10 replies to this topic

[mark180227]

hey guys. i've got bf xr8 with premium sound, but as you all probably know, there's nothing premium about it. So i've decided it times for an upgrade. I need a few ideas on which would be the best options with limited cabin space, what sort of money to spend etc etc. I'm going to install a new headunit in the tissue box holder, would be the only way to go i would of thought. The standard icc is very limited, and i'm keen to be able to play music through usb/ipod etc. I've decided on the JVC KD-R926BT. I read the the review on the review section. Looks like a good value for money unit. I've had JVC units in other cars and couldn't fault them. I know there would be an installation guide of putting a headunit in the tissue box holder if anybody could put me in the right direction?

I listen to alot of house/techno music, but im not after a system thats going to wake neighbours, just something to make the music i listen to sound nicer and also with a bit of bass. I'm fairly flexible on budget, but i'd prefer more value for money options. I definitely don't want to do things cheap, it'll only bite me in the ass further down the track if that makes sense?

I want to run splits/components (im not sure of the correct terminology) up the front, and a shallow sub and amp. Should I consider upgrading the rear speakers aswell? Can i get away with running the front speakers off the headunit or am i better of getting a 4 channel amp and running the front and sub off that? Thinking about a 10inch shallow sub, or should i got the 12? Any opinions on what sort of speakers/amps i should look at would be fantastic. I really have no idea which way to go, any suggestions would be great.

Sorry if this post is a bit vague, but you can probably tell i'm pretty in the dark with this sort of stuff.

Cheers

[shiny_car]

For a basic setup - of very decent quality/performance - go with the 4-channel amp running the front spltis + sub. Rears can be run off the HU, and cater primarily for the rear passengers.

You should be able to achieve a good system from:
*$300 splits: http://www.mobileele...ponents_review/
*$400~600 4-channel (or 3-channel) amp: Arc Audio XDi804 or 803, Jaycar/Response for bang for buck, Alpine/Pioneer/Clarion basic 4-channel amp
*$300ish for a sub: maybe look at Alpine's slimline 8" and 10" subs; but as with any sub setup, first determine how much space you're willing to allow for a subbox; 'slim' does not always mean 'small' overall subbox

I think there's a fascia kit available for the tissue box area for a new HU. So budget for that, plus any wiring harness required, a wiring kit for the amplifier, and subbox, and installation costs if not DIY.

[sneh]

Are you talking ute or sedan? You asking about shallow subs has me thinking ute.

[mark180227]

yeah sneh sorry its for a ute.

cheers shiny, definitely gives me something to start with. quick ebay search found the facia kit you were talking about. purchased. has anybody ever had problems with buying stuff from ebay?

[sneh]

There is plenty of room behind the seats in the ford utes, plenty of people have been able to run full size subs with enclosures made from wood and/or fibreglass. I think I saw a setup in the for sale section on here, but it was for an FG from memory, but will give you an idea what can be done.

Ebay is the devil!

You should be right with a facia kit though. If its a no-name brand just be careful tightening mounting screws etc as some of them can be made of really crapty plastic.

edit: it wasn't in the forsale section here, it was here: http://www.fordforum....php?t=11331530 the subs used arent full shallows but as you can see there is plenty of room

Edited by sneh, 28 January 2012 - 05:07 PM.

[mark180227]

after spending a bit of time of the weekend having a listen to some speakers/subs i think i've decided on what equipment i'm going to go with.

JVC KD-R926BT Headunit
Hertz Esk-165 Components
Alpine MRX-F30 4 Channel Amp
Alpine SWR-T12 Shallow Mount.
Dynamat
4 Gauage/8 guage wiring kit.

Does this look reasonable?
Is there any benefit in running 8guage over 4 guage wiring?

I'm gonna have a crack at installing it myself. I'm open to learning, and theres heaps of information in the tutorials and on the site if i get stuck.

[shiny_car]

Looks very reasonable.

4awg (American Wire Gauge) is thicker than 8awg. The thicker the wire, the more current it can handle. 8awg is rated up to around 60~80A 'continuous', and 4awg up to 125~150A. In a ute, the wiring is shorter compared with a normal sedan (battery in engine bay, amps in boot), so the powerwire will be shorter (and thus of less resistance).

You choose the gauge according to how much current the amplifier will draw when operating at full volume (which is not necessarily full power (ie: amp may be producing less power than its capable of when the speakers/sub cannot handle the full power, to avoid overpowering/frying them)).

Knowing the power output of that amp, and being efficient class D, I can say that 8awg is thick enough. 4awg is unnecessary, so 8awg will save you money and be easier to install. Some people prefer overkill, but it's merely that.

If you plan on adding a second amp in the future, or replacing with a more powerful one, then having 4awg now will make more sense.

[mark180227]

cheers shiney, an absolute wealth of knowledge.

that amp will handle the fronts and sub easily?

[shiny_car]

It's not a hugely powerful amp, but still should be enough for a very loud system. With your setup, it's rated to produce up to 2x50WRMS for the speakers + 300WRMS for the sub. Being a ute, I doubt you'll want more unless you're expecting too much.

[mark180227]

sounds perfect for what i'm after. i might start an install thread when i get the ball rolling. wont be anything too flash, would be good to get some advice on what i did right, wrong etc. thanks for all the help.

[mark180227]

will the 165's fit in the front doors. they;re 72mm deep, and i read in another thread that a guy couldnt get his 78mm focals to fit?