Audio: My first Real Mod

Alpine 143-BT Head Unit
Kicker - Hideaway 8" Subwoofer with Enclosure and Integrated 150W Amplifier


Alpine Power Pack 180W Class D Multi Channel Amp


Alpine 6 1/2 2-Way Component Speaker with Poyl-Mica Cones


Alpine Coaxial 6 1/2 2-Way with Hybrid Speaker Cones


Question:


Am I going about it all wrong?


Should I go with a bigger amp and Sub?


All suggestions are appreciated

 

if you have a double cab get 2 sets of the components and forget the coax's.. if you have an ext cab forget the rear speakers completely and dump that money into better components for the front and get a bit more powerful amp.

get an equalizer, even a cheap 4band one will make a big difference.

double check measurements on the hideaway to make sure it will fit under the seat, and dont expect TONS of bass from it.

dont cheap out on the wiring

 

Well, I couldn't click a single one of those hyperlinks....

Anyhow, you should be fine without an equalizer since you're using a decent head unit. I would really recommend considering other options for your bass stage if you want a good sounding, decent amount of bass. A small enclosure with an affordable 10" woofer and a cheap amp would be much better than the hideaway. I'm assuming that you're buying all of this from best buy or online, so maybe shop around other brands for speakers. I've never really been a fan of Alpine speakers.

 

An equalizer will make it sound better, but I'm not sure it would make a big enough difference to you to make it worth it. Generally, the equalizers built into the aftermarket decks are good enough for most people.

You can do components in the back, but then you'd have to drill holes in the doors for the tweeters. I don't know if you'd be up for that. If you are, fantastic. Have fun! If not, coaxials will work great.

If you chose those speakers because of the specs and the price, don't buy them. You should only buy speakers that sound good to you. Make sure you play music you're familiar with when listening to any speakers you're considering buying. If they sound good to you, AND have good specs and a good price, then definitely buy them.

I wouldn't go with that amp. The amp itself is fine and there's nothing wrong with it. Its nice because its basically a plug-and-play unit. But the thing is, you can do better. This Alpine MRP-F300 has a slightly better RMS (could be negligible) as well as being more conducive to fine tuning adjustments. It will also work with any deck, whereas the amp you picked out will only work with Alpines. And its the same price as the amp you picked out (it seems you may be shopping at Best Buy). Because of the sub you're considering, I'm going to say that you're not looking to rock the neighborhood but are looking for good sound in a convenient package that doesn't cost too much. Either of these Alpine amps should make you happy but in my opinion the Alpine I picked out (the MRP-F300) is the better of the two.

The sub you picked out is a nice little package. It has great reviews and will definitely improve the overall sound. And it makes installation easier too. But personally, I would go with a different sub. I have this box in my 2005 double cab behind my rear seat on the driver's side. Picking out a sub is a little tricky since they can perform differently in various boxes. And when you listen to them in the stores, they're generally not in the box you end up using. I'd recommend, again, playing music you're familiar with and listen to the sub at various volumes. Just make sure it sounds good to you. However, if you go this route it costs more. If you're just looking to add a little umph at the lower end, the Kicker hideaway is perfect and convenient. But if you want something with more serious bass, buy the sub, box, and amp as separate items.

You're definitely NOT going about it all wrong. You're doing it right by researching and considering your options. Just make sure you listen to and like the speakers, rather than just buying some speakers online without listening to them. If you're satisfied with how they sound in the store, you'll more than likely think they sound fantastic in your truck.

 

Change of plans!

Staying with my Alpine HU

Adding Alpine 500W Class D Mono Amp

Alpine 300W Class D Bridgeable Multi-Channel Amp w/ Variable Crossover


Alpine 6.5in 2-Way Coaxial Speakers
240Watts Max Power
80Watts RMS Power


Alpine 6.5 2-Way Component Speakers
240Watts Max Power
80Watts RMS Power

Also:

10in Amp from taco tunes & amp mounting board!

Better than not having enough power!

 

Looks good man! That'll be one great system. On the Alpine multi-channel amp, there are two very similar Alpine amps: the MRP-F300 and the MRV-F300. I think you should go for the MRP-F300. They have basically the same specs except that the MRP-F300 is a Class AB and the MRV-F300 is a class D. Class D amps are better for powering subs, so stick with the mono amp you have picked out. Class ABs are better for powering non-subs (there's some debate on this but this generally holds true).

If that didn't convince you, the MRP-F300 is $70 cheaper at Crutchfield.

I would expect you to be happy with either amp, but you might be happier, in terms of sound quality and price, with the MRP-F300. There's my advice. Hope it helps!