sound system
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,197
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From: Milwaukee, WI
If you want some decent beats, you definitely should look into getting something after market (IMO). The stock system has NO bass and doesn't sound real good when turned up to any kind of volume. If you just want some background music, the stock is ok, but if you want to enjoy your tunes, it has to go. The newer tegs (mine at least 99 GS) have components in front, so that is an easy plug and play making for better sound (get some components).
Has an M3 now...
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 156
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From: Mississauga, ON, Canada
The stock system is definitely nothing to brag about. I mean its much better than any of the crap they put in most domestics, but it's no concert hall. If you want to improve your system WHEN YOU GET THE CAR, do it in the following order. Feel free to do multiple steps at once 
1) Head Unit. You'd be surprised what this will do to a stock system.
2) Front Speakers. Don't bother with the rears, rear speakers destroy sound and imaging. Get components, 2 or 3 ways are useless in an Integra because you have tweeters in pods at the top of the doors. If you put 2 ways below you where your midrange is, all your staging will sound like it's at your feet because the tweeters will be firing at your feet.
3) Amplifier for front speakers. This will clean your sound up and take stress off your head unit.
4) Subwoofer and amplifier. 1 or 2 12" subs. Some people put 15's but no one who has heard 15's in a hatchback has ever said "Wow thats the cleanest sound I've ever heard" unless they need their head examined. And I cannot stress enough the importance of box design.
5) Anything else (DSP, EQ, CD changer, whatever).
Don't do anything half assed man. If you put in amps, wire them correctly (proper gauge). Run good RCA cables.
Keep in mind that what you add will add weight to your car. ESPECIALLY #4.
If you need any help, again, WHEN YOU GET YOUR CAR, let me know, I have a good amount of experience in this field.
-Diabolik
1) Head Unit. You'd be surprised what this will do to a stock system.
2) Front Speakers. Don't bother with the rears, rear speakers destroy sound and imaging. Get components, 2 or 3 ways are useless in an Integra because you have tweeters in pods at the top of the doors. If you put 2 ways below you where your midrange is, all your staging will sound like it's at your feet because the tweeters will be firing at your feet.
3) Amplifier for front speakers. This will clean your sound up and take stress off your head unit.
4) Subwoofer and amplifier. 1 or 2 12" subs. Some people put 15's but no one who has heard 15's in a hatchback has ever said "Wow thats the cleanest sound I've ever heard" unless they need their head examined. And I cannot stress enough the importance of box design.
5) Anything else (DSP, EQ, CD changer, whatever).
Don't do anything half assed man. If you put in amps, wire them correctly (proper gauge). Run good RCA cables.
Keep in mind that what you add will add weight to your car. ESPECIALLY #4.
If you need any help, again, WHEN YOU GET YOUR CAR, let me know, I have a good amount of experience in this field.
-Diabolik
Has an M3 now...
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Mississauga, ON, Canada
Originally posted by mrhonda_187
If it turns out you are intent on upgrading the stereo, I'd say spend your money on a really nice head unit that you can build onto later.
If it turns out you are intent on upgrading the stereo, I'd say spend your money on a really nice head unit that you can build onto later.
Don't skimp on the head unit.
And for the love of all that is holy, don't buy Sony.
-Diabolik
Has an M3 now...
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Mississauga, ON, Canada
Originally posted by 97teg
Yeah best buy doesn't exactlly have a lot of top quality stuff. Mostly high productions stuff. 1000 could get some good stuff at a better shop. Werd on the old fosgate stuff though. The old oval black ones were awsome.
Yeah best buy doesn't exactlly have a lot of top quality stuff. Mostly high productions stuff. 1000 could get some good stuff at a better shop. Werd on the old fosgate stuff though. The old oval black ones were awsome.
Now Kicker (particularily the KX1200.1)..... :drool:
-Diabolik
Senior Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 523
Likes: 0
From: NJ
i have the rockford fosgate 500a2 amp (250x2 @ 2 ohms) with 2 12" RF he2 subs, they take 400 rms and 800 max but i only run 250 each from the amp and it is LOUD. be sure to get a SEALED box for the best sound quality. a sealed box will make the bass notes more percise and pinching, instead of a bandpass box which will produce a little more sloppy (but slightly louder) bass. i used to have a bandpass and i ditched it for a custom sealed, and i am happy. i paired it up with the original kenwood mp3 cd player and its been doing its job for almost 2 years, VERY nicely. i am constantly commented on my system and i would recomend it to anyone. cost... im not sure about current prices. check www.ikesound.com .. he always has real good deals going on. good luck.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,197
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee, WI
Headunits
I have had both and personally I like the Kenwoods better.....I have had a little problem with some background noise with my Pioneer, although the deck itself is nice. (I am no expert, but have tried to fix it myself as well as had a few shops look at it and they said that it is somewhat typical with Pioneers - don't know how true this is, but I still can't get rid of a faint buzz at times).
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 58,579
Likes: 0
From: Lll
with decks....go with alpine and pioneer. i have a clarion, which is not bad. but i see alpine and pioneer decks, just simply better.
here is a good budget system IMO.
pioneer / alpine deck with 3 sets of outputs ---- $250-300
infinity front components ---- $200
12" IDQ sub ---- $200ish
sub woofer box ---- $30 make it yourself
amp wire kit --- $40
since i didnt recommend any rear speakers, you can get a 4 ch amp, use the first 2 channels for the front speakers, and bridge the rear 2 channels for the sub like i do. i have a RF 600a4 which cost me $150 through hookup.
hope that opened it up for you a bit
here is a good budget system IMO.
pioneer / alpine deck with 3 sets of outputs ---- $250-300
infinity front components ---- $200
12" IDQ sub ---- $200ish
sub woofer box ---- $30 make it yourself
amp wire kit --- $40
since i didnt recommend any rear speakers, you can get a 4 ch amp, use the first 2 channels for the front speakers, and bridge the rear 2 channels for the sub like i do. i have a RF 600a4 which cost me $150 through hookup.
hope that opened it up for you a bit
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