Car audio recommendations anyone?

[Cudakiller70]

Looking for a good basic car audio system. I know zip/nada about anything audio. I'm a best bang for the buck kinda person normally. If you know of any or all components that are worth having, I would appreciate it. Any install recommendations also appreciated. Thanks

[Bullitt-]

Models & features are constantly changing....Several years ago I acquired a full featured unit for my Challenger that today would be considered fairly basic.
About 4-years ago I found a Sony Digital Media Reliever(no CD) that was geared for iPod for my daily driver...lot's of features but the radio doesn't pick up all that well. Today I don't use the iPod (it died) but have a tiny thumb drive loaded with MP3s plugged into it's USB slot.
Put something similar from JVC in my Daughters car that had Bluetooth & she loved it.. Streamed Pandora through her iPhone..FM Radio tuner was good & sounded excellent with the stock speakers.
  So it depends a lot on what media ya wanna play.. I jumped on Crutchfield to see what I might buy if in the market today & this one seems to have the most "Bang for the Buck" feature wise... This Kenwood stood out, I like the pre-amp outputs for one (for adding devices & amps) that many don't give you not to mention it has about every feature found on any Digital Media Receivers all for $99. Specs show it has a good tuner but of course I can't say having not owned one..
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113KMBT315/Kenwood-KMM-BT315U.html?tp=5684
If all ya want is AM/FM/CD you probably can't beat this JVC, still it has most of the features of the Kenwood  http://www.crutchfield.com/p_105KDR775S/JVC-Arsenal-KD-R775S.html?tp=5684

About any single DIN unit will install in an E-Body.. Most folks seem to cram it in through the front, I imagine they have to clearance the lower dash trim a bit as it would stick out some..
I went the other way & installed from the rear..you might have to make a custom trim for some of these to flush up like mine did, seems all have a curve in them now....
covered my install here http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=21379.msg516377#msg516377
This trim looks like it might work ... http://www.crutchfield.com/p_120306229/Metra-30-6229-Dash-Kit.html?tp=3121

Rear speakers http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=105098.msg1032746#msg1032746

[Cudakiller70]

 Wade, Thanks a bunch for all the info. I seem to fall short when it comes to anything audio. I was researching and got lost and my head wrapped around the axle. This'll get me straightened out. I was going to use an iPod mostly, but really like your idea of using the thumb drive that's awesome. This will definitely help and Thanks again for your help, it is appreciated a lot. Jim

[Bullitt-]

Sure thing Jim....  It's not rocket science or anything...
 Holler if ya need a suggestion. Always glad to help if I can..   

[Bullitt-]

If you order from Crutchfield enter order as like a 95-Jeep Grand Cherokee w/o infinity & they will include that trim & a harness adapter free then all you need is a reverse harness adapter to build a quick disconnect..

http://www.amazon.com/Metra-71-1817-84-Chrysler-Multi-car/dp/B00029X1KK

[Cudakiller70]

That was weird, I just started looking on Amazon to get some plug ideas similar to how you did it. Your too good Wade. Thank you sir!

[SirRalliart]

Yesterday, I ordered a 180W (45W x 4) Bluetooth amp from Yearone of all places.  You don't even need to hook it up to the stereo - just run it off of your phone.  It's a Vintage Car Audio, Inc by Ken Harrison Enterprises.  It was one of those "it's on sale impulse buys".  If it works as advertised, I think we'll put one in all of our old muscle cars.

[berna4406]

I went with the Kicker IQ System ,IQ500Amp with a 8"Hideaway Subwoofer and speaker upgrades all from kicker.I put this into my 71 Charger R/T.Stock radio left in place everything mounted hidden without drilling new hole.Kicker IQ works off Bluetooth  so Pandora,IHEART Radio anything Streaming.A little pricey but sounds good.
        Sam

[helirn74]

Yesterday, I ordered a 180W (45W x 4) Bluetooth amp from Yearone of all places.  You don't even need to hook it up to the stereo - just run it off of your phone.  It's a Vintage Car Audio, Inc by Ken Harrison Enterprises.  It was one of those "it's on sale impulse buys".  If it works as advertised, I think we'll put one in all of our old muscle cars.

Did you have a link for that? Looking for it now?



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[SirRalliart]

Did you have a link for that? Looking for it now?



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes, and it's still on sale:  https://www.yearone.com/Product/challenger-cuda/bta1

It works exactly as advertised.  I installed it in my '78 Plymouth.  Since I didn't want to cut and drill for mounting, I velcro'd it inside the glove box.  Another bonus was that I found out my tiny iPod Touch has Bluetooth and FM radio, so I took the old AM/FM 8-track offline.  The amp also has a headphone jack if you don't want to use Bluetooth. 

[BIGSHCLUNK]

I still have the stock Mom AM.... cant hear it anyway....     

[Katfish]

If you order from Crutchfield enter order as like a 95-Jeep Grand Cherokee w/o infinity & they will include that trim & a harness adapter free then all you need is a reverse harness adapter to build a quick disconnect..

http://www.amazon.com/Metra-71-1817-84-Chrysler-Multi-car/dp/B00029X1KK

So you wire this harness from Amazon into your car, then get an adapter from radio to this Amazon harness?
Where do you find the wiring diagram for the connections?

[Bullitt-]

So you wire this harness from Amazon into your car, then get an adapter from radio to this Amazon harness?
Where do you find the wiring diagram for the connections?

On the Radio side it's usually color coded & most I've seen have labels on the wires...I want to say the adapter comes with a simple diagram but not sure all do..
On the Car side you could just follow the wires through the connector or find a diagram on the www like this one http://www.justanswer.com/jeep/4m5jg-95-jeep-cherokee-laredo-factory-radio-everythig.html