Looking for SIMPLE stereo upgrade
#1
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I have been listening to music more in my 04 HCH and wondering what simple improvements I could make to the stereo. I am not really interested in replacing the deck (though I would love to see time and track info WTF?). I was thinking about upgrading the speakers. There don't seem to be many available in the size and configuration for this car, but I wonder how good the stock ones are compared to say a $100 pair of name brand speakers.
Anyone made any simple changes like new speakers or have any other ideas?
My prejudice against a new deck lies in two major issues. First is theft. I really don't want my car to get broken into for the stereo, and I don't have the interest or patience for detachable faces and such. Secondly, whenever I go to look at aftermarket stereo decks I am bewildered by the outrageously complicated and absolutely incomprehensible design of modern car stereos. I don't want a space ship console or animated graphics or any of that useless crap. I don't want menus, touch scrollers, and bleeping pushbuttons. I am shocked by my complete inability to find a stereo with simple controls. I would like a little better sound and MP3 capability but it's not worth it if I have to operate it like a video game. What's wrong with ***** anyway? They're easy to use.
So for me it's going to be something manageable like new speakers, some other simple change, or perhaps making do with what's in there. I am mostly interested to hear from folks who have made simple changes with success. Thanks.
Anyone made any simple changes like new speakers or have any other ideas?
My prejudice against a new deck lies in two major issues. First is theft. I really don't want my car to get broken into for the stereo, and I don't have the interest or patience for detachable faces and such. Secondly, whenever I go to look at aftermarket stereo decks I am bewildered by the outrageously complicated and absolutely incomprehensible design of modern car stereos. I don't want a space ship console or animated graphics or any of that useless crap. I don't want menus, touch scrollers, and bleeping pushbuttons. I am shocked by my complete inability to find a stereo with simple controls. I would like a little better sound and MP3 capability but it's not worth it if I have to operate it like a video game. What's wrong with ***** anyway? They're easy to use.
So for me it's going to be something manageable like new speakers, some other simple change, or perhaps making do with what's in there. I am mostly interested to hear from folks who have made simple changes with success. Thanks.
#2
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Hi Zimbop. I was thinking the same thing about a speaker upgrade and posted the question on how to remove the rear speakers sometime ago with no response. Many a time I've gone and done something on the interior without first knowing what I'm actually doing and tore something up. I don't want to do that with my HCH since I plan on running it until the wheels fall off (might be sooner than I think if it continues to rust
)
Now that I added a sat. radio (exterior unit) I just want decent speakers to listen to it better/clearer.
I'd think anything would be an upgrade over the stock speakers.
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Now that I added a sat. radio (exterior unit) I just want decent speakers to listen to it better/clearer.
I'd think anything would be an upgrade over the stock speakers.
Last edited by rigger; 02-19-2006 at 03:07 PM. Reason: my spelling made look like the smartest kid with Downs syndrome
#3
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A new set of speakers and an amp would make a huge difference.
In my '04, I added a Bazooka tube which gave me nice low end response, they were wired to the rear speakers, so I know they're accessible. On a side note, the Bazooka tube I had installed looked like a NOS bottle....definitely a conversation piece in a Hybrid vehicle.
In my '04, I added a Bazooka tube which gave me nice low end response, they were wired to the rear speakers, so I know they're accessible. On a side note, the Bazooka tube I had installed looked like a NOS bottle....definitely a conversation piece in a Hybrid vehicle.
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#4
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Shopping around, namely at crutchfield, looks like nearly all the speakers that "fit" require adaptors and drilling.
So... those of you who have replace speakers, are there any "drop-in" replacements?
So... those of you who have replace speakers, are there any "drop-in" replacements?
#5
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No. I don't believe there are any drop-in replacements. For one the magnet of the stock speaker is small and takes up very little space. You will definatly need a spacer so speakers with larger magnets will not hit the windows when they roll down.
I'm not sure about the drilling thing.
I'm not sure about the drilling thing.
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