Proposed 2008 Aveo5 system

Thanks to your input I have made some decisions. I will lay out my proposed system, subject to change, lol, for you to comment on and criticize. If you have positive or negative comments, please let me know. I will be buying most all of the equipment from crutchfield, except the 4" rear speakers which I couldn't find on their website, 1" spacer which I also couldn't find, and the sub, which I also could not find there.

Here goes:

Electronics:

Alpine CDA-9886 CD Reciever
Alpine KTP-445 Power Pack
Alpine PXA-H100 Imprint Processor

Speakers:

Front: Infinity Reference 6032si 6.5"
Rear: Infinity Reference 4032cf 4"
Sub: Infinity Basslink II

Again, this is a proposed system, and the components subject to change the most are the speakers. I wanted to keep the system as simple to wire and install as possible, as I don't have much experience doing this and I don't want to tear the car apart and not be able to put it back together. I also am most interested in accuracy and sq, not spl. Many of you will disagree with the Basslink II choice, and if so, let me hear it and why, and what you would suggest.

I hope to hear from many of you.

Ciao,

Viper

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PittViper

Electronics:

Alpine CDA-9886 CD Reciever
Alpine KTP-445 Power Pack
Alpine PXA-H100 Imprint Processor

Speakers:

Front: Infinity Reference 6032si 6.5"
Rear: Infinity Reference 4032cf 4"
Sub: Infinity Basslink II

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Pretty good stuff here. Alpine is excellent and Infinity makes good speakers. I might go a little different route if I were you. With the components you selected I would loose the power pack for a real 4 channel amp, something like a PDX 4.100 and replace the basslink with a regular component sub box by say rockford fosgate.

I would run the front 6.5" off of channels 1&2 on the amp and bridge 3&4 for the sub. Then run the rears off of the HU since they are only 4" anyways.

This is not a super system or a "high end", but will give you an excellent sound and plenty of it for a decent price.
The Aveo is probably the easiest car to do an audio upgrade so you should be fine, and crutchfield will provide good documentation.

Thanks for the reply,

Can you provide any links to the proposed equipment you suggested? Also, I am not very good with wiring the amp, and don't know very much about sub boxes. I like your comments. If you can point me in the right direction on crutchfield, and provide some installation advice, I would appreciate it. Also, I have half of the hatch filled with a plastic box containing the junk I usually carry in my car, so I only have half of the hatch left. I liked the basslink becuase it would fit in this space. Where would I mount the 4 channel amp? Also, in case of emergency, if I had to get to the spare tire in the hatch, that is a necessity. I need something that I could fold down the rear seats and move the sub assembly on the seats, then get to the spare tire.

Please get back to me, I am very interested.

Viper

I like the pdx series amps, and think that might work. But, I looked into the rf subs, and they are VERY expenssive. I see the punch series 2 12" dual voice coil is pretty much all I can afford at around 150.00. What box will I need? How do you wire the amp to the subs? please let me know.

viper

Can't beat this price for a sub

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_575P1L110/ ... tml?tp=112

Can't beat this amp, although it is pricy, you can get a good amp much cheaper

http://signature.crutchfield.com/s_500P ... l?tp=35782

The amp is simple to wire. There is a grommet in the firewall already to pass the amp wire through. It is simple and you will be happier.

Let me know if I can help.

Thanks aveorob, you pointed me in the direction of some great products. This will be the first time ever that I have done any installation on this level. My other very smalll systems, purchased from crutchfield, just basically consisted of a head unit and the wiring harness they send you for your car. Looking at your proposed system, I see I will have to run seperate speaker wire on my own from the amp to the front and sub. As proposed, I would power the rear with the hu. At the risk of sounding totally clueless, how would I get the speaker wire from the amp to the front speakers, in the doors? And, hide all of the wires. I love the proposed system. Plan on this being the last bit of serious components I ever buy. Plan on keeping this car for a while! But, as I stated earlier, I was trying to avoid tearing the car apart, unless you could tell me it really wont be that bad!

In the past, I have had two previous cars professionally installed with systems. They were great systems, they must have torn the car apart to run and hide all of those wires. I had a VW GTI installed with 3 amps, all rf, dynaudio front stage speakers, eclipse rear fill speakers, and one 10" PPI flat piston sub in custom ported enclosure. The installl was superb. Not a wire to be seen that wasn't covered in a black tube, forget what that is called. But, this system was when I had that kind of money. I realistically don't now, that is why I am doing everything by myself. And, given my budget, this alpine amp, albeit undoubtedly being very clean, is throwing me a bit over my budget. But, the former "audiophile" in me does know good sound. And, I couldn't agree with you more on the amp choice. I don't like noise.

