21 replies to this topic

[nuggy101]

I have a 2009 matrix, and I'm looking to upgrade the audio system(new speakers, flat sub) and I would like to know if I have to get a new deck as well if I want to put a sub in.

If I do not have to get a new deck, how do I hook the sub up to the stock deck? Thanks guys!

[danimal86]

get a decent aftermarket deck first! Stay away from: Sony, Dual, JVC.......Get a Pioneer or Alpine. The factory HU (at least on my 06) is garbage!

[shawngeeves]

danimal86, on 09 February 2012 - 10:08 AM, said:

get a decent aftermarket deck first! Stay away from: Sony, Dual, JVC.......Get a Pioneer or Alpine. The factory HU (at least on my 06) is garbage!

Agreed.

Do yourself the favor of spending some money on a good replacement HU.

[MrAngry]

If you dont have the money for the aftermarket HU, pick up a decent line out converter. They work fine if you spend the money on a good one.

[JBL1600]

Or look for an amp that has HI level (speaker level) inputs built in. Then you just run power, ground, remote wire and tag your inputs from your rear speakers.

[mikeweezer]

Nothing wrong with JVC... Not sure what models you have had, but I have the AVX 810 in my matrix and AVX 840 in my Tacoma Xrunner. Success with both! No issues from either. GF has a pioneer in her altima, and hers wont stream video from a usb device even though it says it will. I have movies on a 250gb hard drive and watch movies on BOTH JVC's with no problems. Cant speak for any of their single din head units.

[dnm]

Actually, there's lots of issues with JVC. Just because you've had a few work doesn't mean s***. That's what's referred to as anecdotal data.

JVC are lower quality, lower grade products. You get what you pay for.

[mikeweezer]

Ehh... well if there were A LOT of issues, sucks to be the people who've had them.... cause I havent had ANY problems with mine. And had one for about 2 years and the other about a year.

[dnm]

Again, anecdotal.

[mikeweezer]

Yep, and until you provide statistical data.... anecdotal will suffice.

[JBL1600]

Well hows this for anecdotal, JVC merged with Kenwood in October 2008- so I'm gonna guess if you bought a JVC product 6 months after this you may have got a better product.

[davda113]

^^^ just because two companies merge doesn't mean the quality of either will improve. Now there's the higher quality product (kenwood) and a lower quality product (jvc). In this sense my toyota should have the same quality as a lexus because its the same company right?

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[infuzeyou]

I used a Schoche (Walmart special) line-out converter on my stock deck for a couple years on my Jeep, and was never happy with the sound quality or inability to adjust the equalizer. Do yourself a huge favor and get a decent head unit. Just make sure it has a pre-amp sub output and is a reputable brand, and you'll be fine.

I've had my JVC double-din HU for almost a year and love it - no problems, so far (knock on wood).

[JohnX]

Why stay away from Sony? JVC has always been a good brand also. The crappier brands are Jensen and Dual, but Sony?

@OP, I'm not sure whether Fry's electronics is a nationwide store, but if they are purchase your HU there. They offer cheap installation and awesome warranty. And they always have good deals every week.

[shawngeeves]

JohnX, on 20 February 2012 - 12:09 PM, said:

Why stay away from Sony? JVC has always been a good brand also. The crappier brands are Jensen and Dual, but Sony?

@OP, I'm not sure whether Fry's electronics is a nationwide store, but if they are purchase your HU there. They offer cheap installation and awesome warranty. And they always have good deals every week.

I can't speak for the build quality of Sony HUs, but every other Sony product I've ever owned broke down due to faulty workmanship well before I got my moneys worth out of it. Alpine or Pioneer are both relatively solid suggestions.

[CASH XRS]

Anytime I am looking for a head unit or know someone who is, its Pioneer or Alpine, pick the output/styling you like and be done.

[dnm]

Sony's HUs are OK, but their amps are junk.

Scosche is actually a really well known, good brand. They just happen to be sold at the armpit of society (Walmart).

I've been installing stereos for years and years, and have been the car stereo expert on allexperts.com for a few years. I've dealt with, helped install, answer questions about, and designed thousands of car stereos.

[Navarone]

It's true that we only have our anecdotal evidence that JVC is good, but that's enough for me. I don't get on the bandwagon of hate for a product until I've dealt with it personally or there is lots of actual data saying its crap. People saying something is crap based on what is probably heard through the grapevine isn't enough. I read actual reviews of anything I want before I buy it, and then I do a google search along the lines of "product problems", "product broken", or "product repair" to see what is really happening in the real world.

I'm happy with both JVC head units I have, both work great and I've never had problems with them.
Older KD-G300
Newer KD-APD49

So that's 5 points of anecdotal evidence that they work.
Before that I had a sony and that worked well also.
I personally feel scosch are crap, but that's only because the one product I had caught fire and the reviews I've read of other products from them have caught fire, and that their fit and finish look and feel very cheap.


Toyota and lexus are about the same quality product when based on the same car, just different body panels and interior. Same engine, and same unibody make it the same quality just like the HU would have similar internal components with different face plates and software. It's usually the same with large companies buying out smaller cheaper ones. Different product lines for different target markets, based on similar designs, and the "quality" is just the the materials you see and feel. But you pay more for that, so the value is the same.


*shrug* http://en.wikipedia....mobile_platform
"In some cases such as the Lexus ES that is a Toyota Camry, "same car, same blueprints, same skeleton off the same assembly line in the same factory", but the Lexus is marketed with premium coffee in the dealership's showroom and reduced greens fees at Pebble Beach Golf Links as part of the higher-priced badge"

Edited by Navarone, 20 February 2012 - 03:35 PM.

[JohnX]

davda113, on 19 February 2012 - 03:31 PM, said:

^^^ just because two companies merge doesn't mean the quality of either will improve. Now there's the higher quality product (kenwood) and a lower quality product (jvc). In this sense my toyota should have the same quality as a lexus because its the same company right?

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Yes the quality on your Toyota should be on par with that of a Lexus, now the luxury of it. Well, that's a different story.

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[CASH XRS]

dnm, on 20 February 2012 - 02:37 PM, said:

Sony's HUs are OK, but their amps are junk.

Scosche is actually a really well known, good brand. They just happen to be sold at the armpit of society (Walmart).

I've been installing stereos for years and years, and have been the car stereo expert on allexperts.com for a few years. I've dealt with, helped install, answer questions about, and designed thousands of car stereos.

Is there anything you DON'T do? hahaha