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Audio Set Up Guidance and Help

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Old May 9, 2024 | 06:49 AM
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Question Audio Set Up Guidance and Help

Hello s2ki community! I just purchased a 2002 s2000 with 80,000 miles. I love the car!
I'd like to improve the audio system. I'll likely try the install myself, but as far as picking out the equipment, I think I have gone as far as I can without seeking the community's guidance.

What is everyone's thoughts on this audio set up? As a side note: I don't want to integrate a sub into the system/car.

I already installed the Power Acoustik CP71-W (for carplay) and I already have the rear Kenwood KFC-1387 (not yet installed).

I am thinking about upgrading the front door speakers/tweeters to Kenwood KFC-P710PS and integrating an Alpine KTP-445U mini amp.
I am planning to bridge the front speakers and to not have an amp on the rear speakers. See the diagram / photo attached.

The Alpine KTP-445U is 40% of my total cost, which seems crazy to me.
How would the system perform without the Alpine amp? Is the amp necessary? It would save me $300 if it's not needed.
Is there a lower cost amp I should consider that will provide the same/similar performance? Should I use a different 4 channel amp instead of the mini-amp?
Should I not bridge the front 2 speakers? Is it OK to provide 90 watts to an 80 watt speaker?

Overall, what is everyone's thoughts on the layout and equipment I selected? Thoughts on costs/pricing? What about the overall compatibility for the entire system working together?
Can anything be swapped for better set-up or similar lower cost set-up? Is there something entirely different I should be considering?

Thank you everyone for your time and input!



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Old May 9, 2024 | 07:06 AM
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There's no way in hell a 445 is worth $300. I installed plenty of those and wouldn't use it for $100. There are other options.

​​​​
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Old May 9, 2024 | 07:12 AM
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That's the part that's bothering me the most...
Is an amp needed/required for the set-up I'm considering? Is there an alternative amp you would recommend at a lower price point, but with similar performance?
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Old May 9, 2024 | 08:19 AM
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more power is definitely good, especially with no sub. just search compact, mini or micro amp on amazon. hell, if you put it in the spare tire it doesn't have to be micro.
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Old May 10, 2024 | 07:32 AM
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You need the amp.

I did a similar setup, using all Pioneer stuff. A similar Pioneer mini amp. About $100. Bridged 90W rms. The amp is the best part of entire setup. I wouldn't even bother without it.

No issues driving speakers rated lower. Nothing to worry about there.

These mini amps are Class D. So no heat. Can mount anywhere. Mounted mine in dash, behind hu (short body, digital media receiver).

YOU WANT THE AMP. But that seems overpriced.
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Old May 13, 2024 | 05:02 AM
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Thank you for the feedback! Since I am using Kenwood speakers, I found the Kenwood KAC-M1814 for $120. This amp looks to offer the same power output as the Alpine I was considering, but at a much better price point.

Should I bridge this and power the door speakers only, or should I not bridge and use this amp to power the door speakers + the 2 rear speakers? I think I want to leave the rear speakers with no amp, and bridge this for the front door speakers.

Total cost with the Kenwood swapped in for the Alpine is now $579 (previously $752), see below updated layout:





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Old May 13, 2024 | 02:20 PM
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It's not clear if you're talking about adding speakers to the roll hoops or putting them in the vent panels
behind the seats. If the latter, speaking as somebody who has spent the last 20 years with a 4-channel
amp powering door speakers and speakers in the vent panels, whenever I get around to it I'm going to
bridge the amp to only power the doors.
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Old May 13, 2024 | 04:34 PM
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Originally Posted by oth
It's not clear if you're talking about adding speakers to the roll hoops or putting them in the vent panels
behind the seats. If the latter, speaking as somebody who has spent the last 20 years with a 4-channel
amp powering door speakers and speakers in the vent panels, whenever I get around to it I'm going to
bridge the amp to only power the doors.
Yes, I mean the vent speakers. Thank you for your post, this is the assurance and experience I needed!
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Old May 13, 2024 | 05:02 PM
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Rear speakers are just fill. You ain't sittin' back there.
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Old May 14, 2024 | 09:08 AM
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I have my Pioneer mini amp bridged, powering door speakers only.

Then I have a couple small 4" rear speakers in vent panel (but kept vent intact, speakers in flat panel area only, hence small). Powered these off hu directly. Off rear speaker wiring. A good power match to speakers.

This seems to work well. Rear speakers closer to you, don't need to be as loud. Just fill in so all sound not coming from front.
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