Looking for budget ICE for 97 Legacy wagon

[dmanww]

Hey guys,

I'm looking to replace the HU and speakers in my 97 legacy wagon. I'm trying to stay under $400 or so. This means I'll have to install it myself, so I want to keep it as simple of a job as possible.

What do you guys think of this package? Will they be likely to drop straight in without modification to the panels?

http://onlinecaraudio.co.nz/Panasonic_320_MAXv2_COMBO_MAD_PRICE_

I have the Subaru tweeters, but I figure I could disconnect them if they interfere with the coaxials.

What else would I need for the install? So far I've found out about.

- 1din surround

- Antenna cable extension

- Subaru to iso wire harness

[Scoobydoo]

They would go straight in yes. And you'd want to disconnect the factory tweeter, as it would cause resistance issues.

If that is your budget then I'd be more inclined to get a $250 headunit and $150 front speakers, rather than try spread it over an extra set of speakers for the rear. You sit in the front don't you?

Even this setup is only $300, I'd be more inclined for this setup: http://onlinecaraudio.co.nz/Pioneer_DEH1350MPG_Speaker_Combo

The speakers are so so so much better, the headunit would be about on par.

Otherwise look for seperate deals from trademe, you'll definitely be able to get something better for the money.

[dmanww]

Looks like JB has the speakers for $170/pr and the HU for $100

That means I could add something like this to the rears

http://www.jbhifi.co.nz/car-sound-gps-navigation/speakers/panasonic/full-range-6-inch-speakers-sku-13430/

for $60

total would be about $330 add the shelf, harness, and antenna cable and it should round out to 400.

Question: what do I do with the tweeters that come with the combo? Should I try to fit them into stock locations? Is there a crossover that I need to wire up?

ok, that looks like it will come in at about $400. What are my options if I want to make it as cheap as possible? The current audio is trashed, but I'm not sure how long I'll keep the car, so I don't want to put too much money into it.

[Timmah]

 dmanww said:

What are my options if I want to make it as cheap as possible? The current audio is trashed, but I'm not sure how long I'll keep the car, so I don't want to put too much money into it.

IMO, have a good think to yourself on how long you're going to keep the car. Personally, if you're going to sell it in the near future, don't spend a dime on any ICE as you won't get anything back.

[dmanww]

I get that. That's why I wan't to keep it cheap.

I usually use the car for long road trips, so having a barely functioning stereo is not fun.

[Scoobydoo]

Only very small tweeters will fit in the stock locations, anything 1" or larger will be too big. You'd normally mount them on the door sail area, or better yet, in the a-pillar trims. And the combo I linked, yes there is an external crossover you need to wire up.

[DRFVDR]

I have a set of those Panasonic speakers ( the jb ones) in my Rx running them from an amp, in the front doors,only speakers in the car and they sound sweet to me

[dmanww]

OK, I did a bit more research and it looks like these are my options to keep costs down

Pioneer

DEH1350UB + 4x TSG1643R = $220

DEH2350UB + 4x TSG1643R = $260

DEH3350UB + 4x TSG1643R = $320

Panasonic

CQ-RX122W + 4x CJ-A1623U = $167

CQ-RX420W + 4x CJ-A1623U = $250

I'm probably leaning towards getting the cheapest of the options.

Based on reviews I'm going to stay way from JVC and Sony. Besides, I don't like how they look.

Still have a couple of questions though.

- On the low end is it better to go Pioneer vs Panasonic? (For durability mostly and interface. I'm pretty sure the SQ will be almost the same.)

- I went to Repco and tried the pioneers and they seem nice enough. Haven't seen any place that stocks Panasonic. Has anyone got them installed?

- Does it make sense to mix a Pioneer HU with Panasonic speakers? The A1623's seem to have a bit more sensitivity and slightly higher RMS. Not sure how much it matters at this end of the market.

[Scoobydoo]

At this end of the market, doesn't make much difference at all. Mixing brands makes no difference, just depends how much of a brand snob you want to be. I'm a Pioneer fanboy and will always recommend those over most other products of similar price brackets.

You're obviously set on rear speakers though, I'd always prefer spending more on what creates the sound, rather than what the sound comes out of.

[dmanww]

I guess I could do something like

DEH1350UB + TSD-1602R (front) + CJ-A1623U (rear) = 290

The main issue there would be the depth of the fronts. They are listed as 2 3/8"

Not sure I want to deal with components because of the added complexity of wiring the tweeter. Also, I tried out the 1604's at the store and they seemed muddier than the 1643's, but that could have just been because of their settings.

[Scoobydoo]

I see you're in Wellington? Streetsoundz are having an end of year sale on November 12/13, so if you can wait until then, you'll get a much better deal from them.

[dmanww]

Damn, just ordered from JB online. Ended up going the cheap way and did the DEH1350 +4x1643's for $220

Could still try to cancel. How going do you think the deals will be at SS?

[Scoobydoo]

Probably have low end stuff like you're after for like $20 bucks lol

Otherwise another option - https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=128191517284187

6" speakers from $9

Sony Cd player & speaker pack for $99

Streetsounds sale will be similar, lots of demo stock will need to be sold, as well as old stock that's been sitting around for ages. I'm going to go myself, maybe pick up a DVD / touchscreen headunit.

[dmanww]

I called them up and the prices were not that much better.

The only thing interesting was a JVC KD-R326 for $79. It has rear aux input, but it's a JVC.

If I remember, I'll try to stop by and see if there are any fun toys.

btw, do you know if I need an antenna wire extension for a 97 legacy wagon? And if I do, where do I buy it?

[Scoobydoo]

Nah you shouldn't do, the aerial will be right in behind the headunit, will plug right in, no extension required.

[dmanww]

Excellent. Looks like I have all the parts I need.

Now just have to wait patiently for the packages to arrive and hope for dry weather.

[Jakee]

I have the din thing and mounting plates you can have for 20 plus shipping (if you have BG that is)

[dmanww]

Already ordered everything from TM. Will come find you if it doesn't fit.

[dmanww]

ok, so I received the pocket but it's a pretty cheap injection molded hunk of plastic.

Does anyone know where I can get an OEM one?

like this

https://www.subarugenuineparts.com/product_info.php?products_id=787

[Scoobydoo]

From that place.

I see you already have the link

Otherwise try Eds Autos.

[dmanww]

Any idea how much shipping is to NZ?

[dmanww]

ok, checked with Ed's.

Looks like $50.50 shipped.

Not really in keeping with my cheap as possible system, so I think I'll hold off now

Will see how annoying the current pocket will be.

[Scoobydoo]

I have used a universal one from Repco before and it worked okay.. wasn't too annoying at all.

Pretty sure it was one like this - http://www.aerpro.com.au/list.php?pcode=88009000&cat_name=IN-DASH+MOUNTING+KITS+++++++++&cat_no=9&product_name=RADIO+MULTIPOCKET+FORD/MAZDA+TOYOTA/NISSAN/VOLVO+850-950&cat_sno=237

I think Repco stocks Aerpro.. could ask them.

[dmanww]

Will try to instill with the one I have and see how bad it is.

[G-unit]

yea im after a din pocket also, dont wana crap 1 for my cheap setup tho