Last year I replaced the stock head unit with a Pioneer FH-P800BT and a Metra DD kit. Love the HU, the dash kit is OK; not the best quality. The sound quality definitely went up even though I kept the stock Bose amp and speakers.

Now, I got a good deal for brand new speakers. I bought Kicker DS65.2 components for the front, Alpine SPE6000 coaxials for the rear and a Pioneer TS-SW2501S4 10" sub. I haven't bought any amps because I'm not sure what the best route will go to install everything.

I want to keep my trunk as clear as possible, that's why I bought a low profile sub. What is the best way to install this sub without taking up too much room in my trunk? Any possible way to mount it on the underside of the rear deck so it is facing downward into the trunk? Should I just find a decent low-volume generic box and slide it in there?

I'm also not sure what I should do about amps. I want to use the stock location if possible; it'll mean using some kind of mounting bracket but I'm pretty sure I can fit a decent amp up in there, maybe two with the Bose sub removed.

I was wondering about driving my front and rear speakers off the HU and getting a decent mono amp for the sub just so I don't have to do as much wiring by using the stock wiring.

Or would it be worth it for the sound quality to get a 4 channel amp to drive the front and rear speakers and a separate amp for the sub? Or drive the rears off the HU and then drive the fronts and sub off a 4/3 channel amp?

I haven't seen anyone on this board use my sub in an interesting way, I think I saw one guy just put it in a generic slanted box. Any opinions would be great.

 

I think I decided I will definitely drive the front components off an amp, not sure about the rear coaxials though, probably wouldn't make a difference if they were off an amp or the HU.

I'm going to be looking for a decent small 4 or 5 channel amp.

Still not sure about what to do about the sub and if I can actually mount an amp in the stock location.

 

I just started the process of putting together a system and several members have been very helpful in answering my questions. They will chime in in a bit I'm sure but here's what I've decided to do. Based on recommendations here I'm yanking all Bose related crap out of my car and starting from scratch. I'm going with a fairly simple set up based on the front sound stage thought process, front component speakers and a sub. Skip the rear speakers, that has been recommended on every car audio site I've searched through.

I'm going the 5 channel amp route, doesn't seem to be a popular option, but it suits my needs. You can bridge the 4 channels into 2 to power the fronts and the dedicated 5th channel will run the sub. It eliminates the need/expense of a separate amp, you just have to make sure the amp you buy is powerful enough to handle your components. Another downfall of this set up is the limited availability of 5 channels, there are thousands of 4 channel amps out there to choose from.

HTH

 

I will also be completely removing all Bose components. I haven't decided if I'll use the stock wiring though...

I'm picking up a used 5-channel amp tonight but I'm definitely keeping speakers in the rear. $33 for a pair of Alpines seems like a good deal to me. I'll be driving all the speakers off the amp now, hopefully I can figure out a way to fit it into the stock location.

I don't see the reasoning in buying a 5 channel amp to drive one pair of components and a sub. You could achieve this with a 4 channel bridged to 3 and save space and probably end up with more power to your sub compared to a dedicated sub channel on a 5-channel amp. I'm only getting 100W on channel 5 from my amp; its enough for me but if you're going for ultimate sound quality (skipping rear fill speakers) wouldn't more power be better?

 

I wouldn't drive the front speakers off the head unit. Don't really need to replace the rear speakers either. Just have an amp driving the sub and have another amp driving your front speakers. I don't know if 4080 sells his boxes anymore, but I would pick up a used one and use that to mount a sub in your car. It is low profile, high quality, and facilitates great sq.

 

Will be driving all my speakers off a 5-channel amp.

The 4080 boxes are expensive and hard to find, especially in Canada. I may try to get the shop at work to build me one too if I can't find another method.

 

Driving off of a 5 channel is good too, seen many setups like that and heard several.

Not sure how much you were looking to spend on a box, but 300 for a custom enclosure w/ fiberglass is pretty good price wise.

Good luck and keep us updated on how everything turns out!

 

I think it's all about what 5 channel amp you buy. The one I'm going with has these specs:

RMS Power Rating:
4 ohms: 60 watts x 4 chan. + 475 watts x 1 chan.
2 ohms: 120 watts x 4 chan. + 750 watts x 1 chan.
1 ohm Mono: 1000 watts x 1 chan. (5th Channel Only)
Bridged 4 ohms: 240 watts x 2 chan. (Channels 1-4)

My sub is a power hungry beast so the 5th channel has plenty of power to push it properly. And by bridging the 4 channels into 2, I'll also have plenty of power to power the fronts so they don't get overwhelmed by the sub.

Thoughts??

 

I just talked to 4080 and they are about a month away from releasing the 1st gen coupe and second gen boxes, with the 1st gen sedan box not far behind.

 

I'm pretty sure boxology has the 1st gen coupe boxes.

 

Just pulled my doors apart to fix my automatic windows and check the fitment of my new components. Got the windows working perfectly after resetting the motor and also found ou the stock plastic spacer fits my Kicker DS65.2 components perfectly, no need for a custom spacer.

I picked up my 5-channel amp too. Got the trunk pulled apart enough and I think I can fit it up where the stock amp and sub used to go. It'll take fancy piece of sheetmetal to mount up in there but it should fit and the carpet almost perfectly fits over it; there might be a slight bulge but barely noticeable.

 

so then, coupe owners, do any of you use your 6x9s?! I have always been a fan of 6x9s but these things seem horrible :| the 6.5s just dont have enough midrange for me, I just use them for highs and mid highs. my sub does better than my 6x9s w/ the mids & low-mids! my bose components are on their own amp, my 6x9s are on their own amp and then a third amp for the sub of course. any input? I know ppl will say scrap the bose components but i cant afford to do all of them right now

 

$180 got me my front components ($68), rear coaxs ($33) and 10" sub ($78). All brand new decent stuff.

 

I'm selling my driver's side 4080 box, but shipping to Canada is gonna be expensive unless you have a stateside address that you can pick up from.

 

I have an 03 sedan.