I have been toying around for a long time with installing a new stereo in my car. I have finally (after 4 months of gathering equipment) come to what I feel is a drastic improvement over the stock stereo, albeit my 14 year old son and wife disagrees, he really liked the push button am/fm tuner, and wife feels I ruined the nostalgia of the car. Although both have points, I just had to do something more as a self proclaimed audiophile I just wasn't happy any longer with the sound that the stock stereo was putting out.

I have absolutely no affiliation with the brand(s) that I have used in this car, and I have completely different setups in my other cars. Through my research this is what happens to fit, and having been with this setup now for a month, I know it works.

Gear List:

-Kenwood KIV-BT901
-Kenwood CMOS-200 Rear View Camera
-Kenwood KCA-SR50 (Sirius Satellite Tuner)
-JL Audio C2-350x 3-1/2" Evolution C2 Series 2-way Speakers Front Speakers
-JL AUDIO C2-525x 5.25" Coaxial Speakers 2-way Rear Deck Speakers
-JL Audio 8w7A-3 Subwoofer in JL Spec Sealed Box
-JL Audio 300/4 Amplifier
-JL Audio 500/1 Amplifier w/ JL Audio RBC-1 (Bass Boost Controller)
-Plugable USB 2.0 2 Port Hub
-Monster XLN16S-50SB Standard Speaker Cable 100 Ft
-25 feet of KnuKonceptz KCA Kable 0 Gauge Power Wire Red
-Monster 300 Series PowerSplit 2 Distribution Block - One 1/0 Gauge Input/Three 4 Gauge Outputs (MPC P300 CPS2-2)
-Monster MPC I304 4C-5M Extra Low Noise 4-Channel Car Stereo RCA Cables (5 meters)
-Monster MPC I302 2C-6M Extra Low Noise 2-Channel Car Stereo RCA Cables (6 meters)
Xscorpion Manl02p Fuse Holder w/ 150amp mini ANL Fuse

I chose the Kenwood head unit for its ability to work with my Zune, IPOD as well as a USB thumb drive. All controls for these units are through the head unit. It also has an optional rear camera installed that works really well.

I wanted speakers that would fit in the stock locations, and the JL Audios fit the bill.

The subwoofer was a real challenge as I really wanted to save as much trunk space as possible, and able to get to the spare tire if need be. The 8" subwoofer puts out great bass and takes up minimal room. The box was fabricated with 3/4" MDF sealed built to JL Audio Specs for this particular subwoofer. The first aid kit was pulled out and the opening works perfect for this installation.

Settings and Crossover Points for Speakers:

My settings on the sub amp (500/1):

Infrasonic Filter (OFF)
BASS EQ (ON) Q=1.1, Center Freq=40, Boost (controlled by remote bass port) LP FILTER 24db at 85hz

My settings on the satellite amp (300/4)

Rear Channel
Freq Range x1, 24db, 80hz, High Pass
Front Channel
Freq Range x1, 24db, 250hz, High Pass

Overall I am very happy with this setup and the way it sounds. I listen mostly to classic rock, metal, jazz, and even a little classical. If you were to get a 500/1 amplifier I would suggest plugging in the RBC-1 from JL Audio in order to fine tune the bass

Pictures to follow

Scott

 

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Nice install. The wiring on the amps looks so clean, you do good work. I like the screen on the first aid kit lid. That's a great idea to get the sound from the sub in. Keep up the good work