Not Satisfied
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 51
Likes: 25
Not Satisfied
I recently installed a Kenwood 9980 in my 2008. Now I can't stop. I want more. I'm looking at the following setup:
Sub - JL Audio Stealthbox 10W1v2
Front Door - Focal K2 Power 165 KR (includes 1 3/4 tweeters)
Rear Speakers - Focal K2 Power 130 KRC (no tweeters)
Amp - Arc KS Mini 500.1
Amp - Arc KS Mini 125.4
Questions?
Will I get a decent thump from this setup? Has anyone had personal experience with the Arc mini amps? Should I run the door and rear speakers from the 125.4 or just run the front speakers from the 125.4 and let the HU power the rear speakers?
I like the idea of placing the amps where the current bose amp is located.
I appreciate your feedback and comments.
Sub - JL Audio Stealthbox 10W1v2
Front Door - Focal K2 Power 165 KR (includes 1 3/4 tweeters)
Rear Speakers - Focal K2 Power 130 KRC (no tweeters)
Amp - Arc KS Mini 500.1
Amp - Arc KS Mini 125.4
Questions?
Will I get a decent thump from this setup? Has anyone had personal experience with the Arc mini amps? Should I run the door and rear speakers from the 125.4 or just run the front speakers from the 125.4 and let the HU power the rear speakers?
I like the idea of placing the amps where the current bose amp is located.
I appreciate your feedback and comments.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
I'm running the 2 Arc Minis you list and have the 125.4 bridged to Image Dynamics XS 6.5 components up front. Plenty of power with gains turned all the way down. I would skip the rear speakers and only add if you don't like the way it sounds with the fronts.
I have the 500.1 running an Image Dynamics 10" IDQ and it sounds good too, but wish I had a bit more power. That being said for the size of the amp and what all it offers you really can't ask for much more. I don't know how much you are in to audio but think you might be disappointed with the JL 10W1. There are better subs for the money.
For installing amps in the footwell, they will probably fit there as others have done it but you better be prepared for working and tuning in a compact area. I originally wanted to install mine there but when I got down to it I just couldn't make it work the way I wanted. I ended up installing in the rear of the hatch like many others here have. Pictures of my install are here - http://forums.corvetteforum.com/audi...6-install.html
I have the 500.1 running an Image Dynamics 10" IDQ and it sounds good too, but wish I had a bit more power. That being said for the size of the amp and what all it offers you really can't ask for much more. I don't know how much you are in to audio but think you might be disappointed with the JL 10W1. There are better subs for the money.
For installing amps in the footwell, they will probably fit there as others have done it but you better be prepared for working and tuning in a compact area. I originally wanted to install mine there but when I got down to it I just couldn't make it work the way I wanted. I ended up installing in the rear of the hatch like many others here have. Pictures of my install are here - http://forums.corvetteforum.com/audi...6-install.html
Race Director
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 17,709
Likes: 1,219
From: Phila PA, Bonita Springs FL
In lieu of what some people say, I would avoid the Stealthbox..
Will not give you what you're looking for..
I had it years ago, and once I changed it out, I really knew what bass & bottom sounded like..
Getting a Stealthbox is like getting the GM hotcam in your car..
Yea, it works, but not to the extent that you will will happy with..
Will not give you what you're looking for..
I had it years ago, and once I changed it out, I really knew what bass & bottom sounded like..
Getting a Stealthbox is like getting the GM hotcam in your car..
Yea, it works, but not to the extent that you will will happy with..
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,164
Likes: 7
From: CA
I'm in the same situation as you . I installed a dnx 6160
Top of the line alpine speakers and a pdx 5 with an alpine sub .
The sound is good but not satisfied .
I purchased a pdx f6 and an M6 . Also got the 9980 Kenwood and the best 10 inch sub alpine makes . If I'm still not pleased , I'll go with the focals k2 and coaxials for the rear .
Top of the line alpine speakers and a pdx 5 with an alpine sub .
The sound is good but not satisfied .
I purchased a pdx f6 and an M6 . Also got the 9980 Kenwood and the best 10 inch sub alpine makes . If I'm still not pleased , I'll go with the focals k2 and coaxials for the rear .
Last edited by arkus; May 12, 2011 at 10:18 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 821
Likes: 1
From: Lake Worth FL
I have the 9980 as well. I have Focal K2Power in front and rear. 125.4 X 2 one front one rear. I have the Arc 500.1 powering the Stealthbox.
I already traded the JL 10W1 for a W3, and it is noticeably better. I was really not happy with the 10W1.
I am still working on fine tuning with the equalizer, and the settings on the amps.
It does kick serious ***, and I can't ask for much more withour spending even more ridiculous money. Already spent wayyyyy too much.
I already traded the JL 10W1 for a W3, and it is noticeably better. I was really not happy with the 10W1.
I am still working on fine tuning with the equalizer, and the settings on the amps.
It does kick serious ***, and I can't ask for much more withour spending even more ridiculous money. Already spent wayyyyy too much.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 720
Likes: 2
From: Walnut Creek CA
If you're looking for significant bass, the sub you're talking about isn't going to give it to you. If you're just looking to fill out the low end of the spectrum, but not pound, it's fine. If you're looking for it to pound, you need at least a W3 and I'd go with a W6 or maybe two.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 51
Likes: 25
This is great info. From your feedback I will continue with the Focal speakers and look for a better sub. I'm looking for a box that will allow me to pop off my top and store it in the back. I don't want t ogive up too much trunk space, thus the stealthbox. Any suggestions that will meet my needs is appreciated. Does the JL 10W3 fit in the stealthbox?
