Design audio system for my '98 Outback Sport
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Designing an audio system for my '98 Outback Sport
Hi guys,
I just picked up a '98 Outback Sport with a stock clarion cassette deck.
I listen to a wide variety of music, from jazz, blues, rock to trance, house, trip-hop, drum & bass, etc. Basically I'm looking for a well-rounded setup with clean crisp mids and highs and subtle but solid bass.
Head Unit: ~$200
I want to play MP3s on CDR. I don't need an organic display, funky graphics, or spinning moving faces. Detachable face is handy. Weather band would be a major bonus. No sony. This JVC KD-SX990 looks promising. Has 2 preamp outs for front and rear.
FM Modulator: $10-20?
I want to place this inline with the FM antenna so that I can connect other audio sources (portable mp3 player, laptop, etc) to a jack I plan to mount in the dash. May not be necessary if the HU has an aux in.
Speakers: ~$300
I need 4 6.5" speakers, correct?
Amp: ~$250
Should fit under the driver seat and be able to power all four main speakers. What do you think of the Rockford Fosgate Punch 301x? Will it fit?
Subwoofer and Amp: $?
For this I want to have a box in the rear with the amp mounted to the box. I frequently need my cargo space and I want to be able to disconnect the power to the amp and lift the whole assembly out with minimal hassle. I'm thinking a 10" sub should suffice. Considering that I don't want my car to be audible from 3 blocks away, how powerful of an amp do I need? This will probably be added later.
What other equipment? Crossovers? I know I'll need fuses and wiring.
Thanks for the advice guys!
I just picked up a '98 Outback Sport with a stock clarion cassette deck.
I listen to a wide variety of music, from jazz, blues, rock to trance, house, trip-hop, drum & bass, etc. Basically I'm looking for a well-rounded setup with clean crisp mids and highs and subtle but solid bass.
Head Unit: ~$200
I want to play MP3s on CDR. I don't need an organic display, funky graphics, or spinning moving faces. Detachable face is handy. Weather band would be a major bonus. No sony. This JVC KD-SX990 looks promising. Has 2 preamp outs for front and rear.
FM Modulator: $10-20?
I want to place this inline with the FM antenna so that I can connect other audio sources (portable mp3 player, laptop, etc) to a jack I plan to mount in the dash. May not be necessary if the HU has an aux in.
Speakers: ~$300
I need 4 6.5" speakers, correct?
Amp: ~$250
Should fit under the driver seat and be able to power all four main speakers. What do you think of the Rockford Fosgate Punch 301x? Will it fit?
Subwoofer and Amp: $?
For this I want to have a box in the rear with the amp mounted to the box. I frequently need my cargo space and I want to be able to disconnect the power to the amp and lift the whole assembly out with minimal hassle. I'm thinking a 10" sub should suffice. Considering that I don't want my car to be audible from 3 blocks away, how powerful of an amp do I need? This will probably be added later.
What other equipment? Crossovers? I know I'll need fuses and wiring.
Thanks for the advice guys!
Last edited by maharashii; Jun 5, 2003 at 01:14 AM.
Originally posted by surfertech
hey.. u might want to get an infinity basslink then if space is nessary for you. good enuff for a lil bass.. plus u can never go wrong with infinity!
hey.. u might want to get an infinity basslink then if space is nessary for you. good enuff for a lil bass.. plus u can never go wrong with infinity!
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iTrader: (5)
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,661
From: location location
Car Info: 98 Impreza Outback Sport
Yo, I have a 98 outback sport as well, and I installed my own huge stereo system...
HU: Sony MDX-8970 Minidisc player w/ voice control ($300)
Sony T-69 CD changer ($90)
Front Speakers: Infinity Kappa 6.5 in. components ($160)
Rear Speakers: Infinity Kappa 4 in. 2-ways ($80)
Rear upper: Infinity Kappa Tweeters w/ inline crossovers ($80)-powered by rear HU channels
Bumps: Infinity Kappa 12" subwoofer in small sealed Q-logic box
($125, $75)
Mounted on custom amp rack:
Rockford Fosgate 1 farad capacitor w/ digital display ($100)
Infinity Kappa crossovers --> front components
Fosgate fused distribution block ($20)
Rockford Fosgate Punch Power 150.1 mono amp (powers sub) ($150)
Rockford Fosgate Punch 200.4 multi-channel (front/rear speakers)
($200)
All Fosgate power/speaker wire, RCA's (?)
Sh*tload of dynamat (I took out all interior panels, carpet, door panels, etc. to install this...)
Doing it yourself can actually be fun, and at the same time, you save a whole lot of $$$ because Car Toys can't ream you in the ***... I've been thru that w/ my alarm.
If you'd like any pictures of the installs (or any install Q's) or would like to know where I got such prices... drop a line...
