lookin for a little audio help

[wayfastwhitey]

the previous owner of my car (a 93 s13 convertible) put in a new headunit that constantly gets power, even if the car is off.... this headunit also had a busted faceplate with volume buttons that stick... which eventually led to the blowing of every speaker in my car

i dont know a lot about audio and i cant afford an expensive setup... i just want my sounds to be at least as good as stock or maybe just a little better... is it possible to get this by replacing my headunit and each of my four stock speakers or is it more involved than this?

just a couple of friendly pointers to help get me headed in the right direction would be very much appreciated

thanks

[PoorManQ45]

It would seem that you are going to have to replace the HU if the volume knob is sticking/not working.

Also, if the speakers are blown, you are going to need to rreplace them.

Do you like have the HU when the key is not in the ignition? If so, then all you have to do if replace the HU, no need to mess with running new wires.

If you want your radio to be controlled/powered on by the ignition, then you are going to have to re-run the "hot/positve" wire. Someone here should beable to tell you the closest location to get an ignition controlled power source in your car.

I usually just tap into the fuse box for an ignitioin controlled source. Things like "heater motor" are controlled by the ignition.

If you'd like more indepth help, please feel free to ask.

[wayfastwhitey]

i'd prefer to have my headunit controlled by the ignition, so it sounds like when i get a new headunit i will be switching to a different power source... is it fairly easy to take out my old headunit, re-run wires, and install a new headunit? and, do you think speaker removal and installation is pretty straightforward?

i'm really out of the loop with audio... but i dont need to get like an amp or anything else extra for these newer components to work do i?

thanks a ton

[PoorManQ45]

I don't think you will need an external amp if you just want to get your system working, better than stock. You really only need an external amp if 1) You want to add a subwoofer, or 2) You want to add component speakers. From what it sounds like, you don't need/want either of these two things. So all you need is an HU and new speakers.

For the HU, I would suggest something with about 20W RMS (RMS = Continuous power) and 52W peak power.

As for brand names, I really have no idea what you like, I can only give general suggestions, here are some:

Get one that has a knob for volume, not push buttons. This makes it so much easier to turn up and down quickly.

Should have at least 1 RCA preout. Try for an HU that has at least 2 RCA preouts, preferably with a voltage of 4 or more. The box will tell you what they are. This will allow you to upgrade later on if you want to. It will save you the money of buying a new HU.

Should have atleast a 3 band parametric Equalizer. This will allow you to "tune" your sound a little bit. Note- The more bands the better.

If you are looking for an HU with a CD player, try to get one that plays MP3s and/or WMAs. Also, a signal-to-noise ratio of 95Db or better is always good. Note, the higher the signal-to-noise ratio, the louder the cd will play.

Can you give me some features that you would like in the HU?Like, do you want a built in CD player, or do you want an external one that holds 6~10 CDs? Do you care if it has flashing lights, meaning will it annoy you if it does? Do you want to be able to expand the system in the future without having to get a new HU?

Give the answers to those, and I/we can help you choose an HU.

Also, have you found any HUs that you like and/or would like us to review?

try this website:http://www.crutchfield.com

[xekushnr]

hook the accessory (red wire) up the the blue wire in the s13s radio harness. that is the 12v switched source.

[wayfastwhitey]

thank you poorman u have been very helpful so far

ive been looking at crutchfield's site and i am learning some things and getting a better idea in my head

im going to do a bit more research on HUs and speakers that suit my needs... and im pretty sure ill end up with a few questions

one question that i do have right now... i read the sticky on speaker sizes, and i think that for my vehicle i need 4x6s up front and 6.5s in the rear..... however on crutchfields site, they say that 6.75 is the best pick for my vehicle... should i go with 6.5 or 6.75?

and for that matter, i like some of the 4s on crutchfields site better than the 4x6s.... should i stick with the 4x6s anyways or go for the 4s?

thanks

[audtatious]

6.75 for the front doors would be better than 4x6's, although you will need to cut the doors. If you get the 6.75's, get co-ax as they will sound better.

For the sticky buttons on the HU, have you tried to clean it? You may be able to use some keyboard cleaner to free them up which may save you some $$.

The HU will have a red wire and a yellow wire on the back. The red wire should go to the factory blue wire as xekushnr said (+12V switched accessory). The yellow wire should go to a battery constant (Red w/Black Stripe in factory harness).

[wayfastwhitey]

thanks xekushnr and audtatious

right now i can play music without my keys in any time... but if i use the wiring you guys mentioned, will my headunit only work with my ignition on? because this is what i would prefer

as for the buttons on the HU... it looks like someone stomped on the faceplate because the buttons are busted (causing them to stick) and the display screen doesnt work either.... but i just thought of something... is it possible to find a new faceplate for my HU and just use that?

thanks guys

[audtatious]

Yes, the HU will only work with the ignition turned on...

If it is a removable faceplate, look around ebay and such. You may get lucky.