Also, the rf sub is single voice coil from what I read. Again, at my own risk, I have to ask, how do you wire two channels of the amp to it? I have never done this kind of wiring myself, and I will need some help in the amp wiring, actually whole system wiring department.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Viper

Also, does crutchfield sell the 1" spacer for the front? I can't find it. I am trying to complete my cart.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PittViper

Looking at your proposed system, I see I will have to run seperate speaker wire on my own from the amp to the front and sub. As proposed, I would power the rear with the hu. At the risk of sounding totally clueless, how would I get the speaker wire from the amp to the front speakers, in the doors? And, hide all of the wires.

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Well the right way would be to run new wire from the amp to the speakers in the doors. There is a molex connector to pass though that is a pain. If you want to cheat a little and not hack the car, run the wires to the HU and cut the harness crutchfield will give you, not the car harness, but the adapter and tap into the existing wiring that goes to the speakers already. This is not the best way as the gauge of the wire is probably 18 and a little thin, but will work will minimal effort. Just run the new wire under the carpet and along the door sill.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PittViper

I love the proposed system. Plan on this being the last bit of serious components I ever buy. Plan on keeping this car for a while! But, as I stated earlier, I was trying to avoid tearing the car apart, unless you could tell me it really wont be that bad!

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It's not bad at all. Just clips and screws for most of the parts. Very simple.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PittViper

Also, the rf sub is single voice coil from what I read. Again, at my own risk, I have to ask, how do you wire two channels of the amp to it? I have never done this kind of wiring myself, and I will need some help in the amp wiring, actually whole system wiring department.

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No problem, you bridge 2 channels from the amp, so for example if using channels 3&4 you place the positive lead to the positive of channel 3 and the negative lead to the negative of channel 4. This will add the 2 channels together


OK alot of questions, hope this helps

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PittViper

Also, does crutchfield sell the 1" spacer for the front? I can't find it. I am trying to complete my cart.

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http://www.crutchfield.com/p_003SG600DX ... rsal&ssi=0

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PittViper

Thanks to your input I have made some decisions. I will lay out my proposed system, subject to change, lol, for you to comment on and criticize. If you have positive or negative comments, please let me know. I will be buying most all of the equipment from crutchfield, except the 4" rear speakers which I couldn't find on their website, 1" spacer which I also couldn't find, and the sub, which I also could not find there.

Here goes:

Electronics:

Alpine CDA-9886 CD Reciever
Alpine KTP-445 Power Pack
Alpine PXA-H100 Imprint Processor

Speakers:

Front: Infinity Reference 6032si 6.5"
Rear: Infinity Reference 4032cf 4"
Sub: Infinity Basslink II

Again, this is a proposed system, and the components subject to change the most are the speakers. I wanted to keep the system as simple to wire and install as possible, as I don't have much experience doing this and I don't want to tear the car apart and not be able to put it back together. I also am most interested in accuracy and sq, not spl. Many of you will disagree with the Basslink II choice, and if so, let me hear it and why, and what you would suggest.

I hope to hear from many of you.

Ciao,

Viper

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Viper,

I went with Infinity Reference and love them. I went with 4" in the front and 4x6 in the back. Crutchfield says they won't fit, but with a little bit of clipping stuff off to make it about the same shape as the stock speaker mounting plate shape I got it to fit back there with no problems. And the RMS is a little higher on those... Plus, if you're upsizing the front speakers and downsizing the rear... That might throw your sound off a little bit... it will be "front-heavy" If you can say that about the sound. I'd go with 6.5 in the front but stay with 4x6 in the back...

Do you really think having only 4" in the rear will throw the sound off balance, and make it "front heavy"? Don't you want the stage to be in the front, and the rear just to present fill so when you turn your head you are not listening to a dead zone? I am curious about this. If I were to switch to the Infinity ref 4x6, what would I have to hack to get them to fit?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PittViper

Do you really think having only 4" in the rear will throw the sound off balance, and make it "front heavy"? Don't you want the stage to be in the front, and the rear just to present fill so when you turn your head you are not listening to a dead zone? I am curious about this. If I were to switch to the Infinity ref 4x6, what would I have to hack to get them to fit?

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I just went with the same size as original speakers and it works fine... i 'm not sure what you're saying about a "dead zone", I turn my head and everything sounds fine. :D and to fit 4x6 in the back I only had to clip off one corner on plastic mounting bracket to make it match the size/shape of OEM speakers. I have only three screws (you have to get longer screws, oem are too short for thicker plastic bracket).

