My Budget SQ System Build (In a RC!)

Been a lurker here on TW for a month or two and figured I'd join in and share my first mods of my 2011 Regular Cab I picked up not long ago. I really enjoy the truck but the factory sound system is terrible! I've devised a plan after some online research to get the sound I'm looking for without breaking the bank. I'm going to share a list of the components I plan to purchase to start off. Then as I recieve each item I will write a quick review and share some pictures with everyone. This will be a lengthy process because funds are limited. But I'm hoping the end product will be more than satisfactory while still keeping a very stealth look.

Headunit: I will be sticking with the stock base model CD player, I like the controls and look of it. Plus I'm not looking for any special features. The unit plays MP3s and has an AUX input that's about the extent of my needs.

Amp: Kenwood KAC-PS300T

Line Driver: Rockford Fosgate 3.Sixty BLD. Since the factory deck doesn't have RCA outputs I will need a quality way to "create" some for my amp. This is a simple 2-channel unit that has a high voltage outuput so it should really help produce a clean sound.

Speakers: Hybrid Audio Technologies Imagine I61-2 (6.5" Components)

That's it for now. I may possibly add a small 6 1/2" or 8" sub in the future. However I want to see how this setup sounds first. My amp can be ran as a 2-channel or 3-channel so It would be fairly easy to add a sub on at a later point. I'm not into massive bass like I was 10 years ago so I'll see how this setup sounds first.

I am going to deaden the doors with Stinger Roadkill (similar to Dynamat) and possibly deaden the rear pillars around the back window as well. This truck has tons of road noise even with the factory tires on it.

I will try to create a YouTube video once I'm done with this setup if I can find something suitable to record with!

 

Actually got my first piece in today (hence the need to start this thread!) The Kenwood KAC PS-330T!

First Kenwood amp I've ever owned. I always used Orion XTRs or Eclipse in the past (high school days!) I must say I am impressed with the build quality and feel of the amp. It has two small fans on the end to help prevent overheating and it's overall a pretty heavy piece. And a little larger then I thought as well. I am going to be mounting it behind the seat probably onto a piece of MDF or 1/2" Plywood.

The connects seem really sturdy and it has a wide array of crossover and filter adjustments.....probably won't be using any of those however unless I end up doing a sub later on. The HAT I61-2s I'm going with have a really good crossover built into them.

Here are a few specs on the amp and some pics:

Max. power output 200W X 2 (4Q)
100W X 2 at 4Q 14.4V (0.05% THD) RMS power output
75W X 2 at 4Q. 12V (0.05% THD) RMS power output
Tri-Mode (switch) opera-tion can drive 1,2 or 3 speakers
Balanced isolation circuit
Variable high-pass and low-pass filters (50 - 200Hz)
Infrasonic filter (25Hz, 18dB/oct.)

10.8 LBs 10 11/16" Wide, 2 5/16" thick and 11 13/16" Tall! It's hefty!

Amp has a dampening factor of over 200 which I really like (helps keep the sound tight for SQ) and a signal to noise ratio of over 105db which is higher than my factory deck will probably do anyways. So that's a plus.

As you can see. it should have plenty of power to push a set of 6.5" components. These amps are notorious for being underated as well.

Got this brand new in the box on ebay for $78

 

Ordered some speaker mounts/baffles made specifically for my speakers from Mr. Marv. He said they'll be shipping out tomorrow and I'll get some pics posted as soon as they get delivered.

 

Got my adapters in today...went and picked up a can of texturized Rustoleum exterior paint to coat them with. Will post up some pics ASAP.

 

Painted the adapters today. Got a little excess paint on one of them (texturized paint builds up quick!)

 

Do you plan on using an IPod or IPhone?

 

Nope, I always just use regular CDs or burn MP3s @ 320kbps to a disc. I have a Sansa MP3 player I could plug into the aux-in if I needed to but 100 songs on a CD usually lasts me a while, lol.

 

Well, things took a major 180 this morning. I got a deal I couldn't pass up on a complete ********* I'd kit. I wanted the Hybrid Audios how I have heard the CTX65 IDs and they sound pretty darn well! If anyone is interested in the Mr Marv adapters shown in this thread just shoot me a PM. They are very nice pieces...I'll be posting them in the classifieds section soon. I will update with pics of the ********* kit shortly!

 

Picked up an AudioControl LC2i today for a good price instead of the Fosgate BLD. Also got some 14-awg "flat" speaker wire from KnuConceptz. Ready to start the install!