After MANY hours of research and shopping. My stereo upgrade saga is complete. Equipment includes Eclipse 5444 HU ($179), ARC Audio KAR 400 4 channel amp ($250), Rainbow X-Plain 6.5" component front door speakers ($470), Eclipse 8353 5.25" rear door speakers($100), and Image Dynamics ID8 8" subwoofer ($100). All pieces, except Rainbow speakers were purchased over internet and all were installed in the factory locations by a high-end audio shop. My goal was warm, neautral, well-balanced sound quality.
When putting the system together, the main issue became what 6.5" comps could I squeeze in the front locations (max mounting depth) without any major modifications. I learned that the front components are the most important part of any quality car audio system. I thought I was safe with a mounting depth of 2.56" because Stresspuppy got his MB Quart's PCE216's in only needing to expand the door panel hole slightly. So I originally purchased DLS UP6's (2.54" mounting depth). It turned out that the grill for the DLS is not as big as the MB Quart's and would not cover the hole in the door panel after making the necessary enlargement. The shop doing the install made me a deal on the Rainbow's which are actually a step or two up from the DLS's I had purchased. I spent so much time deciding on the UP6's I couldn't believe the shop was telling me they couldn't make them fit. But it turned out well, as I am extremely pleased with the Rainbows.
The amp and subwoofer are installed in the PS rear cargo area panel. The little storage box had to be cut out (door still there), but I was very happy that both the sub and amp were able to fit there. The subwoofer requires an enclosure of less than 1 cu ft of space. The shop fabricated one out of wood and fiberglass($200). The speaker with grill is positiond just under the factory sub grill in the panel.
The sound quality is amazing, it is like being in front of the stage at a live show. Even my wife, who was lets say skeptical about the expense being worth it, is blown away by the sound. It is sooo good to load the family up, hit the road and listen to our favorite music in the manner this system provides. It's already made for some beautiful moments.
This is the first mod made to the cruiser (its nice to be all done with repairs and maintanence). This being the family DD the stereo upgrade trumped any offroad mods.
I truly learned alot while researching my stereo system. I discovered a few forums similar to Mud but for car audio and got advice from experienced car audiophiles who really know their stuff. Feel free to PM me if you would like more details regarding the advice I received about different brands of high-end equipment.
Take care,
Perk
When putting the system together, the main issue became what 6.5" comps could I squeeze in the front locations (max mounting depth) without any major modifications. I learned that the front components are the most important part of any quality car audio system. I thought I was safe with a mounting depth of 2.56" because Stresspuppy got his MB Quart's PCE216's in only needing to expand the door panel hole slightly. So I originally purchased DLS UP6's (2.54" mounting depth). It turned out that the grill for the DLS is not as big as the MB Quart's and would not cover the hole in the door panel after making the necessary enlargement. The shop doing the install made me a deal on the Rainbow's which are actually a step or two up from the DLS's I had purchased. I spent so much time deciding on the UP6's I couldn't believe the shop was telling me they couldn't make them fit. But it turned out well, as I am extremely pleased with the Rainbows.
The amp and subwoofer are installed in the PS rear cargo area panel. The little storage box had to be cut out (door still there), but I was very happy that both the sub and amp were able to fit there. The subwoofer requires an enclosure of less than 1 cu ft of space. The shop fabricated one out of wood and fiberglass($200). The speaker with grill is positiond just under the factory sub grill in the panel.
The sound quality is amazing, it is like being in front of the stage at a live show. Even my wife, who was lets say skeptical about the expense being worth it, is blown away by the sound. It is sooo good to load the family up, hit the road and listen to our favorite music in the manner this system provides. It's already made for some beautiful moments.
This is the first mod made to the cruiser (its nice to be all done with repairs and maintanence). This being the family DD the stereo upgrade trumped any offroad mods.
I truly learned alot while researching my stereo system. I discovered a few forums similar to Mud but for car audio and got advice from experienced car audiophiles who really know their stuff. Feel free to PM me if you would like more details regarding the advice I received about different brands of high-end equipment.
Take care,
Perk
