'99 SS

I own a '99 SS, and now 2 of the factory speakers have blown.

SO, I visited 'Sound Automotive' in NJ, and they're recommending 'Boston Acoustic' speakers, with a 'Pioneer' head unit.

Any thoughts/opinions would be much appreciated.
Thanks

Ed

fredmr39

BA makes pretty good stuff (from what I've read/heard....I've never had any experience with them), and Pioneer HUs are probably the most popular - their Premier lineup is amongst the best. How do they recommend you power the speakers? Also - if you were planning on buying from them and having them install it...it's not worth it. We will help you through the install, and/or I'm sure you have a buddy that would be willing to help.

'99 SS

Thanks for the info./advice Fred.

I explained to them that I didn't want to spend a whole lot of money. And, that I was hesitant to remove the stock head unit. They were the first people to tell me I could replace the speakers, w/o changing the head unit!

So, I was given the option of just replacing the speakers with B.A.'s for about $600.00, or spending another couple of hundred for the new head unit. They never mentioned anything about a new amp.

I wish I were more "mechanical". I would buy the pieces and do it myself.

'99 SS

Here is the info. which was written on their business card as to what I'd get;

Boston Acoustic SX65 6 1/2 speakers (front & middle) $159 + $50 labor

Boston Acoustic 59.3(?) 6X9 (rear) $139 + $50 labor

Pioneer Dehp (?) 4900mp AM/FM/CD/MP3 $220 + $50 labor

valter

You are on the right track. I have 4 BA speakers in my TA and really love them! Even cheap BA speakers are pretty good. But I would suggest going with better HU, with at least 5V pre-outs, as you definitely want to amp a front components. My personal favorites are Eclipse: everything from CD3000 to CD7000. To make more realistic decisions about pricing, hit ebay.

'99 SS

I visited another audio shop. Their recommendations;

Alpine CDA9883 head unit - CD/MP3/WMA/AAC receiver, 50W X 4, full speed ipod, 3 preouts, bluetooth ready, HD ready, Satelite radio ready, remote ready. $230

Alpine SPR17C - 4, 6 1/2 coaxial speaker system 100W, 300 peak. $360
(they recommend NOT replacing the rear 6X9's unless I install a new amp.)

Man! Alot to consider....

fredmr39

Just try to avoid paying for your stuff through them and the install at all costs....try to find a friend, because for $600+ you'd be spending you could have a LOT more. I don't even know where to find the 4900mp anymore - was that an older model? When I search it, I don't see it for sale and when I google it only foreign sites that list it come up. I did see the 4900iB though, for $145 (retail $200) so it the HU they suggested is anything like that, then $220 is even above retail.... As far as preout voltage, anything above 3V will be sufficient unless you plan on splitting the signal amongst other amps in the future.

Also, the sails used to have midbass "subs" in them - you are losing them. You might not want full range speakers in the doors, sails and hatch -- how did they plan on getting 6x9's in the hatch even? I feel like the shop you are seeing didn't look at anything and knows very little about f-bodies, and probably just "looked" in the hatch and thought "oh those must be 6x9 because the grille cover is kinda shaped like one"..

fredmr39

To show you how their pricing is:
I found that HU for $170, and the speakers for $90 a pair (all new)..........making a total of $180+$170=$350 rather than their total of $590......and that's not even considering the labor costs they would charge ya.

At least they were smart in saying leave the hatch alone.

$360 for the 4 speakers....that better include some awesome warranty or something because thats MORE than retail, and that HU is also priced $10 above retail........

'99 SS

WOW! Thanks for all that info. Fred.

You're right. The 1st place I visited just gave a quick glance to the interior. But, the 2nd place didn't even come out to look at the car.

How's about you make a trip to Pa., and I'll pay YOU!

I really have to do more research I guess.

'99 SS

Fred, I'm also making notes from your info. and going to call them on Monday to get more clarification.

Thanks again!
Ed

fredmr39

Ed - if you REALLY can't find anyone to help you with an install, you could always purchase the stuff yourself through an online retailer like eBay or SonicElectronix.com and have them install it. This will most likely void any warranty/responsibility on their part, but would be cheaper assuming their labor costs don't go up much or at all if you don't purchase from them. Ask them what prices/etc. you are looking at if you supplied them with the parts.

'99 SS

I'll look into that! This is my first attempt at doing this, and I don't want to get "ripped off". I understand they want to make a profit, but I don't want to be "robbed" for them to make their money.

I'll keep in touch and let you know.

Ed

plusandrew

Just keep in mind, the speakers in the back seat are midrange woofers not speakers.

you replace those woofers with speakers and you are going to lose alot of bass.

and the speakers in the hatch, despite how big they look, are only 4" circular speakers.

'99 SS

Well, I re-visited one of the audio shops to get a few more ideas.

I was shown the Pioneer h.u., 4900ib, played through 4 Boston Acoustic SX65 speakers. It sounded pretty good!

They suggested I leave the speakers in the hatch alone.

I inquired about losing some bass, and was told the B.A. speakers have alot of bass in them, more so than other brands.

Lastly, I inquired about adding an amp, which I can do whenever I choose.

Ugh, this is making me nuts.

danhr

Just throwing it out there... you want an amp for 6.5's. you headunit won't power them and the monsoon amp sucks.

and just throwing this out there... I am running two Elemental Designs 7Kv.2 Subwoofers in my sail panels (I wanted more bass but I did not want to have a box in my trunk), and i love them. People always think i have two 10's or a 12 in my car and get confused when they can't find a box.