I've got the Kenwood HU and Phoenix Gold speakers ordered. I'm opting against a sub because I've had vehicles broken into where I live multiple times and I don't need to give them another reason to smash and grab (and I want to keep my spare time)

I'm just going to power the back two speakers with the rest of the amp instead of a sub.

I didn't realize how big the MB Quart amp is, I stupidly was thinking it would be installed behind the dash, but it's 20" x 9", yow, where would that normally go, under a seat??

Best Buy quoted $49 labor to install the HU, $99 to install the amp plus $169 for the wiring kit for the sub (!), is that amp overkill if I'm not powering a sub?

 

Put it on the seat back

don't go to best buy...those dudes are idiots. You're better off at a mom and pop audio shop

 

Update: I had the Phoenix Gold component speakers put in the front (just left the stock speakers in the rear for now), and in my opinion they're too shrill and harsh, and for some reason the 6.5" speakers aren't even pumping decent mids, they almost sound like tweeters themselves.

It sounds so bad I almost feel like they could be defective or something (which I guess is possible).

Anyway, I'm looking at getting the Focal 6.5"s instead, I just wanted to mention to anyone reading the thread to maybe think twice about the Phoenix Gold speakers.

 

I have a few friends who run Focal, I have never been disappointed with their sound quality. On the xB's SSP setup, I have found that the sound quality is better under the tC setting rather than xB, and also if you change it from neutral, to FEEL. Did your xB2 not come with components in the door?

^^ That was a completely fragmented sentence and I feel like a kid with ADHD.

 

Good to hear, thanks. I've got a new HU so don't have those settings anymore, but yeah, the "Feel" setting definitely helped, and also got a lot more low-end. Unfortunately those Phoenix Gold speakers I got have way, WAY less low-end response than the stock speakers (!), which was frustrating. On to the Focals...

 

I ran the poly kevlar Focals in my S2000 and loved them! I went with the kenwood Excelons all around, KP1730 I think. Components in front and co ax in the rear.

In my last Jeep I used a PDX 5 and loved it! I thought I wanted more power this time around, but for space sake I went with the pioneer 75x4 class D amp and a pdx 1.600.

In hindsight, since I wanted a more low key set up I would have been better to have gone with the pdx 5 which is like $350 and gives you 75x4 + 300x1 and is such an easy install!

I haven't gotten around to a woofer yet, I am still shopping around.

I went with the Pioneer 3200bt, but I would tell anyone looking at this deck to go with the 3300bt. Its basically the exact same, but has a lot more internal features.

 

It depends entirely on what you personally care about. What others like is great for them, but doesn't necessarily apply to you at all. If you want higher fidelity sound, replace the door speakers with reasonable multi-axials. If after doing that you have a fuzzy sound problem, install some form of panel damping. If after doing that, you want more bass, then add a bass amp and subwoofer. If you're not so much concerned about bass as with overall sound quality, then upgrade the head unit. You really should go by what appeals to you, and be very leery regarding what appeals to others. (Regarding head unit "upgrade" -- don't just go by what others say, eg. Alpine used to be great, but not so much anymore.)

My point is, use your own judgement ahead of other's!

 

After reading a zillion threads and opinions here's what I'm looking at for around $532.00

Bazooka sub made for the XB.. $300.00

I'm a huge Boston Acoustics fan so;
For the fronts.. $140.00

For the rears.. $92.00


I'll probably have to save and make this a Christmas present for myself

 

I like Boston Acoustics. Neat sub, wonder where they take the power from and if it supports line level as well as speaker level inputs.

 

The sub is on EBay for $179.00

 

Nice price! I reviewed the install instructions and decided to get one myself !

 

Here's another set of Polk door speakers I'm thinking about. Slightly less $$ and a 92db efficiency which may be better with the stock 170w head unit.


Trevor, let me know how you make out with the Bazooka. Finances are forcing me to hold off for a month or two although I'm dying to do it now.

How difficult is it to get off the door panels? Do they just pop off?

 

I'll be taking my time on the subwoofer, not sure how I want to set it up or how flexible the amp might turn out to be. Far from a rush project for me, I was just attracted by the sub $200 price .

The door panels are anchored with a couple screws in the armrests and latch pulls, but otherwise pull out snaps. Not at all hard, though they do resist a bit. There are threads around on changing the speakers if you want more detail.

PS. This link should help: https://www.scionlife.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=115533

 

Just an update -- I purchased the sub late Thursday, it physically shipped out of Louisiana Friday (not just paperwork filed with UPS), and delivery in DE is expected Wednesday. Pretty good response IMO!

The reason for the provisos is I have an aftermarket HU with subwoofer controls and want to see how flexible the included amplifier is as I would prefer not to "T" off my door drivers. I figure at worst, I could swap a different amp into the cabinet and provide my own wiring (sub plus hot). That's why I see it as a slow burn project ! At $300 shipped, it was an interesting possibility and I saved the amazon page. At $180 shipped it's just too darned tempting for a $350 list item. If I remember correctly, the Rumion equivalent is some $700.

 

When I had my aftermarket HU put in, I knew I wouldn't be able to control the HU with my steering wheel controls, but I just realized I can't access ANYTHING with the steering wheel controls, including turning off the "oil change needed" and other alert lights!

Did my installer screw up and not leave that part of the steering wheel functionality enabled? You don't automatically lose the ability to reset your warning lights when you put in an aftermarket HU, do you??

 

I am an idiot? Well you sir are a ****. How can you judge 1100 shops based off your experience at one?

And I can tell you straight up you run a huge risk at a mom n pop shop as well if not worse. If you saw some of the hack jobs I have seen from mom n pop you may retract your statement. I am not sayin every bby installer is perfect but whatever shop you decide to install at whether it is bby or mom n pop do your research, look online for reviews. Pick the brain of the installer, try to find someone you know who has gone to one of the shops.

And also find out what their installation warranty is. BBY is lifetime, many small shops are a month or a year... some once you leave your on your own. Just do your research on who is going to be doing your installation.

Edit: And as far as mounting check if it will fit underneath your back seat in that cubby area, if not the back of the seat will work but you will have to put it on the larger side and you may lose the child restraint hook up if that matters to you.

 

No thats only on early 2000s chevys and only particular models.