Hi everyone, new to forums as you can tell and I have a quick few questions.

I just bought a 2003 civic LX today and I want to put a little more kick in with better speakers and a new head unit, but I'm sort of new to the whole car modding scheme. My step brother has installed new speakers and receiver in his car but I dont really trust his opinion. I was wondering what you guys would recommend for a new receiver and speakers. I dont need anything too ridiculously loud, Im thinking around a $100-120 budget for the receiver (one thats ipod compatible would be cool) and same for the speakers.

Any input would be awsome, thanks.

 

ur budget is kinda low cause you are looking at about 25 in just instalation accesories (neccasary) and that is if you buy the sharty dash kit from walmart, If you got an ipod there are a few radios that have that built in otherwise its like an extra 40-100 for a true radio controlled ipod adapter, youc could always get a cheapy with a front aux input jvc has a decent one but its like 160. i think if u go to crutchfield the dash kit and wiring are free though.

 

Hmm alright. Well what would be a typical price for a head unit + fitting accessories with ipod capatibiliy? (*EDIT* And if you could recommend any and where I should buy them that would be greatly appreciated. My step bro says best buy because of free installation, but my other friend says crutchfield.com)

 

i am an installer for circuit city and i will tell you i have heard horror stories of what they do to cars and i thought it was just some jive bs till i saw it first hand i would so go to circuit city even if they charged, which they dont, if you want to save the cash on the accsessories go crutchfiend, if ur fairly compentent with a set of tools you can tackle it yourself, i have faith in you! otherwise if you buy it from cc online u will be paying somewhere in the neighborhood of 200.

and for ur future speaker job go polk, even if u can just afford the db (base model) they are phenominal!

 

JVC In-dash Player (KDPDR30)

 

I appreciate your help greatly. Im pretty handy with tools and my father knows cars inside and out and his best friend/boss builds cars from scratch (he was a former 1 season nascar driver) so Im sure if I bought it from crutchfield I could do it myself. What would you suggest?

 

I like the guy from circuit city. I used to work in the install bay there and i will say the polks do sound good but it might be nice to check out some of the local private shops if there are any. usually they will carry a wider variety of decent stuff. i work at a private shop and i will tell you that Diamond audio is an AWESOME choice. another thing you must think about is the future. new stuff comes out everyday. you want to be able to build upon you system. ipod, mp3 and such stuff is usaully the key things. a budget is good to have but don't limit yourself to much or it will cost you more money in the long haul. go ahead and splurge a bit. there are a lot of cool new things out there.

 

About the ipod compatible receivers. I know my step brother got one but he was upset because the cord that attaches the ipod is in the front of the receiver, rather than in the back, so they cord isnt very discreet. Are all ipod compatible head units like that? Or do some plug in the back. I ask because my civic is pretty sharp looking (from my last car) and I want the insides to look neat and not sloppy.

 

I think im feelin some RoadShop love from 01civicsed lol
he is right diamond audio is pretty good stuff i live in the boonies next to a ghetto and the ghetto has a really crappy private shop that sells diamond but i try not to go in because parking sucks and if you stay in to long u have to worry about ur car out there in the street.

the jvc i referenced actualy has the ipod cable coming out the back and we usualy run it into the glove box because once u hook the ipod into the cable your headunit controls all the music on ur ipod. plus if u forget it in your car it will be concealed and less likely to get ganked an ipod cable typicaly comes out the back ur step bro prolly just has an aux input which is basicaly a headfone jack, the ipod controller plugs into the plug on the bottom of the ipod

 

Thank you jeff948594 I miss it, fun times. and to back up his answer, yes stay away from the aux plug on the front you will have a head on trying to play with you ipod with this feature. invest in one that has a rear din cable plug and then you can controll it through the radio which is much safer.