We won't delve deeply into theoretical aspects, but will take a simpler approach. Using a practical example, we'll analyze what you can buy and install in your "iron horse" with a certain amount of money.
Let's limit the starting amount of the first material to 1600 hryvnias (equivalent to $200). It's with this money that you can start thinking about some initial sound in your car. Well, let's begin!
A Bit of Reasoning
So, we have 1600 hryvnias in hand. As a "guinea pig," for example, let's take the well-known and popular Daewoo Lanos. What can a person expect with this amount of money?
It's no secret that this will be a budget sound system of entry level. For some, this amount is just the starting point for choosing a head unit or speakers. But that's not what we're about now.
Our main goal is to get the maximum from the minimum. That is, to spend these funds as rationally and wisely as possible. We plan to buy a new head unit with speakers and install it all (ourselves or with a professional). If funds remain, we'll also do simple door vibration damping. In general, let's move from words to action.
Where to Buy
The main advantage of the chosen price range is that products in this category are widely available almost everywhere. You don't have to go far: such budget components can be bought at any market with a car store. Mostly, of course, these will be the "most Chinese options." Some people find that enough, but not in our case.
The most optimal places to buy are: online stores, specialized car audio shops, and large retail chains.
First, the selection there is definitely larger. Second, there's some kind of warranty and consumer rights (like the 14 days with a receipt according to the law). Prices in the budget range will be approximately the same everywhere.
In retail chains, the selection is usually small, often selling off leftover stock. In an online store, the selection will be the largest, but it's not a fact that you'll get clear advice. Therefore, we'd recommend specialized stores where you can get advice and feel the product (and if possible, listen to it).
What to Buy
Let's briefly go through the components of our system. That is, let's decide on a plan of action. In this material, we'll consider several types of "bundles."
Let's start with the main thing – the head unit. Most of them have 4 channels for connecting speakers. From this, it logically follows that we can buy 2 sets of speakers that will work from the built-in amplifier of the head unit.
The wiring going from the head unit to the front doors (in the stock locations) remains "original." So, we buy one set of speakers for installation in those places.
It would also be good to buy speakers for the rear of the car (for "backing") – on the rear shelf. Audio preparation is provided there, so you won't have to run wires from the head unit through the cabin. In standard, there are 16 cm speakers.
In the end, ideally, we should get the following configuration: head unit, speakers in the front doors, speakers on the rear shelf. All 4 channels are used.
By the way, don't forget about the euro adapter – it might be needed for some car models, for example, it's needed to connect the head unit to the "original" wiring of the Lanos. It's inexpensive – around 20 hryvnias.
Choosing a Head Unit
We all remember the song: "Where does the Motherland begin...". Well, car audio also begins with a media player, commonly known as a head unit.
In the mid-90s, they were cassette, at the end – CD. The beginning of the century gave us the ability to read compressed audio format mp3. And in the last few years, removable media – "flash drives" and external HDDs (hard drives) – have come into use. Finding "cassette players" today is almost impossible, as are head units that read exclusively audio-CD format (without MP3).
Proven Brands
Most models on the market read CD-MP3 formats simultaneously with the ability to connect flash media. On average, prices start from 600-650 UAH. (for well-known manufacturers). These are budget options from Kenwood, JVC, Pioneer. For example, here are some model names:
• JVC KD-R426
• Pioneer DEH-2300UB
• Kenwood KDC-4051UG
Their characteristics are extremely similar: 4 channels delivering 50 peak watts (of which nominal – 20), a simple equalizer, and one pair of line outputs at the back (for the same amplifier or subwoofer). But we get decent quality both in build and sound.
By the way, about sound. This topic is highly individual, but for lovers of deep bass, the most optimal option would be a Pioneer head unit.
In general, if you're a proponent of proven solutions, then after the purchase we'll have less than 1000 hryvnias left. Don't forget that we still need to buy speakers and install it all. Money might not be enough.
Little-Known "Chinese" Brands
This is where our "Chinese friends" come to the rescue. These are mostly models from little-known manufacturers. Relatively recently, they flooded our market and even provide warranty and service.
Prices for Chinese head units start from 250 UAH. That's exactly what they ask for RS BL-728. But we'd advise adding a bit and looking at Cyclon MP10-10R: for 280 UAH, we get a head unit that reads only external media – flash drives, memory cards – with simple settings, BUT not the worst sound! There's no talk of line outputs (for connecting a subwoofer).
For models of similar brands, the price goes up, but the essence remains the same.
