Hey guys. I think I'm going to start a "101" class for related audio topics, so we can discuss with a focused approach, as opposed to a broad one. Hopefully, by creating this, we can reach deeply into topics such as Budget, and get some real answers that everyone can use. If you have any suggestions to make these 101's more useful, I'm all ears.

First thing about budget, is please don't try to build a system or augment your stock setup without first undestanding that it takes money! So, its important to be prepared to spend a little, to get a lot back.

Second issue is to discover what you want to accomplish at this time. Sometimes people just want to do something that they can't do at the present time, like play MP3's, or run Satellite radio w/o going through the FM modulators out there. Fair enough! Sometimes, we want to go all out, full bore sound quality, or SPL, or both. Obviously, the deeper you dive into system changes, the more complicated, and more expensive a system can become. This may sound painfully obvious, but you'd be surprised by the number of customers I've come across who are SHOCKED that their dream system also came with a dreamy price tag. So, make sure you set in your mind what you really want to accomplish.

Third, some things are WAY more important then others when building a system, and the order of importance changes with the vehicle. Usually, no matter what the vehicle, it is critical to set a good budget for the wiring and sound deadening you'll need to do. Set more then you think you would for this, as well. Next, if you are fabricating, set a rather large budget for wood, fiberglass, etc. If you are simply throwing a radio in the car, this can be the budget for the wiring harness and dash kit. After that, set up a budget for each part of the system you'd like to install. I always recommend looking for the best deal, but beware of a "too good of a deal to be true" situation, because sometimes it really is. Also, keep in mind that when you buy from the guy off eBay, you better know exactly what you want, and how it works, because you aren't going to be able to return it unless its broken, in most cases. Anyway, its critical not to forget something like wiring when budgeting, so make sure you have all of the basics. Then add 10% dead minimum to that budget, because things happen, and you need some overage.

Fourth, its important to know how doing your system will affect the car's ability to be effective transport. Example: When doing sound deadening, its best to take the car down to the bare bones, and do the entire car at once. This means the car isn't drivable until you are done. BEWARE of this! If you have somewhere to go, make sure you can either take another vehicle, or do your system in tiny, but easy to rebuild steps.

Fifth, Never EVER rush or shortcut a job. EVER. The surest way to dislike your own work is to rush it, or get impatient. If you are the impatient type, consider saving a bit more and having a pro do it. Even then, the car will be out of commission for a while. But, you'll be able to say that there was no rushing or shortcuts. At least on your part. Budget goes along with it, don't burn your budget or forget to budget, since making a shortcut here can end in extreme issues with a system.

Next topic: Choosing gear

 

Good post ...

Just to add a few things - one is that to make proper buying decisions based on your budget, you really must get educated about features and what they mean. Making the decision if you need an external crossover or equalizer, or other piece of equipment, can really only be made if you take time to research products and analyze their features. For example, you might buy a head unit with 5 band EQ and think "that's not very powerful, I need an extra EQ". But if that 5 band EQ is actually a fully parametric with adjustable centerpoints and adjustable Q, then it can be quite powerful.

Another thing is setting priorities correctly when assigning a budget, as alluded to in the original post. Car guys often totally miss the point by putting all their attention into subwoofers. My opinion is that a system should start with a quality head unit, and quality component speakers. And with your speakers, how you install them is just as important as which ones you choose. So consider in budget things needed for a proper installation.

Don't want to bogart your thread, so I'll stop there. Just ask questions guys