Well, I've gotten sufficienty tired of the stock sound system in my '99 Explorer, and am getting the ball rolling on upgrading it. I'll be starting with the head unit, as the stock speakers(2-way 6x8's, 1 on each of the 4 doors), aren't TOO shabby for coaxials, so I figure I'll just keep them until I get some components for up front(I'll probably keep them indefinately in the back). Not to mention, the user interface on stock head unit sucks(it seems one notch on the volume scale produces something like a 9dB increase on CD playback. It's nuts.)

Anyway, I was thinking about the Alpine CDA-9883 (http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/products/product.php?model=CDA-9883). It's got all the stuff I want(CD/MP3 playback, FM Radio, at least 2 pre-amp outs(it has 3), HD Radio w/multicasting ready, cool looks.). Any thoughts? How easy is this to install, btw? According to online fit guides, it's going to need something like a wiring harness or an install kit. No cutting is needed, however. If you have any other suggestions, my budget is about $350, including professional install if needed, and any accessories.


Part 2 will be the sub. I'm leaning towards the Alpine SWE-1242 (http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/products/product.php?model=SWE-1242), powered by an Alpine MRP-M450 (http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/products/product.php?model=SWE-1242). Budget is about $450

Lastly, the speakers. Like I said, the stock ones aren't too bad. However, one thing I did notice: They seem to distort on vocals slightly at high volumes. What causes this? I'm fearing it's a lack of power handling, which might move the new speakers up the line a bit. The full range speakers are also hard to shop for, as I've discovered there aren't too many 6x8 component speakers out there. The JL Audio XR570 CSi (http://mobile.jlaudio.com/products_components.php?comp_id=118) seemed like a good set. I have not yet been able to find a price for these though. Does anyone know? (I'm fearing they're pricy).


I just wanted to run my ideas past the folks here before I start pulling the trigger on this stuff, so any help would be great.

A couple of points. First, the deck you are buying is a good choice. Alpine never disappoints with their HU's. You really need to reconsider that sub though. The type E is not a bad sub, but for 450 you could upgrade to a type R if you shop around. For your front speakers, think about switching to a round speaker. There are adapters out there that will let you fit a set of 6.5's into your front doors. For the rear speakers, a nice set of 6x8 coaxial speakers will be enough.

The CD player is really easy to install and should take less than an hour on your first time. Just remember that you will need the right wiring harness, a dash kit and an antenna adapter. If you go into any major electronics retailer, they can set you up with all of this at a decent price. When you get the wiring harness all you need to do is match the colors with the wires that come with the deck. The dash kit is to take up the extra din space that will be left over and the antenna adapter will fit your factory antenna. The dash kit should come with instructions on how to get your old stereo out.

The amp and sub are also easy to install but will take up a lot more time. If you have any more questions, let me know.