95 trucks are very bad for audio. if it is the same as the 93? As it has 4x6 plate speakers in the dash and the rear VERY hard to get to with out breaking the rear panels. Have to remove seats then panels.

The radio has very little depth and needs a paint matched dash kit and sticks out far. And then you get a useless pocket for the dash panel.

I say this b/c if you are wanting high end or amped system you may want to look into kickpanels so you can run 6.5" and a tweeter. I would take one good set of components rather than 2 sets of 4x6 plates or 4x6 with 6x9.

Also the dash kit,pocket,harness,antenna run a few dollars at retail. So I would start there and buy a radio first. I would go Pioneer for that. Pioneer has the best radio tuner and if you spring for one with preamp out you are ready in the future to upgrade.

No, you're thinking of the 88-94 lego dashes. The 95 dashes were just like the 96+ Vortec trucks, with a 6.75" midbass and optional tweeter in the doors.

Big fat ****ing +1 for the text in bold.

First off whats your budget? I could recommend Morel, Rainbow, DLS, etc all day long but if you speaker budget is only $200 then suggestions that I just made won't work out. The same goes for amps.

Don't forget Diamond Audio, Image Dynamics, Resonant Engineering, etc.

I was looking at http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Pro...oneer/TS-A1702C for the components.

I'm not a huge fan of Pioneer's TS-A and TS-G speakers. They make good stock replacements, but beyond that, they are only so-so at best.

I was also looking at this deck. http://www.xplodsony.com/xplod/headunits/CDX-GT430IP

I have NEVER been impressed with any Sony Xplod deck I've used. There are much better headunits for the money; like Alpine, Eclipse, Kenwood, and Pioneer.

ChaoticMind08 · April 1, 2009

What about amps? http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113KAC8404/Ke...404.html?tp=115 ?

I also want a deck that can work with a 4th gen Ipod Nano. What about http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113MP342U/Ken...2U.html?tp=5684 ?

Also, what component sets would you recommend?

What about http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113KFCP708/Ke...708.html?tp=106 ?

thecraft · April 1, 2009

What about amps? http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113KAC8404/Ke...404.html?tp=115 ?

I have a few friends running Kenwood amps with no complaints. They do tend to inflate their ratings a little bit, but not as bad as some other brands do. If you only expect about 80% to 90% of their ratings, then you'll be fine.

I also want a deck that can work with a 4th gen Ipod Nano. What about http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113MP342U/Ken...2U.html?tp=5684 ?

Never used that particular headunit, but I'm very happy with my Kenwood HU. I would probably step up to a higher end model for more sound control and a multi-line display, though.

Also, what component sets would you recommend?
What about http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113KFCP708/Ke...708.html?tp=106 ?

Never heard those before, so I couldn't give you an honest answer. I definitely wouldn't pay $180 for them, I bought my D3's for only $130.

Crutchfield is great place to do business with no doubt, but they are VERY pricey. Check out www.sonicelectronix.com and www.onlinecarstereo.com, I've had good luck with both.

Before we go to much further, we do really need a somewhat definite price range. I can recommend you component systems that only cost about $80 to sets over $1,000.

ChaoticMind08 · April 1, 2009

Well, it all depends.

Here's what I would like to have in my truck:

Deck that supports usb / audio input.

Two Amps (One to start, another for the 12s)

1 Tweeter on each door.

4x6's in the rear panels.

2 12 in. Subs behind the seats (friend can make the box)

For the 6.5's in the doors, I'm not sure if I want subs or speakers. They're currently speakers but if I get a component set they'll be subs.

I have around 500-600 to spend on audio stuff for now.

EDIT: Do I need an amp for the components?

Also, what do you think about this deck?

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Pro...EH-P310UB?tab=A

08_Denali_22 · April 1, 2009

Well, it all depends.

Here's what I would like to have in my truck:

Deck that supports usb / audio input.

