I’m a bit of a noob when it comes to car audio and I was hoping top get some advice/feedback and questions I have answered I’m looking to upgrade the audio in my XB. My main concern is sound quality… I like to play my music loud and I want it to sound good when I do. I listen to a lot of hip hop, jazz and jamband music…. I currently have the crappy dealer bazooka tube which I’m keeping for now. I plan on upgrading to possibly a JL Audio 10w7 in the future.

The first two things I plan to upgrade are the head unit and the front speakers. I’m looking at an Alpine CDA-9833 http://www.acaraudio.com/product_inf...products_id=34 for my head unit. Anyone have any experiences good or bad with this particular unit? For front speakers I was going to go with 6.5” components. It’s a choice between:

- CDT Audio CL-61
- JL Audio VR 650-CSI
- Focal 165A
- MB Quart RCE 216

I’m currently leaning towards the CDT’s because I can get them the cheapest. Just curious what other people thought of these particular models and if anyone had any good or bad reviews for me?

Should I be looking to get an amp as well? If so just 2 channel and not run the back stock speakers off an amp or get a 4 channel amp? The Alpine head unit has a built in amp (60w max x’s 4) but I’m guessing I might need a little more. What’s the rule of thumb when it comes to figuring out what size amp to get? Say for example I go with the MB Quart RCE 216 they are 130W (Peak), 60W (RMS) What watt amp should I be looking to get factoring in the head unit already comes with a built in amp?

 

Well if I had to choose between all those speakers I would get the CDTs. Very natural sounding speakers compared to the others. Probably the most midbass out of them too. Get a 2 channel amp and have the rears run off the HU power. I know a few people with that particular Alpine Deck and they love it. Can't really go wrong with any Alpine.

I know this is horrible for me to do. I'm selling my set of CDT EF61 Components if ur interested. There a step up from the CL61s. I have them running off a Soundstream amp now and they sound great. I'm selling them less for what ur gonna pay for the Cl61s if ur at all interested.

 

swap out the radio first, then change out the bazooka tube for a real sub... and see how you like it... Unless of course Chef has killer deal on those CDT's that you just can't pass up...

 

I'm also new to car audio. I'd recommend checking out eclipse HUs if you are concerned about clear sound quality at high volumes. They have models that run their pre-outs at 8V which is supposed to help w/ SQ and lots of people are digging the eclipse decks these days. I've got the 8454 and I love it

 

The 9833 has a built in amp. when you install it, you are going to have to run the power wire directly to the battery. This will be enough juice to all of your interior speakers. Even the stock pioneers. I have the 9831 and have taken it back twice and gotten a new one each time. definately get the longest extended warranty you can buy b/c it will break on you....but it is a great HU.

 

Thanks everyone for all of the advice!!!

I think I'm now going to go with the CDT EF-61cfi/25 components with carbon fiber mids, 1" silk tweets and 560 crossover upgrade. Anyone have any recommendations on an amp to power them?