New Head Unit + Speakers Help needed!

**zealot210** · 30th December 2009, 21:33

Hi guys, I have a 2004 Vectra 2.0T Edition 100 with a CCR2005 CD Changer.
The audio is good quality and I am very pleased so I am wondering what benefits I would gain from installing an aftermarket Head Unit, Door Speakers, Amp and Sub etc
I don’t have a vast knowledge of car audio so any help would be greatly appreciated.
I have done some reading up about it and here are some of the things I don’t fully understand if anyone can help
1.Are my speakers coaxial or component? And what is best for me?
2.How many speakers do I have?
3.Can I just replace the door speakers of do I need to rewire the lot all through the car?
4.What Head Unit would you guys recommend? Around £100 must have USB/Mp3 if possible
5.A subwoofer that includes and amp or would you recommend having them separate if so why?
6.What are easy to install door speakers/amp/sub etc?
7.Any other points that I will need to take into account/due.

Thanks Guys
Chris.

**paul.sessions** · 30th December 2009, 21:42

think component they have crossovers and seperate tweeters, i have just changed my front speakers and had to make the adaptors for the speakers. the ones i bought failed on the door card.. but will sound 100 times better i also have a 12" juice sub and amp in the boot and the extra bass sounds sweet.. pioneer head unit ideally you want good component speakers and to amp them up.. but you can just change the speaker over and use the existing wiring. i have vibe component but have left the tweeters in at the mo.

pioneer p6000ub is a good midrange head unit

**ballan22direct** · 30th December 2009, 21:47

Don't give yourself the headache of changing cable if you can avoid it. You'll notice little difference unless it was serious sound system you were after.

**zealot210** · 30th December 2009, 21:51

Thanks paul.sessions,
Thanks Ballan22direct - I dont want to replace the cables I wasnt sure if i had to or not.
Cheers
Chris

**zealot210** · 30th December 2009, 22:25

Also when I replace the head unit will the stearing wheel controls and the Display show The Track etc?

**paul.sessions** · 30th December 2009, 22:28

youhave to buy the right connector and patch lead to make the s/w controls work you lose the track/radio station on the display

**zealot210** · 30th December 2009, 22:34

Thanks again

**mickydoos** · 13th January 2010, 19:49

1.Are my speakers coaxial or component? And what is best for me?

As far as I know, the standard speakers are co-axial's with separate tweeters. A componant system has the audio routed through a crossover, which separates the treble from the mid and bass, sending them to the tweeter and woofer respectively.

The standards use a capacitor which is a poor excuse for a crossover and therefore not a true component system.

Components ARE better, as using separate speakers specifically for each audio range means they can specialise but you also need an amp to power them etc. Co-axials are certainly the easier option, in most cases a straight swap

2.How many speakers do I have?

4 woofers, the big ones in the doors, and 4 tweeters, up front, by the wing mirror, at back on the door handle. The tweeter and woofer in each door work together. So 8 total

3.Can I just replace the door speakers of do I need to rewire the lot all through the car?

As said, only rewire if you're going for a serious system. Standard wiring should be sufficient. If putting in components you may have to.

4.What Head Unit would you guys recommend? Around £100 must have USB/Mp3 if possible

While I cant tell you what to get, but I've got one of these:
http://www.sony.co.uk/product/ica-in...pod/cdx-gt828u

Unfortunately that model is discontinued but that cost me £100. But you do need to get an ISO converter and fasica which cost about £50 extral.

5.A subwoofer that includes and amp or would you recommend having them separate if so why?

Get separate ones. Two reasons: Sub's with in built subs (active subs) are generally lower quality and power than separate ones for about the same price. And if your amp/sub go wrong, you can replace the offending component. With an active system, both must go.

6.What are easy to install door speakers/amp/sub etc?

Seeing as I've not replaced any of my speakers in my Vec I can't tell you exactly, but from previous experience, door speakers tend to be fairly easy. Usually involve popping the door card off. Half hour job per door if you know what you're doing (Haynes manual)

7.Any other points that I will need to take into account/due.

Not that I can think of