Want to keep the stock sub but swap a new head unit

[4x4Dude]

Well first i want to say hello to everyone here! I just recently purchased a 2000 Eddie Bauer Expo and i love it!

I don't want to change a thing on it except for a new head unit for the cd player. It has the upgraded sound system with the sub in the back, but i know since it's stock if i take out the deck i might lose the sub. Is there a way to keep the sub and put in a new cd player unit? I would be fine with the 6 disc changer, but i've been spoiled by my last SUV with the IPod direct link, and i don't think i can live without it!

Thanks for all your help on this guys and look forward to more posts!!

 

[Breezyjr]

Ok. Here's my suggestion.
If you're going to upgrade the head unit, you "MUST" upgrade all the speakers. (not because it wouldn't work, but because the OEM speakers are "crap" and even some of the least expensive replacements out there will give you much, much better sound. You'd be surprised. I'd also recommend upgrading the sub.
That you would lose if you upgraded the HU.
I swapped mine out, first for a JL Audio 10w6v2 and it sounded GREAT!
You could just replace it with a quality 8" sub. (that's what's in there now) there are many quality 8" sub out there, it just depends on your budget. You would also need a small amp for the sub.
You can go all the way up to a 12" sub, if you pick the right one. I just had a Rainbow Vanadium sub put in mine '06 expy limited. This is what the 10" JL sub looked like..

As for the speakers. Just go to any audio store and listen to the speakers. If you go to an audio specialist you should find everything in every price range. Find something you like, and can afford. You'll honestly be glad you did.

You can spend as much or as little as you want.

Good luck.

breezyjr

 

[4x4Dude]

Thanks for the suggestion and the pic too!

I've always had a system in every car i've owned, except now i need to make sure its tucked out of the way since i haul a lot of gear for my DJ business. I know that MTX and QA make a 10 inch box that goes where the stock sub is that i'll probably look into getting. I was afraid i'd have to upgrade all the speakers as well.....Looks like it's time to start the Bump Budget. Oh well, nothing good never came without a price right?

 

[Breezyjr]

Find a good shop and you can fit everything if done right.
Here's the list of what's going in my Expy, and I still have a "stock" appearence. Which means I have use of everything except the little change holder in the center console.

5 sinfoni amps. 60.1HD, 120.4, 50.4, 150.2
1 Alpine PDX amp.
2 Alpine F#1 H990 processors
12" Rainbow Vanadium sub
Rainbow audio reference 3 way active
Dynaudio system 240gt
Alpine F#1 2 way center channel
Nav unit
Alpine F#1 M990 in dash monitor (flip out)
10.2" flip down monitor
10.2" headrest monitors in 1st and 2nd row seats
Sirius tuner
TV tuner
Built in Laser jammer and K40 radar detector.

And, I still have all my cargo space, the third row still power fold.

If I can fit all that in my car, then putting a few things in yours will leave plenty of room for Dj stuff.
I'd go in steps.
Step 1. Replace headunit, possibly speakers Look for deals, around here every once in awhile shops will run a free speaker special. ANd, since you want iPod use, I would recommend the new Alpine unit that will display album art. But it's single DIN. If you double DIN, the Alpine W205 is an awesome head unit and you can get the full speed iPod cable.
Step 2. Upgrade speakers (if you can't find any deals.
Step 3. Buy sub, and sub amp. I'd check eBay, especially for the amp. You can find some really good deals for amps, and most likely subs too.
Step 4. Get sub and amp installed. Since a new sub, will most likely require a new enclosure.
You mentioned OEM replacements, but the last time I looked, which was a long time ago, there wasn't enything available, and JL's went in the center console. If they have a direct replcement, go for it, it will probably be cheaper then a custom fab, you just may give up some sound Quality with a replacement, whereas a custom one will give you the best results, because the shop can make it big or small enough for the sub specs.
You can check my photo album for ideas on how they fit everything...

http://tinyurl.com/3cp7qh

Good luck. Hope that helps...

Breezyjr

 

[4x4Dude]

Wow Breezyjr that was more information than i could have possibly have hoped for! You are awesome for all that info!

I'm already checking into that new alpine deck, the only thing weird is that it doesnt have a cd player at all in it. I guess that doesnt really matter anyway.

Thank you again for all that info, and i'll post pics and keep updated of what i plan on doing!

 

[Breezyjr]

Good luck, Glad I could help.

My personal fav though, prior to all my high end gear, was the W205. It is a double DIN unit. Has 6"-7" touch screen, plays DVD Audio! discs, you can get the iPod full speed cable, and it will show track, album, and song info. You can shuffle with it... it's really easy to use. THe only drawback is the cost. It is probably almost $1,000, but if you check eBay you could probably find the W200, last years model for much, much cheaper. The only cool thing is when you touch the screen it "vibrates" to confirm button presses... it is a really cool function to provide feedback.

But, good luck, if you need anything else, just let me know.

breezyjr

 

[trdragons44]

I don't know if this is the right thread or not but i was wondering if the speaker wires coming out of the head unit are line level or not. I have the mach audio in a 97 expy e.b.