Head unit and speaker help for a noob

994 Views 4 Replies 2 Participants Last post by JS626, Dec 13, 2014

JS626

Discussion Starter · Dec 13, 2014

After lurking for a while and getting some great info from this forum, I thought I'd request some help. I'm looking to replace the factory speakers and existing head unit in my 2002 Acura RSX. I'm not looking to spend a ton of cash since I don't plan on having the car for more than a few more years; I just want a decent upgrade over what I currently have. My biggest concern is sound clarity (and it must be satellite ready).

I understand that I probably won't be getting anything top notch considering my budget, but I'd appreciate any thoughts/suggestions. It's been a while since I purchased equipment and I don't know how some of these brands have changed over the past 10-15 years. Also, at this low price point, will I see a significant upgrade or should I not bother?

Head units:
- Kenwood Excelon KDC-X697 CD receiver at Crutchfield.com
- Clarion CZ702 CD receiver at Crutchfield.com
- Alpine UTE-52BT Digital media receiver at Crutchfield.com
- Thoughts? Anything else I should consider. I figured it's hard to go wrong with Alpine, but I haven't used their products in years.

Speakers:
- I'm looking at several low-end options from MTX, Rockford Fosgate, Infinity, JBL, Polk, and Helix (which I wasn't familiar with, but read good things about; Helix Blue B5X 5-1/4" 2-way car speakers at Crutchfield.com)
- Which of these would you advise? Is there anything else I should be looking at? Like I said, I'm not looking to spend much. The entry level options for these are mostly $50-80/pair. I'd like to stay in that range.

Thanks so much for any help.

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JS626

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 13, 2014

Thanks for the answer. That's really helpful. So right now I have a Sony Xplod head unit that the previous owner put in and factory speakers. I'd say the sound isn't terrible, but it's not great either. I don't get much bass right now. It gets muffled at louder volumes, but I won't be playing it too loud for the most part. I just want something that sounds good. I have to replace the head unit for the SiriusXM controls, so I figured I'd get decent speakers too. That being said, to your point, I don't know if I can get something decent at my price point.

I'm not sure if this would make a difference, but would I be better off spending a little more on front speakers and keeping my factory speakers in the back? Also, I can fit 5.25" or 6.5" speakers. I assume I'm better off getting a higher quality 5.25" over a slightly lower quality 6.5". Is that true?

Thanks again.

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JS626

Discussion Starter · #5 · Dec 13, 2014

I don't have a sub and I likely wouldn't add one to this car. I was looking at Infinity Kappas (6.75") or JL's entry level speaker (6.5"). Do you think either of these paired with one of the head units in my original post would produce quality sound? My current sound is very...bland for lack of a better term.

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