Audio/Video Q&A Thread

[timot_one]

Ummm, no.  A quality aftermarket h/u will always be better than the OEM h/u with one of those things.

[unclejud49348]

Tim,

I'm probably going to purchase the Focal K2's you suggested, but I had another question. If I mount the tweeters in the sail panels, is there any chance that my side air bags could hurt the speakers (or speakers fly at me) if I were in an accident?

Thanks!

[timot_one]

It's unlikely that you would have any problems if they were installed in the sail panels.  If you want to be safe, install them in the stock location in the dash.  I can guarantee that they won't cause any problems or become a flying projectile if your side curtain air bags go off.

[Antoni0_23]

I'd like to install a sound system without changing my H/U or adding an amp. I'd like Alpine Type R components in front and Type R in Rear. These models to be more precise:

 Front:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ALPINE-SPX-17REF-6- ... 1|294%3A50

or

http://cgi.ebay.com/ALPINE-SPR-17S-CAR- ... 1|294%3A50

Back:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ALPINE-SPR-69C-600w ... 1|294%3A50

What else would I need to hook this up? Will it sound better? Should I really run an AMP? Which cables should I use? Do I need an adapter of some sort to fit these in properly?

[timot_one]

You may want to use an adapter for the front speakers to fit properly in your doors.  You don't need any cables since you reuse your original cables.  You could get adapters that clip into your speaker wire connectors and provide you with a bare wire connection to go to your new speakers.  Will you get better sound from these?  It will only be marginally better, but don't expect something drastic.  Should you run an amp?  Yes.  If you want a high end audio system, you should always use an amp and an aftermarket head unit.

[Antoni0_23]

Which AMP would you recommend to run a system with the components listed above. I don't want any subwoofers and don't want to change the stock H/U.

[timot_one]

I'd use the Alpine V-Power amplifiers for your application.

[Paulius005]

Hey Tim,

What is necessary to put in 6.5s in the doors, because i know that they would be too deep and the window would probably hit. Just a 6.5 ring from somewhere or what? I've had these Soundstream Tarantula 6.5s laying around since winter, it's about time to put them in .

[wtcii]

I am not Tim but you can cut your stock speaker out of the bezel, ghetto, or buy spacer rings. I bought spacer rings and they were about $20.00. Dont go to thick on the ring because then you will not be able to get your door panel on. I forgot how thick mine are, an inch maybe.

[Paulius005]

Just those from crutchfield? How about these? http://www.12volt-travel.com/1-speaker- ... f8aa8bb7bd

[wtcii]

That's what I got, but I got them a CircuitCity so I paid twice that much. I would get those if you don't mind on waiting on them because that is a good price.

[timot_one]

I'd use these.

[Paulius005]

Thanks, Tim.

[Asim]

How did you guys wire your setups?
Where did you run the cables?

I am getting an deck with 6 outputs (4 FR FL RR RL, 2 sub)
I plan on wiring for the sub without adding it yet. I am adding one single amp for the 4 speakers.

I need to run power and ground from the batteries to the amp, plus my 3 pairs of RCA cables? Will that still leave me open to the option of adding a second amp for a subwoofer in the future? (ie, my goal is not to have to run another power wire all the way from the battery when I add the sub later).

[timot_one]

If you run a thick enough power wire to handle the current draw, you will only have to run one power cable.

As far as my set up goes, here's what I have:

1/0 AWG wire from my battery to the trunk on the driver's side, passing through the firewall and frame rail
1/0 AWG wire in the trunk for ground
12 and 14 AWG speaker wire from the amps in the trunk to the front speakers going up the passenger side
Alpine AI-Net data control/analog audio cable running down the center
Digital Optical (TosLink) cable running down the center

The reason why I have the low level audio cables running down the center of the car is because there is the least amount of wires going through the center console.  The driver's side and passenger's side have wiring harnesses running down them which could potentially introduce noise into a low level signal.