New truck build..

codyc1ark

Alright, I *SHOULD* be picking up a new truck this week, hopefully Wednesday! Well, new to me at least.

Thankfully, I have a couple of items already I can use in the vehicle. Here is what I'm starting out with -

- A Kicker ZX350.4 amp, looks to be 60x4 at 4ohm, I plan on running two channels for the front components and bridging two channels for my sub. I've used it that way in a vehicle before and it sounded fine. The output for bridged is 175@4ohm.

- I also have a Kicker CVX 10" in a truck box, but I may have to purchase a box that will fit in my new truck and not be seen.

So, I'm going to keep this on somewhat of a budget, I'm not looking for competition SQ, just something that sounds better than the average setup. I will not be reusing any power or speaker wire from my current vehicle, but I may use the cheepo RCA's that came in the Wal-Mart wiring kit I bought years ago, unless I need to go another route.

I'm left with power wire, fuse, head unit, and front speakers. (I won't be using any rears) My head unit choices are as follows, keep in mind that I wish to have blutooth built in, and would like the option of using my steering wheel controls.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_158GS600BT/Sony-MEX-GS600BT.html?tp=5684&awkw=47986328425&awat=pla&awnw=g&awcr=19300126105&awdv=c

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113KDCX797/Kenwood-Excelon-KDC-X797.html?tp=5684&awkw=52316017705&awat=pla&awnw=g&awcr=22969176385&awdv=c

https://www.google.com/search?q=pioneer+deh-x8500bh&aq=0&oq=pioneer+dex-x8500&aqs=chrome.1.57j0l3.9449j0&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

The Sony doesn't offer HD radio, but does have a 7 band eq as opposed to the other two which have 5. I AM OPEN TO OTHER SUGGESTIONS, the truck can house a double-din, but I'm not finding anything that doesn't break the bank and looks good.

I'm at a loss for speakers with so many options, it looks as if I can fit a 6-3/4 or 6-1/2 in the door openings, and the tweeter in the factory location located on the front of the door. I'd like to keep the head unit and speakers in the 400-500 range at most if possible, like I said, just looking for better than average sound.

Oh and BTW, it's a 2005 Tundra four door, with JBL sound system. Thanks guys.

WLDock

DECK
Clarion CX501: - $190
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_33721_Clarion-CX501.html
Clarion offers a lot of value for the money, this deck has a lot of features and 4v outputs. Can add an HD Radio module if you need that. Ok looking deck for a double DIN....most don't look that great unless they are DVD...or just screens.
Here it is installed in a Altima: http://www.nissanclub.com/forums/attachments/car-audio-multimedia-ice/32624d1318002295-06-altima-steering-wheel-controls-aftermarket-hu-img_0008.jpg

http://www.clarion.com/us/en/products/2013/audio/source_units/double_din/CX501/us-en-product-pf_1259655086590.html

FEEDBACK
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7q_KK61LiU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgQpv5KwcKs
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Clarion+CX501&oq=Clarion+CX501&gs_l=youtube.3..0l7.54015.54015.0.54948.1.1.0.0.0.0.230.230.2-1.1.0...0.0...1ac..11.youtube.pwnOHpwmIfM

SPEAKERS
JBL MS-62C- $234
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-JBL-MS-62C-MS-Series-320-Watt-6-5-2-Way-Car-Component-Speaker-System-6-1-2-/181116262818?pt=Car_Speakers&hash=item2a2b5ed9a2&vxp=mtr

FEEDBACK
http://www.talkaudio.co.uk/index.php/index.html/_/reviews/speakers/jbl-ms62c-two-way-component-speakers-r1172
http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/member-reviews-product-comparisons/129512-jbl-ms-62c-first-impressions-these-surprised-hell-out-me.html

WLDock

Here is the deck in a Nissan:

http://www.noas4x4club.com/photos/albums/userpics/normal_New_Clarion_Radio.jpg

codyc1ark

Lol Las, I loved that quote! Thanks for the replies WL, as far as the speakers you suggested how do they stack up against DXi6500's? I mean, I guess I'm kind of loyal to the brand! Crutchfield has them on sale for 150, I would rather buy from them. I have seen refurb pairs on Crutchfield for 127ish IIRC, which I think is a steal. Does anybody see an issue with the sub/amp/speaker combo I'm running?? I'm considering running a large enough PC to add a sub amp down the road and bridge the amp for just L/R duty.. (And then, the build got expensive!)...

WLDock

Polk has made decent speakers in all of their lines for awhile now. I have limited time with the DXi set as well as the JBL set (All in the showroom) but the JBL's from all the feedback I've heard are overachievers.The same can be said about the Polks given the $150 price. Rather they are worth double the cost of the Polks if you buy from Crutchfield...I can't answer that one for you.

MS-62C - $299 at Crutchfield
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_109MS62C/JBL-MS-62C.html?showAll=N&search=MS-62C&skipvs=T

Myself, I was building a very nice high end system for my car but other priorities caused me to sell off everything. So, now that I'm trying to get my theater together I'm left with just the stock system in my car. When I get going again I plan to put a basic system together using that JBL MS set.

codyc1ark

Well, I believe I'm going to scrap this project. Even after ordering a pair of DXi6500's from Crutchfield. The issue is, well, issues, are that it has the JBL sound system. Basically, the truck has a factory amp that is EQ'd for that set of speakers, removing the factory deck will cost me an additional $70ish for a harness to retain my steering wheel controls, or about the same for another harness if I want to keep the factory HU. Keeping my factory HU seems like the most viable option, and making some sort of adapter to fit the door speakers. The harness would output a L/R, so then I'll have to install my amp (which I'm not against) but I'm having placement issues for the amp. Ugh. I can't believe that using my factory HU with the harness (pulling signal from speaker outputs) would sound very great. On top of all of this, I can really only find one solution for a sub, which would have to be an 8" under one of the rear seats in a very odd box. I just don't see dumping 400ish into the setup will really be worth my return. Most likely, I'll find a factory woofer for the front door, and just live with it. It's not terrible, but does leave a lot to be desired.

We're dealing with a 2005 Tundra, crew cab, JBL factory system. If anyone else has some insight for me before I decide to return the DXi's, feel free to point me in the right direction. I can't seem to find the answer I am looking for. AND if you can put me on a 7" woofer (2ohm) that is a drop in replacement, that may seal the deal.

FWIW, I did order 25 sq/ft of fatmax and have done the vibe's gate and quarters, for the price this stuff worked wonderfull and killed a lot of the rear road noise. The downfall? Now I have to do the four doors and firewall because thats what I'm hearing now! Chasing a rabbits tail...

custopper30

Trust crutchfield. They have amazing service and are very good prices, but they are expensive though.

halo71

custopper30 wrote: »

Trust crutchfield. They have amazing service and are very good prices, but they are expensive though.

Please forgive me for saying so.....but I am confused a bit here. :cheesygrin:

custopper30

ahhaha woops I was watching tv when typing that. I meant to say that they have a great service but you basically are paying for it by paying a little bit more then average price.... sorry