Better
For the next step up, Sound In Motion would again keep the stock head unit in the dash and add a premade sub box, but this time they'd swap out the stock speakers for aftermarket ones and add a 4-channel amp and an auxiliary input. "It's such a big ordeal to change the radio in this car that we really like to leave it in unless we're stepping up to a completely custom system," Cavanaugh says. To bring the stock head unit's amplified signal down to line level and smooth out any factory EQ settings, Cavanaugh would use an AudioControl DQL-8 Line Output Converter. "We use it to optimize the output of the factory radio," Cavanaugh says, "and it also has an aux-in to add an iPod."
The stock speaker locations in the front doors would receive a 6.5" midrange and 0.75" tweeter from an MB Quart RVF 216 Reference component speaker set. The speakers would be hidden behind the stock grilles and each door would be treated with a Dynamat Xtreme Speaker Kit to minimize resonances. The factory speaker locations in the rear deck would house a pair of MB Quart DKF 116 Discus 6.5" coaxials, also covered by the stock grilles.
Bass would come from a JL Audio PowerWedge CS112RG-W3v3 with a 10" subwoofer. "For this system, we went with a little higher-end sub box," Cavanaugh says. "We also stepped it up with the amp for a better sound quality, and obviously more power." Getting the nod is a Genesis Profile 4 Ultra amplifier (100 watts x 4 into 4 ohms). "It also has a bass-control knob - can't live without that," Cavanaugh explains.
The install would include Tsunami 4-gauge power and ground wire and a 4-gauge fuse holder and fuse, RCA cable, 12- and 16-gauge speaker cable, and miscellaneous parts and connectors. "This system gives you the best bang for the buck," Cavanaugh says. "It gives you a full system with minimal cost. And, along with performance, it gives you more source options and functionality."
Better System
Audio Control DQL-8
MB Quart RVF 216 Reference
Dynamat Xtreme Speaker Kit
MB Quart DKF 116 Discus coaxials
JL Audio PowerWedge CS112RG-W3v3
Genesis Profile 4 Ultra amplifier
Tsunami accessories
Equipment$2,460
Materials $400
Labor (20-25 hrs)$1,540 - $2,160
Total$4,400