ChrisR 10+ year member
Junior Member
Howdy. First post //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif
I’m in the research phase on a custom audio system for my new 2004 XLT Ext. Cab to replace the OEM Ford (non-premium) system. My goal is to do this entire project for less than $1250.00 (or very close to it). I think by shopping around, doing the research in advance and of course, doing all the install work myself I can get a pretty decent sounding system (with subs) in the 700 watt range. I don’t want to build a monster system, just something that sounds nice and balanced, with sufficient low-end kick, at moderate volume levels.
Here is what I’m thinking after doing some preliminary research:
Phase One
Head Unit:
Panasonic CQ-DF 783 CD/MP3/WMA Receiver with CD Changer Controls
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=13240
I’ve got a similar unit in my ’98 Mustang and have been for the most part satisfied with it, although the menu interface is a bit awkward, there is no crossover adjust for treble and bass (also no mids) and you can’t turn off the aux input if you aren’t using it. Good audio specs though, spectrum analyzer, plays pretty much any format (except DVD of course).
Door speakers:
Front doors -- Infinity KAPPA50.5CS 5-1/4" 2-way
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=12487
Rear Doors -- Infinity KAPPA572.5CF 5 x 7 2-way custom fit
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=12491
The Infinity KAPPA line has a good reputation in the mid-priced, semi-high end car audio class. Should sound great with moderate wattage, in the 50-75 watt range. Not looking to get a huge amount of low end out of them (that’s what the subs are for, Phase Two).
Power Amp (door speakers):
Audiobahn A6004T 4 Channel INTAKE SERIES Amplifier
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=13489
75X4 watts into 4 ohms. Good specs in this price range. Respectable brand, no frills model.
The above prices out to $685.00, including a $19.00 8-gauge amplifier install kit (may need to go with lower gauge though). This should get me up a running with a decent sounding 300-watt system, probably weak in the bottom end though.
To correct that problem, I’m thinking about the following:
Phase Two:
Sub Box:
2004 F150 Under Seat Extended Cab 2X10 Sub Box
http://www.supercrewsound.com/showprod2.asp?prodid=49
5.5” max mounting depth, comes in charcoal or black, option for center/no center divider.
Subs:
Audiobahn AWC10T 10" Dual 4-ohm Voice Coil Subwoofer
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=13587
5” mounting depth, dual voice coils, RMS power 50-400 watts, 4 ohms. Need two of these for the sub box above.
Sub Power Amp:
Audiobahn A8002T 200W x 2 car amplifier
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=13487
Specs don’t say if this is into 4 ohms, but if it is, should be sufficient to drive the two 10” Audiobahn subs above (and same brand and subs, I like that). I’m considering putting both the Audiobahn power amps in the center console (they should fit easily). Need to do some measuring to confirm that. Would look cool to open the center console at night and have the crystal neon illumination on the amps lighting up the entire cab…
Phase Two cost is $357.00 for the subs and amp, + $175.00 for the sub box = $532.00 total. I should be able to get free shipping on everything (hopefully).
So, total is approx. $1217.00, round that to $1250.00, this is about the best I can do and still use semi decent components. I think this system is going to sound KILLER, just wanted to get some feedback as to possible alternatives, from a feature/price perspective.
Also, not being familiar with the new 2004 F150 interior design, I have questions about the physical installation of certain components, i.e., getting the OEM head unit out, finding an adapter for the Ford wiring harness, delete plate/glove box for the 2nd DIN position, rear door speaker install (do I need to take the door panels off?), etc. Any information there much appreciated…
Hopefully, I’m going to start ordering the Phase One items sometime in the next week or so. Plan is to begin the project later this month (late May, early June). I’ll post some install pics when the first components are here and I’m ready to fire up the tools //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif
Chris
I’m in the research phase on a custom audio system for my new 2004 XLT Ext. Cab to replace the OEM Ford (non-premium) system. My goal is to do this entire project for less than $1250.00 (or very close to it). I think by shopping around, doing the research in advance and of course, doing all the install work myself I can get a pretty decent sounding system (with subs) in the 700 watt range. I don’t want to build a monster system, just something that sounds nice and balanced, with sufficient low-end kick, at moderate volume levels.
Here is what I’m thinking after doing some preliminary research:
Phase One
Head Unit:
Panasonic CQ-DF 783 CD/MP3/WMA Receiver with CD Changer Controls
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=13240
I’ve got a similar unit in my ’98 Mustang and have been for the most part satisfied with it, although the menu interface is a bit awkward, there is no crossover adjust for treble and bass (also no mids) and you can’t turn off the aux input if you aren’t using it. Good audio specs though, spectrum analyzer, plays pretty much any format (except DVD of course).
Door speakers:
Front doors -- Infinity KAPPA50.5CS 5-1/4" 2-way
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=12487
Rear Doors -- Infinity KAPPA572.5CF 5 x 7 2-way custom fit
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=12491
The Infinity KAPPA line has a good reputation in the mid-priced, semi-high end car audio class. Should sound great with moderate wattage, in the 50-75 watt range. Not looking to get a huge amount of low end out of them (that’s what the subs are for, Phase Two).
Power Amp (door speakers):
Audiobahn A6004T 4 Channel INTAKE SERIES Amplifier
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=13489
75X4 watts into 4 ohms. Good specs in this price range. Respectable brand, no frills model.
The above prices out to $685.00, including a $19.00 8-gauge amplifier install kit (may need to go with lower gauge though). This should get me up a running with a decent sounding 300-watt system, probably weak in the bottom end though.
To correct that problem, I’m thinking about the following:
Phase Two:
Sub Box:
2004 F150 Under Seat Extended Cab 2X10 Sub Box
http://www.supercrewsound.com/showprod2.asp?prodid=49
5.5” max mounting depth, comes in charcoal or black, option for center/no center divider.
Subs:
Audiobahn AWC10T 10" Dual 4-ohm Voice Coil Subwoofer
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=13587
5” mounting depth, dual voice coils, RMS power 50-400 watts, 4 ohms. Need two of these for the sub box above.
Sub Power Amp:
Audiobahn A8002T 200W x 2 car amplifier
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=13487
Specs don’t say if this is into 4 ohms, but if it is, should be sufficient to drive the two 10” Audiobahn subs above (and same brand and subs, I like that). I’m considering putting both the Audiobahn power amps in the center console (they should fit easily). Need to do some measuring to confirm that. Would look cool to open the center console at night and have the crystal neon illumination on the amps lighting up the entire cab…
Phase Two cost is $357.00 for the subs and amp, + $175.00 for the sub box = $532.00 total. I should be able to get free shipping on everything (hopefully).
So, total is approx. $1217.00, round that to $1250.00, this is about the best I can do and still use semi decent components. I think this system is going to sound KILLER, just wanted to get some feedback as to possible alternatives, from a feature/price perspective.
Also, not being familiar with the new 2004 F150 interior design, I have questions about the physical installation of certain components, i.e., getting the OEM head unit out, finding an adapter for the Ford wiring harness, delete plate/glove box for the 2nd DIN position, rear door speaker install (do I need to take the door panels off?), etc. Any information there much appreciated…
Hopefully, I’m going to start ordering the Phase One items sometime in the next week or so. Plan is to begin the project later this month (late May, early June). I’ll post some install pics when the first components are here and I’m ready to fire up the tools //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif
Chris
