Planning out my stereo while I wait for my FR-S to arrive

[pmj]

As I not so patiently wait for my FR-S to arrive at my dealership, I've decided that the first big project is completely redoing the stereo. I've done a lot of research, watched a ton of videos, and read countless threads. One thing I'm not sure of though, is how big of a system I can install before headlights start dimming and other problems arise. I would much rather not have to buy a bigger battery or alternator.

What I'm looking at now is:

Amp - Kenwood KAC-7005PS
Door speakers - Alpine SPR-60
Dash speakers - Polk Audio DB351
Sub - Alpine SWR-10D4

I'm not dead set on any of those specifically. I would like to keep it right around 1,000 USD. I ordered a Pioneer Appradio 3 this morning. So that total includes a $350 headunit.

So my main question is will this stress the stock electrical system too much?

[SubieNubie]

The dimming comes from the sub pulling so much juice so fast. The smaller and lower power the amp the less juice it pulls all at once.

Components wise, I'd rather spend my money on a good set of component speakers than two coaxials. I'm looking to do JBL MS60C powered by an Alpine KTP-440U (out lined in http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42239). This allows you to use smaller mono amp specifically for the subwoofer instead of a larger multiple channel amp.

[woode]

You can do much better for the money.. actually just much better in general. That combo is pretty bad. I would look into actual components, and better brands. There are quite a few audio builds to take reference from ranging from a couple hundred to full-retard complete tear downs of the car for subs, I personally spent $650 on sub/amps/speakers/materials and it sounds great.

[pmj]

I was a little hesitant about component speakers, as I've never installed them before. I've looked around to see where people mount the crossovers, but I haven't been able to find that out yet. Any ideas? I could jump up to a nice pair of components and install the tweeters on the dash.

[woode]

Originally Posted by pmj

I was a little hesitant about component speakers, as I've never installed them before. I've looked around to see where people mount the crossovers, but I haven't been able to find that out yet. Any ideas? I could jump up to a nice pair of components and install the tweeters on the dash.

As I posted in my link above, I mounted my crossovers in the trunk. You can also mount them in the dash or in the door. A quick search came up with 20+ threads of this stuff...

Two separate coax speakers will sound like shit.

[pmj]

Ok. I was thinking about mounting them to the back of the sub box, by the amp.

Thanks for your help.

[soundman98]

Originally Posted by woode

Two separate coax speakers will sound like shit.

i don't agree with this statement at all... it can sound plenty good with the right crossovers. as the crossovers are going to be the point of weakness.. too low of an x-over and it will sound like garbage when the speakers distort quickly. you definitely can't run a 3.5" speaker full-range.

my first audio build (94 lebaron) revolved around that exact type of build, using 3.5" speakers salvaged from an old pyramid home theater system, 5-1/4" no-name, fake coaxial speakers that were picked up from a tool store for $5/pr, the mids and highs all used 6db/oct. x-overs built from capacitors salvaged from scrap electronics, and the rest of the system was cobbled together with whatever my first job salary would allow.

there are some aspects of that build that i still chase with every subsequent audio build-- the clarity the 3.5's had have become somewhat of a holy grail for me.


as far as speakers, i like the alpine type s components. personally, i would mount the crossovers under the dash, so you can reduce the number of speaker wire runs going from the rear to the front of the car. crossovers shouldn't need to be adjusted at all once they're installed, so i don't completely see a point of putting them somewhere accessible like the back of the sub box..

[brianhj]

Originally Posted by pmj

Dash speakers - Polk Audio DB351

As someone that just removed the dash speakers to test fit some alternatives I can tell you there is not much space in the stock dash location for mids. The A/C ducts pass right through the dash speaker location and give you about an inch and a half or less of clearance.

EDIT: Just saying you may want to get actual measurements of what will fit in dash location without modifying the ducts or the speaker cover. I already put mine back together but the stock mid is 1 3/8 inch deep

[brianhj]

Originally Posted by soundman98

i don't agree with this statement at all... it can sound plenty good with the right crossovers. as the crossovers are going to be the point of weakness.. too low of an x-over and it will sound like garbage when the speakers distort quickly. you definitely can't run a 3.5" speaker full-range.

my first audio build (94 lebaron) revolved around that exact type of build, using 3.5" speakers salvaged from an old pyramid home theater system, 5-1/4" no-name, fake coaxial speakers that were picked up from a tool store for $5/pr, the mids and highs all used 6db/oct. x-overs built from capacitors salvaged from scrap electronics, and the rest of the system was cobbled together with whatever my first job salary would allow.

there are some aspects of that build that i still chase with every subsequent audio build-- the clarity the 3.5's had have become somewhat of a holy grail for me.


as far as speakers, i like the alpine type s components. personally, i would mount the crossovers under the dash, so you can reduce the number of speaker wire runs going from the rear to the front of the car. crossovers shouldn't need to be adjusted at all once they're installed, so i don't completely see a point of putting them somewhere accessible like the back of the sub box..

I'm pretty sure woode was referring to 2/3-way speakers that have mids/tweeters built-in to the woofer like the crap you buy at best buy or walmart. The crossovers usually aren't adjustable and are just capacitors wired in to the speaker inputs. That's what I think of as "coax".

[pmj]

I've decided to go with Hertz Audio DSK 165.3 components in the doors and mount the tweeters in the dash. I ordered adapters from http://www.subaruaudio.net/

Also changed the amp to a JBL GTO-5EZ and the sub to an Infinty Kappa 120.9W.
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008B5JPTS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1"][/ame]

[Chimera]

I'm running both my infinity 3" and 4" (rear) with 600hz passive crossovers on them. helped immensely.

Originally Posted by soundman98

i don't agree with this statement at all... it can sound plenty good with the right crossovers. as the crossovers are going to be the point of weakness.. too low of an x-over and it will sound like garbage when the speakers distort quickly. you definitely can't run a 3.5" speaker full-range.

my first audio build (94 lebaron) revolved around that exact type of build, using 3.5" speakers salvaged from an old pyramid home theater system, 5-1/4" no-name, fake coaxial speakers that were picked up from a tool store for $5/pr, the mids and highs all used 6db/oct. x-overs built from capacitors salvaged from scrap electronics, and the rest of the system was cobbled together with whatever my first job salary would allow.

there are some aspects of that build that i still chase with every subsequent audio build-- the clarity the 3.5's had have become somewhat of a holy grail for me.


as far as speakers, i like the alpine type s components. personally, i would mount the crossovers under the dash, so you can reduce the number of speaker wire runs going from the rear to the front of the car. crossovers shouldn't need to be adjusted at all once they're installed, so i don't completely see a point of putting them somewhere accessible like the back of the sub box..