HU: Sony MDX-8970 Minidisc player w/ voice control ($300)
Sony T-69 CD changer ($90)
Front Speakers: Infinity Kappa 6.5 in. components ($160)
Rear Speakers: Infinity Kappa 4 in. 2-ways ($80)
Rear upper: Infinity Kappa Tweeters w/ inline crossovers ($80)-powered by rear HU channels
Bumps: Infinity Kappa 12" subwoofer in small sealed Q-logic box
($125, $75)
Mounted on custom amp rack:
Rockford Fosgate 1 farad capacitor w/ digital display ($100)
Infinity Kappa crossovers --> front components
Fosgate fused distribution block ($20)
Rockford Fosgate Punch Power 150.1 mono amp (powers sub) ($150)
Rockford Fosgate Punch 200.4 multi-channel (front/rear speakers)
($200)
All Fosgate power/speaker wire, RCA's (?)
Sh*tload of dynamat (I took out all interior panels, carpet, door panels, etc. to install this...)
Doing it yourself can actually be fun, and at the same time, you save a whole lot of $$$ because Car Toys can't ream you in the ***... I've been thru that w/ my alarm.
If you'd like any pictures of the installs (or any install Q's) or would like to know where I got such prices... drop a line...
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 80
From: Pennsylvania
Car Info: 2007 Subaru Legacy SE
I have an '02 OBS
I listen to similiar music (a little more classic rock, though).
This is my setup:
-Money spent: ~$350
-Headunit: Aiwa CDC-MP3
-Plays MP3 disks, has aux input on faceplate, faceplate is removable, 45W x 4, Displays mp3 ID tags...Only $180 on sale.
-Rear speakers: Kenwood 5 1/4" 2-ways
-Great for bass, but good treble as well. $70
-Front speakers: Eclipse (by Fujitsu) 5 1/4" 2-ways
-Great, well-rounded sound. $90 on sale.
For the amount of money I paid, the system sounds great. Aiwa doesn't make my reciever any more (it's over a year old), but they make a better model for about the same price. I recommend it.
*Note: I never installed any subs because I just don't have the money and I need the space. But if I were to, they would fit in great with the system.
I listen to similiar music (a little more classic rock, though).
This is my setup:
-Money spent: ~$350
-Headunit: Aiwa CDC-MP3
-Plays MP3 disks, has aux input on faceplate, faceplate is removable, 45W x 4, Displays mp3 ID tags...Only $180 on sale.
-Rear speakers: Kenwood 5 1/4" 2-ways
-Great for bass, but good treble as well. $70
-Front speakers: Eclipse (by Fujitsu) 5 1/4" 2-ways
-Great, well-rounded sound. $90 on sale.
For the amount of money I paid, the system sounds great. Aiwa doesn't make my reciever any more (it's over a year old), but they make a better model for about the same price. I recommend it.
*Note: I never installed any subs because I just don't have the money and I need the space. But if I were to, they would fit in great with the system.
Registered User
iTrader: (5)
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,661
From: location location
Car Info: 98 Impreza Outback Sport
Originally posted by NaT NaTe 1 8 3
I have an '02 OBS
I listen to similiar music (a little more classic rock, though).
This is my setup:
-Money spent: ~$350
-Headunit: Aiwa CDC-MP3
-Plays MP3 disks, has aux input on faceplate, faceplate is removable, 45W x 4, Displays mp3 ID tags...Only $180 on sale.
-Rear speakers: Kenwood 5 1/4" 2-ways
-Great for bass, but good treble as well. $70
-Front speakers: Eclipse (by Fujitsu) 5 1/4" 2-ways
-Great, well-rounded sound. $90 on sale.
For the amount of money I paid, the system sounds great. Aiwa doesn't make my reciever any more (it's over a year old), but they make a better model for about the same price. I recommend it.
*Note: I never installed any subs because I just don't have the money and I need the space. But if I were to, they would fit in great with the system.
I have an '02 OBS
I listen to similiar music (a little more classic rock, though).
This is my setup:
-Money spent: ~$350
-Headunit: Aiwa CDC-MP3
-Plays MP3 disks, has aux input on faceplate, faceplate is removable, 45W x 4, Displays mp3 ID tags...Only $180 on sale.
-Rear speakers: Kenwood 5 1/4" 2-ways
-Great for bass, but good treble as well. $70
-Front speakers: Eclipse (by Fujitsu) 5 1/4" 2-ways
-Great, well-rounded sound. $90 on sale.
For the amount of money I paid, the system sounds great. Aiwa doesn't make my reciever any more (it's over a year old), but they make a better model for about the same price. I recommend it.
*Note: I never installed any subs because I just don't have the money and I need the space. But if I were to, they would fit in great with the system.
