I will start this by saying i have never installed an aftermarket system before and could use any help anyone can offer.
I just bought a JVC KD-NX 5000 and here is what i would like to add
1.A pair of front component speakers.
2.A 10 inch sub for the rear compartment.
3.A 4 channel amp.
4.The thing that you add to the JVC to be able to get XM sat. radio.
5.The wiring kits i would need to do this.
6.Would like to stay under 800.00 bucks.

Can someone make some suggestions for a novice.
Thanks,Guys

 

If you're planning on running your amp in bridged 3-4 channel mode for the sub, this will significantly cut down on your wiring.

Component speakers: This is subjective to the user's budget and listening tastes. I've use Alpine and Focal in the past with great success as mid grade components.

Amp: There are few factors to consider when choosing an amp other than power output:
- is it bridgable (most 4ch are)
- dimentions? (will it fit where you want to mount it? Also cosnider it's cooling design. For instance, JL amps have the cooling fins on the top and are designed to be mounted vertically for best cooling while most amps are designed to me mounted horizontally.
- internal processing: many amps have some kind of crossover which is essential for running a sub.
- Load stability. When wiring your sub, mind your amps load stability. Digital amps and many JL amps don't see a difference in load.

10" sub: I've used JL and Alpine with much success in the past.

Wiring kit: A Good setup will require most likely
- 4 awg wire (power/ground)
- Fuse/fuseholder (or circuit breaker)
- Terminals
- Speaker wire
- RCA wire

With wiring, make a diagram to help you decide how many and what kind of terminals you'll need. I find I get the best prices when I purchase the parts seperate versus a kit. Don't skimp on the wiring.

For Sub box, figure $200 shipped from either Corvettecaraudio.com or subthump.com

 

Let me run this by you. We show our corvette a lot during the summer. The car is a 2002 coupe and would be mounting the amp on the back wall.One of the things im looking for in a amp is some bling effect,i know thats not what i should be looking for.I like the looks of some of the audiobahn amps,what is your opinion of these. Can a amp be painted?
Also what is your opinion of the elemental design speakers?
Can anyone offer any how tos on installing the JVC KD-NX 5000 ?
Thanks Guys

 

If Audiobahn could figure out how to chrome-plate a piece of cat s*** and sell it, they would. Sound about as good, too.

Untrustworthy.

 

Don't hold back, Spkrboy... tell us how you really feel!

I started to reply and link to your test results on the eD equipment but I got tied up. I think your results speak for themselves... and with my experiences using eD's sound damping material, I'd shy away as well.

To the OP: If you want to dress up your amplifiers, then you might want to look at some of the Xtant models. The 603 and 604 have removable covers that are stainless steel. (Looks almost like chrome.) The heat sink is internal, so you can paint/chrome/sand/bead blast the outer 'shell' without any problems to the amplifier's cooling capabilities.

If you were to try and paint a 'regular' amp, you might run into problems with heat build up if you have too much paint on the heat sink. As wacky as it sounds, knowing the chemical makeup of the paint and the thickness, you could calculate the heat transfer to air...

If you pick an amplifier that is made of aluminum, you might be able to get it anodized... but I would expect it to cost a pretty penny.

As for installation notes, look to the FAQ above. There is everything you need right in there for installing a new HU and system.

I'm running an Alpine iDA-X001, Xtant 603, Pioneer 720PRS front speakers, and an old school Orion 12" XTR DVC sub. I got the HU install kit from Metra, the HU wiring kit from Scosche (Basic GM wiring kit that they sell at Wal-Mart) and a set of kick azz speaker plates from The Komoman. (Not sure if the C5 plates are available to the public yet... hit him up for details, or try contacting Pipedreams.)

Look at this thread to see the C6 plates: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1487774

I custom built the sub box and amp mount myself. Carpet from a local shop, and some misc amp wiring stuff I had at the house and I'm all set.

Let us know what your musical tastes are, and we might be able to point you in the right direction regarding component speakers. Let us know what features you want in a HU, and we'll throw out some options for ya.

Mark

 

Okay, i guess i will cross audiobahn & ED off my list. I just bought the JVC KD-NX 5000 head unit. I like oldies, rock, blues. I almost forgot, i really like to listen to talk radio.
I am going to order the HU mount plate from vrum vrum and i will see if i can get some of the speaker mounts from Kokoman.

 

Good choices, all around.

 

The design is finalized on the C5 plates but I simply haven't had machine time to actually cut some. Our "real" business is rocking right now, so I just can't afford to break in for side jobs. Trying to sneak it in some time in the next 2-4 weeks.

Thanks for the props, Mark.

 

Will you post on here when you get some for the C5 made?

 

Count on it.

 

If you are looking for a sub enclosure for your vette, I may can help you. I build stealth and hangover boxes for the c5 and if this is something that you may have in mind then shoot me a PM.

-Jason

 

i had an xtant 603x and it is an amazing amp imho.

oh yeah... and i thas bling:


the 603x is the one on the left. on the right is an empty 604x amp shroud with a computer jammed in it

 

Dont quit on me now guys.How about some recommendations for the front components and a sub. Im goimg to check into the xtant amps.

 

go listen to the pioneer 720 prs (or prs..720 i dunno...it's something like that though) they have a good interenet and magazine rep. worth a listen. a few cf members have them and are happy.

 

I got 'em based on a recommendation by Fej. Very good sounding speakers IMO. I run them at 75 WPC and they just sing!

Here is a picture of the 720PRS mounted in the plates that The Komoman is making:



Notice that the STOCK bolts are used to mount the plate to the door without needing to hollow out the panel.

(Like you need to with 1/2 or 3/4 MDF.)

I ended up mounting the crossover above the driver like so:



Looks like this: (Without the grill material so you can see how it fits.)





Hope this helps.

Mark

 

Those really look good. How do the tweeters mount?

 

I say look into the Elemental Designs stuff some more, PM users franktank, perfectlyfrank, tobasco and ask them what they think they all run different elemental designs equipment and are very happy with it

 

Dont forget about me Greg
I am very happy with mine

 

Im going to get one of NVTHIS sub boxes with a ED sub.What ED speakers do you guys use? Subs & Components?

 

The tweeters come with an angle mount. It's used for mounting the tweeters on the dash/door at various angles. I just used a 1/2 long aluminum spacer and some small washers and mounted it to one of the driver mounting screws. It secures the driver and sets the tweeter down low in the door. No clearance issues with my legs, either:



Also clears the upper part of the door panel speaker grill, while allowing the driver to be a bit more 'on-axis' with the listener:




If all you want to do is boom for minimal money, buy a basic box & drop in some subs, hit them with power and go on.

Look at the Dayton Audio Quatro 10" subs. They go for $65 each, Buy two and slap them in a box:

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=295-550

You can buy a "Buttkicker" amp on Parts Express for $88 to power your subs and save more cash.

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshow...TOKEN=14109570

For less than $245 you have bass. You would need to add an amp to drive your component speakers.

If you want a four channel amp, take a look at the JBL GTO 75.4. You can get it on EBay for about $150 bucks. Get a single 10" Quatro for $65, or a 12" for $75. Bridge the rear channels of the JBL for about 280 watts into the sub, and drive the fronts at about 100 WPC. Now you are sitting at about $225, plus wiring and the cost of your component speakers.

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshow...5&ctab=10#Tabs



Sure, the 0.88 cu-ft is a little small for the Quatro 12" but if you are considering going with eD drivers that don't meet their posted specifications, it's a crap-shoot no matter what you do.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Mark