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This thread is a tiny bit premature, but I am getting excited. Will be dropping my truck off tomorrow morning for installation since I don't feel comfortable doing electronic things to my vehicles (I've paid the price in the past for going above my paygrade $$). I have previously pulled the truck apart and added lots of sound deadening and some mlv/foam. Made a big difference but the sound just sucks!

The shop I am using does pretty much all alpine, so while I know there might be a little better options for the HU, I wanted something they are familiar with and would work easy with the rest.

So:
Head Unit will be a ilx207. I have an iphone now, but have traditionally been an android guy so I didn't want to artificially limit my options in the future. I know there are some nice pioneers that might be a little better/cheaper etc... but again, I wanted to work with a local guy so they can fix issues that might arise and do a good job, this is the best HU for me from Alpine.

Have maestro being done as well, the more advanced one so I can get all the info on my HU.

Front: 6x5 X-series components. I think the front holes are 6x9 stock, but the installer prefers 6x5's and I don't think it is going to make a big difference. I have read all about the pro's and con's of the two sizes, and the myths/beliefs about sound waves etc... My determination was that if he prefers using the 6x5's it isn't something I am willing to argue about, if someone thinks I am wrong, let me know I could still change that as they have both sets in stock.

Rear: 6x5 R-series. Will be mostly used for filler as I don't like using the rear speakers, but didn't want to totally remove them or put something shitty in I regretted.

Amp: Alpine PDX-V9. Which will do 100 rms to the speakers and 500 to the Sub.

Sub: JL Stealthbox. Wanted something that would easily fit without doing some custom boxes, I think one good 10 will be enough in such a small truck. Hoping so at least!


Let me know if anyone sees any glaring issues, otherwise I will snap some pics and update it as I get to experience it this weekend/next week.

Edit: Sub won't be in for another 7-10 days, so this will be delayed. I jinxed myself.

 

Most of the time when a store tells you they're "familiar" with a certain product or they only stock certain product it's b/c of the margins they get on that product.

Looks like it's going to be good gear, but personally I don't trust any of the shops enough to let them touch my electrical system.

Update the thread with some pics when it's all done.

 

You are right about the margins, but I made sure everything was price matched with crutchfield so I don't mind if he makes money off whatever deal he can get from his supplier, there was one or two pieces that I found cheaper initially that when I asked about it they matched. So if I wasn't paying attention I would have easily been out $300. They also use some cheaper lines and brands of equipment, but I am the one who pushed for the more expensive set up, he originally wanted to do S-series speakers. They installed those in my brothers truck with some mtx (mxt?) subs and while it sounds good, didn't do it for me.

I checked out my brothers install and one other before finalizing an install with them. They both looked clean and everything works/was put back together nicely. While something can always go wrong, I know for a fact I would make a mess of it. They have a good reputation in the area, so I am hoping they live up to it. Will put up some photos and a quick review of what I think once they are done, I am hoping the sub comes in and he can do the installation while I am out of town the first week of Feb.

 

Okay, finally got this all installed and the truck back yesterday. Still have to break things in and take some photos but it is a huge improvement. Everything installed neatly and the clarity of the speakers is a huge step up compared to the stock stuff. I would say the front 6x5's can almost put as much bass out as the 8 inch sub did. I know I am probably exaggerating that a bit, but it really isn't much difference when the doors are turned up for bass and the sub is off. The stealthbox does the job 100%, enough bass to feel it through your entire body and car, but with proper sound deadening doesn't rattle the car like a shit box. I took some pictures yesterday but they weren't very good, will snap a couple of the amp/sub/headunit and sub adjuster later this morning and post them up.

Feels so good to have nice sounding music again. Can't wait to do some minor final tuning to adjust it to my tastes and break these things in all the way. Sounds very similar to my focal/arc audio set up I had in my f-150.

Shop did a pretty decent job on instal. Not the most innovative or tight thing I've ever seen, but for the price of their labor I'm happy with the results.

 

Since the controls arent on the side anymore there's some plane jane around the headunit. Its boring and probably the worst part of this, but it isn't that bad and I will get used to it. Also you can see where the USB cable is poking out, a maestro connection to keep factory USB is on it's way and that will be cleaned up.

Sub knob to the left

Then amp and stealth box

 

that looks SICK! how much was the package?

 

Thanks, it wasn't cheap! I had already sound deadened a lot of the vehicle before hand, and that can get pricey if you don't do it yourself. The system with wiring/sub knob/speaker brackets/maestro's etc.. needed to install was about 3k. Paid $480 to get everything installed and programed then some taxes. If you can do it yourself still expensive but certainly save a few dollars. I don't mess with electronics after messing up a previous vehicle. You can also probably save a good chunk by not using the stealth box and getting a box built for the same or different sub.