Sound Systems

[tjbrune]

Good Evening Pelicans,

I'm new here, but have really enjoyed reading threads on a variety of topics.
I've got a '95 C-4 Cab that Ive had for 5 years. Bought with 16k miles, <30k now. Very clean exterior, near perfect interior.
Sound system totally s***s, and all speakers desroyed, apparently by heat. Get no discerable sound from any of them.
Got estimates between $ 1,000-2,000, depending on whether I get a power amp system, or just a radio/CD and coaxial speakers.
Well, they want about $ 300 to install, and I used to do this all the time years ago. So, I figure I can at least replace the speakers, got that done except for the 2" tweeters in thew door. The owners manual has squat for info on the system except for specs on the parts. My car did not have the CD changer/player, but does have controls for it on the radio. But I've decided that I rally want to replace with a all new radio/CD player too. Can I get the player out without removing dash ? It doesn't seem like there is any room to reach under to loosen retention screws at all without removing or loosening dash. How big a deal is that on this car ? I really hate to do that myself,and I hate to have a kid do it cause I know they don't put all the screws back, and this is like a virgin car. The manual talks about an amp, but I don't know if that is a separate unit or just part of the Porsche radio. When I got the neww speakers (2 6" in doors and 4" in back side panel) in, I was dis heartened that they sound fine at first, but after about 10-15 seconds they get real scratchy. Is this a problem with the radio/amp that will go away when I put in the new radio ? Same thing when I put a cxassette tape in. Funny hoe this used to be so easy when I was 20 ! I don't mind spending the money really, but I decided I don't need 80 watts/channel, and I didn't want somebody screwing with my car.

HELP !!
tim

[scottb]

Contact Bell here on the board. He's the guru for all things audio.

Good luck!

[david914]

In my opinion, German engineering and quality is second to none in most things, however in my experience, car audio is not one of them . If you have the factory Blaupunkt or Becker, that could be some of your trouble. It won't have much in the way of power. I don't know what kind of speakers you installed, but there's a wide range of quality available there too. A visit to your local car audio shop or Circuit City, etc. should be enlightening. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions and do lots of listening. Crank it up if you want to! That's what they're there for! Hopefully, Bell will chime in (pun intended!) with some suggestions.

[tjbrune]

Thanx 4 the input so far, I will look forward to hearing from Bell.
I forgot to list my vehicles at the end of my post......damn newbie's !
Anyway, another OT subject that I'm researching is Deisel Pick-ups for hauling horses. The Ford F-250 seems to be the most popular, either dualie or 4x4. My needs don't require the big 350, and I really would like to avoid the dualie. The 4x4 will compromise the gas milage a little, but parking areas are not always paved.
--------------------
tim

95 C-4 Cab
99 Talihoooe !
80 Case Tractor/Industrial Front-end loader (2x4)

[Install425]

There is no need to remove the dash to remove radio. There are two little slits on the bottom corners. You need to insert special keys to unlock the radio from the sleeve, then it just pulls out. The system may or may not have an external amp, if it does you can still use the amp but I would suggest not. An aftermarket radio will be a big improvement for sound quality. Good luck

[rotorhead]

I too am looking at replacing my stereo, I had a look at the current Blaupunkt range and all I can say is.

Blaupunkt=Bling

[david.avery]

I won a Nakamichi cd-45z for $150 on ebay

Scan ebay for the cd-45Z or Cd400, and you'll get a winner. I agree with rotorhead; BLau == bling bling, rice cakes, etc. I would like the MP3CD features of the phoenix, but daaammmmn are they ugly to my eyes. The 911 has such a classy all-business dash, and I don't need a disco-ball or anime characters on my car stereo to enjoy it!

-DMA

[tjbrune]

Thanks for the help guys,

I called up the dealership about that tool used to remove the radio. They were helpful about me bringing the car by and paying just to have it removed (I assume it's just clipped in, he said there are no other screws holding it in).
I hope the wires are long enough to be able to reach the connections from the front, and not have to work under the dash............THAT would be a b****

tim

[Zack S.]

I just got done with my audio system and here's what I did- new speakers all around, an alpine deck- as the old blau was done, a fosgate amp (100w very mild) in the trunk, and an 8" sub in a removeable box in the backseat. All totaled spent around $2000 but worth every penny! I too have a cab and now I can actually hear the stereo at 80 and above mph! (Only for test purposes mind you- I never condone breaking local traffic laws!)

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84 euro cab
01 330ci bmw
03 dodge dakota

[tjbrune]

Thanks for the response Zack. Exactly the reason that I knew a separate amp would be beneficial. The volume needed to override wind noise with the top back makes any distortion a real problem. But now a days, I think a good Alpine or JVC with 50 watts per channel should be adequate.....for half the price, but then, $ shouldn't matter when your talking tunes !
I see you too are new here. These guys are hilarious.

[david914]

Just some additional food for thought... If you go with a satellite-subwoofer system with the appropriate electronic crossover and amplifier(s), you will be surprised how well 35-50 watts/ch for the doors and rears and 50+ watts for the sub will do. My favorite setup is a 5 channel amp (Alpine, etc.) with a built in crossover hooked to the fronts, rears, and sub. Very clean, simple, easy to install, and doesn't take up alot of room.

[84porsche]

Originally posted by david.avery
I agree with rotorhead; BLau == bling bling, rice cakes, etc. I would like the MP3CD features of the phoenix, but daaammmmn are they ugly to my eyes. The 911 has such a classy all-business dash, and I don't need a disco-ball or anime characters on my car stereo to enjoy it!

-DMA

The Phoenix actually looks very professional in a 911 and is very simplified compared to all the other brands. I only know this because I put one in. I have the pictures posted in another thread somewhere.

[Hugh R]

101 Project book by Wayne has a nice "how to" on radio replacement.