Double din and DAB-less

[Deadmanwalking]

I have been thinking about head units etc for a while but have not reached any decisions on what to do, I'm drawing a blank. My main problems are that I:

1)   Want a double din head unit that has DAB "built in" as DAB is the future imho.
2)   Want close to the sound that a sub gives but don't want a sub installed as there is nowhere to put it (unless I start playing around with the storage bins which I don't really want to do).
3)   Ideally I just want to replace the head unit and existing speakers and get a big improvement.
On the basis of all of the above is there anything that I can do on a budget of £800 (but will go to 1k) that will really give me the big improvement that I seek over factory set up?

If I spend 1k, I will need to get into the car and think ........ ah..... that sounds good, crystal clear, loud and so on.

Also would I notice much of an improvement should I simply replace the factory speakers with say, £300 worth?

Sorry we have another audio thread, I ran many searches and read many threads but they didn't seem to cover my particular problems. Cheers

[markiii]

this si why you want a UD Sub

[Tech]

I would recommend VIBE speakers - they primarily make subs which are very bassy and their speakers seem to be too!

DAB radios - They seem to be few and far between...

I managed to find an old Sony DAB second hand which worked for a few months but stopped one day after taking the unit out to fit an iPod wire   s:? :? s:?  

JVC seem to make a lot but you need an extra adapter.

Overall I would not expect to pay anywhere near £1000 for speakers and a head unit...

[onion86]

this is why you want a UD Sub

+1 speak to Nathan, for ~£150 you can have yourself a nice box and sub under the dash without speak of spending £1k   s:shock: :shock: s:shock:  !

[Deadmanwalking]

Many thanks for the replies.

I take on board all you say about subs and understand the reasons why one should be fitted. With that said I would like to just either replace the door speakers or replace both door speakers and the head unit. My worry is that should I not notice a difference in sound clarity after the install then I will be pretty annoyed with myself.

So I am looking for the least amount of fuss but the most amount of sound improvement within my budget. If I have new door speakers and a decent head unit installed then will I get into my car and think "that's loads better" or will I think "waste of money".

Can a more powerful head unit drive more powerful speakers so that I achieve a louder and clearer sound for my Val Doonican and Bullet for My Valentine collection?

Thanks for the VIBE speakers tip, will look into that one.

[Deadmanwalking]

Could someone just tell me if I should notice much of a difference if I decide to ONLY replace the door speakers with an expensive pair? I have factory HU installed.

cheers

[m312]

You would notice a difference, but not one worth the investment. You need to get a small amp to power the components, then you will see a worthwhile difference, otherwise just a waste of money imo.

[Deadmanwalking]

Thanks for that and understood. This generates another question. Are there double din head unit out there that will have the small amp you speak of......built in? I am not one for strapping lumps of car hi fi to the interiors of may vehicles, just like it kept simple you see.  s:D s:D    s:D s:D    s:D s:D