Hey there, I've started down the upgrade path and then found this forum. I've done some reading and talking to local stereo shops and now need to make a decision on where to go next with my system. Any advice would be appreciated.

I have:
Pioneer 5901 deck
Infinity Kappa 6x8 front and rear

The power from the deck seems fine, but the quality to the speakers is just so-so. I used the deck's high pass filter set at 100 and that's helped reduce distortion. Now I'm looking to add a sub and amp and have come to a couple of options:

1) 5-channel amp powering everything. Several people have warned against this. Are they really that bad?

2) 4-channel amp with 2 channels bridged to the sub and 2 firing all 4 infinities. I would lose the ability to control fade, and have been warned that this is also potentially not a good setup for the sub.

3) mono or 2-channel amp for the sub, deck power for the infinities. This one is attractive because I save cost and space devoted to an amp to drive the speakers. Question is: is amp power to the infinities going to be THAT much better than deck power? They're pretty good right now, but as they say "you don't know what you don't know"

4) amp for the sub, amp for the infinities. Will cost more than I want to spend, but if I have to go this route to get the right result, I'll do it.

Any opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Rich

 

In short, YES. You will be suprised at the difference, assuming it is a good amp with decent power.


Any of those options will work, its just whatever works best for you and your budget mainly.

If it were me, AND I was keeping the speakers in the back, I would do one of these:
1. Get a 4 channel, run the front Infinities off the front channels, and bridge the rear channels for the sub. Run the back infinities off the HU, and if it helps with them crossed over high at 100hz, then keep them like that.

2. 2 channel amp for the front Infinities, HU powered rears, mono amp for the sub.


If you are really wanting to amp the back speakers, I would go with a separate 4 channel for the infinities and a separate amp for the sub, or else like you mentioned, get a nice 5 channel.


As you can see, there are tons of ways to do it. Its really what you can afford and are able to do though.

 

Is 100hz the highest HPF setting on your deck ? If you could go to 150 HZ , that would be better. Less bass to your deck powered speakers = less distortion at higher volumes .

 

Bartak, thanks for the feedback. I hadn't considered #1 you mentioned in your post - that might be a great way to go as the rears are faded out a bit anyway. I got the second set of kappas for half/price so couldn't turn them down...

Bad, it'll go 80, 100, or 125. I tried them all with some old-school rap and 100 sounded the best. The problem comes with the mix of music I have on the IPod. It'll go from rap to jazz to rock, so I'm looking for a good EQ balance for all. The pioneer has a bunch of pre-set and 2 custom EQ profiles that I'll mess around with when I get some time, but the most important step will be to restore the low end and see how that sounds. I'm pretty happy with the infinities, but am realizing I should have gone with components up front for better imaging. I was actually pretty surprised at hearing the distortion on $150/pr speakers. I've had systems in other vehicles that did a lot better on the low end just with the door speakers...
Made me question the quality of sound from the pioneer and/or IPod.

 

While Pioneer does have room to improve on sound quality, your iPod is a much bigger factor in that.
Pretty much any aftermarket speaker is going to distort at high volumes if its ran off a deck though.

 

I just got one bid for $750 to install 4-channel Kenwood amp, 12" pioneer slim sub, custom box. Also have a bid for $1000 to install 6-channel JL, 10" sub, custom box. That rep says the JL 6-channel will work great and I trust him.

Apparently JL makes a ported box specifically for the F150 supercrew but it's pretty pricey - also pretty large, required moving the jack which I'm trying to avoid.

Crutchfield sells a $550 box/sub from MTX. I've read from others that pre-fab boxes aren't as good.

Will likely get one more bid and then make a decision. I'm convinced that I need to amp at least the front speakers. I'm also convinced that I need to visit these shops when I'm not dressed for work - those prices aren't giving me any kind of break at all...

 

Have you considered trying to install some of these things by yourself? In my opinion, prices to install any type of equipment is INSANE, and you can save a BOATLOAD of money by doing some of it yourself. Its really not as intimidating as it might look, and there are always people here or anywhere that can help if you come across something you are questioning.


The StealthBox and Thunderform sub/enclosure combos are nice for something that will slide in easy and look like it came from the factory, but as you said, they are pricey. Again, in my opinion, you can either make yourself, or have a box made, that will still look darn good, and install a sub or two that are just as good, if not better, for much cheaper, as you've been seeing. Some people have no problem throwing down the cash for a premade sub/box combo because of the looks and ease of install.

 

I've done the speakers myself - first time working with dynamat. I wouldn't be too worried about fitting the sub/amp in and getting them secured, but the wiring up to the engine compartment and head unit does not look like something I'm up for. I know it's possible to learn, but I'd rather learn on a 1991 toyota worth around $2k versus my almost-new $34k ford, know what I mean?

I just started looking at the thunderform box, but the $750 quote I got for a single 10" pioneer sub and kenwood amp is starting to look like a pretty good deal. Got 2 other bids for $1000, and one of those was insisting I needed to relocate the jack which I don't want to do. The thunderform looks pretty good with a 12" sub, but I'm not hearing great things about MTX from some folks I've talked with. Have you heard of any reviews?

Bottom line: I have to get SOMETHING in there because all that great music on the iPod with no low end is killin me.



Rich

 

Rich, I know what you are saying about tearing apart a new truck with no idea what your doing pretty much-can be a little nerve racking.

As for MTX, you'll hear from me what you have been hearing from others...I would just pass on them if you have other options.
Of the options you listed, I would def. pick up that Pioneer Slim probably. As for the amp, there is always room to improve, but it will sure do the job easy enough.