head unit considerations

[lifespeed]

My dying factory CD changerstereo is finally going to get replaced. What should I be looking at? I hear a "PIE" adapter for steering wheel controls is a good choice. What about integration with the woeful factory subwoofer (or an upgraded replacement down the road)? Does the sub have it's own crossover or is expected that is done externally? Does it take line level or speaker level inputs?

My guess is the factory speakers might sound OK with a true 20W RMS amp driving them. What has been your experience with upgrading the source and using factory speakers?

I've been looking at Pioneer, Kenwood and JVC double din units. Sound quality is key, followed by all the conveniences such as *modern* Bluetooth, nav, etc. I want to play my FLAC or WMA lossless 24 bit 96 KHz audio from USB stick or SDHC (preferably larger SDXC) memory.

[fastblackmerc]

I recommend Pioneer AVIC series and Infinity Bass link.

[lifespeed]

and Infinity Bass link.

Did that fit in the original location below the package tray? Can you answer the subwoofer input signal question?

[MOTOWN]

I upgraded the head unit before i upgraded the oem speakers, lasted about 20 minutes!

[Limited360]

I did an AVH-X4500BT with all Rockford components front and rear in my first Marauder... Loved it. All stock in the second one so far and plan to keep it that way.


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[jwibbity]

please upgrade speakers while doing headunit, ford made paper cone garbage speakers that distort with even a little volume. That was the first thing i did to my car when i bought it back in 2011, mounted the tweeter in the door panel.....

get a good set of 6.5 components and youll love em..

[lifespeed]

please upgrade speakers while doing headunit, ford made paper cone garbage speakers that distort with even a little volume. That was the first thing i did to my car when i bought it back in 2011, mounted the tweeter in the door panel.....

get a good set of 6.5 components and youll love em..

Thanks for the info. Pics of your tweeter install?

[fastblackmerc]

Basslink install:
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u133/fastblackmerc/MM%20Mods/Basslink/BasslinkSparetire.jpg (http://s167.photobucket.com/user/fastblackmerc/media/MM%20Mods/Basslink/BasslinkSparetire.jpg.html)
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u133/fastblackmerc/MM%20Mods/Basslink/Basslinkontheshelf.jpg (http://s167.photobucket.com/user/fastblackmerc/media/MM%20Mods/Basslink/Basslinkontheshelf.jpg.html)

I installed the tweeters on the triangular pieces on the front doors.

[fastblackmerc]

Did that fit in the original location below the package tray? Can you answer the subwoofer input signal question?

Run RCA cables from the headunit to the Basslink for the sub input, use the power and ground from the existing sub connector.

[lifespeed]

Basslink install:
I installed the tweeters on the triangular pieces on the front doors.

Nice! Is it screwed through the floor of the trunk?

[jwibbity]

pics of tweeter install as requested!

[8UWITH6]

If you dont want to spend a small fortune Kenwoods DDX touch screens are nice. I have the older DDX-419 in my blue car. The newer version is the DDX-470. Nice stuff. Ipod, CD, bluetooth, pandora, dvd, etc etc. Only 300 some dollars.

Yes, upgrade speakers. I run Rockford Fosgate T2 6.5" components in the doors (tweeters in the triangle pieces by the mirrors) and some old school Rockford Punch 5.25" for rear fill and dont even need them. A big Power Series Rockford Fosgate amp runs everything. :)

[Limited360]

Run RCA cables from the headunit to the Basslink for the sub input, use the power and ground from the existing sub connector.


Any reason why you ran RCA's? Aren't the factory signals 'RCA's' based on how the wiring kits typically work... They plug into sub channel on the radio via RCA I thought.

Factory power and ground was sufficient? This may be a next mod if so.


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[WPG_Merc]

Check out the Pioneer AppRadio SPH- DA100
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/AppRadio/AppRadio+2+%28SPH-DA100%29

I have one for my Rodder & will install it in spring. :)

Nice Amp unit

[fastblackmerc]

Any reason why you ran RCA's? Aren't the factory signals 'RCA's' based on how the wiring kits typically work... They plug into sub channel on the radio via RCA I thought.

Factory power and ground was sufficient? This may be a next mod if so.


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Ran RCA's because the sub output from the headunit is RCA and the input to the Basslink is RCA. You'll also need to run the remote control from the Basslink to the front of the car... I mounted mine inside the center console. Tapped the factory power and ground for the Basslink from the factory sub connector.

[Limited360]

Yeah but the OEM harness goes RCA to regular wire as part of the adapter. Why not go regular wire to RCA in trunk? I understand the remote level reason tho....


