Just recently bought a 2003 silverstone, and am very disapointed in the radio. I love the dash controls but the stock radio is just pathetic. I have narrowed down most of my gear that I will be ordering but need advice on some other things.

First the list.

HU
Kenwood Kiv-700

Components
Alpine SPR-17S (Crutchfield says they won't fit but they are 6.5 speakers I need confirmation that they will fit with reasonable modification.)

Amp
Kenwood KAC-7205 (170Wx2 RMS)

Pac-SWI JACK (I love the dash controls and this should work correct?)

Now on to what I need help with. I have seen where people are putting little subs in the passenger footwell, I am most interested in this. Kenwood KSC-SW10 I did use the search feature and found quite a few topics talking about them, but never any install pictures. How much leg room will it take away from my passenger seat? And also would I need a dual amp wiring kit for it and the 2channel??

 

I would recommend the Modify Wired DCI and order it with the harness. Flawless operation. Speed controlled leveling is nice too.

I have the Excelon 994 which I think is very similar to the Kiv-700. One nice thing about these is that you can change the color to match the dash illumination. I'm really happy with the deck.
The Alpines will fit but you will probably need to make adapters out of 1/2" or 3/4" mdf or plastic. I used white plastic like they make cutting boards out of, I forget what it's called but it is very easy to work with and obviously not bothered by moisture.
I don't know that amp but the specs look pretty good.

I would not buy a wiring kit, they are generally crap, at least the ones I've seen.
Figure out how much cable you need and buy just what you need. Run at least 8 gauge (4 would be better) quality copper power and ground wires.
Think about buying a 4 channel amp so that when you realize how badly you want a Darkside Sub you will have an amp that can handle it.
I would skip that Kenwood sub, it won't fit anywhere nicely.

 

Correct, For those alpine speakers you will need a 1/8" or 1/4" spacer.. i forgot which.

Definitely go for the Modifry Wired DCI. Works better then the PAC... had some trouble with mines.

For the sub, putting it in the footwell is asking for someone to kick it...IMO... but if you do... .i beileve infinity makes a slim subwoofer that you can design a box to make it fit.

 

1/4" spacer will be required for the Alpines (I think mine were 6mm which is close enough). I have the SPR-17S in my S. Great choice: They sound amazing!

It's been a while, but I think that the spacer shipped with them is 1/8" and it wasn't thick enough (apart from having the wrong holes to match-up)

My footwell sub is firing upwards into the dash. If it fires forwards (apart from someone kicking it) alot of the bass is lost as it isn't "loading" against something and most of the 'image' forms outside of the cabin with the top off. (I don't know how to describe this better - someone else may be able to help with clarity)

 

my footwell design goes under the passenger carpet comes with a protective grill, i posted pictures in others threads, i now have several out there and everyone has been very pleased.

 

would the alpine type r be ok to run without an amp or would the type s components be better?

atleast temp i would be running whichever set i get without an amp. not a total autophile so not sure if i would get one in the future.

 

@dsms2k Get the Type S if you aren't planning to use an amp. The Type Rs really need to be amped for them to sound their best. The Type S isn't a bad sounding set - a friend has a set in his STi and it sounds really good. As with all decent speakers, the type S will sound better if driven off a small dedicated amp.

 

thanks i will probably just get the type s then.

 

Well said. I put a set in my GF's S2000 and they sound awesome. My biggest complaint with the current Type S's is the fact that it doesn't have a "true" crossover. It basically splits another lead from the mid range woofer and has a "bass blocker" resistor for the tweeters. The good thing is, it's easy to hide the crossover, because there really isn't one anymore.

 

You're right - but in all fairness, I've seen the external crossovers of many entry level comps which essentially do the same thing but just have a pretty case