Vannin' Home Forums General Discussion Electronics Looking for stereo suggestions

Hey everyone,

Looking for some suggestions on some solid aftermarket stereos and speakers that you all wired into your vans.

I’ve got a 77 dodge b200 and am looking to outfit it with a built in amp reciever and a set of four speakers (two up front two back near where I have a bed installed).

Let me know what systems you guys have liked/used. Would prefer something with either Bluetooth or aux I put maybe even a cassette deck as well if I’m lucky!

well this probably doesn't help you as I'm in the same boat, however, I just ordered 2 sets of Memphis Power Reference 6.5 component speakers with the same concept in mind, 2 rear/2 front-ish. This will pair with one 12 inch Polk sub powered by a Pioneer amp. Oh, and a Memphis 75 watt by 4 amp will push the 6.5's. I'm planning on having to build a mount for the 6.5's . I'll get some pics when I begin but honestly it's going to be a while, lol.

Memphis is great stuff, in all of their series lines, so good choice there Jason159.

As a ex-stereo shop owner, I will tell you, IN MY OPINION, you can not beat Pioneer for value from your dollar. They make good head units in most any configuration you want as far as am/fm, cd, usb, Bluetooth, video input (backup camera) , even Sirius/XM , they make good mono. Stereo, three channel, four channel, even five channel amp. They also offer speakers in most any size you want . . . .

I am personally putting a “media only” deck in my van, it has a smaller chassis that has no optical drive, only AM/FM, Bluetooth, and USB thumb drive. I can plug in one of about six 128 gig thumb drives I have and let it rock from Cali to NYC and back, and never hear the same song twice unless I want to.

I've been an Alpine Guy since the 70's. But I'm putting a Blaupunkt deck in as I' going after the "period" look. I have a pair of Memphis in my doors now with the 80's Audiovox deck that came in the van. They sound really good. But then I heard a pair of Hertz. The Memphis will be transferred to my RAM and the Hertz will be in the van.

Alpine is killer gear, ditto Memphis and Hertz. If you really want to be blown away, check out Focal.
I suggested Pioneer as a good solid performer at a good price. Are there better brands? Hell yes, as you have pointed out, but they come with a price.

I used to be an Alpine fanboy, but a couple years ago I bought a really nice Kenwood touchscreen for a different car and I have not looked back since. I love the Kenwood stuff now and will be installing a similar unit in my van when the time comes, but instead of the full double din, it will be the single din version with flip out touch screen. Also going to be using Infinity Kappa speakers (4x - 6.5") mounted up at the ceiling.

Also to note, the biggest thing you can do to help audio quality in a big van is sound deadening and insulation. even the best equipment will sound like garbage when used inside of a tin can.

Yes , Focal is great. they are also out of their [censored] minds on price.

Good info, thanks!

Getting started on Memphis 6.5 component system. It was easier to remove the door to drill my speaker wire holes.


Are the pics not showing up for you guys? Black squares only?

Black sq ....

Damn it, lol. Anyone else have this problem? it's doing from my phone AND the laptop. Sigh.

Reviving this thread.
Anyone have recommendations on wiring harness converters for a 1977 dodge?

Chrysler used a common stereo wiring harness for virtually all their vehicles from the mid-70s through at least the late 80s. Dodge trucks, vans, cars, plyouht cars and vans, Jeep, Chrysler cars, all used interchangeable stereos. Some stayed the same up into the 90s. This means that you have a good chance that any wiring harness adapter for an early 80s era Mopar will work on your 77 Dodge van.

Alpine just came out with a new head unit the Halo 9, i put one in my crew cab and suburban, it rocks, but a real cool thing about it is that it has programable relays that can be controlled thru the stereo so you don't have to have switches all over the place. the 9" touch screen is cool and easy to see and use, since my truck is a little rougher riding i don't have to worry about hitting little buttons, i'm going to put one in the van also.

I am trying to figure out what stereo I am going to install. Not necessarily the brand but the general set up. There is so much info out there; the more I read, the more confused I am. I am leaning toward 6x9 speakers (one speaker in each front door, 4 speakers in the back), subwoofer, and one amp for speakers and one for sub. Is this overkill? Would I need a separate accessory battery to provide enough power? I really don't want to do that. I just want really good sound, not booming and not super loud. I would like to find out what others have done (without needing an additional battery). Any insight or suggestions?

Nope not a over kill ... I have 12 speakers 6x9 N 5" round, a 700 watt amp no sub. The more you add the more you will need a second batt. As this system would drain a starter batt. I do have a sec batt bank for when Im parked or camping. I also have 2 TV's, playstation, microwave, frig, toaster, coffee pot, cook top using the second batt bank.

Just wanted to say "WOW" frscke1. Helluva rig!