Hi all! This is my first post. I've done a few installs before, but am currently redoing my system piece by piece and as I get the components. I have a 2003 Accord EX. My current setup is:
-Old pioneer HU, this thing must be 6 years old or so. Probably time for an upgrade but it was top of the line at the time and still sounds good.
-Crystal CSC 5.25 comps, mounted in door with tweeters on upper front door.
-Monitor 1 2x70 amp
-Hifonics Brutus 1500d
-IDMax 12" d4.
-no rear fill
I used to have an RE SX 15" ported in the trunk, but had no trunk space and the thing weighed a ton. I'm through my "boomy stage" and just want a nice SQ system now, so I just bought an IDmax //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif. It should be here Wednesday and I plan on running it sealed at about 1.5 cubes.
I just redid my big three with better grounds, crimps, and 1/0 stinger wire. The connections on my previous attempt were a little iffy.
Basically, I am trying to decide if I should replace my components at this time, and if so, is it time to replace the amp too? I really like my monitor amp, but I am trying to decide if 70 watts is enough power (it is supposed to be slightly underrated so it's probably more like 80 watts). I know more power isn't always better, but I'm thinking a slight upgrade may be worth it. My doors have holes for 5.25" components and I am trying to figure out a way to fit 6.5" and angle them up a bit at the same time. I don't want to do kicks at this stage, as my drivers side kick houses the fuse box and hood pop, and I like using my dead pedal.
So, I had a few basic questions for you all if you wouldn't mind taking the time to answer //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif:
1) Is it worth it to move from 80x2 up to around 120x2 or so for the front stage?
2) As my crystals are completely lacking in midbass, I would like to change these. Could I squeeze by with a 6.5 set and an MDF spacer ring? Also, would angling the speakers up from the stock location help with imaging at all? If so, where should they both be aimed? Dome light? map light?
3) May it be worth it to keep my amp and change the comps only? If so, what set performs well with only 80x2 or so? I only have about $200-$300 here.
4) Super basic question here: I ran my power line down the drivers side, and my RCAs down the passenger side. BUT, which side do the wires from the amp to the front speaker go down? Along with the other power line or with the signal wires? I have them with the signal wires right now with no noise.
EDIT: Here are some pics of the install so far. Please forgive the crappy camera!:
Big three with 1/0 wire and ANL fuses:
Here's where the tweeter is located. Considering moving them to the sail panel:
And the new floor I made for the trunk. Stock one was some kind of cardboard, this one is 1/4" wood with hinges so I can mount stuff to it and still access the spare. The plan is to have the trunk two-tone when done.
Thanks for the advice all. I want this redo to make me happy!
-Old pioneer HU, this thing must be 6 years old or so. Probably time for an upgrade but it was top of the line at the time and still sounds good.
-Crystal CSC 5.25 comps, mounted in door with tweeters on upper front door.
-Monitor 1 2x70 amp
-Hifonics Brutus 1500d
-IDMax 12" d4.
-no rear fill
I used to have an RE SX 15" ported in the trunk, but had no trunk space and the thing weighed a ton. I'm through my "boomy stage" and just want a nice SQ system now, so I just bought an IDmax //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif. It should be here Wednesday and I plan on running it sealed at about 1.5 cubes.
I just redid my big three with better grounds, crimps, and 1/0 stinger wire. The connections on my previous attempt were a little iffy.
Basically, I am trying to decide if I should replace my components at this time, and if so, is it time to replace the amp too? I really like my monitor amp, but I am trying to decide if 70 watts is enough power (it is supposed to be slightly underrated so it's probably more like 80 watts). I know more power isn't always better, but I'm thinking a slight upgrade may be worth it. My doors have holes for 5.25" components and I am trying to figure out a way to fit 6.5" and angle them up a bit at the same time. I don't want to do kicks at this stage, as my drivers side kick houses the fuse box and hood pop, and I like using my dead pedal.
So, I had a few basic questions for you all if you wouldn't mind taking the time to answer //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif:
1) Is it worth it to move from 80x2 up to around 120x2 or so for the front stage?
2) As my crystals are completely lacking in midbass, I would like to change these. Could I squeeze by with a 6.5 set and an MDF spacer ring? Also, would angling the speakers up from the stock location help with imaging at all? If so, where should they both be aimed? Dome light? map light?
3) May it be worth it to keep my amp and change the comps only? If so, what set performs well with only 80x2 or so? I only have about $200-$300 here.
4) Super basic question here: I ran my power line down the drivers side, and my RCAs down the passenger side. BUT, which side do the wires from the amp to the front speaker go down? Along with the other power line or with the signal wires? I have them with the signal wires right now with no noise.
EDIT: Here are some pics of the install so far. Please forgive the crappy camera!:
Big three with 1/0 wire and ANL fuses:
Here's where the tweeter is located. Considering moving them to the sail panel:
And the new floor I made for the trunk. Stock one was some kind of cardboard, this one is 1/4" wood with hinges so I can mount stuff to it and still access the spare. The plan is to have the trunk two-tone when done.
Thanks for the advice all. I want this redo to make me happy!
