seeking audio advice

["Richard Ractliffe" <rractlif@xxxx>]

Todd,
After undue amounts of suffering, I broke down and added a DIN sized cd 
player to my D. While this was a great upgrade, the extra power overwhelmed 
the stock speakers. The front speakers were a quick switch, 3.5 for a new 
3.5. Not wanting to dig into the rear speakers, I decided just to 
disconnect them. For mid-low end sound, I added a 8" in the storage 
compartment behind the drivers seat. It is driven by a small amp which 
resides next to the battery. Since the 8" speakers range of music is fairly 
non-directional, it fills the car nicely. Down the road, the car definitely 
needs some more fill, but this upgrade is a huge step up from stock. Good 
luck!

Richard
> Message: 1
> Date: Mon, 30 Apr 2001 04:04:23 -0000
> From: webmaster@xxxx
> Subject: seeking audio advice
>
> I'm looking to upgrade my stereo system while keeping the look and
> feel as stock as possible (i.e., no bass cannons or wedge-shaped
> boxes on the parcel shelf). I don't want to wake the neighbors or
> resurrect the dead with a $10K supersystem...I just want some decent
> sound while I cruise. I'm in the process of replacing my headliner,
> so I figure now is as good a time as any to take a heat gun to those
> back panels.
>
> I've been looking at the 4x10 Pioneer speakers that other folks seem
> to have had good luck with, and from what I've read in the archive
> the stock Craig fronts sound just as good as any other 3.5's out
> there. Given this setup, what about adding a subwoofer mounted in a
> replacement cover for the locking compartment behind the driver's
> seat? Kicker has an 8" square sub that looks like it would fit
> nicely, and I've seen someone else do this with an Infinity
> Reference. Will the close proximity of the driver's seat diminish the
> performance of the sub?
>
> I've also considered putting an amp in the locking compartment, but
> considering the heat they dissipate would that be a bad idea for the
> amp, sub, or the Jetronic components in there? Should I vent the
> compartment cover? Any suggestions on what amp to use in this
> situation?
>
> To complicate things, I'm looking for a receiver that will play MP3's
> but I'm having a tough time finding one that matches the look and
> feel of the interior of a gray D. The closest I've found so far is
> the Kenwood eXcelon Z919...know of any that match better?
>
> And, most important of all, how dumb an idea is this in terms of my
> car's stock electrical system? Should I upgrade the Motorola
> alternator to a 105-amp and install a FanZilla before I try anything
> like this?
>
> I'll be checking with Crutchfield on this stuff, too, but you folks
> know what works in our unique cars far better than they would. Any
> suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated!
>
> ________________
> Todd Masinelli
> VIN 6681

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