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[lifespeed]

So now I need new speakers (separate mid-bass and tweets in the front at least) in addition to the head unit, a powered sub, and might as well throw in a 4-channel amp too.

[jwibbity]

So now I need new speakers (separate mid-bass and tweets in the front at least) in addition to the head unit, a powered sub, and might as well throw in a 4-channel amp too.

or you can buy a five channel amp to power your door and rear speakers, plus your subwoofer and not have your head unit power anything.

[lifespeed]

or you can buy a five channel amp to power your door and rear speakers, plus your subwoofer and not have your head unit power anything.

Any recommends on an un-powered sub that fits our cars and performs well? Not sure going the 5-channel-amp and un-powered sub route buys me anything in cost savings or improved performance.

[jwibbity]

Any recommends on an un-powered sub that fits our cars and performs well? Not sure going the 5-channel-amp and un-powered sub route buys me anything in cost savings or improved performance.

there are a couple of threads about people replacing the subwoofer with a decent upgrade, requiring only slight modification to the box itself, i myself removed and sold the stock sub because i hated the way it sounded, way too much distortion.....but i suggested the 5-channel for simplicity, not necessarily cost effecfient

my audio system build will cost me in total about 2500 when its all said and done (4 sets of components, 4-chan amp, 2 chan mono amp, 2 15" subs)

[fastblackmerc]

Yeah but the OEM harness goes RCA to regular wire as part of the adapter. Why not go regular wire to RCA in trunk? I understand the remote level reason tho....


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????

The sub output on a Pioneer AVIC X940BT is RCA, the sub input on the Basslink is RCA, that's why you need to run an RCA front front to rear. I guess you could use the regular wires but you'd have to convert them to RCA.

[Limited360]

????



The sub output on a Pioneer AVIC X940BT is RCA, the sub input on the Basslink is RCA, that's why you need to run an RCA front front to rear. I guess you could use the regular wires but you'd have to convert them to RCA.


Yes just convert the existing signal wires to RCA. Little sniping done ;)


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[jwibbity]

you would either have to buy a line out converter which takes the high level speaker inputs and converts them to rca or buy an amp that will do the conversion internally (accepts speaker level inputs)

[fastblackmerc]

Any recommends on an un-powered sub that fits our cars and performs well? Not sure going the 5-channel-amp and un-powered sub route buys me anything in cost savings or improved performance.

Your going to pay about the same for a passive sub (Bazooka) as you would for a powered sub (Basslink).

[jwibbity]

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=81384&page=2&highlight=subwoofer

heres a discussion about replacing the stock sub with an aftermarket in the same enclosure

[Limited360]

you would either have to buy a line out converter which takes the high level speaker inputs and converts them to rca or buy an amp that will do the conversion internally (accepts speaker level inputs)


The input at the amp is an RCA... Just in wire for. When you do your radio harness install it has two RCA's that go to wire harness... I'd simply cut those wires off in the rear and put RCA's on them. If the stock power and ground is good enough I think a bass link is in my future.


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[fastblackmerc]

The input at the amp is an RCA... Just in wire for. When you do your radio harness install it has two RCA's that go to wire harness... I'd simply cut those wires off in the rear and put RCA's on them. If the stock power and ground is good enough I think a bass link is in my future.


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Basslinks are great if you don't need bass that will knock the filling out of your teeth. I can get the rearview mirrors to dance with the Basslink.

[Limited360]

Basslinks are great if you don't need bass that will knock the filling out of your teeth. I can get the rearview mirrors to dance with the Basslink.


More than enough for me!! I just want some fill over the stock distortion that is provided with the stock sub. I need all new speakers and head unit in my trilogy car, low on the list as I typically just turn the radio off, enjoy the blower whine!!! Before Louisville drive though I'll need things!!!!


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[fireandice9008]

I've got a pioneer double-din in the Marauder, and a much older one in my Super duty that i'm actually considering upgrading. I love the amount of control Pioneer gives you over the audio, and to me they're relatively easy to use.

The Marauder is running a full JL system, but with drop in speakers, not components. The factory sub was replaced by a custom built box with a JL 10" sub, it's decent bass, but every once in a while I find myself missing the 12 I had in the Vic. I didn't do the install, the previous owner had it all done, so I don't know too terribly many specifics on it.

At a minimum do a headunit and speakers. Even drop in with the aftermarket HU driving them are going to be a huge difference. Crutchfield actually has some killer deals on HUs right now too.