Stereo install

[amtrucker22]

I am about to do a stereo install next week and wanted to get some ideas. This is what I have:

Kenwood 819 HU
MA1 Amp for subs
Probox with 12's
Polk Audio MMC6500 Components
4 gauge wire with fuse
RCA's
Stereo control module
Speaker wire

What else am I going to need? I was hoping to use existing wiring for the speakers if I can. I was also hoping that the HU will be enough to power the components. This is the first set of components that I have gotten so it will be new to me.

Obviously I am missing some items and would love to hear your input on this setup.

Thanks!

Paul

 

[SRT-11]

never ever ever spend the money for components and then try to run them off the head unit, and never ever ever reuse factory wiring unless you're reusing factory equipment. it takes an extra 10 minutes to run some 14 or 12 ga. speaker wire, especially in a truck! if you've gotten some good equipment, don't do it halfway man!

 

[slow91]

Sounds like you're off to a good start. I would definately look into a good aftermarket amplifier to power the components. I had two sets of the Polk MM6500 components in my previous vehicle powered by a 200 X 4 amplifier. The sound was very clean....even at high volume levels. That would be the advantage of running the mids/highs with an amplifier.

A head unit running components at high volume levels will result in distortion and possibly/eventually blown speakers.

....and most definately....replace ALL of the stock wiring. Good Luck!

 

[Venom Power]

Seperate amp for Polk components, a fuse block for the aftermarket amps.... Definately new wiring (strip all stock speaker wiring out of the truck), good quality RCAs, Lightning Cap capacitor, and a pre amp or crossover if one isn't already built into the amps.

 

[amtrucker22]

OK, I think I am going to replace the wiring . I only have 1 set of components, what would you guys suggest for an amp to push this set of polks and maybe another set of Infiniti Kappa's 5 1/4 speakers?

Also has anyone purchased an adapter ring for the front door holes?

Thanks for the help so far!

 

[FlyingLow]

Where in P-cola do you live?

 

[amtrucker22]

Where in P-cola do you live?

9mile and Pine Forest area... Are we getting together Sunday? I don't even know if Kyle is going to make it.

I am still getting all my items and all should be here this coming up week. I am definitely anxious on getting started but want to make sure I have everything in order when I start.

Paul

 

[SRT-11]

I agree with venom power, all except the capacitor. capacitors are band-aids for an improperly wired system, or for an alternator without enough juice. i used to compete IASCA for a while, i've installed dozens of systems, and I can say one thing more than any other, a properly installed and powered cheap system will sound 100 times better than some stuff you spend 5 grand on and improperly install. dynomat the doors at the least, and use raammat, it's way better and cheaper. one roll should be sufficient. you can read a fantastic how-to on the raammat site: http://www.raamaudio.com/cgi-bin/index.cgi?p=ht and you'll love the difference it makes. every 3db you make the interior quieter effectively doubles your amplifier power! and you get a lot more midbass when you use sound deadener (properly) in the doors.

also screw a rear channel, two easy reasons, one, it's a truck, and two, when you go to a concert does the band play in front of and behind you? no! stereo music is intended to have ONLY two speakers. if you have a 5.1 system, that's a different story. in every competition vehicle I worked on (95% of them anyway) no one used rear fill.

 

[FlyingLow]

9mile and Pine Forest area... Are we getting together Sunday? I don't even know if Kyle is going to make it.

I bumped the other thread. We are almost to late to do this.

 

[amtrucker22]

I am looking into buying a roll of raammat now. I have now purchased a MA M500xe amp to run the mids. I am still looking into maybe using plexi-glass to fill the hole of the 6x9 and mount the 6 1/2 components. Has anyone did this before? How thick does the plexi need to be?

Thanks,

Paul

 

[QueLocura]

I really need to learn my shit when it comes to audio. You guys talking about audio is the equivalent of me speaking spanish in nashville... I just don't understand wtf you guys are saying??
Hey SRT-11, can I bug you for some advice on a cheap system for my truck?? I've blown the stock sub twice already...and I'm really not blasting music!!! I swear, it's at the most random times driving and then BOOM! there goes the phukin sub.

 

[SRT-11]

I am looking into buying a roll of raammat now. I have now purchased a MA M500xe amp to run the mids. I am still looking into maybe using plexi-glass to fill the hole of the 6x9 and mount the 6 1/2 components. Has anyone did this before? How thick does the plexi need to be?

Thanks,

Paul

Plexi would be a bitch to do your first time around, you have to have it professionally drilled unless you're a router wizard. your best bet would be to use 1/2" MDF and either put some laquer or scotch guard or something on it to keep it from getting damp and warping, or just put raammat on both sides of it.

Here is a TERRIFIC thread from the DIYmobileaudio forums, read the whole thing for ideas and tips! this will make all the difference in the world.
http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27

 

[SRT-11]

I really need to learn my shit when it comes to audio. You guys talking about audio is the equivalent of me speaking spanish in nashville... I just don't understand wtf you guys are saying??
Hey SRT-11, can I bug you for some advice on a cheap system for my truck?? I've blown the stock sub twice already...and I'm really not blasting music!!! I swear, it's at the most random times driving and then BOOM! there goes the phukin sub.

Sure thing man! I need to know a couple things:
1.How much you have budgeted
2.What kind of music you listen to most often
3.Do you like the stock door speakers or will you be replacing those too
4.Do you want to reuse the stock sub box or will you build something new?

 

[1-FAST-SRT-10]

Here is an idea of what you can do in a QC ,im really happy with it .

 

[amtrucker22]

Here is an idea of what you can do in a QC ,im really happy with it .

:drool: <-- should be a smiley...

That looks like a kick ass setup... I am scared to let anyone cut into my headrest :dontknow:

 

[1-FAST-SRT-10]

:drool: <-- should be a smiley...

That looks like a kick ass setup... I am scared to let anyone cut into my headrest :dontknow:

I was afraid too...

 

[amtrucker22]

Alright here is the updated list of what I have bought and what I am going to do (based on your suggestions ) new items are bolded:

Kenwood 819 HU
MA1 Amp for subs
MA M500xe amp for mids
62.5 sq ft of Raammat
1/2 MDF
14awg speaker wire (to rewire all speakers)
Probox with 12's
Polk Audio MMC6500 Components for the front
Infinity 6012i for the rear
4 gauge wire with fuse
RCA's
PAC SWI-X for steering wheel control