I'm starting to do my sound system and just installed my head unit (kenwood DDX6019). I'll just be running the stock speakers off it for a while, but when I get around to doing speakers, sub and amp, I want to make sure I go in the right direction, so I have a few questions... keep in mind I'm not looking to do some massive booming system or expect concert hall sound quality and staging; I just want something decent. Fo one, I want to use a single 10" sub in a Wickedcaz fiberglass corner box (to keep size and weight to a minimum). Ok, the questions:

1. What's the deal with speaker pods and what's wrong with the factory door mounting locations?

2. Can I easily fit aftermarket tweeters in the stock locations? Yes, I know there are better spots for soundstaging, but I don't want to do kick panels.

3. I'll put components in the doors; what should I put in the rear, another set of components or a simple two-way set in the factory locations? Do some people not put in rear speakers at all?

4. Is there a reasonably priced, yet decent amp that will run all the speakers AND the sub?

Again, the idea is for something decent sounding, yet keep the space requirements and weight to a minimum... Any insight would be appreciated.

 

1. What's the deal with speaker pods and what's wrong with the factory door mounting locations?

The stock speaker grills are not completely drilled out but they are drilled out enough for the mid-base to come out just fine. The deal for me with the speaker pods are that they take up space where my feet go other's enjoy them and claim an improvment in the sound.

2. Can I easily fit aftermarket tweeters in the stock locations? Yes, I know there are better spots for soundstaging, but I don't want to do kick panels.

Define easy. Pretty simple for many 1" dome speakers to fit inside the window wing mounting location.

3. I'll put components in the doors; what should I put in the rear, another set of components or a simple two-way set in the factory locations? Do some people not put in rear speakers at all?

I put a pair of mid price range coax speakers there and pot the volume down to them to about 20% of the front speaker level.

4. Is there a reasonably priced, yet decent amp that will run all the speakers AND the sub?

Define reasonable. Define decent. There are five channel amplifiers available. I went with two amplifiers - a four channel and then a mono subwoofer amplifier. None of the amplifiers I looked at were unreasonable but my budget might have been different than yours. Have a look at one of the internet retailers like www.woofersetc.com and browse their muliti-channel amps.

 

Thanks for the info.

As far as the tweeters, The ones I'm looking at are 1", so should be easy. Are the stock locations behind those panels ok sound-wise or should I mount them externally on the window wings with the supplied mounts/grills?

On the amp, I'd like to find something around $300, I guess (I'm not above finding a deal on Ebay) and a 5 channel is a must to keep system weight to a minumum. Is there anything specific I should look for in an amp as far as features/brand/quality or are they all pretty much the same?

 

im in the same boat, changing everything soon.

 

I was looking for the same thing regarding an amp...I spent a little more than I originally wanted, but got the Kicker 5.700 amp (5 channel, 700 watts) - fit's easily behind driver's seat area (Bose sub location)

-Peter

 

For your budget and under $250, plus it's a Phoenix Gold
Check out this 5 channel. I have the R804, 4 channel and I like them.

http://www.millionbuy.com/phgr905.html

 

Hmm, looks like that Kicker and the Phoenix Gold amp are both about the same price; I think either one of those would work for me just fine. Thanks for the suggestions, guys!

 

first350, I just purchased the Kicker 700.5 for my components and subs. How well does it power your speakers? Sound good??