Re: Designing an audio system for my '98 Outback Sport
Head Unit: ~$200 -kenwood, lower model
FM Modulator: $10-20?-no
Speakers: ~$300-infinity kappa components for front, keep stock rears for a while
I need 4 6.5" speakers, correct?- to do the whole system yes, and if it has the clarion components, you need two front tweeters too
Amp: ~$250-spend the money for a better deck, or better amp for subs
Subwoofer and Amp: $?- for little money/big bang JL W0 with a kenwood 300w amp
What other equipment? Crossovers? I know I'll need fuses and wiring.- just fuses, wires, and a harness for the deck to go to your stock harness
FM Modulator: $10-20?-no
Speakers: ~$300-infinity kappa components for front, keep stock rears for a while
I need 4 6.5" speakers, correct?- to do the whole system yes, and if it has the clarion components, you need two front tweeters too
Amp: ~$250-spend the money for a better deck, or better amp for subs
Subwoofer and Amp: $?- for little money/big bang JL W0 with a kenwood 300w amp
What other equipment? Crossovers? I know I'll need fuses and wiring.- just fuses, wires, and a harness for the deck to go to your stock harness
Registered User
iTrader: (5)
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,661
From: location location
Car Info: 98 Impreza Outback Sport
Re: Re: Designing an audio system for my '98 Outback Sport
Originally posted by mysubaruimp
Head Unit: ~$200 -kenwood, lower model
FM Modulator: $10-20?-no
Speakers: ~$300-infinity kappa components for front, keep stock rears for a while
I need 4 6.5" speakers, correct?- to do the whole system yes, and if it has the clarion components, you need two front tweeters too
Amp: ~$250-spend the money for a better deck, or better amp for subs
Subwoofer and Amp: $?- for little money/big bang JL W0 with a kenwood 300w amp
What other equipment? Crossovers? I know I'll need fuses and wiring.- just fuses, wires, and a harness for the deck to go to your stock harness
Head Unit: ~$200 -kenwood, lower model
FM Modulator: $10-20?-no
Speakers: ~$300-infinity kappa components for front, keep stock rears for a while
I need 4 6.5" speakers, correct?- to do the whole system yes, and if it has the clarion components, you need two front tweeters too
Amp: ~$250-spend the money for a better deck, or better amp for subs
Subwoofer and Amp: $?- for little money/big bang JL W0 with a kenwood 300w amp
What other equipment? Crossovers? I know I'll need fuses and wiring.- just fuses, wires, and a harness for the deck to go to your stock harness
Go to http://www.thezeb.com--> best prices I've come across.
If you have a '98 outback sport, the rear doors take 4" speakers, not 6.5" like the front.
Kenwood makes good head units (my opinion), but for amps, stick with Fosgate--- they know their sh*t.
kappa 6.5" components shouldn't be $300, I paid $175 for mine (spankin new... yes, the silver ones)
Amping up the speakers provides much better bass response and overall sound- Get your money's worth out of them Kappa's!
(this also keeps your HU from having to work so hard- it gets hot enough without using the built-in amp)I think most car audio enthusiasts would recommend to stay consistent with the brands in your system (i.e. all speakers same brand)... then your system will appear well-crafted, not thrown together (not to mention sounding better).
As for the install checklist:
-power wire- I'd go 4ga. w/ anything higher than 350W
-ground wire- (same ga. as power- run from Neg. Batt. to chasis also)
-remote wire (amp turn-on lead)
-Battery Terminal(s)
-Fuse holder
-RCA's (dont cheap out here (no FM mod.)- system sounds as good as its weakest link
).-wire loom- protect them wires!
-speaker wire- (replacing stock wire is not completely necessary because of work involved- but will make a noticable difference)
-necessary connectors
-sound dampening (especially if you're addin' bumps)- you'll regret you didn't do this when later everything rattles and you have to take everything apart again
... my $.02
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 167
From: Los Angeles
Car Info: 1999 OBS
The USX 4085 amp by US Acoustics are good amps and their
cheap too. Its only $172 at thezeb.com but its out of stock.
Crutchfield has it too for $179. With this amp you will have
85 watts x 4 channels. 45 watts more than the rockford
Punch 301x.
For the subs i suggest you look at adire shivas 12" for $125.
http://www.adireaudio.com/mobile_aud...vers/shiva.htm
or the Elemental Design 12k subs for $120
http://www.edesignaudio.com/ep/kseries.htm
or the Image Dynamics ID12 V3 subs for $114
http://www.infinitecaraudio.com/cgi-...0Inch&start=32
These are just some of the subs with good sq and spl.
cheap too. Its only $172 at thezeb.com but its out of stock.
Crutchfield has it too for $179. With this amp you will have
85 watts x 4 channels. 45 watts more than the rockford
Punch 301x.
