Audio Newb
 

Hi, I am looking to upgrade the audio in my stock 91 bonnie. The problem is, I don't know a thing about audio. Could someone please explain the basics when it comes to car audio (head units, amps, speakers, wattage, etc).

On other posts, users have said pioneer makes good head units. What does everyone think about this model? Pioneer DEH-P4500MP

Also, one of my rear speakers will make loud pop noises every so often. Could this be from a blown speaker or wiring problem?

Thanks! :D

its a ok model...not as many features...headunits or HU's differ in what you want...the more expensive ones...have way more features...screen savers...5 sets of pre outs...etc....amps...power your subs or speakers of course....which one you buy depends on what system you want...a LOUD one that is nothing but bass...or a system that sounds decent..that give you enough bass to make music sound good...so that depends on what you buy...audiobahn subs are for very loud bass...but if you were to get a pair of alpine type rs thats really both..they sound good and htey CAN get LOUD...speakers on bonnies are easy to do..specialy the back ones...pop off that thing on the top of em and use a ratchet...use harnesses when you can...for deck and speakers...any more ? let us know...theres mnay people here that can help

prolly blown speaker

What exactly does everyone mean by the 6x9 3 way speakers and component speakers etc. What type of speakers would I get to replace the speakers in the front of the car and what kind would I get to replace the back? Any suggestions for mid ranged speakers that give out good bass and sound clear? I have about a $400-500 dolla budget for the HU and all the speakers.

Thanks again!

Ok here are some basics to the kinda system you are looking for.

Head unit: you will most likely get a CD-player head unit, some things to look for are, "pre-outs" RMS wattage. Preouts are where the signal comes out for external amplifiers you might want to get later down the road for speakers, or subs. RMS wattage is the power the deck can put out consistently and not have any problems with indefinetly. Peak wattage isn't nearly as important as this. More power doesnt mean louder, its just cleaner music at the same volume. But most importantly, buy something you feel you can use, and meets all your criteria. Most pontiacs have the red dash lights, so matching red lights on a deck might be important to you. If you a volume knob or buttons is also a big thing, cause you'll use that the most. Which one is easiest for you to tink around with? If you have steering wheel controls in your car, and you might want to use them still, or maybe later on, there is an adapter for those to work with any deck that uses an infrared remote control. That is about $50.

Speakers: 2 way or 3 way or even 4 way isn't that important. That just means how many different speakers make up the whole speaker. 2 ways are just fine, and there is no problem with that, but make sure you are getting a quality speaker.

On most bonnevilles they have 6x9's in the back, and a 5 1/4"component set of front speakers. This means the tweeter is seperate from the woofer, and these are generally higher quality speakers, and sound better then speakers with the tweeter on the woofer. If you want very high sound quality the the front speakers will make a HUGE difference in the sound. You want the front speakers to have a great over all sound, and the rears to fill in the back around you, and provide bass since they are bigger.

I would recommend spending this budget on your purchase
Head unit :$150-$175 Brands like Pioneer, Alpine, Rockford Fosgate, Sony, Kenwood, Clarion.
Front speakers (components) $150-$200 Brands Like JBL, Fosgate, Kicker, Boston Acoustics,
Rear speakers $75-$125 Any good pair at a good store will do the job.

Thanks a lot for the info everyone!