Subwoofer? Decent Speakers? Audio Systems!

Firstly i'm not a chav.

But I do LOVE my music. Not drum and bass, but most stuff really.

I've always wanted to properly do the car with a good sound system! How easy is it to get the coupes hooked up? Is a subwoofer taking it to far? Though i'd want the ability to turn it off. (I'd only really turn it on when travelling on the dual carriage way and not in town)

And how easy to put in a good stereo and speakers?

Anyone else done much in the way of audio systems?

Possibly wrong section for this but it'll probably get moved by one of the omnipresent Mods.

If you're unsure how far you want to go with this, I'd actually start with an active sub enclosure (sub, amp and box combined). This can give your existing system a sense of depth rather than the "boom boom boom" that a lot of people associate subs with. Most can be run through a factory head unit by using a cheap adaptor and if you want to progress further, you can do so by upgrading in stages as funds allow.

Have a read of the ICE FAQ at the top of thia section as it shows some very good installs.

The Coupe setup is a great start I think, being a music fan as you. Room for 6.5" speakers all round and tweeters placed very well for stereo ambience, cleverly reflecting in the windscreen.
What you need is an upgrade of speakers, cables, and power. A sub in the boot is very good too for the lower Hz.
And don't forget the sound insulation, especially of the rear sidepanels. Make them look this this (as thick as there's room for) on the inside: http://www.garaget.org/?car=108840&image=2091800

If i were to do this from the start (before I spent a small fortune..) I would give the coupe to a pro sound shop and get them to fit it. I'm fairly good at self installs but actually getting the sound set-up correct is the hard bit. My head unit even has an Mic to aid set-up but i sure it could sound better still.

Was I in the wrong section ? I didnt realise? Haha oops. Ahwell, i think i may take it to a specialist in Peterborough and ask what they can do.

I want to start building it up for budget reasons but i've lost FM at the moment and i need that sorting ASAP as i'm going mad with CDs and need the radio for traffic issues also! The previous owner has managed to lose the FM by messing with the wires and i cant get it sort unless anyone has an idea?

As for new speakers seem pretty easy and good start but not a good idea for myself to do it as i'll break something and fall out with the car...

I did a full install in my first Coupé, with Genesis products used throughout - sounded rather good even if it did reduce boot space (although I could still get the spare wheel out):



Boot install was an mdf construction (put together in sections so it could be assembled in the boot) covered in 1/2" thick foam then trimmed in stitched black leather to match the interior. Subs are Genesis 10's and I installed Genesis Audiophile components up front. I also sound-deadened the boot, roof, rear quarters and doors.

All now gathering dust in my loft!

Here's mine. Professionally installed, I was looking for a discrete system without compromising any boot space (No Sub installed).

Having had car sound systems with subs they definetly offer the fuller sound, I wouldn't say mine is lacking in that department but it would sound better with a sub in there.


I have a Kenwood / JL Audio setup.



Head-Unit - Kenwood with Parrot hands-free bluetooth.

• The Microphone is positioned up near the rear-view mirror
• It has a flying lead to the glove-box for USB Memory sticks

Amplifier - Kenwood KAC-X4D four channel Class-D

• Rated power output 4 x 120 watts RMS (at 4 ohms and 1% THD)
• Installed behind the off-side rear light cluster
• Retail Link

Front Speakers - JL Audio Evolution C5-650 Components

• 6.5"
• Dynomat Sound-Proofing
• Fitted behind factory mounts inc. tweeters for the standard look
• Retail Link

Rear Speakers - JL Audio Evolution C2-650x Full Range

• 6.5"
• Retail Link