New System Build List... Noob needing experienced input before I pull the trigger.

[Tool Time]

Replacing the audio system in my 1998 dodge dakota... Wanted to get some input on my build list before I pull the trigger if anyone has anything to suggest. I am a noob. The last car stereo I installed was 20 years ago in my first car.

Head Unit: Alpine CDE-HD149BT

Fronts: Alpine SPR-60C (already have)

Rears: Alpine SPR-60 (already have)

Amp: Alpine PDX-V9 5 Channel 100X4 500X1

Sub Enclosure: MTX Audio Thunderform DDXP201U molded to replace under rear seat storage.

Subs: 2 10 inch JL Audio 10W1v3-4 (although I may have to pick something a little less expensive)

Not really thrilled with the molded underseat sub enclosure, but I can't find anything else that will allow me full use of the back seat....

Any thoughts, warnings, or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

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[Tool Time]

120+ views and not one comment or suggestion? lol. no one?

OK, can someone just help me pick out subwoofers and/or talk me into or out of the MTX enclosure?

Its the only thing I am struggling with. The depth of the MTX enclosure is just under 5" so if I use that, I really need to find good shallow mount subs. The JL's won't fit I don't think.

 

[juanmgarza26 10+ year member]

Measure how much space you can give up for an enclosure

 

[juanmgarza26 10+ year member]

A custom enclosure for one 10 or 12 ported will sound plently good if you have the space for one

 

[mylows10 5,000+ posts]

120+ views and not one comment or suggestion? lol. no one?

OK, can someone just help me pick out subwoofers and/or talk me into or out of the MTX enclosure?

Its the only thing I am struggling with. The depth of the MTX enclosure is just under 5" so if I use that, I really need to find good shallow mount subs. The JL's won't fit I don't think.

I'm a dealer / vendor. Here. I can help you pick out some nice equipment. And even sell and ship it to your door if needed First what car ? What do you want from the new system. Sq spl or SQL. Also a budget ? Can you do the install or do you need help ?

 

[Tool Time]

Thanks for the replies.

So the truck is an older 1998 Dodge Dakota with extended cab. I use the vehicle primarily to tow a trailer to the mountains in the wintertime, so its not a daily driver. I don't need let everyone within a three block radius know when I drive by our anything, but I would just love a kick *** system that would make long trips more bearable.

I want good sound. I sampled some systems in trucks that had nice subwoofer setups and was blown away. My primary objective was initially just going to be replace the speakers both front and rear(it had factory infinity components up front) . But I have since gotten a little carried away with deciding to add a new head unit amp, and some sort of sub system.

I really don't want to give up the seat space in the back as I use it. I toyed with going to a cheap bazooka sub, or a JL small enclosure.... But I could only really fit a 6" bazooka behind the driver seat and the JL Audio enclosure would take up to much space above the seat.

So I found the MTX enclosure that replaces the under seat storage and jack holder. Its molded plastic, so I realize its not the first choice but I have heard you can get decent performance out of them if you set them up right. I would love a custom sub enclosure to fit that exact space but it really has to be well thought out as it holds the seat in place.

I don't know, maybe I should just get 10 inch bazooka base or a JL enclosure and sub and just take it out when I need the space. Just thought it would be nice if I could get two 10" subs under that rear seat and call it good.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Jepalan]

WHat is your total budget for the upgrades? i.e. how much money are you willing to spend?

 

[bbeljefe]

Is there a center seat/console that can be converted to a sub cabinet? Something like this.

Or, if you only use the rear seats as cargo storage, you could remove them and make the sub cabinet so that you can throw things on top of it without damaging the sub(s). A 4th or 6th order would work well in that case.

As for subs, I would recommend looking away from JL. They build good products but frankly, they're resting on their laurels where innovation is concerned while a number of companies are out there building much better subs for much less money. Consider Sundown, DC, Tantric, Fi, C2... and if you can wait till mid November, CT Sounds will have their line of subs shipping, which were previously Audio Technix and were way overbuilt for the price.

 

[Tool Time]

WHat is your total budget for the upgrades? i.e. how much money are you willing to spend?

Figuring 250-300 for the head unit

200 to 300 for sub enclosure

440 for the amp

300 or less for the subs (might consider going higher)

75-100 misc items and amp wire kit

I already have the speakers... the alpine typ r comps.

 

[Tool Time]

Is there a center seat/console that can be converted to a sub cabinet? Something like this.
Or, if you only use the rear seats as cargo storage, you could remove them and make the sub cabinet so that you can throw things on top of it without damaging the sub(s). A 4th or 6th order would work well in that case.

As for subs, I would recommend looking away from JL. They build good products but frankly, they're resting on their laurels where innovation is concerned while a number of companies are out there building much better subs for much less money. Consider Sundown, DC, Tantric, Fi, C2... and if you can wait till mid November, CT Sounds will have their line of subs shipping, which were previously Audio Technix and were way overbuilt for the price.

That is a great idea for the center console! But I really don't have the time to build something like that. Your second idea is more of a consideration for me with taking the rear seat out. So you think the molded plastic enclosure by MTX is garbage? If I used it, and needed 2 10" subs to run off the 500w RMS Alpine sub output, with mount depth of 4 and 7/8.... what would you recommend?

 

[bbeljefe]

That is a great idea for the center console! But I really don't have the time to build something like thats. Your second idea is more of a consideration for me with taking the rear seat out. So you think the molded plastic enclosure by MTX is garbage? If I used it, and needed 2 10" subs to run off the 500w RMS Alpine sub output, with mount depth of 4 and 7/8.... what would you recommend?

The MTX box isn't garbage, it's just a sealed enclosure and sealed boxes don't make a lot of bass (relative to other alignments). As for recommendations for that box and 500 watts, anything that will give you an inch or more of clearance should be fine. That's not a lot of power to put on two subs, so cooling won't be a big issue.

 

[Tool Time]

I see, thank you. As I understand it, you are saying if my clearance is 5 inches I should get a sub that has a depth of 4 or less?