I see 2 models of infinity reference 4x6 speakers to choose from, the 6432cf and 6432cfp. The former is just the speaker shape, and the latter is a plate. Which one would fit? I think the one that is speaker shaped, but I am not at my car to look right now. Please let me know.

Also, how do you post links here?

Thanks

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PittViper

I see 2 models of infinity reference 4x6 speakers to choose from, the 6432cf and 6432cfp. The former is just the speaker shape, and the latter is a plate. Which one would fit? I think the one that is speaker shaped, but I am not at my car to look right now. Please let me know.

Also, how do you post links here?

Thanks

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I got the 6432 cf, but they came already preassembled with a plastic mounting plate with many holes in it for different screw patterns. That mounting plate is what I had to trim. And for the links - just copy and paste the whole link into the body of the message.

Just like this: http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_139 ... .9cfp.html - it will shorten it and make it clickable on it's own when you submit your post.

Wiring question:

The alpine recieiver has 3 sets of preamp outputs. The alpine amp has 2 sets of inputs. How do you wire the input to the amp? I am guessing you use the front output from the reciever to one set of inputs on the amp, and the sub output of the reciever to the other, given my proposed system.

Please let me know...

Viper

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PittViper

Wiring question:

How do you wire the input to the amp? I am guessing you use the front output from the reciever to one set of inputs on the amp, and the sub output of the reciever to the other, given my proposed system.

Please let me know...

Viper

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Yes, correct =D>

I have taken the first step, called phase I, of my new system. I have ordered the hu and infinty speakers from crutchfield, with associated cables to convert the changer input to aux input.

I should be receiving these by Wed, 21 April.

Now, I have thought of something that I hope can be answered.

I was interested in the Alpine IMPRINT sound processor/eq unit. I would like to hear your feedback regarding this item. I was all gung ho about getting it, but now I see a problem, given the fact that the front and sub are going to be powered by the alpine amp, and the rear speakers are going to be powered by the rear speaker level out of the hu.

I don't think this can work that way. I don't think the IMPRINT can be used in my application. Tell me what I would have to do to get the imprint to work in my car.

Thanks,

Viper

Please comment on what I just wrote, but I have been thinking about here since I wrote it, and my conclusion is that the Imprint processor will NOT corrrectly work in my application.

The only way to do it here would either be to add a seperate amp for the sub, and spend another 500 bucks, or use a 5 channel amp, which I haven't looked at yet, and am not at this point sure exists, unfortuneately.

Mixing the speaker levels outputs for the rear and the rca outputs for the front/sub will not allow me to do this. I understand that you can manually equalize using time correction with this hu, but I have absolutely no idea how to do that, and I since I have never used a signal processor before, I would probably be satisfied with the more traditional setup anyway.

Any thoughts?

Now I have found the Alpine PDX-5, and see that it may be the solution to my situation. 75w X 4 plus150w X 1.

I am also curious about this question: In my origional proposed setup, I would have 100 w for each front door speaker, and 18 w from the hu for my rear 4x6 speakers. This seems really unbalanced to me. Wouldn't the rear start to add a lot of distortion at hight volumes? I am very curious about this.

Please comment...

Thanks

Lose the imprint processor for now. you can always add it later. I think you will be very happy with the SQ from the Alpine unit stock.

Rear speakers are generally considered fill. Not really necessary to amp them, but it's your call and your budget. If you are set on a single amp install, then you must make that decision now, otherwise go with a 4 channel in the current proposed system and if you aren't happy add a mono amp and run the rears from the 4 ch. You might be very happy with the proposed setup.

If you are cranking this system loud enough to generate distortion in the rears, your are probably going deaf

Thanks...

Ok, phase I, the replacement of the fr/rear speakers is complete. Still running this off of the underpowered stock unit. Speakers sound better, but don't really sound great, and I am attributing that to the fact that they are just being underpowered.

I received the alpine hu with the speakers, and let me tell you what happened while installing that.

As you know, everything was purchased from crutchfield. 2 Problems. First, the dash install kit was not the right one for my car, and I did not realized this at first. I called crutchfield and told him it would not go properly into the dash. He told me that if any part of it was in the way, to cut pieces off of it! to get it to fit. Well, I tried this and pretty much hacked it up. They will now be sending me the correct dash kit for the car. But, I need your advice once again.