Alpine and Pioneer are generally regarded as some of the best. Kenwoods are nice too but IMO they are a little harder to navigate. I have the Alpine 9886 unit in my girlfriends grand am and it was worked flawlessly. Great sound quality for the price.

Two Amps (One to start, another for the 12s)

Kenwood makes some very decent amps for the price. Yes their power ratings can be a little inflated on some of their amps. The excelon is generally regarded to be legitimate with their ratings. I know the 9104D that I run in the grand am claims that it makes 500 rms @ 4 ohms, 900w @ 2 ohms, and >900w @ 1 ohm. In reality its not 1 ohm stable though. The power ratings have been measured and it does throw out the 500w @ 4 ohms like it claims but the 2 ohm number is closer to 620w.

1 Tweeter on each door.

Go with components then. What I recommend for a set kind of depends on what you budget is. Pioneer D-series, Alpine Type R, Infinity Kappa, Image Dynamics, Focal, Diamond, etc. My best suggestion to you is go to as many shops as you can and listen to as many different speakers as you can. Bring with some of you favorite music to demo. I can tell you the "Brand A" are the best out there but you you they may sound like complete garbage. Everybody has different tastes in music and how the speakers should sound.

4x6's in the rear panels.

Forget about these and spend the money on better front components. You won't be dissapointed. I promise. A decent set of front components amped will over power anything that you find for a 4x6 speaker. Don't waste your money. Not only that you won't need to waste your money on a high power 4 channel amp. You can either find a decent powered 2 channel or bridge a smaller 4 channel.

2 12 in. Subs behind the seats (friend can make the box)

I'm not entirely sure how deep you can go with the subs in the rear. I'm assuming that your going to put the box under the seats, right? I know the Rockford P3 slims sound really good under the rear seat of a truck. When ever you get an idea on mounting depth and available airspace I can give you a few more options. Also don't count out 10's instead of 12's. A pair of 10's with proper airspace and power will school a pair of 12's that are choked with too little airspace and/or not enough power.

For the 6.5's in the doors, I'm not sure if I want subs or speakers. They're currently speakers but if I get a component set they'll be subs.

No they won't. A 2 way component set (most popular and what I and others have mentioned in this thread) come with a tweeter and a mid woofer. Depending on what set you go with and how you install them will dictate how low they will play. They will not be a replacement for a sub. At least no off the shelf 2 way component set will be anyway. Leave the sub bass for the sub to play.

I have around 500-600 to spend on audio stuff for now.

Save some more and you be a lot happier. I'm not saying that you can't get it done with this budget but a little more in the bank would deffinetly help. Especially if you looking for 2 amps, 6.5 components, 2 12's, amp kits, and any installation materials.

EDIT: Do I need an amp for the components?

Some you can get away with just deck power but you won't be even scratching the surface of what they are capable of. Not only that but what a deck claims it puts out for power is usually a little optimistic of what it really puts out.

Also, what do you think about this deck?

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Pro...EH-P310UB?tab=A

Not a bad deck at all. Like I mentioned earlier about speakers. The same goes for decks. Go play with some and see if you like it. Personally I'm an Alpine guy but Pioneer is nice. Stay away from Sony, Jenson, JVC, and Dual. POS. IMO.

ChaoticMind08 · April 2, 2009

Nice reply.

I can always wait for more cash, I'm still doing research so it's no problem if I wait.

I'll search through Alpine / Pioneer decks for now and find the one that I like the sound of.

What RMS range should I be shooting for in terms of a good amp?

EDIT: Found http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500SPR17S/Alp...17S.html?tp=106

or http://www.crutchfield.com/p_108609CS/Infi...&tab=review

As far as the kind of music I listen to. I listen to a lot of music with bass:

if you have a subwoofer you'll hear it.

I'm only using Crutchfield.com as a search engine.

LousCrew · April 2, 2009

The best advice I can give is what Alan already said...."save some more and be alot happier." You could definitely throw something together with that budget, but I promise you won't be happy. Then, you'll be spending more money replacing items; thus, wasting your initial investment of $500-$600.

