car audio?

2003-09-01 04:14:28

Where should i look for intelligent, HA-style car audio discussion? I know nothing about it, frankly, and I don't trust my friends to be all that knowledgeable.

car audio?

Reply #1 – 2003-09-02 04:46:20

Unfortunately, I don't know of any such sites, though I'd love to learn of one.  An intelligent site on the internet, of any kind, but specifically for car audio would greatly narrow down the possibilities.  Finding a site with the strict standards of HydrogenAudio might even be impossible...the former condition alone might be hard enough to satisfy.

But at the same time, I didn't want your post to go unanswered as I have a special interest in this topic as well.  I travel often because of my career (software consulting), and often by car.  Therefore, my car audio system is something I've spent a great deal of time and effort to bring *almost* to the level of my home audio system.  As a matter of fact, I'm driving from Atlanta to Indianapolis next week with 5000 of my favorite Ogg Vorbis files on tap.   

The only site I've had time to find so far with any level of serious discussion about car audio is the PhatNoise forum, but they are specific to PhatBox and Music Keg discussions (although anyone is welcome).  While there, I tend to preach what I learn from HA, and a few others do the same, but it's not similar to HA beyond that.  And they are not an "everything car audio" kind of site, though the occasional amplifier or speaker or satellite radio issue arises.

If you just want some basic advice, I can share what I know, but I assume you'd prefer a forum with many sources of info so you can "shave away" the rhetoric and bias as necessary.  My only recourse when I bought my system was to go and test many components myself to find everything to satisfy my needs, to learn by trial and error sometimes, and with little direct assistance unfortunately.

I'll do some research though and try to find a site similar to what you describe, as I have a similar interest.  Or perhaps we could ask about whether a sub-forum on HA specifically for car audio may be in order?  (Since there's already an "audio hardware" board, but of course it would depend on popular interest.)

car audio?

Reply #2 – 2003-09-02 05:16:36

well then, briefly, what did you learn regarding head units? I am currently looking at mid-range ($400) Alpine stuff, because I have heard good things. Their displays aren't anything fancy though... any recommendations?

As I am about to purchase a Mitsubishi Lancer, I have no idea what the weak link in it is. I figure I'll just replace the head unit with an mp3 compatible player, then do the speakers. Does that make sense?

I should add that I listen to primarily rock music with little bass, and I'm interested in a clean, uncolored sound at reasonably loud volumes, but no booty-shaking bass. As such I think I will bypass the external amp and sub. Is that a good decision? 60w * 4 good enough?

car audio?

Reply #3 – 2003-09-08 12:25:55

Hi Jebus:  Here's a forum that seems to focus on car audio thats not too bad.  But make sure you take the time to "get a feel" for who's who there.  There are a lot of people there who don't know what they're talking about interspersed with the folks that do.   

I just recently purchased the Alpine CDA-9807 which I love. Its a good value. (under $300).  I, personally would avoid the motorized-faceplate models, only because I used to do car audio installation/repair and it seems like one more thing to break. 

JVC's are also very nice units.  I almost went with one of those, but I don't honestly remember why I changed my mind.  Either way, there both good units.

Dex

car audio?

Reply #4 – 2003-09-29 22:25:34

I agree with Dex4Now. In general avoid those units with the motorized flip faces. These are cool for a time, but are a weak link. If u are looking to expand your system at a later date, make sure u get a head unit that has more than one RCA pair out. Always remember that u get what u pay for. The best bang for the buck imho is JVC. They have plenty of models that are in the cheap to moderate price range and take alot of abuse. Stay away from the Clarion models. I used to be a big supporter of Clarion Pro-Audio, but they have not put out anything that is reliable with the exception of the Auto-Pc. Alpine is a sound buy, can be pricey. Pioneer is still a good buy. Just remember not to buy anything that is sold at one of the Marts..(Wal, K).  They are a different quality level. Good luck!

car audio?

Reply #5 – 2003-09-29 23:04:40

A good source for technicial and un-biased knowledge about all things car audio (including all the basic electronic principles) can be found Here. It contains everything you need to know from the basics of how speakers are wired up to making complicated sub woofer enclosures etc...

Let me know what you think of the site... Happy Booming!

car audio?

Reply #6 – 2003-09-29 23:23:40

There is a board at Highway MP3 which despite the name is not really focused specifically on mp3, but has individual user forums for hundreds of different units as well as some other more general car audio related topics.

I can't really vouch for the quality of the discussion though: I haven't been there for some time, so I don't really know what it's like these days.

car audio?

Reply #7 – 2003-10-05 22:41:02

I suggest visiting www.carsound.com and the two forums, Richard Clark on audio and General Audio.  Most people over there are very knowledgeable, and especially in Richard Clark's forum, they don't tolerate much "psudo science" that you can get in other forums.