I am about to have a system installed and thought I might benefit from some previous experience here. I have read most of the relevant FAQ's and related threads.

Headunit - Alpine 9815
Amp - JL 300/4
Front speakers - Boston Acoustic Z6
Sub - JL 10W3V2D4
Lucid DCI

speakers in stock location including tweeters MY04
Sub in custom MDF enclosure in tool well
Amp on custom panel vertical next to spare tire

About $2600 installed.

My concerns:
1) enough power? Larger amp is too large for proposed location and more expensive. (I listen to smooth jazz and classic rock at moderate levels)
2) should I splurge and get the 10W6 sub (about twice the price and will def need more power)
3) should I port or seal the sub box? The shop says seal.
4) Do I need to use the whole tool well area? The sub needs about 0.625 ft3. Or, is there some way to keep the tools in place or salvage some cargo capacity and have the sub also?
5) Any real difference besides price in doing the sub enclosure in fiberglass versus 3/4in MDF? $600 vs $250
6) Should I get an aftermarket alarm? I live in a low crime area, but the car attracts some attention.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by andymlow
I am about to have a system installed and thought I might benefit from some previous experience here.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by andymlow

My concerns:
1) enough power?

 

Thanks for all the comments so far.

 

You have plenty of power for the music taste you describe.

Definitely stick with a sealed box for better quality sound. Ported boxes by nature are peaky, playing louder at a specific tuned frquency. You probably aren't looking for that type of output.

Definitely stick with MDF, especially since you're looking for a small box. Fiberglass might help someone who needs to maximize volume by filling all contours of the tool well, but it's overkill for your small box (and expensive). A small, rectangular MDF box that sits on top of the tools is easy to make. I think $250 is high for that. In reality, assuming you had the right tools, you could build one for <$20 in MDF, and it would take less than an hour to construct.

The alarm question is a personal one. If you are a reasonable individual, simply don't advertise that you have a fancy system. Turn it down before you pull into a parking lot. Don't show it off to the kids down the street. Don't plaster the car with stickers from the local stereo club. There's no reason for anyone to think there's anything of significant value in there unless you advertise it. Did you worry about someone breaking into your stock S2000? Your theft worry should stay the same if you keep everything out of sight.