speaker/amp upgrade time

oldtexasdog

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I installed a Kenwood DMX7706S Media receiver with 4 6x8 JBL GX speakers and a Kicker CX 360 watt 4 channel amp. Installer put in a special little kit so I can still use the door subs without the thump. Been VERY happy. I am into my music weather at home or on the road.
BTW I also installed a backup camera hooked to the Kenwood. Love it!
 

Huberoy123

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From what I read? The shelby kit is provided with everything needed to replace the stock 8's.

Random thought: Kicker techies me know RMS on the Shelby set is 200 w. While the other shallow 8's are 300w RMS, with a peak ir 600 w.
 

Huberoy123

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If you are not going to put subwoofers in the trunk then I would definitely go with the kicker upgrade.
I replaced my door subs with 6.5 speakers, replaced the upper door and shelf speakers, and put 2 -12 inch subs in the trunk. I added 3 aftermarket amplifiers and new head unit. I also disconnected the factory-installed amps. The factory system didn't sound that bad, but the new system is kicking.
 

pass1over

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I need help understanding something please. I am learning about all the different ways to wire subs and amps. Found the schematic to wire 2 subs to a monoblock amp. I know if you wire them in parallel, you half their ohm load. So dual 2 ohm subs, wired in parallel, the amp would see 1 ohm.

If the amp claims ...
  • 14.4V @ 1 Ohm: 400 Watts RMS x 1 - 800 Watts PEAK x 1
Would each sub be seeing half of that RMS output? (if it really puts out that much)
 

Huberoy123

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I need help understanding something please. I am learning about all the different ways to wire subs and amps. Found the schematic to wire 2 subs to a monoblock amp. I know if you wire them in parallel, you half their ohm load. So dual 2 ohm subs, wired in parallel, the amp would see 1 ohm.

If the amp claims ...
  • 14.4V @ 1 Ohm: 400 Watts RMS x 1 - 800 Watts PEAK x 1
Would each sub be seeing half of that RMS output? (if it really puts out that much)

Try this link. https://soundcertified.com/series-or-parallel-speakers-which-is-better/
 
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pass1over

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That's what I was thinking about the way it works, thank you for that. So I found an older Kenwood amp that my wife's cousin left. Going to test it to see if it works, and will probably end up using it, since it's free.

Specs are:
Rated power output (4Ω, 14,4V) 170W x 2 (20Hz ~ 20000Hz, 0.08%THD)
Rated power output (2Ω, 14,4V) 250W x 2 (1000Hz, 0.8%THD)
Rated power output (4Ω, 14,4V) 500W x 1 (1000Hz, 0.8%THD)

So I should get 2 - 4ohm DVC subs, wire the coils is series and the speakers in parallel, which would give me 4ohm, and bridge them on the amp, for 1 - 4ohm output @ 500W, each sub would see 250watts. Like this. Is this correct?

2_4ohm_dvc_4ohm.gif



Or, I guess I could get 2 - 2ohm DVC subs and hook them up to use both channels and only use 1 coil per sub. This would cut the RMS rating of the speaker in half though, correct? Since I'd only be using half of the speaker.
 
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Huberoy123

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I installed mines several years ago. I bought 2 kenwood 4 ohm single voice coil subs and wired them to a Kenwood monoblock amp. The speakers and amp. came with wiring instructions and they sound good. Clear sound and will get loud when needed. I also watched a lot of install videos on youtube and purchased some used books on car stereo when I was building my system. The components came with good instructions, and their websites also had instruction manuals.
 

pass1over

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The stock sub has a bolt that goes from the back side through the panel into the woofer magnet.

Would it be total Overkill to epoxy a nut onto the back of my new subwoofers to utilize that bolt to hold it in better?
 

Huberoy123

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That seems like a good idea. I bought a piece of aluminum from Lowes and fashioned a brace for my enclosure.
 

pass1over

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Finished my install last weekend and I am thoroughly impressed. This is another one of those things I wish I would of done a long long time ago. I was pleased with the Shaker 500 system, but this takes it to a whole new level, it's just amazing.

The equipment I ended up installing was:
Kenwood KAC-7204 Amp - Rated at 500W @ 4ohm bridged
2x Kicker Comp R 4 ohm DVC
2x Rockford Fosgate P1683 6x9 3 ways for the doors (I left the rear deck OEM for now)

I remolded the sub pockets to fit the Comp R's and only have to use a 1/4" spacer. I used the OEM wires, so the subs still plug into the door like they always have.



I coated the entire back of the sub box with dynamat. Also finished installing dynamat in the trunk, from the back sheet metal to behind the rear of the front seats is covered.


I'm working on modifying the OEM trim ring to go around them and make it look finished again.


It sounds so much better than the OEM setup. The sound is so full and energetic now, I can't really describe it other than I am extremely pleased.
 
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XJCasper

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Those door subs look so good like that. If it were my project? I might have gotten a kicker grill and clean up the spacer to make it look closer to stock. As much as I prefer the door speaker grills? Would look nice with those subs exposed.

Nice work.
 

pass1over

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Kicker grilles fo6t these look like a 6 legged spider, I don't like em.

I'm searching for a grill that I like, but I might leave them open for now and incorporate just the OEM trim ring for now.

Spacer is cleaner up and matches the profile of the speaker (the OD was way too big) and there's those notches I can't get rid of. I tried filling it in with black rtv, but each layer is a different color and stands out.

Hopefully the trim ring fixes that
 
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XJCasper

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Kicker grilles got these lol like a 6 legged spider, I don't like em.

I'm searching for a grill that I like, but I might leave them open for now and incorporate just the OEM trim ring for now.

Spacer is cleaner up and matches the profile of the speaker (the OD was way too big) and there's those notches I can't get rid of. I tried filling it in with black rtv, but each layer is a different color and stands out.

Hopefully the trim ring fixes that
LMAO...
at the Kicker grills. Will be getting one to protect my 12". But they are rather ugly. I need with the crap that rolls around in my trunk.

Used to have the SpundStream Tarrantula grill in theb jeep. Too much chrome but had to protect the speaker from my safety equipment. Always thought about refinishing it. Sorry. Squirrel
 

Huberoy123

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Welcome to the sound upgrade club. I had the same impression when I upgraded. I actually like the kicker grills. Happy listening.
 

mustanger

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I installed a set of Kicker subs in my doors last year and had to use a spacer as well for them to fit. I'm also not a fan of the kicker grills, so have just left them uncovered. But to hide the spacer/clean that look up, I got some black elastic fabric from Joann Fabrics. They have it in different widths depending on how wide you need it. Just cut it to the length you need and you can either sew or staple it, then just slip it on the sub with the sewn side on the bottom so it's not visible. Pic attached.IMG_3745.JPG
 

pass1over

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I left mine uncovered as well, haven't found a grill I like and doubt I will. I like the way it looks with them open face like this.

This is actually a roll of carpet and floor edging trim off of amazon. Painted it to match my center console and accent color. The adhesive was not strong enough so I RTV'd it on.

I'm really happy with the way it came out

20221010_161521.jpg
 

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