First ICE upgrade - help a newbie

[hornseye]

I am a newbie when it comes to putting together an ICE install for my 04 Roadster. The standard Toyota Toytown CD/Radio needs replacing with a few components that can actually play some music. I've researched this forum and spoken to a local audio specialist in Bromsgrove for suitable parts to fit my ~£500 budget. I'd welcome your suggestions on the list I ve created.

My first requirements are for the stereo to play house music pretty neutrally, I'm not one for over emphasised bass, however clear reproduction is important.

My next requirement is for the Headunit to play MP3's & WMA's at 320kbps and show ID3 v2.x tags (MP3) and also interface into my Ipod Mini

My last requirement is the end result looks as OEM as possible.

The list of kit looks like:


Head Unit Alpine CDE 9844RR (£130)


Its 45Wx4, MP3/WMA, 2 Preouts and looks as simple to operate as possible (Which I like!)

Speakers: Focal 165A (£130) as discussed at length, and recommended on this forum.

Subwoofer:Clarion SRV 303  (£130)
This was suggested by the audio dealer as a reasonably priced upgrade and would fit neatly under the seat in Roadster I've not read anyone else using one on this forum, so I'm a bit wary.



Speaker Mounts: I'll get in touch with Buster to see whether he can create the MDF mounts for me (£xx?)

Toyota Storage Bin: As posted recently on this forum, the euroadster list of parts to help the car accept a single DIN unit.

Dynamat sound insulation: I've been quoted that I'll need £25-£50 worth of the stuff, is this reasonable?

As a potential option I might get the Alpine KCA-420i (£70) to link the head unit to my iPod mini.

I'm not certain whether I can do a good enough job fitting it (show me a computer I can do pretty much all). So I might just get the audio specialist to do it for me (which is where the rest of the £500 budget goes)..

Comments and suggestions welcome - I've printed out the fitting guides and studying them!  s:? :? s:?  

Cheers,
Ed!

[markiii]

not a lot will fit under teh seats due to height restrictions.

make sure you measure the space before buying.

[Anonymous]

even if the sub fits under / or behind the seat you want get any real good sound out of it because the seat is blocking the the sound waves to your ears. i.e. you'll get a really dull sound.  

I've tried it already

[GSB]

1/ Good luck getting hold of Buster, he hasnt been on the forum for a long-long time... You can make your own spacers fairly easily, or just use the frames of the toyota speakers.

2/ The Focal speakers are good, but make sure you listen to a pair first. Dont just take our word for it. I use a pair of Polk Momo's that would be ideal for what you havein mind, but they would swallow your £500 budget on there own... Check out some of Infinity's products, or MB Quart.

3/ As for the Head Unit, I would upgrade to one of Alpines 60w x 4 units. They are far far better. Dont forget to budget for a fitting kit as well. I like the one that Halfords sell, It looks a lot better than the Toyota kit does.

4/ The sub unit probabley wont fit under the seat. Its really very tight under there!

[hornseye]

Thanks for the suggestions, I could reproportion my budget based on getting:

Alpine CDA 9812RR 4x60W head unit (£270)


Drop the sub and iPod link (I can add these at a later date)

Speakers: Polk Momo db5250 (£250)



Thanks,
Ed!

[Ernie Ball]

Could you put that Clarion sub under the dash?

[so.simple]

Would have to try. But this one does for sure: http://www.mr2roc.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=7073

[Anonymous]

Never buy anything unless you have heard it.

A recommendation to someone's ears might be totally rubbish to yours.

Focals can sound too bright for many. So listen to some b4 buying.

[hornseye]

Thanks for the advice guys regarding listening to the speakers - I'll try to find a dealer who has the setup I'm looking for. The suggestions and experience from forum members is a great way to narrow down a seemingly infinite number of choices to a manageable number.

Cheers,
Ed

[heathstimpson]

I have a set of spacers supplied from Buster on the last group buy that I don't need; pm me anybody if you want then for £10 including P&P.

[heathstimpson]

I have a set of spacers supplied from Buster on the last group buy that I don't need; pm me anybody if you want then for £10 including P&P.

Now SOLD  s:wink: :wink: s:wink:

[hornseye]

I have a set of spacers supplied from Buster on the last group buy that I don't need; pm me anybody if you want then for £10 including P&P.

Now SOLD  s:wink: :wink: s:wink:

Damn! Just not quick enough!!!  s:roll: :roll: s:roll:

[Anonymous]

Any more spacers out there?

Any trouble with trim when using a spacer?

[kanujunkie]

Any trouble with trim when using a spacer?

Nope, providing you dont make it too fat

[hornseye]

Many thanks for all the advice - Have got an Alpine 9845RR and Focal 165 setup. Very, very pleased with the sound quality, almost no distortion or vibration even at silly volumes. A lack of bass, but maybe sort that out on the next visit to the audio installed.

Cheers,
Ed