5th & 6th Generation (2002-2006 & 2007-2011)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 2002-2006 & 2007-2011
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
Okay. I have a 2002 Camry LE with the non-JBL stock system. I had to replace the rear speakers with a set of Sony XS-R6943 Speakers which are rated at 300w peak power... They sound really good until I get a song with a lot of bass. (Link Here)
Then, I have a DUAL brand 12-inch sub in the back (not hooked up) which is rated at 450 watts with a RMS of 150... (Link here)
NOW...
I'm about to purchase a new head unit (don't make fun of me .!) which apparently as a no-name name brand? Look, I'm on a budget okay? Its a XO Vision X0D1750BT which apparently pushes out 45watts x 4 channels and RMS is 17 watts x 4 channels. (Link Here) (PS: They still sell it at Wal-Mart .!)
Basically what I'm trying to figure out is, if it is absolutely necessary to have an amp connected to power the sub? I'm not looking for glass-breaking, deafening performance... I just want smooth bass, with a little punch every now and then.
The unit has an RCA Out for the sub, and I've found a connector that allows me to use traditional speaker wire to a Male RCA... I'm not a Audio junky so much help is needed .!
The guy at Best Buy (who was supposed to know what he was talking about) says that the RCA out sends out a signal made for Amplifiers only, and that it would NOT power the sub at all. Bull .?
So basically if I do go forth with the XO Vision unit, will I have less performance than the stock unit? I just want the unit for the features, and flexibility. I'm not particularly worried about the sub (although ibdont see why it wouldn't work, then again, I was never given a full explanation) persay, but reason being, I don't want to take the risks of an amplifier, and I'm not looking to spend much money.
I was going to set it up where a very minimal amount of bass is coming through the speakers, and all the bass ic coming through the sub. The guys over at Extreme audio say that the sub out gives an audio signal that will power the sub, and it seems more likely that they would know what they know what they are talking about. Not saying anyone is wrong or right .!
DITTO! Anyone who will sell a deck with an MSRP of $800 for $185 makes me feel it's a discontinued model or something. Besides that, there are only a few places on the planet who sell that deck. If anything went wrong, you might be S.O.L. on getting it fixed or replaced.
My advice would be to pick a brand of HU that you (and the rest of the world) have heard of before. Oh sure, the XO Vision XOD1750BT looks cool and is packed with features, so are decks by Spark-O-Matic, Dual, and even Radio Shack! Just kidding there but you get the point. Besides, Walmart and Sonic Electronics are the ONLY two places that sell that deck! Google it and you'll see what I mean.
What is it exactly (besides price) that made you consider that deck? Let me know what cool features you're looking for and I'll help you decide on a better brand and will most likely be able to point you to a comparable model for less money.
Another thing to keep in mind about your Dual sub: the Sensitivity is rated pretty low, and I always judge my speaker selection on TWO things: Sensitivity AND Frequency Response, not just power handling. A higher sensitivity number means the sub will require less power to really start doing its job. So you're going to need a decent amp to drive it right. You can get tons of subs with higher Sensitivity and F/R than the Dual, but that's a whole different story. Yet I would concentrate more on getting a good head unit right now. Get the deck, then see about an amp to consider (I can fill you on how to chose an amp later) and (please) a better brand of sub even if you're on a budget.
And yes, the guy at Best Buy WAS right as was the above response from the member before me. Oh sure, some folks will argue that any deck will power a sub. This might be true in some aspects. It technically only takes 1 watt/1 meter to power a speaker. But if you want to FEEL a sub and not just HEAR it, you will have to buy an amp.
Dude, I could sit here all day long telling you what you might need to know. But I'll spare the other readers. Just ask me and I'll give you my honest opinion and try to help you out. But until then, click here... http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/h...atus%20stereo/
__________________ By the way, "Hairball" was a cat of mine.
Since I don't use the "GameRoom", can you just send me a check?
True on the first statement. I understand where you are coming from. Not being stubborn, but I'm sure Wal-Mart will work with me, NOT saying its guranteed. But, I've read the reviews, and they seem okay...
Uhm, besides price .? That's a hardun. Lol. Uh, it looks the part (when its off) and the key features are the ability to play DVD's, damn-near any file type of music, uses SD storage, the 7-inch touch screen and thats about it. While many other units are able to accomplish that and much more, its just the price that drew me to it... But if you can help me find another, that'd be fine as well.
