Dead space behind 3rd Gen HU?

Before I go and disassemble my dash.. to any of you guys who've already been into the 3rd gen HU... is there any open air space behind the HU on a 3rd gen?

My goal is to install a small 45wx4 amp in there. Something like an

$280 Alpine KTP-445A 4-Channel Power Pack Compact Upgrade Amplifier

Alpine KTP-445A.

 

It can fit

 

I had an Alpine Powerpack and now a Kicker Key amp back there. There’s plenty of room just below your head unit.

 

Looking to install my kicker key soon. Any tips? I have the subie tweets and kicker CS 6x9/6.5 combo.

 

Yes, it’ll initially sound like ass, all treble, until you run the calibration with microphone and pink noise. I was worried something was wrong, but the auto calibration fixed it.

 

Did you power all 6 speakers or just the fronts? Also, did you buy the Metra harness?

 

I created my own harness with 2 metra adapters. I initially only powered the fronts and left the rear speakers powered from the head unit. Then I got the CS separates for the front and biamped the dash and front door speakers.

If I had it to do over, I’d have biamped the Subaru tweeters and 6x9 CS speakers in the door and not purchased new separates. You would have to cut and run some wire that way, but you’re delivering more power to the front sound stage. I feel the rear speakers aren’t worth wasting amp power on.

 

There's a fair amount of room above the instrument cluster all the way from the A-pillar to the HU. It's actually easier to run new wires up there than down above the pedals and is a convenient pathway for both center console switches and access to the A-pillar for overhead switches. Not so sure placing a heat source like an amp directly on top of the instrument cluster is a good idea long term though, seems to me it should have a bit more separation from other goodies.