FCBlitz said:
ChoppinDs40 said:
FCBlitz said:
I have a 2019 Hyundai Sante Fe and would like the stereo to have a bit more thump and power. Not a lot, but maybe 1/3 to 1/2 more.
I think the gold standard nowadays is Crutchfield. But I don't have the tool, time nor the space to do the install myself.
It has been 30 years since I have shopped area for a sound system upgrade. I would think a small bit of diligence on my part would go a long way to ensure a good install at a good price.
I expect to change out front dash, front door, back door and far rear speakers. The question is will I need to get a new stereo. The stereo is a typical touch screen.
Has anyone switched out a stereo system and would be willing to give me some pointers?
I was a complete audiophile in my younger years. For reference, I had a Tahoe where every component, including speaker wire, was replaced. Also had 2 capacitors wired straight to the battery pushing 3 amps. Car had no panels or carpet during install (my father and I did it).
Ask away.
Thanks for responding. Sorry to be so late about my follow up. Been away for work and I have to use the phones the govt gives me to use and I was gone awhile.
My life style is really at the center of why I can't DIY an install. I have a normal work schedule……until I don't. Most of the time (lately) I don't have a normal schedule…..and can be gone a month at a time.
I am older. My hearing is probably deteriorating some, but I still enjoy listening to loud music when I drive.
My biggest unknown….is how to determine the following:
> How do I determine if the current standard console is fine and all I need is new, higher quaility speakers to achieve a higher thump to feel.
I am not a stereo nut who demands the highest level of fidelity by having the very best components. But I do want about 30% more loudness, that is balanced in sound from the speaker system.
Maybe the new system means replacing the console, the front door, back passenger door and tail gate door speakers w/ sub woofer, along with a small amplifier. Or maybe it just requires new speakers with amplifiers.
As for the install. I would pay someone to install, because I need the install to be done right nd over a day or two period so the install doesn't last a longggg time.
If I can install the system in phases of that is easier.
Lastly. As I said above, maybe I do buy everything through Crutchfield and hire someone to do install.
Or
Do I go to a local car stereo dealer and do a turn key purchase and install. This seems the riskiest path foreword because there is a lot trust involve with stereo company I know nothing about.
Thanks for discussing with me.
Great info, and we could certainly take this a few different directions.
I also in my younger years worked at Best Buy and another car audio place. I do feel that with the advent of MUCH more improved car audio options from the factory, that the world of aftermarket car audio has diverged. It's either ultra performance and customization or "my 1993 Camry radio don't work no more".
The post above brings up great points. The factory head unit ( or console as you're calling it) nowadays drives much more than tune this fm station, play this CD, etc.
You will need to do some research on what you want in functionality first (many aftermarket head units now are very Apple CarPlay driven). My dad just installed a new head unit with a backup camera in a 1994 gmc Sierra.
Some general knowledge on how everything works - you may know all of this.
Factory head units have an amplifier in it that powers the speakers. It also processes the sound. One stop shop.
The most common replacement you see is 1) new head unit 2) new speakers in doors. This uses existing wiring to speakers and relies on the new head unit to power those speakers. This may be all you really need. Any basic shop or retailer can do this. Best Buy could easily knock that out in a day.
The next step up gets more complicated… adding a separate amplifier or a subwoofer.
First, if adding an amplifier, you will most likely need to replace the head unit. New head unit will have cables/outputs to drive the processed signal to an amplifier. Speakers are then connected to this amplifier.
Now you see the complication. How do you get the output wires to the amplifier? How do you get the speaker wires connected to the amplifier? And mostly, how do you get power to the amplifier? This requires panels off and fishing of all new wires.
This will give you your BEST option for sound in the actual speakers. However, a new good head unit and door speakers, I think, is all you need.
Now… for the bass. You will need an amplifier and subwoofer for this. Most common setup is wiring the amplifier to the unit and getting power to it. Then mounting the amplifier or positioning very close the subwoofer. Wire from subwoofer goes to amplifier.
Shops can do this pretty easily too. A good one can do it in a day.
One last note and we can continue this… car audio parts are marked up a good bit. Especially accessories (wiring) and speakers themselves.
Best Buy or tweeter or whatever can do all of this but you may be shocked at the cost without knows by your budget.
Can you build a system off crutchfield or buy used parts for much cheaper? Yes, but the install is the tricky part.
