Audio upgrade

So I am thinking about upgrading the factory 6 disk to a single DIN with iPod and Bluetooth. I want to keep the budget in the $200ish range. After looking around the JVC KD-A815 looks like it will fit the bill. I am keeping the stock speakers for now but may do a moderate upgrade in the future after I hear how the new head unit sounds.

So after I pretty much decided on the head unit I started thinking about getting some more low end. Being I have a wagon I can't sacrifice the storage space. I was looking at under seat units and ran across the BOSS BASS600. Anyone seen this or had any experience with it? I am not looking to rattle my fillings out just get a little feel. It is on Amazon for under $100. I have read reviews from people who have it and there seems to be lots of good reviews.

Andy

 

Big fan of the Kenwood offerings....

http://www.crutchfield.com/s_113KDCX794/Kenwood-Excelon-KDC-X794.html?tp=5684

No opinion of the other issues... I'm a believer in real subwoofers. I can recommend some great performing 6.5" subs that can be installed in very clever ways, but they run a bit more than that unit and require the addition of an amplifier.

 

Boss is pure junk and always will be.

JVC we use to say stood for Junk Very Cheap.

I would get a Pioneer or Alpine unit in that price range. I ahve a Pioneer DEH-P5200HD in my beater car and it is awesome. I have seen them in the mid $100 range lately at Fry's. Either get someone to build you a shallow mount sub or but one pre-fabbed. Don't go that cheap or else you will regret it later on down the road.

 

I used JVC in my previous 2 cars and their iPod control was fantastic. I didn't have any problems whatsoever and the sound was great. I'm not an audiophile but the JVC worked VERY good for me in my Miata and my Imprezza L. Mine had HD Radio, iPod control, Bluetooth, etc. I really liked the dual area color change ability and night/day mode for colors.

True, it's not an Alpine but I think I paid $99 for one on closeout from Crutchfield and $159 for the other from Fry's.

YMMV

 

Thanks, I like the look of the Kenwood also, but need the Bluetooth. So what under seat subs are good? I saw the Kenwood one looked nice. I guess I could pick one up used. Is the Subaru OEM one just as good?

 

I would get an aftermarket one before I got the OEM one. At least with the aftermarket, you can adjust the gains on the amp. The OEM is preset and sounds ok but not great.

JVC might have changed since I use to sell them but I would never purchase one from the problems we had with them 10 years ago. To each his own I guess.

 

I have the Forrester map pocket for under the radio...in case you need one. LMK. It's MINT...Looks sweet!

$20


In car pic: Click me




.

 

Trey, that is what I wanted for underneath instead of the open pocket. Where are you located? This beats going and trying to find one. Shoot me a PM.

Andy

 

My WRX has the OEM underseat subwoofer. If you are looking for clean PUNCH, it's not the way to go. It DOES amplify the entire system though so the stock is suddenly louder. The bass it DOES add is nice and was perfect for what I was looking for. You can crank it and it does sound pretty good but I'm sure it's nowhere close to a nice aftermarket one.

 

Thanks mayoke. Just looking for the future, which may be sooner then later.

The Kenwood SW10 looks promising. Just need to find a used one.

 

No problem. I'll probably replace my underseat sub as well when I finally decide to upgrade to a touchscreen double din. Like I said, it adds some nice bass but it's by no means a "thumper" or anything. Right now, I have other priorities. Best of luck!

 

I did but it takes up too much room. Don't know where I would put it. I would have to see if there is a corner available in the back of the wagon.

 

WHy not get something like this? I have this type of setup in my Legacy Wagon and it sounds great. There are two vendors on here that could build something like this for you.

 

^ this, that IDQ sub almost covers the cost Alex_ATL is looking for

 

yea I took a quick look at the rear last night and was pondering making a unit on the side like that. I have the woodworking tools.

What about 2 8's? one under each front seat?

 

Wood working tools might not be enough..... you may need fiberglass to hug the contours and get as much volume as possible under there...

Tip... Bondo fiberglass stuff sucks; you will need to go with US composites resin/glass to make life easier.

 

Thanks for the info guys. I have plenty of scrap laying around to play around with. I have nothing in hand but can just fiddle. Never done fiberglass before but thanks for the tips.

 

^truth


Others have even given up an actual career to peruse and spread the passion.

 

This being said ^^^, you are best off to spend a little extra money now and get a good quality product then to try and save a few bucks buying a JVC headunit and Boss anything.

Buy quality parts because they will last forever.

 

What are your opinions on the Kenwood KDC-BT945U? It has all the things I am looking for. It has good reviews.

 

Thanks Alex. Another forum to get sucked into...

 

Yes that is very impressive work with so many revisions.

 

That's actually the HU I'm rocking right now.... very pleased. Feel free to hit me up if you want to check it out in person.

 

Thanks Slade. I would like to get the rundown on it. Where are you located? I am off work tomorrow.

 

out by Discover Mills. Sent you PM.

 

Ok no problem. I will give you a shout in the AM.