So I am fed up with the stock stereo: it is pretty damn wretched. I have therefore come to the conclusion that it's time for something new...something better. As background, right now I'm not interested in adding a sub (might do that later) or rears.

My current plan is to put in an Alpine 9855, plus Focal 165 K2Ps in the front (I'll probably use the Lucid adapters for this). I've been looking at the Rockford Power T8002 amp (should give 125W/channel at 4 ohms). My wiring plan is to run power down the driver's side door into the spare tire compartment, and run the audio runs through the center console. While I've got the seats out I am intending on deploying some Dynamat or Second Skin and QuietCoat beneath the passenger seat carpet, as well.

I have a few questions, though, that I thought I'd get some opinions on.

• Does the wiring plan seem reasonably sound?
• Anyone have a source for reputable (authorized) dealers for the Focal 165K2P for less than about $450 each, or is that pretty much market rate?
• Any opinions on the RF amp?
• Where can I get a spare tire compartment amp rack? (PAS2KNut, if you see this, I've PM'd you a day or two ago but haven't gotten an answer...) The fit will be pretty tight lengthwise but I think it'll go.
• Is there anything I'm not thinking about that I should be thinking about? Just looking for a sanity check....

Thanks!

 

I would get a 4 channel amp, since you are planning on getting a sub in the future. This way, its just plug and play, and you wont need to get another amp.

Focals and Alpine is a good call.

Power wire, run down the pass side. MUCH easier to get it through the firewall than the drivers. RCAs run down the center like you said.

You can get Focals for half the price, BUT NOT from an authorized dealer. Gamble at your own risk. I gamble, others dont. Pick your own pizza toppings.

Rockford amps are good, but are expensive...and unjustly so IMHO. There is a great deal on a Hifonics Titan amp on www.sonicelectronix.com Its $179.99 for a 110x4 @ 4 ohms.

Jim (PAs2kNUT) is probably on vacation with the wife and kids, so give him till after new years.

All wiring get from www.knukonceptz.com


Definetely get the sub before the rears, itll make a MUCH bigger difference. If you can, get the sub at the same time for the best sounding system.

Any other questions?

 

Good point on the 4-channel amp, I had actually made this decision and was just being sloppy when I typed up my post. This sinus cold is slaying me!

Are there any disadvantages to running the power circuit down the passenger side? I think I remember that all the other power lines go down the driver's side....

I'll look around a bit on the amp situation. Any other brands I should consider?

As far as the wiring goes I was thinking of Streetwires -- any particular reason to go with KnuKonceptz?

Thanks!

 

Just look at some amps you like, and we'll let you know if they are good or not, just faster that way.

As far as wires....that company makes AMAZING wires, inexpensive (half of us use em) and great customer service/shipping.

 

Still looking at amps...no update there, too busy celebrating.

Do you know what the lengths of the wiring runs involved are? I'm not sure whether 4 meter cables will suffice or whether 6 meter cables are needed.

 

Just put in a 4m Knu Konceptz RCA and it worked fine running down the passenger side.
You should have enough length to mount the amp in the spare tire area.

If you are looking to mount your amp in the tool well or further back, you may want the additional wire for more flexibility.

 

Okay, after some research, I've narrowed my list of amplifier choices down to three.

• RF Power T8004. The problem with this amp is the weak 50W output in 4-channel mode. I see from the manufacturer that while this figure is for the rated power and the actual power is on average 96W/channel, that's still slightly below the nominal power figure for the Focal 165 K2Ps. I could get the power back by bridging the channels, of course, but then why shouldn't I just buy a two-channel amp and add a separate subwoofer amp later on?
• JL 450/4. The power and distortion figures look good but I've heard really sketchy stuff about after-sale support from JL. I hate it when vendors pull that crap so if there's any truth to that rumor it's a big negative.
• Alphasonik PMA4150A. Other than some good reviews here, I don't know anything about them -- the specifications look good though.

Any ideas or suggestions?

 

The Alpha is better than all of them, BUT, it is big. Do you know how you are going to mount it?

 

I think the Alpha is 22" by 8" by 2.625" -- actually a little smaller than the battle tank RF (23" by 12.8" by 2.6"). My intent was to remove the spare and use PAS2kNut's amp rack and flat trunk panel. I think it should be just about big enough...I'm a little worried about cooling though.