buying a sound system

[tehnubber]

So my friend is selling an amp, deck, and 2 subs for $200 so its a deal I cant refuse. The question is, is it difficult to install a sound system? I dont really want to pay extra to have some place install it for me ..

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

So my friend is selling an amp, deck, and 2 subs for $200 so its a deal I cant refuse. The question is, is it difficult to install a sound system? I dont really want to pay extra to have some place install it for me ..
Well, first of all, it depends whether its worth it. Chances are it is, but throw up some model numbers, as well as the amount of usage.

It's not that hard. Well, for me. I've made a write-up on a sub install. Check the Install Guides section for that.

As for the head unit, it's easy. You'll need harnesses and a dash kit. You have two options here. Metra offers a SmartCable system, which is pretty much plug two adapters together and hook it up. The classic method, matching the wires with the corresponding color, is also available. Dash kits are normally about $20. Talk to a store (Circuit City, Best Buy, etc.) or go to Metra's website to find out the part numbers.

[dhl1986]

the smart cables generally run around $18-$20 each. you need two, one to fit your cars harness and another to fit your radio, with an adaptor in between. you can either look up your cars wiring information for constant, accessory, speaker etc and use the plug that comes with your radio which would be a free install aside from the dash kit. if you just buy the vehicle harness, all you have to do is match color to color (all aftermarket wires are a predetermined color) which is a lot easier than looking up your cars wires and matching them to the right ones. if you want to take the easy way out and buy both harnesses, make sure u ziptie the adaptor plugs together because they come loose pretty often. i used to work at a shop and almost all of the radios that came back dead were because of the plugs coming unattached. getting the factory radio out is easy on a celica. the trim around your shift knob comes loose with just a little tug, then theres two phillips screws exposed... take those out, then pop off your AC knobs and two more screws are exposed... take those out and there should be four bolts, i think they are 10mm so just get a ratchet and take them out. once the four bolts are out the radio pulls right out the dash... disconnect the harnesses and the antenna. your antenna is the universal format so you dont need to buy any antenna adaptors to fit your new radio.

sub and amp installs are easy, just time consuming. you have to run power from your battery, and RCAs and a remote turnon wire from your radio. id just wait to do the radio and amp install at the same time since the radio will be out already. the hardest part is getting the power wire through the firewall... sometimes you have to drill. but more often than not there is a grommet you can use. most of the panels in the car use retention clips which just pull out. be sure of that though before you pull too hard otherwise youll pop some clips. hide the wires under your carpet, run them to your amp and find a good ground .... thats pretty much all there is to it. wire the subs correctly and they should power right on once you turn on your radio . any other help just ask

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

OK, I was just lazy before. I'm gonna need a little more information from you OP.

First of all, what year and model of Celica do you have (i.e. GT/GT-S).

Second of all, I need to know whether you have the premium audio system in the car (the JBL 8 speaker system). I think for 00-02, it came standard in GT-Ses. Basically, if you have tweeters in your doors, you've got it.

Third, is the deck a double-DIN or single-DIN (I'm sure it's single).

This should give me all the information I need to give you the right part numbers... at least for the deck install. Apparently, there is no SmartCable option for this car, so you have to manually wire it. This consists of matching colors, so unless you're colorblind, you're good to go.

[dhl1986]

Apparently, there is no SmartCable option for this car, so you have to manually wire it. This consists of matching colors, so unless you're colorblind, you're good to go.


for metra, the 801761 harness will work.

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

for metra, the 801761 harness will work.
Yeah, I realized afterwards that I'm a retard and they make the 80 harness for all of them. Hehe.

OP, I'll also need the brand of the deck. Thanks.

[Sty09]

don't go to circuit city they dont know what they are talking about and will rip you off

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

don't go to circuit city they dont know what they are talking about and will rip you off
On the contrary, I work at CC. What you mean by "rip you off?"

