Ok... I knew it was going to happen and I tried so hard *not* to let it happen.

Stock audio sucks, period. So I figured I'd go for some upgrades, but keep it modest. My original plan was a $50 Bazooka passive 8", $75 DEI A404 4-channel amp (2 channels bridged for the Bazooka, 2 for components), Crystal CPe60s ($70) components, and a line-out converter for a few bucks. Small but significant upgrades for a shade over $200. BUT I started thinking it over and I've been down the line-out converter route before and I just don't like the way it sounds. So...

First Upgrade: Eclipse CD5425 HU with steering wheel controls (a must). 5v pre-outs. Good music starts with a good source. Great head unit, love the steering wheel controls, easy to add-on an iPod controller or Sirius... Made the stock speakers sound louder but crappier... so...

Second Upgrade: Crystal CPe60s 6.5" component speakers for the front. Best budget speakers out there. Went in nice and easy. Sounded much better than the stock, but now it seemed like they weren't getting enough power... so...

Third Upgrade: Directed 650 (50x4 + 350x1) amp. One of my favorite all-in-one amps out there and I got it for a steal on ebay. Speakers sound *much* better but what do I do with that 5th channel? I need some bass, so...

Third Upgrade: Xtant A212 12" subwoofer. New, discontinued, $69+shipping. Hard to pass up... and it has a cool enclosure (that fits perfectly in the back of an xA) I can always drop a better sub in later if I want... which I did want... but not later... so...

Fourth Upgrade: Image Dynamics ID12v3D2 subwoofer... feeding it 350w from the Directed amp and it sounds good. Clean but not overpowering... it can handle 500 watts easily... and I want it to be louder... i need more power... so...

Fifth Upgrade: Time to get a new amp for the sub. But if I replace the all-in-one amp I'll also need an amp for my components. Found a great deal on a pair of Directed 1200t amps. They'll do 225x2 @ 4 ohm and 1000x1@2ohm. Overkill, but you can never have enough power in case you want to upgrade.... so... I guess I better upgrade to make the purchase of the amps worthwhile... so...

Sixth Upgrade: Image Dynamics Chameleon CXS6 6.5" components. I love these components. I've had 3 sets prior. One in my GMC Sierra and two in my '02 Mustang. They love power and should do quite well with 225 to each side. But I still have another 1200t that's got the gains turned way down on that ID12... so...

That's where I'm at right now. I've got to get a new subwoofer. I'm leaning towards a 12" IDMax or a SoundSplinter RL-p 12, or a TC Sounds TC2000.

I dunno why I didn't just stay with the stock radio... sigh... I managed to keep myself out of the whole car audio scene for 4 years after it became a huge money pit with my '02 Mustang.

Stupid cars...

 

Hell ya, now that's what I'm talking bout.. Nice mod.. Can't wait to hear it.

 

You knew it was gonna happen when you started...

Good job man, bring it around so we can hear it!

 

I definitely need to get back to MC's. The good news is that starting next week I'll have my weekends free again! Got a promotion, fat raise, and a new schedule.

Anyone have suggestions on subs?

Chipz, what are you running in your xB?

 

MTX 9500 series

 

Fosgate 12" T1's.. I'm thinking of going more power, might be selling?

 

x2 - i love knowing that i'm not the only junkie. makes me feel better, know?

now... you HAVE to come out to some shows with us this spring! (hint: not too many xA's in competition wink wink)

 

Ok... figured out which sub I'm going to get...

Fi Q 12" 1ohm DVC for a 2ohm final load. I'll be running 1000 watts to it in a 1.1ft3 (after driver displacement) sealed enclosure.

Fi is a relatively small shop (started by one of the top engineers at RE), and they make the subs to order, so I should see it in about 2 weeks, tops.

The Q is a SQ high excursion sub (28mm Xmax). And it's cheap! $259 shipped.

Here's a link..

Can't wait!

 

Nice..

 

when you gonna let us hear that sukka?

 

Well, two more weeks of working Saturdays, then I switch to M-F.

Then I'll be showing up at MC's if the weather doesn't suck

E

 

nice deal bro

 

Nice

 

hax, that reminds me... we gotta get you some bass

 

Touche'

 

I've got an Xtant A212 that's never seen power. I also have an Image Dynamics ID12v3D4 that was used for less than a month!

$45 and $85 respectively. The ID12 was purchased from Cardomain and has a full warranty.