Saturday means . . ., it's time to finish my Celica's stereo (pics) Options

[jess_i_74]

Well, I wanted to build a system with the parts I had on hand and something that wouldn't cost me a fortune. So here's what I ended up with.

The "panel stack:"






The inside of the hatch in full wiring swing. On the plus side, I'm really fast at taking all these off since I know just where they are fastened. I really dislike the fact that the back seat side panels aren't removable on the hatch since they are bolted to the seat frame; I miss being able to work back there easily like I could in my 'vert.





Polk db650's in the front locations. I really like the smoothness of the speakers; no harsh highs like the Kenwoods I have for fills. Also, they will hit pretty low as well, though I have them crossed over pretty high since I let my sub handle it and don't like my doors quite so buzzy (dynamat would probably fix that, but it's a fair bit of trouble).





Aforementioned harsh Kenwoods that I had laying around. Good enough for fill speakers, of course:



Alpine CDA-9856 head unit. I like it, all except for the blue buttonlighting (would have preferred green to match the stock) and the fact that the menus are a little nonsensical (different buttons scroll options in different menus, which is the sort of thing I thought Alpine avoided) and the lack of a clock display. Also, coincidence means the angling of the HU is right at my hatch window--glare city.



My hatch area. A .35 cu-ft sealed Q-logic box (yes, I'm too lazy to build my own, and it was almost perfect size and shape for what JL audio recommeded) poly-filled box with a JL 8w0 from my old 'vert setup. All the speakers are pushed by a Crossfire CFA555 5-channel amplifier (40x4 and 150x1 @ 4 ohms).




This way, I have *lots* of trunk space left. The box can be removed in about 10 seconds; the amp can be removed in about three minutes with a Philllips screwdriver. This way I can still carry cargo easily; I didn't want to lose the fold-down function of the seats, and nothing flashy is visible aside from the faceplate since I still use the hatch cover (which doesn't rattle like I expected).

Overall, it's a fairly strong system for what I do; the bass isn't crushing, but I'm surprised how good it sounds. It covers tight rock bass and the classical/new-age/techno music I listen to well. I'm not a rap/R&B fan, so I don't need boom to make the neighbors' alarms go off (no offense, just not my cup o' tea). Also seems to have less frequency gaps than the system I had in the vert with Audiobahn 4" mids (blegh).

[Rayme]

thats should sounds quite ok!

I just ordered a CDA-9857, you just comfirmed me being scare of glare ..lol...

it can't be worst than the stock HD though..

[jess_i_74]

It's not as bad as the picture. It's just a band about a quarter inch tall right across the bottom half of the display. Of course, it changes depending where your seat is.

[95CelicaST]

If I were to be getting a new deck I would get one with angle options, so I could change it away from the glare position.

Looks good. I'm gald some people like to keep functionality of their hatch. I like the clean look of the CD player, but because of the lack of a clock and confusingness, and glare I will steer clear. Now I just wish I had the money to build a system.

poor.

[jess_i_74]

If I were to be getting a new deck I would get one with angle options, so I could change it away from the glare position.

Looks good. I'm gald some people like to keep functionality of their hatch. I like the clean look of the CD player, but because of the lack of a clock and confusingness, and glare I will steer clear. Now I just wish I had the money to build a system.

poor.

Remember, you do have a clock sitting right up there on the dash . It only lacks a clock in the "off" position; it's available whenever the unit is on.

Personally, I never could stand motorized faceplates. You could probably coat the display with anti-glare material.

This post has been edited by jess_i_74: Jul 30, 2006 - 2:01 PM

[Rayme]

do this alpine unit have the oled display?

I know after a certain price range they type of display changed, the "oled" is supposed to be more visible in light/glare...maybe its not that great either lol...

[lagos]

and the lack of a clock display

it does have a clock display. you have to hit one of the buttons next to the knob to turn it on. after that it will always be on.

[jess_i_74]

No, it's not their "biolite" display; that's another $100 north. Any chance you remember the button lagos?

[jess_i_74]

A big thanks lagos; you are right. If you press the title button, your clock comes on.