Audio System upgrade

[Meccanoble]

Finally put my budget system in, very happy with results but even more happy that I did it all by myself, invite with a lot of help and encouragement from online friends and members. Next year I'll work on the rear. Currently still Bose amp and speakers.

PhD components
Ppi 900.4
Helix sub
Box built from scratch, super ugly but effective

 

[lemansguy]

looks great! how are you liking the sound out of the front speakers powered off the bose amp?

 

[badandyturbo]

Nice. What amp is powering the sub?

 

[Meccanoble]

Front speakers are powered by PPI 900.4 2 channels (145 rms @ 4 ohms)

I have the sub powered by same amp with other 2 channels bridged at around 450 rms @ 4 ohms).

I'm loving the sound. The tweets are in the stock location and they are bigger than stock so I was worried it would impact sound but it doesnt. With the power put on this set, the tweets could be very bright/annoying/loud pointed directly at people so this setup where it kind of ricochets sound off the front glass gives it a better surround sound. The midbass is amazing, but I think its partly because of the sound deadening. Cant wait to do the rear doors. The rear doors and d-pillars still stock speakers and powered by bose and they sound like crap compared to the front but good for filler.

Amp isnt working hard at all.

 

[Debonair]

I have built many an ugly box in my days.

Output is what matters in the end. I typically use whatever is available or quickest initially to get the system working and and the pretty it up later as time permits. Nicely done!

 

[MotoCARR]

Looks good!

 

[Drok]

How did you hook up the front speakers to the amp. Did you direct wire them from the amp or cut the ones going into the bose amp and run them to the ppi amp?

 

[Tonyrodz]

Maybe throw some carpet on it.

 

[Meccanoble]

How did you hook up the front speakers to the amp. Did you direct wire them from the amp or cut the ones going into the bose amp and run them to the ppi amp?

I put new wiring in (12 gauge) going from speakers directly to amp. Fortunately, amp is up front so didnt require too much wiring. Hardest part was trying to get wires through the boots on the doors. The boots still protect the wires but I cant get them to fit perfectly sealed. I was planning to run the stock wires but decided to just go with new wiring to avoid restrictions. If I was running stock amp with upgraded speakers, would have probably kept the stock wires.

I'm not confident I will be keeping this box long term. I blew my Helix sub when I switched sources at high volumes. Put a used Alpine Type S I had laying around. Perfect fit, much lighter than the Helix. Performs pretty good but the Helix had so much more feel bass with some songs. When this sub goes, will look for a sub that can take more abuse and build a cleaner looking box now that I know the process better.

 

[09_4WD_YUKON]

Most boxes are ugly...that's why they get carpeted!!!