NewKindOfClown

iTrader: (1)

First off, I hardly know anything about audio/electrical. I've been reading all kinds of stuff over the last couple weeks, but I'm finding different schools of thought and conflicting info. I listen to nearly every genre of music, sometimes quiet, sometimes loud. I don't need comp volume or audiophile quality; I just want a decent system. I want to retain the t-top storage in the hatch since the car will be driven primarily with the glass off.

I'm looking at Kee Audio's 3rd Gen kit. Listed for $200, it includes:
JBL GTO6428 4x6" 2-way Coaxial (dashboard)
JBL GTO938 6x9" 3-Way Coaxial (sail panels)

I also keep reading that Alpine Type-R subs are the best low cost 12s.

I don't have a radio (head unit) in the car right now, so I'm open to suggestions to that. I had a Kenwood unit in my first Camaro, and then it went into my Jeep. I liked the interface, but I've been told it isn't a quality unit.

Kee also sells a well box (bottom of the page here) for cheap. A buddy of mine does some carpentry, and he said he can make me a box to these dimensions. I don't know if I should go with 10s or 12s. I also don't know jack about amps or bridging.

I know there are a thousand of these threads, but I appreciate any advice. I'd like to keep the entire system under $750 if possible. I don't mind waiting for sales or doing the upgrades in stages, especially since I'll be balancing mods between this and my Jeep.

Coyote850

iTrader: (1)

(PM sent about a radio.)

Check these guys out for speaker options:

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/viewc...facturer_id=25

You might be able to get want you want cheaper through them.

Z28Johnny

What is your budget? I honestly would not do the 4x6's in the dash... you just can't get good sound out of those tiny things. Pay the money to get the 6 1/2" kick panel adapters. You are going to want some bass and the back compartment is a great place. I have something like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/85-92-CAMARO...item43ab249e9c

I can still fit the t-tops in with the box. Here is what I would get:
deck, kick panels, 2 6 1/2, 2 6x9, 4 channel amp, sub amp, 2 12" subs, sub box, and all of the cables. You should be able to stay under $1200 and the system would be awesome. You could save money by doing a single 5 channel amp.

NewKindOfClown

iTrader: (1)

I always shop around before buying, but I was hoping for opinions about those particular speakers since they're marketed as a set for these cars.

Like I said, I'd like to stay below $750 if possible. The kick panels I've seen are fairly expensive. Is there a cheaper source that I'm missing? Maybe someone on here who makes them?
As for amp(s) and subs, what should I look for? I'm a complete novice with this stuff, and I'm having trouble wrapping my head around Ohms, watts, bridging, series, and how it all works together. I think I want 2 12s, but I'm lost beyond that. I've never built a system.
Do you have an opinion on Kenwood decks? I like the interface, but I was told they aren't that good.

EDIT:
In my old Jeep, I had a Kenwood deck pushing power to 2 5.25" MTX Thunderdomes in my doors and 2 6.5" Kenwoods in the back. I also had a Pioneer mono amp powering a single Kicker CompVT10 truck box. It sounded good to me at low volume, but I want more bass and more clarity when it's loud.

Z28Johnny

q form kick panels $80
6 1/2 speakers front polk db651 $80
6x9 rear Polk db691 $100
Pioneer 7500 deck $150
sub box $90
Boss 2505 5 channel amp $180
2 12" KICKER comp subs $180 (8 ohm if you use a 4 ohm sub amp, 4 ohm if you have a 2 ohm amp)

That is about $865 and then you would have about another $100 for your amp wiring kit, 3 sets patch cables, speaker cable, and deck mounting kit. If you can swing more, I would upgrade the amp to a kicker 5 channel for an additional $230. If you want the total to be less you could hold off on the rear speakers and save $100 for now and then get them later. You honestly don't need rears. The polks I recommended are awesome for the price, the deck will do everything you need and then some.

NewKindOfClown

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for that list, Johnny.

I used that as reference and started doing searches and comparing reviews. Here's what I came up with, and I'm interested in hearing opinions.

Deck: Kenwood KDC-X896 - $225
Sub: 2x Alpine SWS-12D2 - $200
Kick Panels: Q-Logic QL-K1002B - $180
Fronts: 2x 6.5” Polk DB651 - $60 (same you suggested)
Amp: ?
Rears: ?
Wiring: I know someone who can hook me up on wiring.

Things I'm still wondering about:
- I'm not convinced about the head unit. I'm familiar with the Kenwood interface, and they seem to get good reviews.
- I don't know about the amp(s) and rears.
- For the sub box, I saw the Kee Audio box for $70+shipping. Anyone know if it's any good? If not, I know someone who can build me a custom well box.
- Does it matter if I get 2Ohm or 4Ohm subs, or do they just need to match the amp?

Z28Johnny

The ohms on the subs need to match the amp. If you have two subs there are a few possibilities. A one channel amp that is 2 ohm stable would need 2 4 ohm subs. If it is only 4 ohm stable you need either 2 2 ohm subs or 2 8 ohm subs. If the sub amp is 2 channels then the ohms on the subs should match the amp.... Unless you are getting dual voice coil subs.

inkedbass

Match your subs to your needs. The amp can be too big for the subs (turn the gain down), or smaller than needed (keep the gain, bass booster and volume down). Its all dependent on your needs and budget.


J