Need Advice: New Audio System

[djtech2k 10+ year member]

I originally posted for advice on this same subject a while back here:

http://www.caraudio.com/forums/general-discussion/610292-need-help-suggestions-new-setup-3.html

Some things changed and I never ended up buying that system. I am now looking for it again and am looking for some advice, assuming many things may have changed. Here is a brief rundown.

Vehicle: 2001 Ford F-150 Standard Cab

Needs/Wants: I'd like to get a nice startup system for my son. I am thinking something with some bass and enough high's to be able to hear them with the bass. Doesn't need to be perfect, but something that can be turned up when you want. I already have a Kenwood head unit installed, so I think we are good there.

There isn't a lot of room behind the 60/40 bench seat. I measured it before. I did find a box from that other thread that someone makes that will fit 2x10's in behind the seat. The other thread suggested Sundown subs. I ended up looking at the Sundown SD's because they are shallow and require a very small sealed box, which is what we need. The amp they suggested was a soundqubed mono amp. Currently the door speakers are factory garbage. We severely need an upgrade.

Now for the budget, I'd like to keep it as much under $1000 as I can for everything. I suppose I can install it myself if needed but wouldn't be opposed to paying someone to do it either as I do not have a ton of time.

Anyway, please make any suggestions of system design and recommendations on places to buy.

Thanks.

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[DaytonLax14 10+ year member]

I have a 2002 f150 single cab so i can help you out. I used to have 2 12s in a 4 cubic feet box tuned to 35hz and I didn't have enough leg room. I broke down and went with a single Fi Bl 12" behind the seats in a ported box so I could have my leg room back. Here's the dimensions of that box:

Outside Dimensions:

Width: 40

Height: 19

Top Depth: 6

Bottom Depth: 10

With three 3" aeros tuning the box to 35hz

That box comes out to about 2.5 cubic feet gross...I had CSCStand build the box and it's completely great.

Something to note is that DC subs perform extremely well in small boxes, so if you want to save even more room you can look into that. As far as the amp, mine is under the driver's seat. I'd try to find a good used amp because that will save you some money.

I run Kenwood coax speakers all the way around and the highs keep up with the sub, you could always amp them later.

 

[djtech2k 10+ year member]

Thanks very much. My son is tall so I am trying to have a box that will fit even with the seat slid all the way back. I know it's tight. I also worry about the center armrest because it sticks out a bit in the back.

I will check the dimensions in more detail. Like I said, I found a guy that has a box that will fit that can take 10's or 8's. I was thinking of using 2 - 8's.

I am not familiar with the brands and models you mentioned. I am an old school car audio guy //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[DaytonLax14 10+ year member]

Thanks very much. My son is tall so I am trying to have a box that will fit even with the seat slid all the way back. I know it's tight. I also worry about the center armrest because it sticks out a bit in the back.
I will check the dimensions in more detail. Like I said, I found a guy that has a box that will fit that can take 10's or 8's. I was thinking of using 2 - 8's.

I am not familiar with the brands and models you mentioned. I am an old school car audio guy //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

sealed or ported? Get the max dimensions you have behind the seats

 

[djtech2k 10+ year member]

I measured it last year so I will look for the dimensions. Here is a built box that should fit perfectly. It can be done with 2x10" or 2x8".

97-03 F150 Regular Cab Subwoofer Enclosure

I think with little space it will have to be a small sealed enclosure. I am thinking maybe 2x8" of something that will have some volume. This is an old truck, so I am not building it to compete. I just want it to be able to be loud, with some bass for when we want it. Its for my son who is leaving for college this summer.

I am thinking 2 - 8" subs.

1 - Sub Amp

1 Pair Front Speakers (Not sure if there are back speakers in this thing or not.)

Maybe...1 Amp to Push Highs

I may do it myself, but if I could find a good shop local to do it right for a decent price, I may have it done.

 

[DaytonLax14 10+ year member]

I measured it last year so I will look for the dimensions. Here is a built box that should fit perfectly. It can be done with 2x10" or 2x8".
97-03 F150 Regular Cab Subwoofer Enclosure

I think with little space it will have to be a small sealed enclosure. I am thinking maybe 2x8" of something that will have some volume. This is an old truck, so I am not building it to compete. I just want it to be able to be loud, with some bass for when we want it. Its for my son who is leaving for college this summer.

I am thinking 2 - 8" subs.

1 - Sub Amp

1 Pair Front Speakers (Not sure if there are back speakers in this thing or not.)

Maybe...1 Amp to Push Highs

I may do it myself, but if I could find a good shop local to do it right for a decent price, I may have it done.

