Rep Power: 0

Hey guys,

I have been reading this forum for a while and I know there are some audio PROs in here that are very helpful when they give advices. Please help me.

I am thinking of getting a Clarion DXZ745MP and Infinity Kappa component spreakers. The tweeter will be posted on my front door just like the 2004 civic coupe. I am not looking to bump my system or have it amazing loud, I just want clear and warm music. The type of music I listen to are R&B, RAP, and Trance. I really want a 'stock', OEM look; that's why I chose the clarion, so I can change the head unit color to match my interior oem color of orange. Do you guys recommend a diffrent set of head unit and component speaker systems? If so, let me know, which is the best for my money. I am a college student so really don't have much to spend, maybe $600 max.

Any constructive feedback/post will be greatly appreciated.

 
Rep Power: 0

- Do you really need the ability to play MP3s? If not, you can get a nicer deck for your money (or a cheaper one!).

- I would recommend Eclipse or Alpine, or Pioneer, over Clarion.

- It might be worth considering an amp instead of a new head unit. $600 allows for a decent 2 channel amp (Alpine, MTX, Pioneer Premier, etc.) and some good components for the front, and you will notice a very nice improvement in SQ. You might have enough for a used HU if you are willing to try installing yourself, possibly even if you have it installed (cutting it close).

Costs will probably be as follows, not counting install costs:

HU: $100 - $200 (maybe more, depends on features and whether it is new)
Amp: ~$150
Speakers: $100 - $150
Wiring, etc.: $50

 
Rep Power: 295

alpine 7893 or 7995 on ebay $150-175
decent 2 channel $150 (xtant?)
materials $50 (8 ga wiring kit)
Crystal 6 1/2 components $200 (sounddomain)
total $550- $575

 
Rep Power: 812

I would STRONGLY recommend getting a deck with a decent equalizer built in. I don't know if I could work with anything less than the 13 band my pioneer comes with. But anything more than just treble and bass adjust will help for sound quality. An amp would also help make the speakers sound better, even at lower volumes.

 
Rep Power: 0

If i get an amp, would the wiring be all over the place? I snowboard during the winter and i figure an amp and all the wiring would me messed up when i put my snowboard filled w/ ice and snow during the winter season. Thanks for your help guys. I will look into Alphine or Pioneer since so many of you recommend them. But the INFINITY KAPPA is good right? just different head unit?

 
Rep Power: 0

I think i'm going to replace the Clarion with an alpine CDA-9833. =) Fit w/ inifity kappa. Good choice?

 
Rep Power: 0

you want stock look, look into nakamichi headunits

 
Rep Power: 0

I can't speak for the Kappas (I'm entirely Eclipse), but the 9833 is a really nice HU, and would be a decent choice if you really don't want to go with an amp. Make sure it is installed correctly (10awg to the battery is recommended, I believe)...the V-Drive internal amp will suck some power.

When I was looking, it came down between the 9833 and my Eclipse 5444. I thought the 5444 was a little warmer in the mid-range, but it was a really close call. You wouldn't be upset with the 9833 (except the price tag, but there's a reason for it), and it would allow you some serious upgrade ability down the road.

 
Rep Power: 812

I have infinity reference speakers (lower than the kappas), and they sound so much better than stock. Also if you have money left over, I recommend one layer of dynamat in the front door panels to make them sound even better.

 
Rep Power: 0

I couldn't live without my 13 band on my Eclipse 5444 either. There is an easy mode on the deck with just a 2 band, bass and treble, EQ but it cannot compare to using the larger EQ. It may be best to go used on the HU so you could squeeze something with really good sound into your budget. I'm not sure exactly what you should for on the used market but I would look into used higher-end Eclipse and Alpine decks. Not only will you get a bigger EQ but you will get other features like higher volt pre-outs and such. If you can't afford anything on the high-end new then I would definately go used! Just my take - good luck!

 
Rep Power: 0

Thanks guys, I think I will get the Alphine head unit first, then saves up some money and get the Kappa-s. And maybe later I'll get an amp or a sub later.

 
Rep Power: 303

get an alpine hu

infinity kappa series (i got my fronts and rears for 240$ on sounddomain frees shipping too).....DO NOT NEED COMPONENTS.

later get an amp and amp the speakers

wow beautiful sound!!!!!!

 
Rep Power: 328

Ludlam beat me to it. I was gonna say that if you wanted the stock look with aftermarket performance to check into nak headunits. the kappa's are alright, but not really worth it if you're not going to amp them.

 
Rep Power: 0

Okay, how about stock head unit and alpine amp with Infinity Kappa? Will it sound good?

 
Rep Power: 812

Yeah it would. The deck is mostly for tuning the sound, especially if you have an amp already. You may not get the best signal using wires instead of RCA outputs, but it will still sound good. Upgrading speakers should be the first thing you do.

 
Rep Power: 328

ehh... alpine amps are alright, you could get the same performance at a more reasonable price though, that way you could get an aftermarket deck sooner. I wouldn't worry about the rears anyway, unless you really care about entertaining back seat passengers. I'd concentrate on getting a good comp set for the front and a good clean amp to power them. Rear fill is not necessary.