So basically what you are saying is that I need an amp .? As I've stated before, I'm not looking for a extremely loud sub, that will blow the fur off of cats 3 miles up the road. I just want something near stock where I don't have to use as much bass in the other speakers.
And as I've also said before, the sub isn't really needed, just would have been a nicer addition.
Yes, that deck has nice features. But like I said, you might regret it if something ever went wrong with it. Especially since very few places sell it. Sort of like that Dual sub you probably bought at Walmart. At last check they were completely out of stock on that and no longer carry it. So, if it goes bad... you're screwed.
Okay, now for the amp issue. I won't get into a long, drawn-out story here (even though I could). I'll just give you a few pointers to help steer you in the right direction. Besides, someone is likely to disagree with some of my advice. I'm assuming you only need a mono sub amp, but those are more expensive than a 2-channel amp. So let's go with a basic, inexpensive 2-channel amp for now...
1. Don't judge your selection on claimed watts of output.
2. Avoid "cheaper" just to save money. You might regret it.
3. Make sure to check the specs first. Look for the % of THD. Stay below 0.10% if you can.
4. Speaker-Level inputs are fine but not suggested. Too much static amplified.
5. Look for higher S/N ratios (lower #'s will give more background noise).
6. Buy a brand that everyone sells. Easier to replace.
7. Better brands on a budget (under $100): Kicker, Kenwood, Sony, Pioneer, Clarion, Soundstream, Orion, MTX.
8. If it was ME, I would buy this one: http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...+KAC-5204.html
9. Check and trust Sonic. Heck, you can tell them I referred you if it helps. They love me! And I love their prices and service!
If you find a "1,000" watt amp for $19.99, it's NOT a 1,000 watts and has awful specs. Avoid stuff like that!
This is your classroom lesson on "Beginning Amp Selection On A Budget 101". If you follow these tips, you can't go wrong.
__________________ By the way, "Hairball" was a cat of mine.
Since I don't use the "GameRoom", can you just send me a check?
You are correct... I did purchase it at Wal-Mart. I will look into purchasing another unit, but if I cannot find one thats somewhere similar in price, I'm sticking with this one.
And as far as the amp situation, I'll probably go ahead and put a hold on that. I'm just not going to worry about the sub.
As far as the amp situation, I'll probably go ahead and put a hold on that. I'm just not going to worry about the sub.
Good decision. Heck, you can get factory replacement speakers that will make people ask what kind of subs you have! If you get some speakers with high sensitivity and low Frequency Response specs, you can move your windows like any cheap subs. Believe me, I've had tons of 6x9 speakers where people kept asking how many subs I had or what kind of amp (yet I had neither, it was deck power).
And I do suggest Sonic to everyone because of how awesome their customer service is and they beat everyone's price and the service is great. In fact if you e-mail them a question they will answer by morning either by calling you or via e-mail. I originally discovered them when I bought a 1300w Jensen 4-channel amp. Once I found how cheap they are, I sold the Jensen to my brother and bought a 4-channel Kenwood from them. Then I bought all my Kenwood speakers including subs from Sonic. Not being quite satisfied and wanting "more", I sold 3 Kenwood amps and 4 sets of speakers AND a pair of subs and bought nicer ones! Believe me, Sonic loved me in early 2009! Spent a few grand there on stereo stuff as well as 3 car alarms.
So yeah, you can get adequate bass out of a GOOD, name-brand deck if you have decent speakers.
Good luck in your system, and keep me posted.
__________________ By the way, "Hairball" was a cat of mine.
Since I don't use the "GameRoom", can you just send me a check?
Regarding your sub... you will need more power to push it, hence you will need a amp.
One 4channel amp should do, you can power your front speakers with one amp and power the rear speakers with you hu and power the sub with the other two channels of the amp.
Bottom line is you get what you pay for... this is especially true with with car audio.
The best deals are found on craigslist, but anther high price is the install.
I am a big believer that the hu is not the most important factor for clean sound, it's the amp.
I have not installed it yet but I have a JL 300.4 an Alpine MDRM500 and one 12" JL W3. Still looking at a hu and speakers.
^ sonic electronix ftw , i purcahsed quite a few remote starters off them and i was just looking at their audio just now.
I finally decided which set of components i want .. (I think :lol), and now time to decide on an amp ... oh god so many thoughts going through my mind as for a set up.
