Sound System
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You are currently reading a thread in /o/ - Auto
You are currently reading a thread in /o/ - Auto
Recently purchased a Saab 9-3 and looking to install a sound system, as the radio kinda sucks,a single CD is stuck inside and I have no AUX input.
The biggest problem is that the head unit isn't a rectangular shape like what I would upgrade to, leaving alot of empty space around the new head unit.Would I need to contact a fucking plastics company or something to get a new face plate frame?
Not to mention the entire dash is sealed comfortably and I can't really find anywhere I would stick a flathead into to pop it out. Should I just take it into a car/audio place or can I do it myself?
I'm also getting conflicting information from my dumb friends about what to install exactly.
>Don't buy an amp, most subs have one already
>Don't buy a sub, it weighs down your car
>Just upgrade door and rear speakers and head unit
>Buy an amp and sub, and nothing else
What are some /o/ approved brands and cost effective pieces?
Budget $400-$800
I can tell you from my own experience that changing the headunit has an insane influence on audio quality. I myself recommend Pioneer. Had one for about 12 years in previous car and just installed a new one in my current car. The speakers in my E36 are stock 13cm Nokias. The jump in quality from OEM to a Sony headunit was nice already, but the jump in quality from Sony to Pioneer was absolutely fucking insane. I was considering changing my speakers but now I don't. I couldn't believe how much better the audio got. Yes I shill Pioneer but for a good reason.
>>15454883
This is the headunit in my car. The problem is that it's not in a perfect rectangle like yours.
Which headunit do you use? I'm pretty set on a Pioneer from what i've heard
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jR4k2kOQ6Q
http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=122236
>>15455025
Not him, but seconding Pioneer. Pioneer has amazing quality, especially for the price. Spend a minimum of $150-$200 on a Pioneer headunit. Only after that can you properly decide what else, if anything, you need. I personally think a Pioneer headunit will be all you need.
Pic related is the headunit I have. Pioneer FH-X700BT. Not in their range anymore but they do have an updated version.
>>15454851
You need one of these for whatever head unit you are going with. This is for a double din unit which are the larger ones. Then you get the wiring harness bullshit and your head unit and give it a hack if you feel confident.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B012C15K7W/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468757733&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=saab+9-3+stereo+install+kit&dpPl=1&dpID=31vARHgvZwL&ref=plSrch
To get the old one out, Google it. There will be a specific way to do it right.
>>15455025
>>15454883
forgot file
>>15455062
That's it on the bottom? It already looks like an aftermarket single DIN unit. You may already have the aftermarket wiring harness in there which will make it super easy.
>>15455079
No, above that, below the air con. It's stock inside every Saab. I think I have the cig lighter+ash trash where that is.
>>15455199
Is that a CD player down on the bottom?
>>15454851
crutchfield might have that fascia already
justy google saab 9-3 din fascia
>>15455025
DEH-4000UB
>>15454851
What year 9-3? I typically recommend Kenwood or Pioneer, but Google the Kenwood DDX573BH
>>15454883
>Pioneer
AAAAAAAAAAAY this
had a pioneer headunit for years now its great
also JVC since its the same brand basically.
Cant emphasize enough on a good headunit.
Stay away from double din memescreen models get a older high end single din model stay away from mid-lowrange ones they sound like shit and will have tonnes of issues.
>>15455542
Fuck meant to say kenwood instead but their all good.
>>15454851
>leaving alot of empty space around the new head unit.Would I need to contact a fucking plastics company or something to get a new face plate frame?
What you don't see is that a lot of shops buy parts from distributors and parts makers that sell only to the trade (not to consumers). If you have a widely popular car, then there may be customizable dash plates available. In many cases though, a custom fiberglas dash plate has to be made by the car audio shop. My local one does just that. It's not that hard but sure looks annoying when you drive it home with all that mess before you bring the car back for finishing.
Some car audio companies sell adapter plates to consumers with their head units. Crutchfield is one such company. It's a good place to visit to ensure you have a baseline to work from as a comparison of speakers, head units, spatial gear (equalizers, spatial equalization), and amplifiers.
I've got an e90 and I'm looking at this
http://www.ebay.com/itm/US-7-o-HD-Head-Unit-Car-DVD-Player-GPS-Navigation-for-BMW-E90-E91-E92-E93-06-11-/162120522320?hash=item25bf22da50:g:BJQAAOSw2zlXh3Om
Would audio quality be worse than a keenwood/jvc etc?
>>15456248
I almost take back the question; pic related has pretty much sold me. I'ma hunt a cheap one
>>15455205
yup, it's from google images but. not my car
>>15455207
Couldn't find one on crutchfield, but there's some sketchy looking ones on ebay for about $80
>>15455507
Thanks, i'll see if I can find it in Australia, but are there any other Pioneer models you'd recommend if I can't get a hold of it?
>>15455536
2006 or 2008 I think
>>15455542
Is there any sound improvements over 1din with 2din? A screen would look nice I suppose, but not for an extra $200. I'm mostly set on a bluetooth feature if it doesn't make the sound sound like shit.
