Finalizing 3rd Gen Build - Looking for final opinions.

So I think I finally have my build about ready to go, I just want some last opinions on it to see if I'm making any major mistakes. Here it goes:

Front: Kicker 43CSC6934 and the oem Subaru kicker tweeters.
Rear: Kicker 43CSC674
Subs: Two JL Audio 12TW1-2
AMP: JL Audio RD900/5

Sound Processing, This is one area I need opinions on. Do you guys think the FiX 86 is worth the extra cost? I know it will allow me more control by using the built in DSP. But will the LC7i automagically handle the same thing? Looking for any input on this.
AudioControl LC7i
JL Audio FiX 86

I will be keeping the stock headunit. So I will be purchasing the add an amp harness from ********* since this will allow me to re-use the stock wiring. I understand I can make this cheaper myself, but I just don't have the patience for it.

Sub Box will be custom built by me. Plan on putting in behind the backseat of my double cab and will be taking out the plastic cubbies.

I listen to an extremely broad range of music. Country, "Gangsta" rap, pop, new rap, metal, jazz, etc. So I know this system won't do it all well. I just want something I can turn up loud have it sound decent and the ability to have a ton of bass when I want it.

I welcome all and any opinions. Want to get some discussion going so I know I get the right stuff.

Thanks!

 

Biggest thing I notice is the subs. You’re going to want the 4ohm versions, not the 2ohm. This way the subs can be wired in parallel down to a 2ohm load at the amp. If the amps sub channel is 1ohm stable, ignore this.

The next thing is, I would opt for the component set of those kicker 6x9’s instead of the coaxial you have linked. Get the components and ditch the Subaru drop-ins. With the coaxial you posted, you will have 6 tweeters in your front sound stage and everything will be way too bright. The CS series already run a bit harsh to me as it is (makes them sound louder with less power) so I think having all of that will be overkill.

As far as the processor goes, I’m using the lc7i myself and I love it. Simple, effective. I don’t have experience with the JL, but it seems like overkill if you’re rolling with kicker CS speakers. The audio control doesn’t do any processing though. It’s essentially just a really nice high-low converter, with subwoofer volume control (if you get the knob, which you should)

My last thoughts, which are 100% personal opinions.
The JL amp And JL subs are very nice, compared to the kicker CS speakers which are definitely budget-oriented. I would spend more on the speakers.
That being said, I’ve installed a ton of the CS line and they do what people want them to do. Cheap and loud.

 

Thanks for the tip on the subs! I did some research and the amp will take 2ohm so I will get the 4ohm versions. Already found a diagram to wire them down to 2ohm final.

So I definitely thought of this, the thing is I already own these speakers I bought them as part of the "cheap" audio upgrade thread, but decided to go a little bigger. This is one of the reasons I'm leaning towards the FiX 86, I believe I should be able to town down the highs a bit with the "tun" software until i can get a legit set of components.

What I like about the LC7i is that it has that switch that will mirror channel 2 to channel 3 so I can pull the sub signal. I'm not sure if the FiX 86 has something like this, or if I'd have to use a high-low in addition to the 86. I might reach out to JL and see if they can help me out with this.

Agreed. I just can't justify the money on more speakers considering I just bought a set in the last month, maybe a few months down the road I'll be ready to upgrade them. My goal is to control it with an eq of some kind until I can get it taken care of through good speakers.

 

The fix 86 will absolutely do the channel summing to create a sub output. It’s a very nice piece of equipment (like everything JL makes. Be sure to get the remote that gives you sub control. The downside is that it’s literally double the cost of the audio control. But it will be the base of a very good audio system once you upgrade the speakers

 

If you like the LC7i but want some control of your frequencies then look at the LCQ-1. That's what I am currently running.

 

Lcq-1 is a good piece of hardware as well. Just analog instead of digital. I personally like digital simply because I can’t accidentally bump a knob by accident.

 

Do you really need things like the LC7i? I never used sound processors before, it's been like 6 years or more since I've done stereo work but is it just because newer cars have the bass roll off? All the way up until like'08 I never used anything like this? Just ran a couple amps - one for components and one for subs and called it good

 

Awesome, I think I'm set on the fix 86 then. Thanks for the help.

That looks good and price is definitely better than the fix 86, thanks for the recommendation. But I think I have my heart set on the JL one.

I'm no expert. But I believe it's a much better way to get high level inputs converted down to low level so that your amps will work. A High-Low converter would work but might not be as clean. Some new amps can also take direct high level inputs. So while not necessary the processors make for a cleaner/better sounding system. There are tons of options out there that I saw. I just personally want to eventually keep my build al JL audio which is why I'm going with the Fix 86 even though it's kind of pricey compared to the other options out there.

 

Interesting I have almost the exact setup you listed except one 10TW1 instead of two 12s. Right now the stock HU is pushing all the Kicker pieces. Trying to decide where to mount my amp, had planned on under the seat but the FiX 86 doesn't seemed to fit well under there with the amp too.

Do you plan to mount yours on the sub box?