Noobie to the Audio scene, need advice

[KnarlyRL]

Hey guys this is my first post to caraudio.com. I need advice on all the items i need.
I was given a Kenwood KFC-WS12 from a friend.
I have a 2002 GMC Sonoma 4.3L
I have a very basic knowledge of audio systems, but i do have experience in computer and mechanical systems, also understand electronics.
I'm looking to install this sub to my factory head unit. I have an idea of what parts i'm going for.

I'm currently looking at a RockVille RXA-F1 800RMS amp
and the LCI2 Line out conv.
Now about everything else, what is EVERYTHING i would need to install this setup. and do you have any suggestions on a better amp and LOC?
i plan on possibly adding another sub and tweeters in the future. just need to know what i need to get this install started.

Thank you

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[Jeremy11]

Hey guys this is my first post to caraudio.com. I need advice on all the items i need.
I was given a Kenwood KFC-WS12 from a friend.
I have a 2002 GMC Sonoma 4.3L
I have a very basic knowledge of audio systems, but i do have experience in computer and mechanical systems, also understand electronics.
I'm looking to install this sub to my factory head unit. I have an idea of what parts i'm going for.

I'm currently looking at a RockVille RXA-F1 800RMS amp
and the LCI2 Line out conv.
Now about everything else, what is EVERYTHING i would need to install this setup. and do you have any suggestions on a better amp and LOC?
i plan on possibly adding another sub and tweeters in the future. just need to know what i need to get this install started.

Thank you

Wiring most likely, power ,ground ,remote turn on. Speaker wire and rca cables.

 

[THATpurpleKUSH 5,000+ posts]

Get an aftermarket headunit if you dont already have one. Loc's are a waste of money, especially if you are planning on upgrading components down the road.

 

[fithwheel]

I'd stay away from the Rockville amp too.

 

[KnarlyRL]

Get an aftermarket headunit if you dont already have one. Loc's are a waste of money, especially if you are planning on upgrading components down the road.

How so? What are the disadvantages of an LOC? Also any suggestions on a double-din head unit that wont break the bank?

 

[KnarlyRL]

I'd stay away from the Rockville amp too.

Any suggestions on an amp? Or at least some good brands? Looking for 500-700+ RMS 4 ohm.

 

[KnarlyRL]

Wiring most likely, power ,ground ,remote turn on. Speaker wire and rca cables.

Alright yes wiring. Should I go with just a standard wiring kit? Or should I go for a specific gauge? Also would it be worth spending extra money on some nice wiring? Would it make a difference?

 

[KnarlyRL]

**Should've mentioned. Plan on keeping the stock head unit because its tethered into my security system

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

How so? What are the disadvantages of an LOC? Also any suggestions on a double-din head unit that wont break the bank?

Stock head units have modified and heavily EQ signal outputs to cheap factory speakers to try to make them sound better than they do. They are extremely underpowered as well because factory head units only output about 3 to 5 actual watts. They also have built in, high pass filters that you cannot get rid of to protect the speakers from playing too low and ripping apart. What this means is even with an LOC, you are just boosting a signal thats not there and you'll be left wondering why your bass is weak or sounds like absolute sh*t when you put the sub in.

Vs a head unit with actual subwoofer output signal dedicated for subwoofers will be a night and day difference.

if you go rockville at least get the ones that are proven on the amp dyno to be worth something. With the head unit upgrade you can use the other two channels for your door speakers

 

[KnarlyRL]

Stock head units have modified and heavily EQ signal outputs to cheap factory speakers to try to make them sound better than they do. They are extremely underpowered as well because factory head units only output about 3 to 5 actual watts. They also have built in, high pass filters that you cannot get rid of to protect the speakers from playing too low and ripping apart. What this means is even with an LOC, you are just boosting a signal thats not there and you'll be left wondering why your bass is weak or sounds like absolute sh*t when you put the sub in.

Vs a head unit with actual subwoofer output signal dedicated for subwoofers will be a night and day difference.

if you go rockville at least get the ones that are proven on the amp dyno to be worth something. With the head unit upgrade you can use the other two channels for your door speakers

Thanks for the clarification. I don't mind what brand. As long as its quality, and can take what I'm putting in my truck.

Also, on a scale of 1-10 how easy is it to replace door speakers? And what type of speakers should I be looking for? Sorry for the bombardment of questions. I just wanna have everything straight before I start ripping apart the dash.

Thanks

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

Thanks for the clarification. I don't mind what brand. As long as its quality, and can take what I'm putting in my truck.

Also, on a scale of 1-10 how easy is it to replace door speakers? And what type of speakers should I be looking for? Sorry for the bombardment of questions. I just wanna have everything straight before I start ripping apart the dash.

Thanks

well with your current thinking you are going to fall deep in the rabbit hole of car audio just from a cheapo woofer your friend gave you, ask yourself are you ready for a money sink? LOL You can just settle for cheap mediocre bass with the LOC idea with your stock sound system and be happy with just a little bump in your car. However if you have the itch to really upgrade, its a steep slope man.

I'd say just swap the head unit first, pioneer, kenwood all have budget double dins around 100-150 and budget touch screens for 189 to 250$ you can do a 4 channel, bridge channels 3 and 4 for the subs while 1 and 2 can be for your speakers, that rockville amp on youtube costs around 120, a 4 gauge install bay amp kit costs 21 dollars on amazon

The door speakers are cheap buuut, they turn into a different monster when you put actual power onto them with a proper high pass filter with sub reinforcement and cleaner signal from an aftermarket head unit and more precise tuning options and time alignment etc..