Car stereo install - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

pixelbend · 09-24-2004, 10:40 AM

Hi all,

We are probably going to be buying a '98 Chrerokee Sport in a few weeks and the only thing we want to change right off the bat is the stereo. It currently has a stock tape deck and four factory 5 1/4"s.

So, I am planning on ordering all of my equipment from Crutchfield (Alpine in-dash, 2 Kicker 5 1/4"s, 2 Kicker 6 1/2"s, and a 4 channel amp).

My questions: Is this the right equipment setup? (subjective, I know)

and: How hard is it to put in a stereo setup that includes an amp?

The only installs I have ever done have just had the speakers run straight to the in-dash, so I have never really delt with an amp.

Later, if this goes well, I may have to add a mono amp and a 10" sub box. But, well see.

mosha · 09-26-2004, 11:36 AM

Why are you getting bigger speakers than the stock sizes? Are you sure they will fit or do you plan on doing some cutting? Crutchfield is def overpriced but the CS is pretty good. The amp really isn't hard to hook up at all. Power wire prom the battery, sensing wire from the power antenna wire on the back of the head unit, and a ground.

Confederate · 09-26-2004, 02:30 PM

we need just a little bit more info, are you trying to build a powerfull loud as heck system, or are you replacing tired old equipment and want something that will enhance your listening.

I have a 90 Cherokee Pioneer, and I just built a system that would enhance my listening experience. Looking back I would have changed a few things. I'll tell you what I would have done and take that as you will.

If you are using amps, try to get a head unit with pre-amp outputs, it's cheaper in the long run instead of buying RCA adapters. It sounds about the same but you save a little money and some of your time.

Also ask around to other shops and stuff, especially if you have a friend in the business, where they traditionally run wires on a cherokee, some people tuck it under the trim, some folks run it under the edge of the carpet.

And finally browse around help centers online. the internet is a vast fountain of knowledge and most of the stuff you are looking for is out there.

Confederate · 09-26-2004, 02:32 PM

Also check out this webpage there is a ton of stuff out there that may help you.

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/index.php

pixelbend · 09-27-2004, 07:59 AM

Thanks all. I'm really just looking to replace the stock in dash and the stock speakers and add a little punch with an amp. Since I posted this, a friend of mine told me he is trying to sell some stuff for his brother-in-law. Among the items to sell is a sub box built for a Cherokee with a 10" Fosgate sub (the square model) and an amp. He said they guy doesn't really care what he gets out of it, so he'd sell me the whole package for $50.

Sounds like a deal to me.

I'll be putting in speakers that are slightly larger than the stock, but CF says that they will fit the stock holes if I drill new mounts. I'm not really looking to setup a booming system, just something that sounds good loud and gives a little kick with the bass.

Thanks for the help guys.

Shizukana · 09-27-2004, 01:08 PM

Most good head units provide a pretty decent amount of power to the speakers to begin with - Kenwood, Pioneer, and Alpine run around 20-22 watts RMS (continuous) and 50 watts peak. You may want to look at the wattages on the speakers to see what their peak and RMS is... you may not even need that four channel amp if the RMS on your speakers is only around 20 or so.

If you DO decide to install the amp, and you're doing it all by yourself, I've got some hints that would make it much much easier on ya... but find out first how high the RMS rating is for the speakers.

pixelbend · 09-27-2004, 01:55 PM

The one I am considering at the moment is the Kenwood KDC-MP225. It has 50 peak x 4 channels. Is that enough for the 4 speakers (12.5 amps per)?

mosha · 09-27-2004, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pixelbend

The one I am considering at the moment is the Kenwood KDC-MP225. It has 50 peak x 4 channels. Is that enough for the 4 speakers (12.5 amps per)?

That should be enough unless you're trying to blast some people out. Like it has been said before we need to know what you're going for. Don't get mixed up between amps and watts either. 50 watts X 4 is the peak and will rarely, if ever, be reached. The continuous power from that head unit to each speaker is 22 watts. Personally I think that is pleanty and is about the range that I am running now. The amp in my car is just for the sub. (400 watts powering 1-12" sub). Just remember that its not all about the power its about the quality of that power. A junky amp will put out 750 watts of crap and you'll hear the difference in a second when put up against 300 watts of clean music. My advice, put in the head unit, add the amp and sub, run the 5.25's off the headunit and enjoy. I'm sure someone will disagree....

pixelbend · 09-28-2004, 04:43 AM

thanks for the help guys. I am really just looking to make a good sounding in-car experience, with a little kick.

So my plan now is to go with the kenwood in-dash, let the in-dash amp the 5.25's (or 6's) and put all the external amp power to the sub. Now if we could just get everything stright with the car salesman and actually buy the vehicle

pixelbend · 10-04-2004, 04:17 AM

Update: Bought the Jeep last Friday. We'll probably pick up the in-dash and speakers next week, but I have one more question.

I was in Best Buy yesterday looking around and asked the sales dude what I would need to wire an amp up. He pointed me to a $134.00 1000 amp rated Fosgate wiring kit. It included the signal cable and a power cable that looked to be as big around as my index finger.

$134 seems like a lot for wiring, is there a cheaper way to go? Can I buy bulk cable at Lowes and add an inline fuse and crimps myself?

Chingal0 · 10-04-2004, 09:48 AM

Go to an actual car stereo store, as they will have a variety of amp kits for you to choose from. No sense in getting a kit rated for a 1000 watt amp if you never plan on upgrading past ~250. BestBuy kind of sucks when it comes to variety in certain 'accessories', just shop around a bit, they are cheaper.. probably around 50 bucks.

