mpwolf

I didn't want anything fancy, just something that I can listen to on the way to the track. Any reason this won't at least sound decent? Right now the car has no audio system, so anything would be an improvement. Shipped with the Sirius antenna, this stuff will run me $265 from Crutchfield. Seems like a pretty decent deal to me. Is there any sense in upgrading any of these pieces to something else?

HU: Clarion ProAudio DXZ535
<img src="http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/products/2002/020/h020DXZ535-f.jpeg">

Sat Radio: Sirius SIR-CL1
<img src="http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/products/2003/020/h020SiRCL1.jpeg">

Front: Blaupunkt PCx542 5.25"
<img src="http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/products/2003/023/h023PCx542.jpeg">

Rear: Blaupunkt PCx693 6"x9"
<img src="http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/products/2003/023/h023PCx693.jpeg">

SpfldS4

Ebay for $214 around X-mas and am very happy with it. HookedOnTronics.com has great prices but they are low on inventory. You might be able to find last years discontinued models pretty cheap they are (#)35MP. The HU matches the Audi red lighting perfectly, wait a minute...you don't even have an S4. Get a walkman ;-)

RKA

For something you intend to run off a head unit (instead of stand alone amps) my primary concern would be the tweeters. Personally, I can't stand the bright sound of metal dome tweeters (like most of the MB Quarts out there). They give me headaches. So I would just want to hear the speakers first to make sure they are moderately acceptable. In general, I find silk dome tweeters much more listenable. Also, if you're going to get a coaxial speaker, see if you can find one that has a small range of adjustment on the tweeter positioning (10-15 degree swivel). That gives you the ability to set the speakers up a little better, if you choose to (better imaging or soundstage). Lastly, check with Crutchfield on speaker sensitivity with respect to powering speakers off a headunit. Speaker sensitivity is a measure of it's efficiency...how loud will the speaker play given X amount of power. The higher the number, the easier it will be to power. I'm not sure what the cut off should be between a speaker that should be powered with standalone amps, and one that can be adequately powered with a headunit. Headunits typically don't have a lot of power (50W rating on the headunit is peak...continuous power output is likely around 12 watts).

With the headunit...get something that is capable of playing MP3's. May as well...since you're buying a new headunit anyway. It shouldn't add much incremental cost. Maybe the one you pictured does (I don't know, and I'm too lazy to look up specs on Crutchfield).

Lastly, I've always had a thing for ergonomics. I hate the fact that most aftermarket headunits use these little chicklet keys. Some of the better one's have started to design better user interfaces. Honestly though...this is a minor sticking point. Once you learn where all the keys are, it doesn't bother you...it's just the 1st month where you're figuring out all the functions where you'll find yourself frustrated with horrible ergonomics.

mpwolf

This unit has an aux in, so if I ever get an Ipod or some sort of device, I'll just hook that up. I don't listen to MP3s that often anyway. When I had Sirius in the S4, I listened to that almost exclusively. I'm not a real music fanatic, I'd rather just listen to the stuff that the programmers feed me, rather than buy CDs, rip MP3s, etc.

RKA

He could get a little boombox strap it in the back seat and power off the cig lighter! :-P

mpwolf

into account given that I am going to run it off the head unit. The 6x9s have 92db sensitivity, the most efficient 6x9s are 93db; the 5.25s are 91db, the most efficient 5.25s are 92db, so these should be ok.

I thought about getting the MP3 HU, but then I lose the ability to change the color of the display, and it's $50 more. I figure I can always get an Ipod if I want to go the MP3 route and not have to worry about burning CDs.

I am a little hesitant to buy speakers without hearing them first, but in all honesty, the inside of the M3 is so spartan, that I'm not going to get too picky about sound quality. If they're too bright, I can always turn the treble down. Not an optimal solution, but it will work in this application. I basically picked the speakers I did because they are pretty efficient, and cheap.

Thanks for the advice!

mpwolf

LOL!

markbradford

but for $250+- for everything I guess you're not shootin for the stars

jusatry

just for the way to the track and back?

Get better speakers and no Sirus, burn CDs or get an MP3 capable HU.

Just a thought

AudiApotheosis

Look into better speakers. I got clarion components (to match hu) that didn't work out as well as my kappas do.
i lived for 2 months w/o music while upgrading, so I feel your pain.
Crutchfield may not offer best prices either, most online dealers are not authorized dealers so they can be cheaper.