my Radio upgrade saga

since im at work, i will probably be just starting this thread and adding to it as i have time. let me start off by saying i try to get the best bang for my buck and i wanted to be COMPLETELY DONE for under $1K. i wanted a great sounding system that was capable of connecting to my phone to stream, play DVD's, backup camera, etc. i really like shopping on Ebay because of my work schedule and the convince which partially effected my selections, i must say prices had a little effect as well. here is my list i started off with and why...

1. JVC KW-V620BT head unit (had all the features i wanted)
2. Pioneer GM-D9605 amp (5 channel with decent RMS power, plus 1 ohm stable)
3. Scosche TA2053B install kit
4. Scosche

$25 TWH950 Add an Amplifier Adapter w/Amp Turn On Wire Compatible with Toyota Subaru Scion Lexus Green

TWH950 wiring kit
5. Scosche KPA6 amp wiring kit
5. Belva BBIC65 6 channel interconnect RCA cables (i wanted to keep the install as simple as possible with the least amount of cables to run)
6. Stinger

$30 SGW9920 , Electronic Store

SGW9920 9 conductor speedwire 20' (same reason as the RCA cable)
7. (2) MB Quart DS1-254 10" DVC subs shallow mount (already had these for a previous project that never happened)
8. Rockville REC40 dual 10" behind the taco seat sub box (this was basically a price choice and the most likely to disappoint me, but its supposed to fit, arriving today)

more to come...

 

head unit...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/391425332685?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

amp...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/262845213313?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

install and wiring...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/391380899813?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

amp wiring (forgot about this so i ran to WM)...
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Scosche-KPA6-1200W-6-Gauge-Car-Amplifier-Install-Kit/10629475

RCA cables...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/361570623770?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

speaker wires w/ remote turn on...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/282373132692?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

subs...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-MB-Quart-...ash=item51dbf2402b:g:1j4AAOSwoydWlKwM&vxp=mtr

sub box...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/391679606550?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

yes, quite a few of my pieces came from one place on Ebay, they seem to beat everyones prices.

 

okay a few comments about the radio... i love it! i picked up at the apple store the lightning-HDMI AV adapter and connected it to the radio, now the radio mirrors whatever is on the phone, i can watch youtube videos and hopefully stream my direct TV to it from the direct tv app (untested as yet) right on the radio and since i have AT&T, the direct tv app uses NO DATA! the radio is windows CE (i believe) based and the menu/functions are very intuitive, super easy to navigate. the manual is very clear and concise, easy to understand. this radio is LOADED with features, im still learning.

the amp... i wanted to be able to add some power besides the HU power for the component sets i will be getting, and because we all know there isnt much real estate in our trucks for a bunch of amps i decided a 5 channel with a small footprint would suit me best, this one has 75w x 4 RMS @ 4 ohms and one channel for the subs that is rated at 600w x 1 RMS @ 2 ohms, PLUS... its 1 ohm stable (i have no idea what i will output @ 1 ohm). since i have 2 DVC subs with 4 ohm voice coils, i can create a 1 ohm load on the amp.

the headunit install kit went together very nicely as well, very simple and looks great, i had read other people saying their flasher switch and stuff didnt work well with their install kits, my flasher and clock install perfectly and works good.

NOTE: i was a little concerned when i went to slide the radio assembly in, i started plugging in connectors and ended up with one left over factory connector from the factory radio that goes to nothing now... i have no idea what it did, but everything seems to be working fine.

 

Do your steering wheels controls still work for the radio?

 

the radio has the functions for it, i need to get an interface... thats in phase 2, LOL!

 

Nice

 

another note: after the captain asked about the steering wheel controls, it reminded me i needed to look further into that... i believe the fourth plug for the radio that i mentioned in post #3 will end up being from the SW controls, i think this is where the interface will plug in. when i get this sorted out i will clarify.

 

The sub box showed up today, it has some very specific looking notches and recessed places. I hope it fits the truck as nice as the subs fit the box.

 

I hope the box works out for you. How's the box in person? What you expected? Looks decent in pics.

 

i was actually very impressed, the quality looks nice, good MDF, nice sealing, nice carpeting (i know that means nothing to function, but its nice, lol) all in all it looks well thought out, we will see when i try to install it, right now its in my back seat. sounds good, no rattles so far.

 

Where'd you run your USB connection out for your phone?
Also, can the head unit display navigation from your phone?

 

i ran my USB and HDMI cables to the glovebox and yes, it will mirror your phone maps as well, with the phone turned sideways it goes full screen on the radio.

 

im still figuring out the EQ/crossover functions on the radio, for now i just set the HPF/LPF on the amp until i can spend more time on it... BUT the functions in the radio look very flexible.

 

Not a great picture, but you get the idea. First step is to remove both rear seat backs, then remove the inserts behind the seat backs, slide the box in (don't forget to connect the sub wires), remove the rear panels from both seat backs, then reinstall the seat backs... done.

 

Just checking in with an update, ive been slowly working the subs and they are settling in nicely, I would have rather had 12's, but there's were new and left over from what I was gonna do in the other truck... but I must say, I'm getting some surprising low range from these, lower than I would have thought possible with 10's (below audible). I started them off with some basic country and classic rock, today I pulled out the Too Short, NWA, Geto Boys and a little Besties... Im pleasantly surprised. Not gonna win any SPL comps, but good.

 

Did you need to install a capacitor?

 

so can you use google maps as well from your phone?

 

Interested in more details about the head unit and linking up to steering wheel controls when you figure that out.

The idea of running maps from my phone is very appealing.

 

i don't see component speakers......