09-24-2004, 10:40 AM	#1 (permalink)
pixelbend Too hot in the hot tub!	Car stereo install Hi all, We are probably going to be buying a '98 Chrerokee Sport in a few weeks and the only thing we want to change right off the bat is the stereo. It currently has a stock tape deck and four factory 5 1/4"s. So, I am planning on ordering all of my equipment from Crutchfield (Alpine in-dash, 2 Kicker 5 1/4"s, 2 Kicker 6 1/2"s, and a 4 channel amp). My questions: Is this the right equipment setup? (subjective, I know) and: How hard is it to put in a stereo setup that includes an amp? The only installs I have ever done have just had the speakers run straight to the in-dash, so I have never really delt with an amp. Later, if this goes well, I may have to add a mono amp and a 10" sub box. But, well see. __________________ But I don't want ANY Spam!

09-27-2004, 07:59 AM	#5 (permalink)
pixelbend Too hot in the hot tub!	Thanks all. I'm really just looking to replace the stock in dash and the stock speakers and add a little punch with an amp. Since I posted this, a friend of mine told me he is trying to sell some stuff for his brother-in-law. Among the items to sell is a sub box built for a Cherokee with a 10" Fosgate sub (the square model) and an amp. He said they guy doesn't really care what he gets out of it, so he'd sell me the whole package for $50. Sounds like a deal to me. I'll be putting in speakers that are slightly larger than the stock, but CF says that they will fit the stock holes if I drill new mounts. I'm not really looking to setup a booming system, just something that sounds good loud and gives a little kick with the bass. Thanks for the help guys. __________________ But I don't want ANY Spam!

09-27-2004, 01:08 PM	#6 (permalink)
Shizukana Insane Location: Plano, TX	Most good head units provide a pretty decent amount of power to the speakers to begin with - Kenwood, Pioneer, and Alpine run around 20-22 watts RMS (continuous) and 50 watts peak. You may want to look at the wattages on the speakers to see what their peak and RMS is... you may not even need that four channel amp if the RMS on your speakers is only around 20 or so. If you DO decide to install the amp, and you're doing it all by yourself, I've got some hints that would make it much much easier on ya... but find out first how high the RMS rating is for the speakers. __________________ "The power of accurate observation is frequently called cynicism by those who don't have it." - George Bernard Shaw

09-27-2004, 01:55 PM	#7 (permalink)
pixelbend Too hot in the hot tub!	The one I am considering at the moment is the Kenwood KDC-MP225. It has 50 peak x 4 channels. Is that enough for the 4 speakers (12.5 amps per)? __________________ But I don't want ANY Spam!

09-28-2004, 04:43 AM	#9 (permalink)
pixelbend Too hot in the hot tub!	thanks for the help guys. I am really just looking to make a good sounding in-car experience, with a little kick. So my plan now is to go with the kenwood in-dash, let the in-dash amp the 5.25's (or 6's) and put all the external amp power to the sub. Now if we could just get everything stright with the car salesman and actually buy the vehicle __________________ But I don't want ANY Spam!

09-26-2004, 11:36 AM	#2 (permalink)
mosha Crazy Location: Htown, NJ	Why are you getting bigger speakers than the stock sizes? Are you sure they will fit or do you plan on doing some cutting? Crutchfield is def overpriced but the CS is pretty good. The amp really isn't hard to hook up at all. Power wire prom the battery, sensing wire from the power antenna wire on the back of the head unit, and a ground.

09-26-2004, 02:30 PM	#3 (permalink)
Confederate Death Leprechaun Location: College Station, TX	we need just a little bit more info, are you trying to build a powerfull loud as heck system, or are you replacing tired old equipment and want something that will enhance your listening. I have a 90 Cherokee Pioneer, and I just built a system that would enhance my listening experience. Looking back I would have changed a few things. I'll tell you what I would have done and take that as you will. If you are using amps, try to get a head unit with pre-amp outputs, it's cheaper in the long run instead of buying RCA adapters. It sounds about the same but you save a little money and some of your time. Also ask around to other shops and stuff, especially if you have a friend in the business, where they traditionally run wires on a cherokee, some people tuck it under the trim, some folks run it under the edge of the carpet. And finally browse around help centers online. the internet is a vast fountain of knowledge and most of the stuff you are looking for is out there.

09-26-2004, 02:32 PM	#4 (permalink)
Confederate Death Leprechaun Location: College Station, TX	Also check out this webpage there is a ton of stuff out there that may help you. http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/index.php

10-04-2004, 04:17 AM	#10 (permalink)
pixelbend Too hot in the hot tub!	Update: Bought the Jeep last Friday. We'll probably pick up the in-dash and speakers next week, but I have one more question. I was in Best Buy yesterday looking around and asked the sales dude what I would need to wire an amp up. He pointed me to a $134.00 1000 amp rated Fosgate wiring kit. It included the signal cable and a power cable that looked to be as big around as my index finger. $134 seems like a lot for wiring, is there a cheaper way to go? Can I buy bulk cable at Lowes and add an inline fuse and crimps myself? __________________ But I don't want ANY Spam!

10-04-2004, 09:48 AM	#11 (permalink)
Chingal0 Something like that.. Location: Oreygun.	Go to an actual car stereo store, as they will have a variety of amp kits for you to choose from. No sense in getting a kit rated for a 1000 watt amp if you never plan on upgrading past ~250. BestBuy kind of sucks when it comes to variety in certain 'accessories', just shop around a bit, they are cheaper.. probably around 50 bucks. __________________ "Eventually I became too sexy for my gym membership fee."