For the subs i suggest you look at adire shivas 12" for $125.
http://www.adireaudio.com/mobile_aud...vers/shiva.htm
or the Elemental Design 12k subs for $120
http://www.edesignaudio.com/ep/kseries.htm
or the Image Dynamics ID12 V3 subs for $114
http://www.infinitecaraudio.com/cgi-...0Inch&start=32
These are just some of the subs with good sq and spl.
Registered User
iTrader: (5)
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,661
From: location location
Car Info: 98 Impreza Outback Sport
Originally posted by jobs99
The USX 4085 amp by US Acoustics are good amps and their
cheap too. Its only $172 at thezeb.com but its out of stock.
Crutchfield has it too for $179. With this amp you will have
85 watts x 4 channels. 45 watts more than the rockford
Punch 301x.
The USX 4085 amp by US Acoustics are good amps and their
cheap too. Its only $172 at thezeb.com but its out of stock.
Crutchfield has it too for $179. With this amp you will have
85 watts x 4 channels. 45 watts more than the rockford
Punch 301x.
, or 111 watts x 4 channels. I paid $199 on thezeb about a year ago, but its probably cheaper now... Stick w/ RF
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Posts: n/a
Re: Re: Re: Designing an audio system for my '98 Outback Sport
Originally posted by scoobsport98
If you have a '98 outback sport, the rear doors take 4" speakers, not 6.5" like the front.
If you have a '98 outback sport, the rear doors take 4" speakers, not 6.5" like the front.
I took the speakers back and replaced them with Infinity 4000 series in the rear doors and Infinity 6000 components in the front.
I still need to decide on the amps.
My thought now is one multi-channel amp for the main speakers, and one mono amp for the eventual sub in the rear.
I really want to just fill out the bass a little bit for the occasional hip hop or drum and bass. I don't want to rattle the hatch open or anything : ) It's gotta sound good and be balanced with the system overall.
Should I go with a single 8" sub? Dual 8s? A 10? How many watts should I be looking at? My head unit can't control the sub, so I need to be able to turn the amp off or ideally have remote access to level/gain controls.
-sound dampening (especially if you're addin' bumps)- you'll regret you didn't do this when later everything rattles and you have to take everything apart again
And lastly - where is a good source for the wiring and fuses, etc for the amps? Circuit city wants $100 for 4 guage wire, a fuse holder, and a distribution block ... there must be a cheaper way ...
posted by scoobsport
Bumps: Infinity Kappa 12" subwoofer in small sealed Q-logic box
($125, $75)
Rockford Fosgate Punch Power 150.1 mono amp (powers sub) ($150)
Bumps: Infinity Kappa 12" subwoofer in small sealed Q-logic box
($125, $75)
Rockford Fosgate Punch Power 150.1 mono amp (powers sub) ($150)
Last edited by maharashii; Jun 13, 2003 at 06:29 PM.
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 73
well see.. size does not matter in subs. it all depends on the type of music you listen too. anyways.. 10 inch is for mostly somethin with a fast bass like alternative music. 12 inch is for somethin with fat bass like rap or r&b.. 150 watts on a good sub wont do much and in most cases will ruin the sub since it does not have enough power. but if i make a suggestion.. get a jl w0 the choice in size is up to you depeneding on the music. and the amp just get a small amp since the jl doesnt take that much power to make it thump!
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iTrader: (5)
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,661
From: location location
Car Info: 98 Impreza Outback Sport
Originally posted by surfertech
well see.. size does not matter in subs. it all depends on the type of music you listen too. anyways.. 10 inch is for mostly somethin with a fast bass like alternative music. 12 inch is for somethin with fat bass like rap or r&b.. 150 watts on a good sub wont do much and in most cases will ruin the sub since it does not have enough power. but if i make a suggestion.. get a jl w0 the choice in size is up to you depeneding on the music. and the amp just get a small amp since the jl doesnt take that much power to make it thump!
well see.. size does not matter in subs. it all depends on the type of music you listen too. anyways.. 10 inch is for mostly somethin with a fast bass like alternative music. 12 inch is for somethin with fat bass like rap or r&b.. 150 watts on a good sub wont do much and in most cases will ruin the sub since it does not have enough power. but if i make a suggestion.. get a jl w0 the choice in size is up to you depeneding on the music. and the amp just get a small amp since the jl doesnt take that much power to make it thump!
Just cause the model of the amp is RF 150.1, it doesnt mean that it puts out only 150W. The certifacate I recieved with the amp said that it pushed 312W @ 2 ohms, and since my kappa 12" is a DVC (dual voice coil), I can run it parallel and get all of the power out of the amp. ... and where the hell did you hear that under-powering an amp can cause damage?-- I believe you are misinformed. Another thing, the W0 is just about the crappiest sub that JL makes... go with the W7.
You don't need to worry about me... I got plenty o' power, and I am confident that I know my sh*t.