But, for example, for the same 600 hryvnias, we already get a whole "Chinese combine" with the ability to read almost all formats (including DVD). All that's left is to buy an external monitor for video viewing.
Deciding on a Head Unit
So we've come to a dilemma: what to take? On one hand – a more expensive and proven brand for 650 hryvnias, on the other – a little-known Chinese manufacturer, but quite playable for its 300 hryvnias.
Also, don't forget our allocated amount of 1600 UAH. Therefore, we'll consider two purchase scenarios below.
Choosing Speakers
Let's immediately touch on the installation issue. The size (diameter) of the speakers in the front doors is different. For example, in the Lanos, it's a non-standard 12 cm. So you have to pick a spacer ring.
Spacer Rings
To install larger and more capable speakers, you'll have to make spacer rings from plywood (yourself or with a professional). But there's a simpler way – you can buy them ready-made. The price for a pair is around 100 hryvnias.
With a Pioneer Head Unit
In the first scenario, we'll choose speakers to pair with a head unit for 650 hryvnias. Let's assume we buy ready-made spacer rings. We have 850 hryvnias left for speakers.
Here there can be two speaker options.
First: front speakers plus rear speakers.
Coaxial (with built-in "tweeter") front speakers from well-known brands will cost around 400-450 UAH.:
• Helix X-Max 116
• JBL GT6-6
And on the rear shelf, we'll put oval speakers size 6x9 from Sony (model XS-GTF6937) at a price of 350 hryvnias.
In total, we have 100-150 hryvnias left, which we can spend on 2-3 sheets of vibration damping (but more on that later).
Second option: we install only component speakers in the front. Component elements are when the tweeter and midbass are separate. They are connected via a crossover (frequency filter) that comes in the kit. Thus, the soundstage will be more correct (each speaker plays its own range).
In the range of 700-750 hryvnias, you can look at the same JBL. The model is called GT6-6C.
Result: the same 100-150 hryvnias left for vibration damping.
With a Chinese Head Unit
In the scenario with a 300 hryvnia head unit (plus 100 UAH for spacer rings), we have a whole 1200 hryvnias left. Here you can spread out a bit more. In this scenario, we'll choose a component system for the front doors and "ovals" for the rear shelf.
For the front doors, a good option would be Helix X-MAX 206 for 650 hryvnias. For the rear, we'll buy Sony XS-F6927SE "ovals" in the range of 450-500 hryvnias.
And the same 150 hryvnias remain for vibration damping of the front doors.
In both cases, we leave the factory wiring. The one that comes with the speakers is usually not high quality. There's no point in changing it by disassembling half the dashboard.
Installation by a Professional
Electricians charge from 100 hryvnias for installing a head unit. If you want, you can figure it out yourself – there's nothing complicated there.
For proper speaker installation in the doors, prices start from 250 hryvnias. This amount includes removing/installing door cards, making spacer rings (from plywood), and actually screwing in the speakers.
Installing speakers on the rear shelf will empty your wallet by at least 150 hryvnias.
Total: 500 UAH.
In short – if you want to buy higher quality and more expensive components with a limited budget (as in our case), then you should consider self-installation.
Door Vibration Damping
This important point deserves at least a little attention. Of course, by installing more powerful and higher quality speakers, we get the opportunity to feel more sound potential. Especially if you like listening to loud music.
The first to "give up" are usually the door cards. Characteristic vibration on bass lines is not an exception in any car, even business class. In our case, it's a bit simpler, but the essence remains the same – we need to minimize extraneous sounds. Sound and vibration damping will help us with this.
With our budget, we'll have to limit ourselves to just vibration damping. It's sold in sheets and comes in different thicknesses (the thicker, the more expensive).
On average, 2 sheets are needed per door. The price is in the range of 50-70 hryvnias per piece. Total – 200 hryvnias for 2 doors. In our case, we can save and take one sheet per door.
For installation, it's also not necessary to go to a professional. You should stock up on time, patience, and a roller for pressing.
Conclusion
Achieving a budget and decent-sounding audio for $200 is quite realistic. In the most optimal scenario (with fully self-installation), we managed to buy a head unit, speakers for the front doors and rear shelf, and also do vibration damping. True, we had to save on the head unit, but it will be enough for the first time.
The chosen components don't claim to be the only purchase option. Rather, we were guided by fresh models from well-known brands that are available and quite common.
Also, an important point is the installation prices from a professional. According to our calculations, such an installation of all components would cost at least 500 hryvnias. Which, of course, would greatly limit our already not-so-large budget. And it's much more pleasant when it's done with your own hands.
In short – enjoy your listening!
