New Sound System Installation - Advise please.

[TeenHeat]

Obviously this topic has been beaten to death, so I'll start by saying yes I did search, and I did find some valuable info.

My brother in-law wants a new sound system installed in his 2001 Pathfinder SE for Christmas: head unit, all four door speakers, and possibly a single 10 inch sub (although the sub takes last priority). I told him I would research what is needed and try to find some write-ups on the install. I've installed a few head units before, and set of door speakers once, but I wouldn't consider myself an expert in any way shape or form.

I believe his pathfinder comes stock with the Bose system. I've read about it on other threads (my Z came stock with a similar setup); however, I'm unfamiliar as to what problems this causes while attempting to replace the system (i.e. what extra hardware will I need to remove/replace the stock Bose setup?). From reading other threads, it seems that most advise rewiring the sound system. Does anyone have a writeup for this? I've never attempted this, but I can imagine it is quite a pain in the a**. Are there wiring harnesses available for this vehicle which will allow me to skip rewiring, in case this proves to be too large of a job for me? Also, I found a writeup on removing the door panels for a '99 QX4. Is the procedure identical for removing his door panels and does anyone have a better writeup? The FSM is somewhat difficult to follow, but I'm sure I can manage with nothing else available.

Next, can anyone recommend a setup? I am familiar with brand names, but I've not had much experience with many in particular. The only contingencies for the system are that the head unit has an auxiliary port (ipod connection would be nice although not required), and can reliably push loud volumes. We're looking for a system within the range of $300-$400 - if this is feasible. Is it pretty standard to go with components in the front and standard speakers in the back? This recent post lists the Kenwood KFC-P709PS speakers. Can anyone recommend a better speaker around the same price?

Questions:
1) Besides the speakers themselves, and obviously the kit for fitting the new head unit, what else will we need to install the new system (e.g. speaker mounting brackets, amp, wiring harnesses, etc.)?
2) Are there any write-ups for the installation; specifically the rewiring process would be most appreciated. Write-ups for removing the door panels (more clear than the one listed in the "How-To's" thread), installing the speakers and installing the head unit would also be appreciated.
3) Can anyone recommend a decent and complete setup for between $300 and $400?

[EsotericImage]

crutchfield.com has the answers to all your questions..

they come with everything you need and sometimes they have great buys..
http://signature.crutchfield.com/s_130A ... 7995&avf=N

[KyooX4]

+1

Crutchfield is great. They'll help you with everything you need.

[gavnator]

I posted this reply to miamiheat but I just upgraded the Factory BOSE system Head unit/6CD changer with a Pioneer DEH 6200BT. What a difference. This worked for me. You may have higher end needs. I left the BOSE and original speaker. Sounds great to me. I would definitely go Crutchfield. Great products and their techs cannot be beat. It doesn't matter what you call on they have the solution. Go Crutchfield!!! Also all you Pathy Posters that replied to my call for help. your the best!!!

[Innovazn]

for an entire setup between 300-400 is going to be tough.... my head unit alone costed about 300... my door speakers (through at cost from the supplier) were near 200 a set. Good luck in finding a complete set for that much. I would expect 600 for a decent set up.

EDIT :: what I have right now is an
Alpine IXA W404 that was 350 on sale last year
Alpine Type Rcomp speakers fronts around 200
Alpine Type Xcoax Speakers back 250 (shelf display unit)
2 12" Type R 4ohm subs at 250 ea.
MRP M1000 Mono i THINK i paid 300 last year
the MRP M600 4CH i got off CL brand new unused for 300
Yellow Top Optima to reduce the voltage drops for 100 (used and tested)

THe box im working on is looking at around 500.

Minus the wires.... good luck with just 600. Cuz as car audio goes, once you get in, you'll want more, and youll want bigger. and youll want MORE POWER

[fueler]

^^ agreed. an entry level 10" sub with an amplifier alone will run you 400, thats not including head unit or door speakers.

My advice is go big or go home. Its way more expensive when you start buying entry level stuff and then in 6 months, when you get used to it, you spend even more to get more powerful stuff. and you end up selling the weak stuff for half the price on craigslist.


When i first got my QX4, I started out with a $400 sub and amp combo on the stock head unit. Today i've got over $2000 of audio in the QX4 and thats not including all the previous audio crap that i already ripped out and sold.

[miamiheat3332]

I have to disagree with not being able to get a good "NEW" set of subs and having to pay alot. I got 2 12" MTX's in a sealed box, and a blaupunkt 350w rms amp and a wiring kit for 300$ off crutchfield like 2 - 2.5 years ago. I might have just struck that good deal though cause i was looking for one.

[Innovazn]

I have to disagree with not being able to get a good "NEW" set of subs and having to pay alot. I got 2 12" MTX's in a sealed box, and a blaupunkt 350w rms amp and a wiring kit for 300$ off crutchfield like 2 - 2.5 years ago. I might have just struck that good deal though cause i was looking for one.

but to and 2 sets of speakers and head unit with additional wiring for under stated amount is near non exsistent unless its all used and beaten half way to death.

[ganesh21]

here is a complete system except cd player

5 channel amp
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_298 ... r+Kit.html

interior speaker
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_239 ... T.653.html

wire kit
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_216 ... T-950.html

subwoofer
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_312 ... I10D2.html

subwoofer box
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_749 ... RPET-.html

[EsotericImage]

personally, since Im a little older now and not a kid anymore, Id rather have my music sound good in the car , not across the street. Entry level sub and a 300.1 amp works perfect for me.

your results may differ

[TeenHeat]

Thanks for all the responses guys. Sorry for the delayed response.

I called crutchfield and the guy I spoke with recommended the Alpine SPS 600 for all 4 doors and a decent Kenwood head unit. The sub will for skipped for now, but he can always add it later.

He also said that it would probably be worth while to replace his blown stock tweeters. Are they pretty easy to get a hold of from people upgrading, and how much to used ones usually run?