Kicker hideaway- final upgrade to the $250(+) 3rd gen premium upgrade (+Kicker Key 180.4 amp)

So. Anyone wanna sell me a harness rig all set up already for plug and play? No cutting, soldering and all that. U know. For technical illiterate people like me.

 

Get the metra harness halves listed earlier in the thread. It really is pretty easy. I can confidently say anyone can figure this out by being patient and reading the wiring diagrams on the metra harnesses and the amps and subs. Anyone can do the soldering and shrink wrap.

If you make labels like posted a few posts back it will all match up and you will realize how is all this is.

 

Now it’s been 12 months since the install. Still cranking it up and loving it all. Just for those questioning how good this system is I am currently sourcing speakers so I can add a Key amp and possibly a Hideaway to my BMW Z3 Roadster.

 

I just finished my key amp install, have only set up the auto EQ and set my gains so far. Just from setting my gains I’m thoroughly impressed by the output paired with my JL C1-690x two way fronts and infinity reference 6.5 2 ways.

 

I second what exracer said. Get the Metra harnesses and so long as you aren't colorblind and actually illiterate it’s really easy if a bit tedious. Just match the colored wires, except the red to the amp is fed by the yellow on the Metra.

I used Posi-Locks, these for the head unit to amp connection:
https://www.crutchfield.com/S-Ddj3y...cts-Car-Stereo-Wiring-Harness-Connectors.html

These for the amp to speaker connection:
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_669PP609/Posi-Products-Wire-Connectors.html?tp=61469

And a pair of 12-10ga butt connectors I had leftover from another project that I sourced from a local auto parts store.

Tools, all you need is a wire stripper and crimp tool, plus a 10mm socket to get the head unit out and a small flathead screwdriver to set the gains.

It took me about three hours to wire everything and install and set up the amp, taking my time.

 

Tuned and set up, now I see what I've been missing: power! I was surprised to see how little gain I was able to add before the signal started clipping, but the little I added made a huge difference. There's a TON of punch and mid-bass that was lacking after replacing the stock speakers. I also set the crossovers to 60hz and reset the crossover on my mono amp (powering a single sealed 8" Pioneer) to match closer and I feel like the overall bass clarity and punch is vastly improved. Additional volume wasn't the priority, but I'm running about 10 less volume points for the same amount of volume as I was on the stock radio (if that makes any sense).

I still need more deep bass as my 8" rolls off on the lowest frequencies and more bass is almost always better, but I'm damn happy with this setup.

 

the speakers are pretty sensitive so it probably didn't take a whole lot of power

 

I echo your sentiments. I started with the tweeters and it was good. The speakers were better. The Hideaway better still. When I finally added the Key amp everything else came alive. I really am happy with the combination of everything. Sure it isn’t as budget as I originally intended with the Subaru tweeters but the end result is what I wish factory was.

 

Well I appreciate the information you guys have given. My family just bought me the hideaway for my birthday and I ordered the metra harness. I hope I 'm able to make this work . I did the kicker tweeter and door speaker upgrade but wiring really isn't my strong suite. From what you all have said it's definitely going to be worth it. Thanks again for all you smart S.O.B.'s that help us dumb S.O.B.'s out. Can't wait.

 

Did anyone bassblock or set a bypass to the tweeters? Right now they piggyback off the front speakers. I know ********* has one but the stories on TW pushed me away.

 

The tweeters have crossovers built in.

 

Oh sweet. Thanks much!

 

Exracer2 and
destin_meeks and everyone else who contributed I appreciate you guys taking the time to research and write up all the information on this and share it with us. I got the hideaway installed today thanks to you guys and the plug and play harness. It really brought the entire stereo to life. It was definitely worth it along with the tweeters and the door speakers. It now sounds like a stock system should. Thanks again fellas.

 

subd

 

Im about to do something similar, but going with 45-65W RMS door speakers instead of the 100+ ones you used (since they're getting 45W from the amp anyway). My question is how necessary are the subaru tweeters especially since your using 3 way speakers in your front doors, which I understand are wired into your tweeters making them 4 ways? Does that play with the Ohms of the front channels, or does it not really matter in the long run?

Any thoughts on going with something like these: https://www.crutchfield.com/p_13699046/JL-Audio-C1-690.html?tp=105&avf=Y , a matched set of front and tweeters instead of subaru's, or am I just overthinking this stuff? (just annoying that the tweeters will cost more than all 4 door speakers put together lol).

Thanks.




Edit: Heres my list so far with the information I have now
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_206KEY1804/Kicker-KEY180-4.html?search=4+channel+amplifier&avf=Y
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_575R169X2/Rockford-Fosgate-R169X2.html?tp=105&avf=Y
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_575R1675X2/Rockford-Fosgate-R1675X2.html?tp=105&avf=Y

Moving back and forth between these two:
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_575P3...-P300-10T.html?search=powered+subwoofer&avf=Y
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_13693334/JL-Audio-ACS110LG-TW1.html?search=powered+subwoofer&avf=Y

 

I have the JL C1 690 two way coax in my truck. They sound amazing. Doing it again I’d just get the component version and deal with the extra wiring and skip the Subaru tweeters.

 

I personally would go for the component set you mentioned and skip the Subaru tweeters. Just keep in mind this will add a bit of additional work to get wired up. That’s a big reason the Subaru tweeters were the main starter upgrade for many users. They’re straight plug-and-play.
To get a component set wired up, you’ll need to either be ok with some very basic cutting/splicing, or fork out the $28 for the connectors ********* sells. I am using those connectors and they work fine, they’re just pricey. It seems that your results with purchasing from them may vary.

 

Awesome, going to be splicing the entire wiring harness anyway, whats another 4 wires? haha.

Now I just need to jury rig a mounting solution for them.

Thanks.

 

people are finally making adapters for them, or just cut your own out of some ABS plastic. Or gut the factory tweeter and mount your new one inside the mount.

 

I’d opt for gutting and salvaging pieces from the factory tweeter if I was doing it again unless someone other than ********* can figure out the part number for the connector. Or just running new wires from the amp.