08/09 Chevy Malibu opinions/suggestions

[davescomptips 10+ year member]

Hello All. Long time lurker - first time poster! //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

This may be a long post, but I want to cover everything. To give a little background: I'm not new to the car audio scene, but I've been out of the loop for over 15 years. The changes (in equipment and installations) are amazing! Wow, where did all of these brands come from? Seems a lot of the better companies are making junk.

All right, on to the questions and such!

What I plan to do is install a modest system in a 2008 and 2009 (yes 2) malibu. I want to keep the stock head unit (6cd/xm/aux input, RAP, OnStar, chimes) and replace/add from there.

The basis for the system will be:

New 6.5 components for the front doors (Alpine 17Ref)

10" or 12" sub (Alpine type R/RE SE)

Stock rear speakers for fill

45 to 65 watt per channel 4 channel amp with one side bridged for the sub.

Here are my questions...

1. It's very cold out and I haven't been able to verify but it is my understanding that the 6 disk changer radios have an external amp. I would like to use the low level inputs to this amp as inputs to the new amp to eliminate a converter. Is this possible? Does the factory amp have a remote lead, or is it hot when the ignition is on? If not where are you guys getting remote power?

2. 6.5 components. I listen to a variety of music from jazz to hip-hop, but most is rock, 80's rock, grunge, and alternative. What is your suggestion for quality 6.5 components in the $150 to $200 range? I believe the depth is around 2.75". Does anyone know exactly?

3. I'm going to built a fiberglass/mdf enclosure on the right side of the trunk. Should have about 1.5 cubic ft max. I'm looking for a 10" or 12" - sealed or ported.

I'm leaning toward Alpine type R or RE Audio SE, what is your opinion for a $150 sub?

4. Amplifier. I'm leaning toward an Alpine MRP-F300 or JL AUDIO A4300. Thoughts?

Remember, I'm staying modest. I have to take the WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor) into account, lol!

Any help, suggestions, and/or information you can provide is much appreciated!

Dave

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[davescomptips 10+ year member]

tap. tap. tap. Is this thing on?

Anyone?

 

[Snow90 10+ year member]

I say upgrade the HU, make it easier on yourself. And I would also ditch the rear fill and just run some nice components off a little 2 channel. I would also run the SE over the Type R, but up the power a little bit and run a Kicker ZX500.1. My help prolly isnt the greatest, but whatevs.

 

[davescomptips 10+ year member]

Snow90, Thanks for the vote for the RE SE. Nice to get a reply //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

I really want to keep the HU. GM has finally gotten to a point where their HU's are decent. I also want to keep the stock appearance, for obvious reasons.

This is a 4DR sedan, and there will be times when there are passengers, which is why I was considering running the stock rear speakers off the HU.

 

[davescomptips 10+ year member]

What about the Cadence TXA-3004 as an amp?