A Budget Friendly Ford Escort System (Tablet, Components, 10" sub)

[datguy.dev]

Greetings,

This is my 99' Ford Escort ZX2 Coupe. Going in, I just wanted a better sounding system than what the factory offered while on a student's budget. But as I got to thinking, why not add some new modern features? I'd like a system that plays rock, just as well as rap, and other genres without adjustment. Not too much bass, but loud and punchy. I'm just an amateur when it comes to car audio installation. So please bare with me. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/redface.gif.62fdbfe1a101588a808c4cff71bcb942.gif

Images: https://imgur.com/a/AsveF

Headunit: Amazon Fire 7

BlueTooth receiver: iSimple MusicStream Receiver

Speakers Amp: Clarion XC1410

Front Speakers: Soundstream SC-6T (Set + Tweeters)

Rear Speakers: Pyle PL6984BL

Sub Amp: Alpine MRP-M500

Sub: Alpine SWS-10D2 (wired to 4 ohms)

​

Recently, installed a tablet in place of the head unit. I went with the Amazon Fire 7 tablet ($50) and x2 Scosche MagicMounts (magnetic / $25). I was unsure of the mounts strength when it comes to holding tablets. But I can say now that I only needed one of them. But the more the merrier I guess. Nonetheless, it's really sturdy. Then for the piece in the dash, where the headunit goes, is simply a 2x4 cut to fit. Then I cut little pieces of wood at a twenty degree angle and guerilla glued them to the front of the cut 2x4 (now 1 1/4" x 7") to provide some upward angle for the tablet. Spray painted the wood part black and adhered part of an old black shirt to it with spray adhesive. Then tore apart the magnetic mounts and screwed them the front. Overall, it is really easy to do. Just took some time to figure out how it would all work.

The wiring is mostly simple, but a bit tricky in some areas. Firstly, I tore apart a USB cigarette adapter to charge the tablet. Easy, just solder on some new leads, wrap it in heat shrink, slap it behind the dash connected to the "switched 12V" wire. The RCAs were the biggest challenge. I didn't account splicing the signal to two amps. I had splice adapters, but I also had to make some custom ones to covers all the devices and their inputs. The Clarion XC1410 has two RCA inputs for front and rear.

In the near future, I plan to upgrade the interior 6.5" and or 6x9 speakers. But I'm thinking of just using the front speakers ... if they'll sound good or be loud enough. I used to have my speakers balanced to the front as the 6x9s were over powering sound wise. I can no longer make that adjustment. So I may also install something of an EQ or other audio processing unit to have more customization there. Maybe do something about the ugly plastic door grills? What do you think should be my next upgrade?

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[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

shoulda gotten a better amp than that clarion amp. Could have gotten 3x as much power for the same price.

I'd get a rockford dsr1 DSP. Will literally make all the difference buuut its a steep learning curve for noobies.

After that i'd get much better quality drivers up front.

 

[datguy.dev]

shoulda gotten a better amp than that clarion amp. Could have gotten 3x as much power for the same price.
I'd get a rockford dsr1 DSP. Will literally make all the difference buuut its a steep learning curve for noobies.

After that i'd get much better quality drivers up front.

I got a good deal on that Clarion amp new. But it is also several years old.

It will have to go if I do front speaker upgrades. Plus, I could move the new amp into the trunk like how I wanted. Previously, the work required to do so wasn't worth the hassle because all the speaker hookups are under the freakin' seat! //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/crazy.gif.c13912c32de98515d3142759a824dae7.gif Run new wire to the trunk from each speaker VS clip this harness in from the amp and go. But now, I have less cables to worry about! //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif So it won't be as bad next time.