First install since 1980. LC8i help.

Ricardo

Yes, 1980. I am probably among the oldest here. My last car audio install was in a 74 AMC Hornet. Things were very different then. No component speakers, no massive power amps, no subwoofers (At least not that I knew of....).

So I am coming here for help. My sub thread didn't get much attention....and I decided to go with a full install.

First of all, these are the objectives I have:

-No competition, no intention to rattle the windows of cars a mile away. I just want good sound heard at levels that won't kill my hearing.
-I want to do it myself. I could pay for it, but I am a DIYer. For me this is a big one. Specially if it is challenging.
-Budget is less that $1,500. Totally doable based on prices I've researched.

I did search here before posting, found some info, but I would love to have this as my install thread; plan to document and take lots of pictures that might help others.

The car & stock system: I am doing this on a 2013 Sonata SE with Navigation. It has the Dimension system. Stock 360 W amp (I think) with 8 output channels (All 2ohm)
-Two front dash mid range/tweeters.
-Two front door (mid bass I would guess).
-Two rear doors (Full range I would guess)
-Free air sub in the rear deck with dual voice coils.

What I don't like: The stock system doesn't sound too bad. Decent bass (Again, I don't want boomy exaggerated bass). Probably the one thing that bothers me is that the mid/highs come mostly out of the dash speakers, and are thrown at you from the windshield. No blending, so I might as well start from scratch (Keeping the stock HU).

The plan:
-Keep stock HU with all it's features.
-Front: Component speakers. Not sure yet if will put tweeters in the dash replacing what's there or find another place. Will probably start with the dash to minimize modifications.
-Rear: Coaxials. Or leave stock...or just plain disconnect them. I am a 2 channel guy.
-Sub: replace stock DVC with SVC, same size same location (Rear deck-free air). I actually already have this sub; 8" Critical Mass 2 ohm SVC.
-Keep stock speaker wiring.
-OEM Integration: LC8I from what I have researched. Has what I need and the price is right. Planning to tap out of the stock amp outputs; 8 channels in. 5 Channels out (Or three if I decide to ditch the rear speakers).
-5 channel amp. Don't need 1,000 watts or more. Looking at the Rockford prime 600.5, or Polk PA D5000-5. but open for other alternatives.

Where I need help:
I can deal with most of the install, stripping the car, power line, etc. I am concerned on the following:
Set up of the OEM integration. Is the LC8I too difficult to dial in? Are there other easier options for what I want? Am I crazy trying to do this myself without having the necessary equipment (RTA, etc).? Should I let this part be done by a dealer that has all the tools? Is it ok to have the 8 inpots and 5 outputs?
AMP: Speakers will probably be 4 ohms. Will the amps I have listed have any problem dealing with 4 ohms in 4 channels and 2 ohms for the sub channel?
Speakers: Will go with Polk. DB? MM? DXi? Do I relly need the top of the line for what I want?


I think that's it for now. I would appreciate all and any input and/or links to other threads.

Thanks!

Ricardo.

Ricardo

Really? No one?

Ricardo

Thanks for all the input. It's really overwhelming.

You car audio guys are awesome.

Ricardo

Ok my car audio friends. I will continue updating this and advising myself.

I decided to ditch the LC8i idea. I am going with the JBL MS-8 (Great move Ricardo!!).

Speakers will be DB6501 for the fronts and DB651 for the back doors. Critical Mass sub in the rear deck (Free air). I will mount the front tweeters in the inner mirror covers (I think they are called sails?).

Amp will be the PA D5000.5.

Thanks for all the great input that led me to these awesome choices.

Ricardo

Looks great. How are you planning to install the tweeters in the sail?

Ricardo

Good question. I ordered a pair of sails for $18 each (Original Hyundai parts). I will do some magic to install the tweeters at a good angle, and still have stock sails in case I want to go back or remove the system.

EndersShadow

Ricardo, I have run the 6501's in my Jetta for approximately the last 5 years. They are GREAT little speakers. I am looking at moving to the MM's simply because at this point the entire rear set has been destroyed due to water/stealing for parts, etc.

That said I would gladly run the 6501's again with no complaint. I think you will enjoy them, especially with a sub in the mix. I had a Treo TE 10.44 paired with mine and it was a phenomenal setup. 6501's were crossed over around 80-120 depending on my mood.

Ricardo

Thanks EndersShadow

I thought about going with the MMs but based on my needs and reviews decided the DB's would be enough. Good to hear you liked them.

EndersShadow

Ricardo wrote: »

Thanks EndersShadow

I thought about going with the MMs but based on my needs and reviews decided the DB's would be enough. Good to hear you liked them.

Yup, I was trying hard to find a way to make a set of MM's happen during the friends and family sale, but Crutchfield runs specials on Polk speakers enough that I decided to just wait as I didnt really have the cash right now.

As a FYI Polks ebay site has a set of MM6501's for the same price as the db6501's (199.00). Might be worth checking out.

Ricardo

EndersShadow wrote: »

As a FYI Polks ebay site has a set of MM6501's for the same price as the db6501's (199.00). Might be worth checking out.

That's where I got all the Polk stuff. DB6501s at $99.

EndersShadow

Ricardo wrote: »

That's where I got all the Polk stuff. DB6501s at $99.

Wow, they have the 6501's at 199 right now on there, unless I am blind :sad:...

**edit** I am blind, they are listed for 99 bucks...

chandler9a

Ricardo, I have used MM's in the past and they are very nice indeed but DB's are fine for most people. I am selling my Volvo and leaving the MM's in it (I had to glue them to the bracket) and I just ordered the DB's from Crutchfield for my Toyota truck that I just bought.

The DB line is not the best out there but honestly, my money for stereo equipment goes to my home 2 channel stuff at this point, and the DB's sound just fine for the money. You will like the sound with the setup you are getting.

Let us know how it turns out!

Ricardo

Thanks Chandler. yes, I think the DB's will be enough to have a decent stereo in the car. Stupid question.....why not buy them from Polk ebay store? They have great prices and every refurbished Polk item I've bought have been just like brand new.

chandler9a

Honestly, I should have looked at the ebay store first but for some reason didn't even think about it. I got the speakers for $75 with free shipping and a free mounting bracket from Crutchfield, which is something I need for them to fit in the Toyota apparently.

I didn't go with the component set up, which I may regret later, but this will be a nice improvement from the stock set up. I will add my sub and amp in soon which will be overkill but at least I will have some low end. I thought I could live without that but its already bugging me haha.

Nightfall

I ran this amp (a bit older version) for a few years without problems.

http://www.amazon.com/Hifonics-BRX5000-5-Vehicle-Multi-Channel-Amplifier/dp/B00BHSTUPK/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1379393970&sr=1-1&keywords=hifonics+5+channel+amplifier

Ricardo

Thanks Nightfall. As mentioned above I went with the Polk amp.

Nightfall

Ricardo wrote: »

Thanks Nightfall. As mentioned above I went with the Polk amp.

My reading comprehension must suck, I thought that was what you were *going* to be getting. Carry on.