[tehnubber]

I have a 2000 Celica GT. I bought the subs (10' dual audios in a glass box for $100) and im getting the amp and deck on Monday. Thanks for all the help btw .. although it may take me a while

[02celica]

200$ worth of sound system is gonna be ****ty.. just letting you know.

My deck cost more than that and its no where near a high end deck.

We need model numbers and names of items so we can help ya out.

[tehnubber]

Well, I'm buying it off craigslist so it's more cheaper. I believe the subs are Dual DS10's and I don't know the model of the amp or deck yet but I know the deck is a JVC and the amp is an Alpine.

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

Well, I'll tell you right now. $100 for those subs was a ripoff. They're a flaming piece. That's why I was pushing the brand as a paramount question. The amp and deck, hell, I'm sure that's good.

[whoadizzle]

www.onlinecarstereo.com if you want good quality and low prices...theres nothing cheaper...unless you ebay it.

[02celica]

^also try www.sonicelcetronix.com cant beat 350$ a piece for a w7

dual subs are ****ty dont get them dude.

[Tippman98x]

It will still sound better than stock...

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

^ Not gonna agree on that. The stock speakers hit cleaner than the Duals... maybe not louder, but definitely cleaner.

[Tippman98x]

^^ True

The bass is gonna knock a lot more tho, depends what you like tho I was trying to be positive

[RTZCeli]

Meh. Whatever makes you happy.

[a1montee]

Well, I'm buying it off craigslist so it's more cheaper. I believe the subs are Dual DS10's and I don't know the model of the amp or deck yet but I know the deck is a JVC and the amp is an Alpine.

only problem buying from private sellers... theres no guarantee or warranty.

[Sty09]

On the contrary, I work at CC. What you mean by "rip you off?"


Some sales guy tried to sell me a 250$ part that i didn't need. and the installers couldn't stand the sub box up in my trunk, so they told me they had to lay it down and that was fine but then i go to check it out and they had the amp mounted on the bottom of the box.... cracked the plastic on my amp dumb****s

[tehnubber]

ok so I have a choice between two amps. The first amp is a Kenwood Model # KAC-6295 for $25. The other is a JL Audio e2150 for $60. Yes, they both probably suck but which would you pick. I'm not a big spender btw if you haven't noticed.

[dhl1986]

Some sales guy tried to sell me a 250$ part that i didn't need. and the installers couldn't stand the sub box up in my trunk, so they told me they had to lay it down and that was fine but then i go to check it out and they had the amp mounted on the bottom of the box.... cracked the plastic on my amp dumb****s


the sales associates at CC are scared of the car audio department. they are all "full floor" salespersons and are expected to know the details of every item for sale in the entire store. problem is, most of them only know one or two departments and dont belong anywhere near any of the other ones. i started out installing at a circuit city and have since worked my way up from there... in its defense, the installers i worked with were all really knowledgable and passionate about their work. there are some kids that start working in the roadshop and dont really know anything at all about car audio but they are rare. i guess you got unlucky. next time talk to your installer to get an idea of whether or not hes a complete ****ing retard before you hand over your keys ;)

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

Half of the motherfvckers we have at my store don't know **** and can't sell full floor if their life depended on it. Basically, at my store, we have "full floor," but people cling to their department and about 5 of us actually sell on the entire floor (me included).

I can't say I know everything about car audio, but I know more than everyone in my store minus two people.

All our installers are very professional however.

As to the amps, I'd stick with the JL Audio. Neither of them are crap, but the JL Audio pushes more power and with (in my opinion) more quality.

[BayouDealer]

man before you buy anything you should decide on how much you want to spend and what you want out of the system! You wants lots of bass and dont care about anything else that is fine. You like good sound not so much bass! Cool Head units, Nav what ever just come up with what you want then people here can give you ideas where to look and what to buy~

answer these questions....

1.How much can you or do you want to spend
2. What music do you like?? RAP? COUNTRY? JAZZ?
3. Do you plan on installing yourself, and have you done any installing before?
4. Do you have a aftermarket head unit installed or anything new installed in car. Anything other than Factory stuff?