Then I got carried away and decided on looking at a new HU and now maybe even a new sub... damnit im gonna be broke soon.
Regarding Sonic: NOT including ALL the previous stuff I bought from them and sold before buying upgraded stuff from them and not including alarm stuff, I bought all this from them in a matter of a few months:
Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X692 deck
Kenwood KAC-9204D mono sub amp
Kenwood KAC-7204 2-channel front amp
Kenwood KAC-7204 2-channel rear amp
Kenwood KFC-6982ie rear speakers
Kenwood KFC-1682ie door speakers
Kenwood KFC-T207 tweeters
Kenwood KFC-W3514DVC subs
Clarion SRG-920C dash speakers
MonsterCable 4g red, 20 feet
MonsterCable 8g speaker wire, 8 feet
MonsterCable 3-foot RCA’s (3)
MonsterCable 6-ch RCA cable
Street Wires firewall bushing
12g speaker wire, 50 feet
Impulse top mount battery terminal
Plastic bushings for amp rack
Gold-Plated distribution blocks (3)
I purchased AND replaced EVERY amp and speaker pair I bought from them at first. Sold them all. Then purchased the above list of stuff from Sonic. They actually called me and asked me how many systems I was building! I laughed and said only one, in my 98 Dodge Stratus. NOBODY online could come close to their prices. And trust me, I know what you mean about going broke! I spent a lot more than I wanted to and quickly regretted it.
Good luck!
Oh, as for the person above who said the AMP is the most important thing in a system, I have to disagree 100% on that one. The finest amp on the planet will still amplify the worst signals and static and hiss and distortion from a cheap head unit. I base my components and speakers on the deck. In fact, the head unit is ALWAYS the very first thing I buy for ANY AND ALL my vehicles. But we all have our own opinions and are certainly entitled to them.
__________________ By the way, "Hairball" was a cat of mine.
Since I don't use the "GameRoom", can you just send me a check?
Regarding Sonic: NOT including ALL the previous stuff I bought from them and sold before buying upgraded stuff from them and not including alarm stuff, I bought all this from them in a matter of a few months:
Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X692 deck
Kenwood KAC-9204D mono sub amp
Kenwood KAC-7204 2-channel front amp
Kenwood KAC-7204 2-channel rear amp
Kenwood KFC-6982ie rear speakers
Kenwood KFC-1682ie door speakers
Kenwood KFC-T207 tweeters
Kenwood KFC-W3514DVC subs
Clarion SRG-920C dash speakers
MonsterCable 4g red, 20 feet
MonsterCable 8g speaker wire, 8 feet
MonsterCable 3-foot RCA’s (3)
MonsterCable 6-ch RCA cable
Street Wires firewall bushing
12g speaker wire, 50 feet
Impulse top mount battery terminal
Plastic bushings for amp rack
Gold-Plated distribution blocks (3)
I purchased AND replaced EVERY amp and speaker pair I bought from them at first. Sold them all. Then purchased the above list of stuff from Sonic. They actually called me and asked me how many systems I was building! I laughed and said only one, in my 98 Dodge Stratus. NOBODY online could come close to their prices. And trust me, I know what you mean about going broke! I spent a lot more than I wanted to and quickly regretted it.
Good luck!
Oh, as for the person above who said the AMP is the most important thing in a system, I have to disagree 100% on that one. The finest amp on the planet will still amplify the worst signals and static and hiss and distortion from a cheap head unit. I base my components and speakers on the deck. In fact, the head unit is ALWAYS the very first thing I buy for ANY AND ALL my vehicles. But we all have our own opinions and are certainly entitled to them.
I say the amp because I know of a few people who built there system around factory HU's. When the amp was in, it sounded awesome.
I also know people who used relatively cheap speakers ($100) but because of the amp they sounded pretty damn good. A good amp can make poor speakers sound good and can also make a factory hu sound good.
Of course if you have a bad signal... there is nothing that can be done. When you have a good amp, presuming the signal is good, the head unit distortion should be eliminated by the amp. HU distortion is from the amplification within the hu itself, when you use an amp, you don't use the amplification from the hu.
My old sytem I had an Alpine 7995 HU, and MB quarts speakers (made in Germany), used monster cables.
Last edited by joshuaboston; 11-14-2010 at 08:08 PM.
I say the amp because I know of a few people who built there system around factory HU's. When the amp was in, it sounded awesome.