Obviously, we could tell you all the brands we like and such, but again, as already stated, you need to look and listen. There is something out there for everyone with all sort of budgets. But, my guess is you could probably be pretty happy with about $1K budget.

Plenty of people on this board have spent way more than me, but I had a budget of about $4K, so I got what I thought was best within my budget. Not necessarilly the best on the market, just best within my budget. Personally, I am running Alpine HU, Memphis components, rear stage and sub, Alpine amp (single 5 ch.) and Audiovox overhead 8.5" LCD/DVD for my daughter. I listen to basically anything (except country), so I wanted something pretty well rounded

08_Denali_22 · April 2, 2009

Nice reply.

I can always wait for more cash, I'm still doing research so it's no problem if I wait.

I'll search through Alpine / Pioneer decks for now and find the one that I like the sound of.

What RMS range should I be shooting for in terms of a good amp?

EDIT: Found http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500SPR17S/Alp...17S.html?tp=106

As far as the kind of music I listen to. I listen to a lot of music with bass:

if you have a subwoofer you'll hear it.

I'm only using Crutchfield.com as a search engine.

No problem. I'm happy to help.

I can't really tell you what RMS amp you should shoot for without knowing what speakers your going with. They kind of go hand in hand. If you were going with the Alpine's you just posted I would throw at least 100w to them. I know for a fact that those speakers are extremely power hungary. I wouldn't be afraid to throw 200w at them while keeping the gain on the amp at a respectable level. More is always better than not enough. You can adjust the gain down on an amp that has too much power. When you turn up the gain to offset an amp that is too small you end up clipping the signal from the amp. Clipping with the amp is an etremely quick way to smoke the amp and speakers.

The Alpine's that you are posting have really good mid bass. But to some they sound muddy. If you want quite a bit of mid bass I'll suggest the Pioneer PRS line. Take a look at the mids on their web site. They look like little subwoofers. This summer when I redo the grand am I'm probably going to pick up a set of them to replace the Alpine Type-S speakers I have in there now. I can't believe I'm actually excited to work on that POS.

LousCrew · April 2, 2009

I can't believe I'm actually excited to work on that POS.

You are not excited to work on that "POS"...you just wanna do another system install.

That is always fun, well, except for the $$ part. I had been contemplating doing my wifes car, too. But, she's got factory NAV that I do not want to replace, nor do I want to add a "system" to a factory HU.

Just goes to show you that you should never waste money on getting factory NAV, Bose, upgraded speakers,etc from the factory if there is even the sightest chance of going aftermarket with it.

ChaoticMind08 · April 2, 2009

I think I might just wait until I have the cash for the full system.

Thanks for the help, I'll keep this page updated with what I plan to do. Thanks Alan.

08_Denali_22 · April 2, 2009

I can't believe I'm actually excited to work on that POS.

You are not excited to work on that "POS"...you just wanna do another system install.

That is always fun, well, except for the $$ part. I had been contemplating doing my wifes car, too. But, she's got factory NAV that I do not want to replace, nor do I want to add a "system" to a factory HU.

Just goes to show you that you should never waste money on getting factory NAV, Bose, upgraded speakers,etc from the factory if there is even the sightest chance of going aftermarket with it.

I know exactly what you mean. I can honestly say that I am very dissapointed in what is in there right now. Alpine Type-S components and Type-S 6x9's. The tweeter is rediculously harsh and no matter what I try I can not get front stage to be infront of me on the dash. It sounds like I have my back to the band. If I adjust the fader at all the tweeters make my ears bleed. The car is desperate need of some time alignment and a decent set of crossovers with tweeter level adjustment. While I'm at it I'm going to do an infinite baffle setup for the subs and move the amps to either under the trunk liner or build a false floor for them to regain some lost trunk space. I may even pick up the Imprint tools to test out on this car. We'll see when the time comes.

No problem Damian. If you need anything else I'll be happy to help.