I'm getting ready to install new 2-way component speakers, along with a new HU and an Alpine PDX 4.100 amp (chosen because of its small size). My plan right now is to run active, so I would like the amp to be easily accessible (yet out of the way) for tuning of the sound. I'm wondering if it would be feasible to mount the amp in the inside wall in the rear, above the left rear speaker well? It would be out of the way of things tossed into the cargo area, but also easily accessible--any thoughts?
Also, I'm putting in a new HU (Alpine 9886); I've read over and over that if I turn off the HU's internal amps, SQ will improve. I had planned on driving the rear spkers with the HU's amp, just for some rear fill, but that's not hugely important. My question is the improvement in SQ from turning off the HU's internal amp really significant?
I'm having the system installed by a custom installer, but wondered if any of the pro's on here could provide any input.
I'm getting ready to install new 2-way component speakers, along with a new HU and an Alpine PDX 4.100 amp (chosen because of its small size). My plan right now is to run active, so I would like the amp to be easily accessible (yet out of the way) for tuning of the sound. I'm wondering if it would be feasible to mount the amp in the inside wall in the rear, above the left rear speaker well? It would be out of the way of things tossed into the cargo area, but also easily accessible--any thoughts?
Also, I'm putting in a new HU (Alpine 9886); I've read over and over that if I turn off the HU's internal amps, SQ will improve. I had planned on driving the rear spkers with the HU's amp, just for some rear fill, but that's not hugely important. My question is the improvement in SQ from turning off the HU's internal amp really significant?
I'm having the system installed by a custom installer, but wondered if any of the pro's on here could provide any input.
Thanks!
a few issues rise from installing it in the rear wall. heat is number one. and the bracketry for proper install is going to have to be creative. it isnt impossible, just takes a qualified installer to do it. as far as the head unit goes, good choice. i am going to the same one from a 9855. if you plan on just using rear fill with no external amplifier, do it with this and the stock speakers. if you change out the rear speakers, do a 6.5" coaxial or a 5.25" component set in a pod powered by an external amplifier. you will most likely notice a better sound with a little rear fill than with just the front speakers. what processor and components are you going to use for your front active setup? i am/was running a full active setup up front with zapco amps and components with the zapco dsp.
Having to do this in steps for budget reasons; I'm working with Scott B. of Hybrid Audio. Going with the Legatia 6.2 components (have to have a bit of passive x-over for the tweets due to lack of high enough x-over on my existing amp); we are going to try the mid-woof running full range at first. Will likely have to add DSP as soon as I can afford it.
I have some NIB 15 year old MB Quart coax (their top of line series back then), almost 4", that I was thinking of trying to put in the rear pillars (of course have to do some mod re a baffle or something given size) and use these for rear fill. The Quarts were for an install I was going to do way back when and never got it all done .
Why are you not considering mounting the amp(s) under the front seats? That's the place most forum members seem to use.
4" coaxes in the rear pillars will work fine as long as you something like what I did here. There's no rule that says 4" speakers are bad, but 5 1/4" speakers are good. 4" speakers have a bad rep because they're usually mounted in compromised locations with no baffle. Add a decent baffle, and they can sound worthy of their brand name and the $$ you spent for them.
After another night's worth of research, I'm likely to go with a different amp (JL Audio 450/4, and install under passenger seat....which means I screwed up in buying the Alpine PDX 4.100; so if anyone is interested in taking advantage of my mistake, I will make 'em a great deal on the Alpine before I go thru the hassles of listing it on Ebay.....
I have good Ebay feedback (Audioclyde), but only as a buyer; for much more good feedback on a home audio site, check me out as "Rrsclyde" on Audiogon.com.
Just a warning. I went through 2 JL Audio 450/4. I kept losing channels. Im sure they have the problem fixed by now but JL hasnt been making amps very long. You may want to rethink selling that Alpine amp. I know people often judge an amp by its weight and external heat syncs but its whats inside that counts. Although not as glamourous, people often overlook Apline amps dependability.
Thanks for the heads up. I'm not stuck on JL Audio, but need an amp that has higher HP x-over settings than the Alpine--any suggestions/alternatives in similar price range?
Just a warning. I went through 2 JL Audio 450/4. I kept losing channels. Im sure they have the problem fixed by now but JL hasnt been making amps very long. You may want to rethink selling that Alpine amp. I know people often judge an amp by its weight and external heat syncs but its whats inside that counts. Although not as glamourous, people often overlook Apline amps dependability.
Good luck.
JL doesnt even make them. like everyone else they have them made to their specs by someone else. i have went through 3 500/1's. and the 500/1's have gone through a lot of woofers. theres a whole lot of clipping and ugly things that go on with those amplifiers.
Thanks for the heads up. I'm not stuck on JL Audio, but need an amp that has higher HP x-over settings than the Alpine--any suggestions/alternatives in similar price range?
JL doesnt even make them. like everyone else they have them made to their specs by someone else. i have went through 3 500/1's. and the 500/1's have gone through a lot of woofers. theres a whole lot of clipping and ugly things that go on with those amplifiers.
Doesn't surprise me. Man the JL amps do look (and feel like tanks).
I've spent way too much on car audio in the last 16 years. I have put Alpines through the ringer and never had one go out on me.
I'm just an all around Alpine fan. Seems like whenever I stray away and buy a different brand, I regret it.
Good luck with the install. Im trying so hard to not tare this tacoma apart.
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