Crossover Location

Hey guys...been reading the forums a while so its finally time to pop the cherry and make a post. Great stuff here btw!

I had a question about the location for passive crossovers. Many of the systems I've seen posted here have the crossovers mounted next to the amps with 2 sets of wires running to the doors. I was always under the assumption it was better to place the crossover close to the speaker because it helps with signal loss as well as cut down on the cost for speaker wire. Is this the case or does it not matter as much with a truck (only installed in a car til now)? Are there space limitations with these trucks that make door installation of the crossovers more difficult?

 

If you HAVE to place it in the door, do everything you can to make sure it will not get wet. Kickpanels are usually optimal. If you place it further from the amps, you will not suffer any signal loss. Just use a larger gauge speaker wire, like 12 AWG for example.

Under the seats, over your head. Really, wherever you want. Just do your best to make sure they are securely mounted and you will not have any problems.

 

What if you are using the stock amp and stock wiring?

 

Same applies. Either install in the doors or pull the stock wires back through the door so you can install the crossover inside the cab.


Most likely the wires that come with the speakers are going to be too short to reach from inside the cab to the speaker mounting area, so you may need to buy wire.

 

Using the stock wiring for the passive crossovers isn't a big deal, especially if you're still using the stock amp. The signal loss of the speaker wire in a vehicle is minimal given the short distances involved.

 

http://www.monarchrifle.com/dougs_speakers.html

 

nice link btw! those pics are perfect for the db6501's i'll be installing myself on friday. Couple questions for ya

Did the tweeters mount easily and did you need to purchase any special mounts?

Also,

where did you mount the amps and run their wiring through to get to the crossover?

 

The tweeter mounts had to be custom made. No big deal. They are made from strap aluminum bought from a hardware store. Readily available at Rona or Home Depot.

I don't need an amp with the Kenwood head unit.

 

I mounted a crossover under each seat in my access cab along with a 4-channel amp. Quality sounds great .