Can I mix and match car audio accessories?
January 4th, 2010 - Posted in HowTo
Hi, I have a ‘92 Nissan Maxima. The Bose system is complete and utter trash. I need to get a completely new system. But have no clue what I’m doing. What would be the cheapest route, what would be the estimate if I did get a complete overhaul on my system, and what places do free installations? Thanks, God Bless
Asked by: Matt, from TN
January 7th, 2010 at 6:30 am
Absolutely, you do not need to keep all the brands the same. Once awhile some moronic newb will say this, but there is absolutely NO basis behind it. All professional shops use different brands with installs most of the time.
(notice the newb who said exactly this right after me “castmoney”).
Ditch the whole bose system. You can start by getting a nice aftermarket cd player, like a pioneer or alpine, and all four speakers. Everything would likely need to be re-wired, as some of these bose systems were tough to re-do without running new wires.
Giving an estimate is tough. If you want one, go to your local trusted shop and see what they say. Beware cheap flea market equipment online. Most newbs make mistakes such as buying junk equipment, and stuff that doesnt work well together (IE getting four channel amps for subs, wrong impedances, etc.)
January 10th, 2010 at 12:39 am
You can but sound quality is much better if you use the same brand name for each componenet.
January 11th, 2010 at 3:36 pm
Just take it in to a local car audio shop (if there is one around you, which there should be) and see what they recommend and come back and ask about that and see what we think of what they tell you. If they give good info and recommend good stuff at a decent rate we’ll tell you to go for it. If it sounds like not so good stuff, we’ll tell you so! Also, ask if they install stuff that’s purchased somewhere else, because you can almost surely find a better deal on stuff online than in a shop or somewhere like Best Buy.
January 12th, 2010 at 10:43 am
Get a aftermarket radio and a few new speakers. You could even go to walmart for some speakers just for some tem. music. But you really should save your money up and get something that is good. A pair of 6×9 and the front speakers would be good. And if you have a coupld dollars laying around after that you could but some tweeters which will make your system amazing
January 14th, 2010 at 1:34 am
You might consider replacing the car before investing more than the value of the car into a music system for commuting time.
The system in my truck was over $2K using the installed Infinity speaker system. My buddy replaced the entire system in his Expedition to the tune of $6K.
Your car has a value of less than either of these two stereo systems.
If you find a supplier that does free install, the cost of the install will be built into the price of the unit.
If you are looking to only replace the head unit, crutchfield may be your answer and at a good deal less than the value of the car.