1995 Camry Audio Help

[Warwick]

I bought my 1995 Toyota CamryXLE about a month ago and its got stock audio equipment. Cassette and normal speakers. I have been reading a lot but I still do not understand exactly where I need to start upgrading. I really have a budget of about $500 although right now I can only spend about $300. The model is a CamryXLE if that makes a difference. So please help me because I am very clueless on this and where I need to begin. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Much Respect,
Jason

[S2B_Blown_3.5]

First of all I would start with a good Head Unit, that makes a big difference.

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by S2B_Blown_3.5

First of all I would start with a good Head Unit, that makes a big difference.

you wouldnt think itd help much since youd still be running on stock speakers, but it changes the audio quality 2 fold

[cam2Xrunner]

I agree start off with the best head unit you can get with your budget.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...738784512&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...738905158&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...861256362&rd=1

[Warwick]

Thanks a lot guys and I didnt mean for my first post to be a new thread cause i plan on contributing to the community on here. Also on the head unit would you recommend Alpine or Pioneer?

[ZXLNT]

Between Alpine or Pioneer I would take the Alpine. Clarion also makes good HU's.

[Warwick]

Thanks today Im going to go look at some things. Bye

[Luc]

Since you have a XLE model, you do have the premium sound system with an OEM amp under the passenger seat. But a regular 2-plug harness adapter will work so you can bypass it and use the aftermarket's built-in power. I don't recommend getting the 1-plug adapter since you're still depending on the OEM amp, and it doesn't like too much voltage input from the preouts of the aftermarket one.

[Warwick]

Hey Im not really understanding the 1 and 2 plug adapter waht do you mean exactly by that? Sorry Im really new to all of this im 16 and I paid for this car on my own.

[Luc]

If you plan installing it yourself, then you'll see only 1-plug harness to the back of the radio, meaning, you have the OEM premium sound system. But I don't recommend your using the OEM amp under the passenger front seat when you have an aftermarket headunit in there since the OEM amp doesn't really handle the levels too well. So get the 2-plug harness and bypass the OEM amp.

[Warwick]

Do you think it would be very safe buything those things from Ebay that you showed me?

[S2B_Blown_3.5]

If you are wondering about installation, these links may help
http://www.installdr.com/InstallDocs/Toyota/Camry.html
http://rayrayonline.bravehost.com/headunit.htm

As far as ebay goes, the general rule most people I know use is to not buy from someone who has a user rating of less than 97%
I trust what trdcamry2003 says, probably knows way more than I do.

Good luck

[cam2Xrunner]

Ebay is a good way to buy stuff, but if you can get a local authorized shop to match or beat the price then go to the shop. Between Alpine and Pioneer and Eclipse, they are all great companies, compare the features that each one provides that is within your budget.

IMO the Pioneer is going to give you the most bang for your buck but you might like the look of Alpine or Eclipse better.

My suggestion is the Pioneer Premier Deh-p860MP

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pn...etailComponent
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...739831251&rd=1

As for the rest of the system depending on how much you want to spend there is so many choices. Usually it is best to listen to what you're going to buy and read reviews and do some research.

I have been looking at the stuff from Elemental Designs lately. They seem to be a quality product at an awesome price. www.edesignaudio.com

www.carreview.com is a great site to see owner reviews.

[Warwick]

Today at a local car audio shop I found an Alpine it was the CDA-9830 and the speakers are two 6 1/2 Eclipse and two 6x9 Eclipse. This is going to cost me $630 installed. Is this a good deal because I was thinking about purchasing this configuration above tomorrow.

[cam2Xrunner]

Do you know the model of the eclipse speakers? Thats a nice headunit. Do you like rearfill? You'll get better sound if you concentrate on higher quality front components and amping them.

What other brands do they carry?