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06-16-2003, 09:20 PM | #1 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 30584
Join Date: Nov 2002
Chapter/Region:
MWSOC
Location: Chicago
Vehicle:05 STi Black 07 S4 Avant Black |
Decent and inexpensive stock upgrade
Ok, this is my plan for an inexpensive upgrade to my stock WRX system. My intentions are to keep the 6 disc in-dash HU and bypass the need for an additional amp to keep costs low and installation simple. Also, I am fairly knowledgable about home audio, but know nothing about car audio.
1/2 62.5sqft roll of Raammat60 ~ $50 1pair Infinity Kappa 62.5i ~ $125 1 Intinity Basslink ~ $165 1 David Navone LOC N-777 ~ $30 *NO* Rear speakers I have a bunch of questions given my intentions and my plan. 1) What type of cabling will I need? I guess the more direct questions would be: I understand that I run a power cable from the battery to the Basslink, but what type of power cable do I use? 12awg? What rating of fuse do I need? What do I use to terminate the power on each end (battery/Basslink) Is this assumption correct: the LOC connects directly to the HU and then I run a set of RCA interconnects to the Basslink? 2) Would I benefit from an inline high pass filter on the Kappas? I realize that I am limited power-wise by the stock HU, which is why I am disconnecting the rears, so do you think that I can pick up a little extra juice with a high pass filter? I could assemble one for each channel at a pretty low cost without compromising quality. 3) What do I do about the stock tweeters? Should I replace them, disconnect them, or leave them alone? 4) Will my 30sqft of Raammat cover both doors? Will I need any for my trunk lid considering the size and power of the Basslink? 5) Do the door panels rattle after something like this? What happens if a clip breaks during the removal process? What do I do to protect the new speakers from water? I know some of the questions can be answered with the search function, but I have researched through past threads to come up with my plan, but these holes were left due to various ambiguities and inconsistencies that I found searching. Thanks for your replies, brian
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06-16-2003, 09:37 PM | #2 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 34989
Join Date: Apr 2003
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: Reading PA
Vehicle:06 2.5i wagon 13 BRZ |
#1 The heavyier the power wire the better. It makes for less voltage drop across the wire and more punch from the sub. I'd go 8 gauge myself, but that's me. 12 gauge should be ok for the current draw, but make sure you fuse it right at the battery.
#2 Yes, blocking the low frequencies from the door speakers is a must. That is what usually makes a speaker distort and fry first. #3 Don't know what to tell you on that one. Try it with them hooked up, if it sounds bad try them disconnected. Otherwise I'd just spend the money and get the Infinity components to start. #4 No idea. #5 All I can advise on is baffles. Crutchfield sells foam baffles that slide in behind the speaker and keep them dry. From what I hear the stock HU can't really push upgraded speakers. I don't know that for fact. Most importantly , where can you find a Basslink for $165!!?? Cheapest I've seen is $180 on EBAY. I'm very curious because I'm looking at either a Basslink or a 10" amped Bazooka. (See my thread in this section) Keith |
06-16-2003, 11:48 PM | #3 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 26397
Join Date: Oct 2002
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I don't think it will be easy to get 6.5" kappas in the front doors. I went with Infinity reference 6.5 components because they were shallower. It was close with those too. I used kappa 4" in the rear doors and they fit ok, but the tweeters are pressing against the door panel grills. The foam baffles are a must for the door speakers, I poured water out of my stock ones when installing.
Even with the stock HU, the infinity's and the basslink in the trunk sound great compared to stock, and good compared to most factory systems. I think an amp for the 4 channels would make all the difference. Also, I hollowed out the stock from speakers and used the outer rings as mount plates. It worked out great. |
06-17-2003, 05:05 PM | #4 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 30584
Join Date: Nov 2002
Chapter/Region:
MWSOC
Location: Chicago
Vehicle:05 STi Black 07 S4 Avant Black |
Ok, after doing some more research and reading the replies, I have made some changes to my plan:
- Get 3-way components. Right now I am between the Infinity Kappa 63.5i and the Infinity Reference 605CS. The tweater on the Kappa's doesn't look like it would detach and/or fit in the stock tweeter location, so I think I will go with the References. - Sound deaden my doors and upgrade my speakers first, then think about the Basslink at a later date. - Consider buying a decent 2 channel amp around 100-125 bucks after the speaker upgrade. - Get some foam baffles. So with that said, right now I am about to buy a pair of speakers and some Raammat. |
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