#1705106 - 09/13/09 07:13 PM
95 Altima with upgraded stereo...looking for info
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jasonkip
SD Newbie
Registered: 09/13/09
Posts: 13
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Hello!
This is my first question on SoundDomain, so I might as well make it a good one. I've been looking for info about my car's factory system, but I can't seem to find it...help!
I just bought a used 95 Nissan Altima GLE. It appears to have what Crutchfield calls an "upgraded sound system". The 4 speakers are Clarion 2ohm, 15w/45w 5x7's. In the trunk, there are two small amps mounted near the speakers.
I've never dealt with this kind of system, so when I was shopping for a new deck, I was surprised to learn about the different harnesses available for the car (that deal with the amps I think). I bought a JVC deck from Best Buy, as well as a harness that turned out to be incorrect. After returning it and getting the right one, as well as an antenna adapter, I was able to install the deck.
The front speakers were blown. I don't know if they were working before I installed the new deck, the factory deck was not working properly. The rear speakers sounded like they were working ok, despite being old and very worn. I faded the sound to the rear and took out the front speakers.
I again ran into issues trying to find speakers on Crutchfield that "fit" the front door enclosures. I ended up buying some new Clarion 4ohm, 45w/200w 5x7's that fit fine after bending a few of the tabs. I figured that it's unlikely the amps are currently powering the front speakers, and even if they are, I'm sure they don't put out too much power and I'm not planning on powering the front speakers with a different amp. Apparently the installation in the rear will allow 6x9 speakers, so I'm hoping to find a good pair that fits. After figuring out what's up with the factory amps, I will consider powering new rear speakers with a new amp.
I started learning about resistance and ohms after realizing the differences in the new front speakers and the factory speakers...and here's where I really have a lot of questions.
I don't know whether or not the harness I used for the deck uses the amps to power the speakers or not. I don't know why the front speakers at 4ohm and the rear speakers at 2ohm both seem to sound like they are working. (Note: I have decided to refrain from playing the stereo until I learn more...I've started to realize that I may run the risk of ruining something) I don't even know how many watts those amps are rated...but I do have the model number. Am I googling wrong or soemthing? Model no: EN-961I62. It was dark when I checked though, there could be an error especially with the 1 and I.
I will say that after listening to it one more time, just for a few seconds...I'm starting to think that the little amps might be hooked up? I've installed 6x9's in other cars without amps, and these 2 good and 2 old 5x7's are kicking a little harder than I expected.
If you've read this far, and have any helpful advice, I'd really appreciate it. For now, I'm still reading and rereading things on this site and others like bcae1.com, trying to learn more about how the different resistances work with decks and amps and trying to figure out how I can decipher what is going on in the rear of my car.
Thanks!!
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Two bowls.
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#1706079 - 09/15/09 05:49 PM
Re: 95 Altima with upgraded stereo...looking for info
[Re: jasonkip]
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keep_hope_alive
in another life, i'm a serial killer
SD I Power Bombed the Undertaker
Registered: 04/24/07
Posts: 13370
Loc: Quad Cities, IL
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good questions and welcome to Sound Domain. sorry for the delay in answering your question. i was out of town.
when dealing with factory audio systems with factory amps and low impedance speakers there is one global rule:
replace everything.
the only thing you should use the factory wiring for is power, ground, antenna, and illumination. get a spool of 16awg or 18awg speaker wire, and run it from the head unit to each speaker.
my sig has links and references galore
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#1706082 - 09/15/09 05:53 PM
Re: 95 Altima with upgraded stereo...looking for info
[Re: keep_hope_alive]
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keep_hope_alive
in another life, i'm a serial killer
SD I Power Bombed the Undertaker
Registered: 04/24/07
Posts: 13370
Loc: Quad Cities, IL
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as far as getting into the door, that's usually pretty easy. start by removing the rubber boot that wiring routes through. you can remove it by carefully using a flat tip screw driver to push in then pry out. replacing it is the same procedure in reverse, get the back and sides in place, use the screw driver to push in and re-seat.
when running speaker wire in the door you must be careful to avoid moving tracks. you can zip tie to the factory wire then put your own female disconnect terminals on for connection to the speaker.
when installing speakers in doors, it is very important to maintain factory seals. there are two factory seals - 1) is speaker to the door, 2) is the speaker to the inner door panel. the seals are easily achieved with weatherstripping foam. my build log in SD Show Off has examples of this foam. it's cheap and helps prevent back waves from making their way through the holes in the door and canceling out. good seals improve base response.
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#1706463 - 09/16/09 11:56 AM
Re: 95 Altima with upgraded stereo...looking for info
[Re: keep_hope_alive]
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jasonkip
SD Newbie
Registered: 09/13/09
Posts: 13
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Thanks for the welcome- and the way I see it, if you're handing out free advice, you don't need to apologize for being out of town...were you at a show?
I like your global rule. Although I've never run wire of my own in a vehicle, I'm excited about learning how to do it. I like taking things apart, seeing how they work, and putting them back together.