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Former Vendor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 18,293
Likes: 137
From: Hazel Green, Wi www.doubledmods.com
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
This is great info. From your feedback I will continue with the Focal speakers and look for a better sub. I'm looking for a box that will allow me to pop off my top and store it in the back. I don't want t ogive up too much trunk space, thus the stealthbox. Any suggestions that will meet my needs is appreciated. Does the JL 10W3 fit in the stealthbox?
I have these instock
preloaded with 2 Kicker cvt 10 inch subs
225.00 plus the ride
I have 6 instock
PM me to order or call as I dont have them listed on website yet
specs on subs
http://www.kicker.com/comp_vt
we dont have the stealthboxes ready for production at this time.
this will allow for the top to fit as well
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 51
Likes: 25
What kind of volume do you get from your setup. Mine is all over the place. Some music I get great volume, other stuff I can turn it all the way up (35 on the volume) and it still isn't very loud. do you have your gain maxes out?
Thanks, Dave
Thanks, Dave
I have the 9980 as well. I have Focal K2Power in front and rear. 125.4 X 2 one front one rear. I have the Arc 500.1 powering the Stealthbox.
I already traded the JL 10W1 for a W3, and it is noticeably better. I was really not happy with the 10W1.
I am still working on fine tuning with the equalizer, and the settings on the amps.
It does kick serious ***, and I can't ask for much more withour spending even more ridiculous money. Already spent wayyyyy too much.
I already traded the JL 10W1 for a W3, and it is noticeably better. I was really not happy with the 10W1.
I am still working on fine tuning with the equalizer, and the settings on the amps.
It does kick serious ***, and I can't ask for much more withour spending even more ridiculous money. Already spent wayyyyy too much.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 51,504
Likes: 6
From: Sacramento CA
iirc, a few years back there were some really good $$$ alpine speakers.
Focal, though, generally, are a few shelves above.
That's just a function of the recording. If you are using mp3s, you can use mp3gain (which doesn't actually change the mp3, just the volume index) to get things more normal.
Older recordings especially will have great variety in the track itself. nuances so quiet you can barely hear them, and sound so explosive it rattles the little bones in your ears. This is pretty typical of high quality recordings. More modern stuff everything is the same volume... (Which ruins the listening experience for some, but sells songs to most.)
Focal, though, generally, are a few shelves above.
Older recordings especially will have great variety in the track itself. nuances so quiet you can barely hear them, and sound so explosive it rattles the little bones in your ears. This is pretty typical of high quality recordings. More modern stuff everything is the same volume... (Which ruins the listening experience for some, but sells songs to most.)
Last edited by Kale; Jul 7, 2011 at 01:06 AM.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 398
Likes: 2
From: Parrish, FL
I am running the 9980 with the same amps. The 125.4 runs the front and rears and the 500.1 powers a 2 omh Image Dynamics 10" sub in a Boxology box in the driver's side rear corner.
The Targa Top still fits perfect and the match is very good with the carpet.
I am very happy with the setup. Planty of volume even with the gains turned all the way down.
I have both amps mounted where the original Boses amp was. I did do some removing of the plastic mounting box/brackets in the area to get everything in the way I wanted. I have no problem simply folding down the carpet to make tuning adjustments.
The only problem I have had is after a 6 hour trip on a very hot day the amps shut down due to over heat.
I am going to put some spacers betwen the amps and between the top amp and carpet to allow more air flow, so that should solve the issue.
I couldn't find a grill for the 10" (measures more like 11") Image Dynamics sub so I bought a 12" speaker grill and fabrcated a grill that would fit the Image Dymanics Sub to protect it from any damage.
The Targa Top still fits perfect and the match is very good with the carpet.
I am very happy with the setup. Planty of volume even with the gains turned all the way down.
I have both amps mounted where the original Boses amp was. I did do some removing of the plastic mounting box/brackets in the area to get everything in the way I wanted. I have no problem simply folding down the carpet to make tuning adjustments.
The only problem I have had is after a 6 hour trip on a very hot day the amps shut down due to over heat.
I am going to put some spacers betwen the amps and between the top amp and carpet to allow more air flow, so that should solve the issue.
I couldn't find a grill for the 10" (measures more like 11") Image Dynamics sub so I bought a 12" speaker grill and fabrcated a grill that would fit the Image Dymanics Sub to protect it from any damage.
Last edited by Craig P; Jul 7, 2011 at 08:11 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,231
Likes: 0
if your going to to spend that type of money on the k2s, you should go with the top of the line arc amps, also for the sub you should look at the k2 11 inch sub, I have that along with 3 way k2s. Not to shabby if i may say
. If you want the best sub sound and location it would be right behind the seats with the sub facing down.You will need a shop to build this box for you.
. If you want the best sub sound and location it would be right behind the seats with the sub facing down.You will need a shop to build this box for you.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,136
Likes: 212
From: Long Island New York
Have the JL Stealthbox(W3) in my coupe. Powered with a JL 300/2v2 it really sounds great. Quality bass that hits pretty damn good. Dont know how the W1 matches up as I havent heard one.