You're right, some do! Without a doubt!
I also know people who used relatively cheap speakers ($100) but because of the amp they sounded pretty damn good. A good amp can make poor speakers sound good and can also make a factory hu sound good.
Somewhat true, but a good HU can make a cheap amp sound even better IF you set your gains right.
Of course if you have a bad signal... there is nothing that can be done. When you have a good amp, presuming the signal is good, the head unit distortion should be eliminated by the amp. HU distortion is from the amplification within the hu itself, when you use an amp, you don't use the amplification from the hu.
Unless you use Speaker-Level outputs from HU. But no HU or AMP is going to make the other sound good if you have speakers with low sensitivity and high distortion ratings and that don't get good low or high frequencies. My Kenwood deck with NO AMP drove all 4 sets of speakers so crystal clear AND loud that it would rattle the car and windows. Because I chose speakers based on their specs and not power handling. Oh, and I made sure to use Bass Blockers to my tweeters since they were connected to my dash speakers.
My old sytem I had an Alpine 7995 HU, and MB quarts speakers (made in Germany), used monster cables.
Some day, I want to try a system of all MB Quart component speakers! A vast majority of sound-off competition winners are running MB Quart! I drool just thinking about them. But still, I've checked their specs and they are not as good as what I would prefer. But I still want some! You should have kept yours!
__________________ By the way, "Hairball" was a cat of mine.
Since I don't use the "GameRoom", can you just send me a check?
In the next month or so I'm getting a little coinage and I'm already planning the new system for my Camry. Not including hardware and battery/charging system upgrades, I've already decided to go with the same stuff I bought for my last car! If you can't tell, I'm a fan of Kenwood stuff because I've used so much of theirs in the last 25-30 years. I try to go with a brand that makes almost all of what I want. Below is my shopping list so far. This time, no fancy amp racks or wiring. Just a system installed right that will sound good at any volume. It's gonna literally shake this Camry to the ground. Most will be purchased from Sonic, but not all. Some stuff they don't have or are out of.
ALL this for just over $1000 and ALL with free shipping! Can't ask for much more! Heck, a head unit, 3 amps, front and rear speakers plus 2 DVC subs and a crossover for a grand? Nobody can say THIS isn't a good deal. It helps to shop around and to know what you're looking for and what will work with each other. Just in case, I still have my previous amp rack with all the holes already cut specifically for those amps and the crossover, so no more drilling!
__________________ By the way, "Hairball" was a cat of mine.
Since I don't use the "GameRoom", can you just send me a check?
In the next month or so I'm getting a little coinage and I'm already planning the new system for my Camry. Not including hardware and battery/charging system upgrades, I've already decided to go with the same stuff I bought for my last car! If you can't tell, I'm a fan of Kenwood stuff because I've used so much of theirs in the last 25-30 years. I try to go with a brand that makes almost all of what I want. Below is my shopping list so far. This time, no fancy amp racks or wiring. Just a system installed right that will sound good at any volume. It's gonna literally shake this Camry to the ground. Most will be purchased from Sonic, but not all. Some stuff they don't have or are out of.
ALL this for just over $1000 and ALL with free shipping! Can't ask for much more! Heck, a head unit, 3 amps, front and rear speakers plus 2 DVC subs and a crossover for a grand? Nobody can say THIS isn't a good deal. It helps to shop around and to know what you're looking for and what will work with each other. Just in case, I still have my previous amp rack with all the holes already cut specifically for those amps and the crossover, so no more drilling!
All I can say is that you get what you pay for. Personally I don't think you have a great system. I don't understand why you would want 5.25" front speakes... definatley go with 6.5". You can save money going online and buying the amps and subs second hand, personally I would get much better quality amps, check out Craigslist. It sounds like you have made your mind on what you want and you feel that it is a great system... that is your opinion. The best budget QUALITY system I could think of is buy a JL300.4 second hand, get one 12" W3 second hand, purchase good 6.5" component speakers for the front and use your HU to amplify your rear speakers... in my mind, hands down this system would sound way better then the one you have posted.
Someone in your area is selling a JL500.1 for $200 on Craiglist, that amp is like 100 time better then the Kenwood... I hope you see my point.
Last edited by joshuaboston; 11-16-2010 at 03:40 PM.
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By the way, "Hairball" was a cat of mine.
damnit im gonna be broke soon.
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