Good seals with weatherstripping- I didn't know that was important. I happen to have some already, so I will make sure to add that when I start tackling the wiring. I also have tons of zipties...but I do need some wire and I think I'm going to go ahead and start soldering vs. crimping...why the hell not? Since I'm working with a budget I want to at least focus on the details.
Very nice Accord, by the way! I can't believe you're going to vinyl the whole trunk...doing the rail of my poker table was tougher than I thought it'd be!
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Two bowls.
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#1706602 - 09/16/09 05:12 PM
Re: 95 Altima with upgraded stereo...looking for info
[Re: jasonkip]
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keep_hope_alive
in another life, i'm a serial killer
SD I Power Bombed the Undertaker
Registered: 04/24/07
Posts: 13370
Loc: Quad Cities, IL
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i was out of town on business, no shows in my area. 
my trunk will be mostly flat surfaces, vinyl is easy on flat surfaces.
visit the Team Sound Domain and Show Off sections and look at those build logs too. Lots of good examples on this site.
solder is great. get some adhesive heat shrink to go around the wires (remember to put the heat shrink on BEFORE you solder) 
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#1707276 - 09/17/09 04:45 PM
Re: 95 Altima with upgraded stereo...looking for info
[Re: keep_hope_alive]
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jasonkip
SD Newbie
Registered: 09/13/09
Posts: 13
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Thanks again, KHA. I'm reading a lot of this site. Not making many comments yet, the more I read and learn the more noob I feel. 10 years of info...it's a lot to take in.
I'm working with a fairly limited budget for the time being, and I'm also considering reselling this car in January since I live in Brooklyn and may be getting a new job which won't require car travel. At that point, the parking tickets, vandalism, and hit & go dents are more hassle than keeping the car would be worth- not to mention insane insurance prices.
That being said, for the time being I've been getting excited reading all this stuff and I want to take my car to my brother's garage in VA for a weekend and do more than I've done before with the budget I do have. As I rewire the factory system, I'm interested in deadening my floor, something new to me, and really getting the install of the speakers right. I'm also considering focusing on the soundstage up front, getting more components up there with some decent power behind them, instead of getting rear speakers. Another amp & some kind of sub system in the back would be great too...but I don't know how much I can do at once...so right now I'm just dreaming big and trying to figure out a plan.
Although I've never thought about competing and don't plan to with this car, I would like to do the work with the same considerations in mind...just to see if it's something I'd really like to start getting into more. That said, I'm more interested in SQ than sheer SPL, and I especially do not want to [censored] with the police. I drive a lot, and although I want great sound I don't need the wrong kind of attention from them.
Anyway, I think what I will do first is get into my car and take some pics of what's going on, the better to share with SD. Maybe I'll get some helpful planning advice...right now I don't know what I want!
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Two bowls.
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#1707332 - 09/17/09 09:03 PM
Re: 95 Altima with upgraded stereo...looking for info
[Re: jasonkip]
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jcresci
SDOT Pisseroffer
SD Player to be named later
Registered: 12/25/08
Posts: 1429
Loc: SSF, Bay Area
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kind of off topic but thanks for the weatherstripping pics. That's what I wanted to buy but for my license plate and rear deck.
I'm going to place a piece along the backside bottom of my license plate in the rear since it flaps and makes noise.
I was also thinking of putting a strip along the rear deck(not sticking it though) where it meets the window since that part loves to move up and down and make annoying noise, simple fix for the time being IMO.
_________________________
1999 Cadillac Seville STS
2 12" JL W3v3 in a HO Box
JL 500/1v2
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#1707762 - 09/18/09 04:26 PM
Re: 95 Altima with upgraded stereo...looking for info
[Re: jcresci]
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keep_hope_alive
in another life, i'm a serial killer
SD I Power Bombed the Undertaker
Registered: 04/24/07
Posts: 13370
Loc: Quad Cities, IL
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that foam can fix all kinds of rattles and buzzes. make sure anything that can get wet is closed cell foam. only use open cell foam on the inside of the car (i.e. interior panels).
I always vote for getting good front speakers sounding great THEN adding a sub. while a good sub bass system is important, it's less than 2% of what you hear. so focus on the other 98% first
second skin can provide all your deadening and sound absorption needs.
keep reading and ask questions as they come up. you can always PM questions if you want to ask questions of specific people (myself included).
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#1707796 - 09/18/09 06:12 PM
Re: 95 Altima with upgraded stereo...looking for info
[Re: keep_hope_alive]
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jcresci
SDOT Pisseroffer
SD Player to be named later
Registered: 12/25/08
Posts: 1429
Loc: SSF, Bay Area
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I bought a roll of 1/2" Foam weatherstripping, can't remember if it was automotive though. I'm going to put it on along the bottom and each side of the license plate and see what happens
_________________________
1999 Cadillac Seville STS
2 12" JL W3v3 in a HO Box
JL 500/1v2
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