Nah skip the prefab box. You could fit 2 8s ported back there that will be wayyyyy better than that box you just listed. This type of design comes to mind:

And I suggest doing it yourself. And yes, your truck should have rear speakers.

 

[djtech2k 10+ year member]

Thanks. That box looks good, but I'm not sure I have the tools and time to make that for Christmas. I took rough measurements last year and made an image. It does not account for the armrest that does dip back some, but its roughly correct.

View attachment 26554126

As I recall, ported boxes are louder, but for small space I figured a small sealed would be best. I could even go to 1 woofer, but thought 2 x 8" would be best combination.

I just need to get a parts list and order it if I have any chance for Christmas.

 

[DaytonLax14 10+ year member]

[quote name='djtech2k']Thanks. That box looks good, but I'm not sure I have the tools and time to make that for Christmas. I took rough measurements last year and made an image. It does not account for the armrest that does dip back some, but its roughly correct.

View attachment 26554126

As I recall, ported boxes are louder, but for small space I figured a small sealed would be best. I could even go to 1 woofer, but thought 2 x 8" would be best combination.

I just need to get a parts list and order it if I have any chance for Christmas.[/QUOTE]

If you go 40" wide that gives you 1.5 cubes before woofer and port displacement. How wide can you go? With that amount of space I'd do 1 8" or 10" woofer. Hit up @CSCStang for box suggestions. He's the man when it comes to boxes.

Does your headunit have 2volt or 4volt RCA outputs?

 

[djr4x4]

If behind the seat of that single cab f150 is anything like the rear seat on my crewcab f250 you would be able to go with 2 sundown sd-2 8's.. You could fit the sd-2's...

Sent from my DL718M using Tapatalk

 

[djtech2k 10+ year member]

[quote name='DaytonLax14']If you go 40" wide that gives you 1.5 cubes before woofer and port displacement. How wide can you go? With that amount of space I'd do 1 8" or 10" woofer. Hit up @CSCStang for box suggestions. He's the man when it comes to boxes.

Does your headunit have 2volt or 4volt RCA outputs?[/QUOTE]

The headunit is Kenwood Excelon KDC-X799 so I think its a good voltage. I don't remember the the exact width of the cab. I may have to measure it again. Making the box will be the most difficult part of any install for me at this point.

 

[djtech2k 10+ year member]

Are the SD-2 8" a good choice? I see they are $170 now.

What about the amp? I was suggested to look at the Soundqubed 1200 for the subs. Its a mono amp I believe. Is that a good fit or should I consider something else? I think its like $280.

Now I also will need some high's and possibly a high's amp, if it fits the budget and I can find a place to mount it. I am worried head unit power isn't going to be loud enough with the bass.

 

[djr4x4]

I plan on in time making the swap from my skar vd-8's to the sundown sd-2 8's or hopefully to the sd-3 8's pending when those will be out.. I think amp wise its take your pick. Soundqubed, sundown, ampere, to name a cpl.. Go to soundsolutions audio and pick your poison on amps.. @denim could help you on amps from ssa...

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[djr4x4]

You can also find some good deals on amps in the classifieds from here too if you don't mind used..

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[SimulatedZero 10+ year member]

Are the SD-2 8" a good choice? I see they are $170 now.
What about the amp? I was suggested to look at the Soundqubed 1200 for the subs. Its a mono amp I believe. Is that a good fit or should I consider something else? I think its like $280.

Now I also will need some high's and possibly a high's amp, if it fits the budget and I can find a place to mount it. I am worried head unit power isn't going to be loud enough with the bass.

Two Sundown SA8's subs up / port up if you can fit the port facing up too. Powered by an NVX JAD 1200.1 ~ $620

Look around and find a decent amp install kit for 0 gauge or 2/0 gauge welding wire. You'll want to upgrade the big 3 as well.

Polk DB 6.5 inch comps ~ 120

NVX JAD 800.4 ~180 if I remember

4 gauge wire for the mids and highs amp should be sufficient. You'll save a lot of money installing yourself.

The Polks are pretty **** decent for the price when installed correctly. PM me for more tips on that one if you want. But that'll be a **** decent starter system for sure. It'll sound good and get loud enough for most people. Unless you're like the guys on this forum, lol

 

[DaytonLax14 10+ year member]

Can also consider soundqubed hds208s for the subs. They have a shallower mounting depth than the Sundown SA-8s and are less expensive and still good subs.