Speaker Depth and misc other things

Speaker Depth and misc other things

Hi, I'm planning on buying an 01 DX and I'm definately going to have to do speaker and head unit replacement, so I though you guys would be the most knowledgable in that area.

The head unit removal and installation looks extremely easy. Only thing I'm wondering is; I'm looking at getting one of the Panasonic units with the digital amp (because I don't want to wire an amp, it was a nightmare in my Integra). However, Crutchfield says that no Panasonic head units will fit. Anyone know what's up with that? They look like just basic single DIN units.

Front speakers. From what I've read here I'll have to remove the door panel and use a spacer to get some 6.5s in there. No big deal. I was wondering how deep of a driver could you get in there without hitting the window glass. Also, any tips on the removal? I saw a thread further down where a guy was having trouble getting the fronts out and was going to have to drill them out or some such.

Rears. Sound domain says they're 6x9s, but according to what I've read here they're 6.5s. And it looks like I'll need to remove the rear seats to get to 'em. No problem there. How much depth is there for the driver?

Thanks for any help; I'm hoping this install will be less frustrating than others I've done.

No installation is ever without frustration. I just finished one on a 03, and it was crazy with all the little details. Now, what is so special about the panasonic units that it will not fit? And what do you mean unit with a integrated amp? If you have a model number, or a pic of the radio we could probably help you out, but I guess the only reason that it won't fit it would be because it is too deep for the space for the radio.

Anywa, always give yourself a few hours more just than what you expect to finish any install, trust me!

X

Here's one of the Panasonics with the digital amp:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-qyPVgz...=300&I=133C9801

It outputs 35w RMS. Even the Panasonic decks without the digital amp wont fit according to Crutchfield though; I'm not sure why since they look normal to me.

Ha, sometimes it helps to read the fine print, from Crutchfield:

"Installation Note: The CQ-C9801U features a DC/DC converter for additional power. The converter is attached to the back of the receiver via a 5-wire, 15" harness. The harness is hardwired at the receiver and can be detached at the converter. The converter is 3" long x 1.541" high x 1.812" wide. Space for mounting the converter in the dash should be considered when installing this receiver."

So they are taking into account this breakaway box, which in essence is the amp. So they are saying there is no space behind your dash to put this, but it connects via a 15" harness which may give you enough slack to mount it further down the center console with some custom installation. So there is your answer.

Honestly I would probably go with a separate amp/receiver setup for a cleaner sound.

X

I noticed that, but the other Panasonic units don't have that, and they still don't fit according to Crutch.

I tried the separate amp and components in my previous car, and honestly it was way more hassle than it was worth. Too much wiring, and the end result was a system that didn't even sound better than a couple 5.25 inch 2ways and 6x9s in the back for bass in my old Chevy Lumina. I'm going the easy way this time, since last time I wanted to kill something.

Well they say it does not fit on the 98-02 corollas either and believe me I put a Clarion 7" screen into mine which was pretty big an it fit as well. They do say it fits on a 03+ but I think that is just because they have a double din. My suggestion is to see it in person in a store, and maybe compare it to some other radios, or take measurements, or maybe find the measurements on line.

Now, if you are saying that a integrated radio amp sounds better than a separate amp and sub and amplified component speakers then something must not have been setup correctly, because I know a 6.5 or 6x9 cannot reproduce the bass of a properly setup 10", 12", or bigger subs. And radio integrated amps are not as versatile as external amps when it comes to clarity. If you have and want a compact sub look into an inifinity basslink, they make some nice compact sub/amp units that enhance your sound. I finished installing recently a full system in a '03 corolla, and in the end even though it was a pain to install, the sound was 100 times better than stock/radio amplified.

GL and post if you find any other info.

X

Cool. I decided to go with a different head unit that Crutch says will fit. Got some front speakers too that are gauranteed to fit. They send installation instructions with that stuff which will be usefull on the door panel removal. I think I'm all set then. Thanks for the suggestions.