I'm looking to get a system in my xB...
What would be the *BEST* thing to do first? Speakers or Head unit? I know nothing about either, so I would love to hear some suggestions!!

Some questions I have: What kind of speakers? Head units? Box (wood or fiberglass)? Best brands? Where to get them?

I'm really serious about this! I know I could search all over for it and find a million answers, but really everyone on here just talks about what they have... not so much what the best would be to get.

Also, keep in mind that I'm willing to spend about $500... that's all I can afford at the moment. I dont need anything show worthy or contest winning. Just something other than the crappy stock sound I have.

Thanks in advance!!!

 

Start with a new HU. Go to a reasonable stereo shop and find what you like. Make sure you get whatever options suit you... i.e., remote control, iPod ready, Sat. radio ready, etc.. Stay away from the off-brand crap and stick with the bigger names in the business, Alpine, Kenwood, Eclipse, Pioneer, Sony, etc.. You'll be glad you did later on.
If I had to pick one, I'd say Eclipse, but that's just my personal preference.
Worry about speaker replacement and subwoofers AFTER you have a good quality source.

 

Cool!!

I dont really need a remote and sat. radio... The iPod and steering controls would be really nice though!!!

I really appreciate the info!!!

 

Integrating the steering wheel controls narrows down your search a little. There are several radios that can use the existing steering wheel controls, but need a programmable interface to do so. Here is a link to PAC Audio's list of steering wheel interfaces and the cars/HUs they support. Just pick the HU type that suits you and see if the HU you like is supported. The PAC Steering Wheel Interfaces are sorted according to the companies they support and given a name using an acronym of the companies supported, i.e. SWI-ECL supports Eclipse, SWI-PS supports Pioneer and Sony, SWI-JACK supports JVC, Alpine, Clarion, and Kenwood.
Eclipse does make some higher-end In-dash NAV units that plug directly into the existing Toyota/Scion wiring harnesses. The two comapnies are very closely related. Eclipse is manufactured by Fujitsu Ten, who is a related, managed division of Toyota, and as you know, Toyota makes Scion.
I hope this helps you out. Good luck. If you have any other questions, just ask.

 

bah, just get an aftermarket wheel and you wont have to worry about those steering wheel controls again (like i did )

i would go for a headunit first because as the above said, the source is hte most important part of any audio system. If the source o utput sucks, then that crap signal will be amplified and transformed into a bigger crap signal which will then be played through speakers and sound like crap. pretty crappy eh?

 

yup.. agree fully.

Headunit FIRST! some people don't realize how good the stock speakers are... all it needs is a better headunit to bring out its full potential.

 

$500 if spent right can go a long way....H/U first..!!!

 

Looks like a HU will be the first thing then!!

Thanks for all your answers!!!