@SEEKINGANSWERS: I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised at the difference your investment can make. Just don't take the cheap way out, now that you've taken the plunge, by skimping on interconnects, power and ground cable or speaker wire - you'll notice a very nice difference if you invest in some very reasonably priced, albeit better quality, interconnecting\power hardware.

 

Scrufy,

I purchased two of these kits to connect to my amps: . and one of these for the line out: . I also have some monoprice 12g speaker wires that I will be hooking up to the subwoofer.

When you mention higher quality, I am guess you are meaning aftermarket interconnects? I am hoping my amp kit provides enough clean sound.

Here is a list of my components:
-Alpine MRP-F300
-Alpine MRP-M500
-Alpine SPR-60C 6.5
-Alpine SWR1243D

I feel like this will give me great value for the money. I guess after this when im rich, we'll go from there .

 

I think you did fine and, even if I didn't, what really matters more than anything is that you're satisfied with what you got and what you paid for it. The really nice thing about component systems is you can replace\upgrade any single piece, or pieces, at any time so upgrading, "...when [you're] rich," will be that much easier.

The interconnects I was referring to are really the things like the power connection rings, fuse holder (waterproof is preferable) and even a nice multi-fused distribution block. I always liked the single 4Ga. to quad 8Ga. fused distribution blocks - very nice. And don't forget to get a fuseless distribution block for your grounds! Running separate grounds is just asking for a ground loop. Besides, who wants to drill a bunch of extra holes in their lovely G?

 

30 dollars in wiring and a cheap loc.

Loc's are the worst thing to use regarding subs.

They don't exhibit full bandwidth
the signal isn't flat
and the lower you get, the lower your output is.

You'll be 30 db's down by 40hz. Complete waste.

 

I just thought that was the only way to go in regards to a 2007 sedan considering I cannot really replace the HU. If there are any other options that are not too outrageously priced, please point me in the right direction. Thank you

 

I take it your budget was about $1,000. Sure you could have done a LOT better...but also for quite a bit more. Personally, I would have purchased an individual driver and made my own enclosure (it really isn't that hard - you just need the sub specs to build the box to the correct dimensions and to also decide what type of enclosure you're going for).

You didn't do badly. And you could always invest more into better components, and upgrade a piece at a time - amps first, then drivers, then add the sub with an amp lastly. There are several ways to approach it. Don't beat yourself up because you're a working schmuck with bills and a budget. I guarantee you, you're not alone in that boat.

 

Processor!

They aren't cheap, though.

LOC's are really the worst thing to use.

Find a dealer near you & see if they have these in stock
http://www.audison.eu/index.php?page=product&id=49

 

Scrufy,

Thank you for the words of encouragement. I just recently purchased the car and I really wanted to upgrade the audio component of it. I am an audiophile at heart. I used to own a modest home theater system consisting of $6,000, so I can appreciate quality audio.

I really wanted to do a lot more but considering my HU is limited, I wanted to start out with something of value and move on from there. I know there is a lot to learn from car audio and a lot better components out there, but that will take time.

 

Some quick thoughts

You're gonna want to bridge that f300 down to 2 channels to power the front components. 150 is on the small side power wise, but it'll do.

btw, which R do you have? Is it the r with the little R on the dustcap?

 

eggy,

I did a quick search and I think I starting to understand what you're talking about. If I can't upgrade my HU, I might as well go with something like this in the future?
And, yes, I do intend to bridge my four channel amp to get 150w/channel. I don't intend to run any rear speakers at this point. Trying to keep cost down is the name of the game at this point.

And this is the R that I got:

 

Cleansweep is a signal summing unit. All the channels are full range in the g, so it's not needed. It's used to get u a full/flat signal to your amps, but you still have no manual EQ or even time alignment.

 

If you're not afraid to extend some ribbon cables, just get an 8400, separate the resistive touchscreen overlay from the screen, extend the wires, and place it over the factory screen, use the video out from the 8400 to a signal converter that puts whatever video you want on the factory screen, then just use the toggle switch to switch from factory video to the 8400's video. The 8400 can then be mounted in the glovebox with extended wires to the old touchscreen overlay and appear stock in every way.

 

so i have been calling around to see how much it would be to install the front component speakers and two amps and im getting quotes close to $400. I would like to attempt the install myself but im just afraid i'll mess something up along the way. Would you all suggest I give the install a try?

 

OUCH!!

SA: My recommendation is to spend $15 on a Hayne's book, maybe a few extra dollars for the necessary tools you might not already have (although a flathead screwdriver and some finesse can double as a panel removal tool), and you can pocket $400. Just take your time...extra time, if need be. A quality install will show in the end-product. If you get frustrated or at a sticking point, stop, take a few breaths and hop on the Internet to do a search. As I tell all my endusers, "Google is your best friend."

I'm sure you can do it. And, in the end, it'll be that much a sweeter sound knowing you did it all.

 

Scrufy,

I think I will have to take your suggestions. $400 is a hefty price to pay for fear of not wanting to tinker with the car a bit. I cannot imagine it being too hard. I have a friend who's husband rebuilt their camaro from the ground up. I will ask to see if he has time to help me set up my new system. I will take progressive pictures along the way and will be referring back to this thread and others to ask for answers if need be. And I will eventually post pictures of the final product.