Radio issue ?
12-01-2021, 04:07 PM
#21
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Join Date: 09-07-2021
Location: Michigan
Posts: 293
Definitely. I’d bet very few stock radios go bad but I’d also bet very few speakers are stock and working at all four corners. I also think a working stock radio is better than a cheapo radio, especially a stock radio with Bluetooth and a USB.
12-01-2021, 07:58 PM
#22
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Join Date: 11-04-2012
Location: Dedham Maine
Posts: 1,545
I personally prefer Pioneer but Kenwood and Alpine are pretty good. Kenwood and JVC merged a few years ago, with JVC sort of being the lower end and Kenwood having longer warranties but both are still good product. Just don't go with a cheap brand (Dual, Boss, Jensen) because you'll just end up replacing it. I once bought three Dual head units and all three went out. That's a problem because now you have to pull it back out and replace it which is an unnecessary pain. And please buy the install kit instead of hacking into the stock harness.
The main thing is try to get a mechless unit (no CD mechanism) because that makes it easier to shove all the wires back into the dash. I prefer double DIN units because they fit nicely in the dash but if you really just want a basic head unit with bluetooth, without the fancy screens, the single DINs are the cheapest - not much more than $100. Single DINs also usually have the USB on the front (so you don't have to run and mount a USB cable - not that that's a big deal) and a volume knob, which many people prefer. I got hooked on Apple CarPlay, and then got hooked on wireless CarPlay so the unit I have cost $500, open box.
As far as speakers, just read a lot of reviews and focus on what type of sound is important. I hate that very few retailers have speakers on display that you can actually listen to before buying. I tried to keep the price down so I just went with four Kenwoods for $40 a pair and I'm very satisfied so far given the price. You can usually get a deal if you buy a radio/speaker package and I guess it's a good thing for them to match. With speakers (and radios) the sky is the limit so it just depends on what you want to spend. The stock speakers are components (separate tweeters) but I just went with regular coaxials for now just to keep the price down. The biggest difference in sound came from adding the powered subwoofer but that's a whole 'nother thing, especially since you want to keep the price down. Please don't cheap out and try to use the old speakers for mounting brackets or cutting the stock wires - just get the mounting and wire adapters - it's not much more expensive and makes the install easier and nicer.
Sorry for the long post - hope it helps! You should easily be able to get a nice radio, speakers and install items for around the $500 price if you shop carefully.
The main thing is try to get a mechless unit (no CD mechanism) because that makes it easier to shove all the wires back into the dash. I prefer double DIN units because they fit nicely in the dash but if you really just want a basic head unit with bluetooth, without the fancy screens, the single DINs are the cheapest - not much more than $100. Single DINs also usually have the USB on the front (so you don't have to run and mount a USB cable - not that that's a big deal) and a volume knob, which many people prefer. I got hooked on Apple CarPlay, and then got hooked on wireless CarPlay so the unit I have cost $500, open box.
As far as speakers, just read a lot of reviews and focus on what type of sound is important. I hate that very few retailers have speakers on display that you can actually listen to before buying. I tried to keep the price down so I just went with four Kenwoods for $40 a pair and I'm very satisfied so far given the price. You can usually get a deal if you buy a radio/speaker package and I guess it's a good thing for them to match. With speakers (and radios) the sky is the limit so it just depends on what you want to spend. The stock speakers are components (separate tweeters) but I just went with regular coaxials for now just to keep the price down. The biggest difference in sound came from adding the powered subwoofer but that's a whole 'nother thing, especially since you want to keep the price down. Please don't cheap out and try to use the old speakers for mounting brackets or cutting the stock wires - just get the mounting and wire adapters - it's not much more expensive and makes the install easier and nicer.
Sorry for the long post - hope it helps! You should easily be able to get a nice radio, speakers and install items for around the $500 price if you shop carefully.
GREAT info Thanks, I do not want to cheap out but mid grade is OK ANd Found out a long time ago go cheap you pay twice lol.... Plus if needed a couple hundred more is doable, My HHR is mainly now a low use car, or loaner to my kids !
12-01-2021, 08:00 PM
#23
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Join Date: 11-04-2012
Location: Dedham Maine
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12-02-2021, 10:22 AM
#25
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Join Date: 11-04-2012
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12-03-2021, 03:42 PM
#29
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Join Date: 11-04-2012
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