For a novice like me, its been very difficult to find the "best" aftermarket stereo solution for my C6 vert. I've replaced the stock speakers with Boston Acoustics, but I'm still not satisfied. I have an Alpine PDX 4.150 amp on the way (and I'm using the stock head unit)....Here's my current dilemma:

Would it be better to:

1) replace the factory subs with Blaupunkt thinline subs, add an amp for the Blaupunkt, keep the Boston 3.5's in the doors, and power the door and rear 5.25's with the Alpine.....or....

2) replace all door speakers with a 6.5" or 6x9" component set, eliminating the factory subs altogether and driving the components and rear 5.25's with the Alpine amp......or....

3) same as #2, but also replace the rear 5.25's with larger subs using custom built enclosures.

I'm starting to creep past my original budget, which isnt that big of a deal, but since I"m starting to get into higher $$, I'd like to have it done right. I'm also trying to stay stock (no extra holes, so I can bring the car back to stock if I need to).

Space is a huge consideration, I dont want to lost my storage space. That's why I want to use the Alpine PDX series...they're small. No interest in a giant subwoofer - I dont need neighborhood thumping bass. I just want clear, accurate musical reproduction with some punch.

Here are some of my questions:

Would a component setup have enough low end to replace the factory subs without leaving you wanting more bass?

Would having subs located right behind your head be annoying, or is that no big deal?

Thanks guys - you're all much more knowledgable than I, and I appreciate whatever feedback you can give.

 

I was looking for a showlow mount sub as well (Blaupunt & Pioneer both have them), but decided to go another route.

I ordered a Pioneer GM6100F amp to replace the stocker (following shopdog's lead on that), will replace the door speakers with Kappa 6 X 9's 2 ways down low and 3-1/2's in the upper spot, 5-1/4's in the rear (rewired for stereo), disconect the center speaker and I will add an Infinity BassLink into the rear compartment which is a self powered sub (and it can be removed if I need the room) which I bought from Ebay for $140 (I can send you the sellers info if you'd like?).

Not sure how it will sound, but it'll be better than stock and I'm told it should actually be very good?

If you don't want to spend more money, I suggest you also rewire the rears for stereo and disconnect the dash center speaker altogether. If you find there is not enough bass when you're done, also consider the BassLink or a Bazooka tube.

 

I think I"ll wait to see how you like yours!

I had thought shopdog went with the PDX 4.150 amp....guess I was mistaken.

A removable basslink sounds interesting - I'm not going on road trips all the time, so most of the time it would be acceptable. I just wonder how it would sound with the top down.

Please let me know how you like your finished system.....EH!

 

another option to look into is getting some elemental designs eu-700 6.5" subs. I have 2 of these in my doors now with a set of cdt cl-41's and then I will be dropping in 2-4 in the rear for sub duty. 2 of them will have about the same cone area as a single 8" but for convinience sake they only require .25 cu/f of airspace so you can sneak then in anywhere. I wish i could tell you how this sounds but I have been stereoless for about 3 weeks now while doing my install. Hopefully next week I'll be getting my screen back and can finish up the final wiring and let you know how at least the doors sound.

 

make sure to take lots of pictures along the way!

 

woops

 

I'd go with option #2 myself.

A good set of components in the doors, driven by a decent aftermarket amp will give you just as much bass as you will get from the factory woofer/mid/tweet combo. Add a sub later if you need more bass.

Some will tell you to forget about the rear 5 1/4's and bridge the remaining 2 channels of the Alpine amp to 300 watts for a sub.

Let us know when your PDX amp comes in. Mine has been on order for 6 weeks now.

 

Mine was shipped yesterday, and I ordered it last wed. If you want the name of my supplier, just let me know. I also paid over $100 less than crutchfield.

Edit: Perhaps wait until I get my actual shipment before you cancel that order. heh.

 

I'm still working on my vert setup. My front is done - JL 6.5 components in the doors. JL is helping me build two subs, 8", to go where the 5.25's are; they'll probably produce a stealthbox out of it. However, it's taking them months. Low priority project for them.

 

Got my amp today - as ordered. I'd highly recommend this guy - I got the amp for $500.

It seems a little too big to fit in the cubby hole, so it'll have to find a spot in the back trunk. Maybe in one of the storage bins back there.

I'll think about the component route...but I think I'll first just install the amp, hook it up to the front L/R channel and rear L/R, and see how it sounds with the BAs. If I"m still not satisfied, my next step is a component setup in the doors also....I heard some BAs that sounded nice, but I'll listen to the JLs too.

 

Yall pass along pics as you can - Thanks
Rain