When trying to put the dash kit in, I broke the left of the radio trim strip, the one that hides the 2 screws on the left!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can you point me in a direction online where I can order this trim strip? Or, do I have to go to a dealer.

Second problem. They sent me the wrong wiring harness. Does not even begin to match my car. They are sending me out a new one.

I should be receiving the replacement parts Tues or Wed.


Can you point me in the direction online where I can find that trim piece?

Thanks,

Viper

do you have the new dash or the old dash?

either way get that part from the dealer, i priced one out for the new dash and it was like $12 and $19 retail.

the old dash should be cheaper as it is a simpler part.

i going to guess you got the stuff for the other dash both were available in 2008. And even though the 2008 had the same engine, it had the newer 2009 radio plug. Where as the 2007 sedan had the new dash, but retained to the old radio plug for some time.

Just to make what I am looking for clear, I need the trim pieces to the left and right of the radio that hides the mounting screws. Actually, only need the left, but having trouble finding them online nonetheless.

Not sure if my dash is the old or new. Can you point me in the directiion of pics and I can point it out?

if you have two separate pieces you have the old dash.

old:

http://www.familycar.com/roadtests/c...mages/Dash.jpg


new:
http://z.about.com/d/cars/1/0/C/f/ag...o_interior.jpg

I have the 2 piece old dash. I have the two seperate trim pieces. When I go to the chevy dealer, what piece(s) do I say I need?

Also, will the infinity speakers sound "better" and play "louder" without distortion once I hook up the alpine hu to power them?

I am, though using the stock horrible radio, not noticing much bass from the 6.5's up front. I thought there would be more. I am hoping that is because they are underpowered at this point. By next week, I should have the alpine hu, 18w per channel, installed and hope to hear a great difference.

Phase II will begin when I have saved enough money to order the parts. The next parts will include:

1. Alpine PDX-6 Amp
2. RF P1L-110 Sub/Box
3. Streetwires Powerstation 4guage Amp Wiring Kit
4. Streetwires Zero Noise 4 Patch Cables
5. Streetwires 14guage Ultra Cable
6. Streetwires 4guage firewall bushing

The reason I am not doing this immediately, is that it is approx 865.00 that I dont have right now. The initial install of phase I equipment cost 465.93.

I don't know about you guys, but I have never spent this much on a stereo and installed it myself.

Also, I took the advice given to me and am going to skip the imprint processor.


Let me know what thoughts you have.

Thanks,

Viper

Sorry, meant Alpine PDX-5 amp!!

You will notice a difference once the speakers are amplified. As far upfront bass once you install the sub adjust the phasing on the amp and you can get the illusion of up front bass.

As far as an amp goes I would suggest the DLS-A5
http://www.dls.se/prodimg/3165-1_prod_large.jpg


ULTIMATE series A5, a three-channel amplifier rated at 2 x 85 Watts in stereo an 1 x 300 Watts in mono. In two ohm load it delivers 2 x 100 Watts in stereo and 1 x 500 Watts in mono. The mono channel is 1 ohm stable.
- Built-in fan control.
- Built-in, variable 50-125 Hz switchable high-pass filter and a 40 - 90 Hz low-pass filter for subwoofers.
- The sub channel is also equipped with a disconnectable 25 Hz subsonic filter.


The perfect amplifier for a good front system and one or more subwoofers in the trunk.

-Remote sub level control that includes phase shift control 0-180 degrees.
- RMS output per channel at 13,8 volts, 20 Hz - 20 kHz , < 0,1% distortion

Roughly the same price as you would spend on a PDX-5.

Just another option, before you make you final amp purchase.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PittViper

I have the 2 piece old dash. I have the two seperate trim pieces. When I go to the chevy dealer, what piece(s) do I say I need?

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Tell them what you need by describing it radio bezel/surround/finish panel, they should be able to show you a picture and tell you what they call it.

I have now a few more observations/questiions that you can help me with.

Crutchfield sent me the new install kit and wiring harness. The wiring harness was correct, but they sent me a double din sized install kit.

Here are my concerns/problems.

I did make it "work" to install the hu. The install kit consisted of two side plates, and a front rectangular trim piece, double din sized, plus a smaller trim piece for the hu. I had sever problems getting this to install correctly, and it is still not as I would like it to be, although I tried twice.

First off, the hu came with a din cage to slide the radio into. I could find no way to use it and still use the istall kit; just would not fit.

Also, there is no way to securely mount the hu trim ring on without it popping off when you fold down the face plate to insert cd, which I llike to do on occasion. So basically, I am not using the hu trim ring.

Next, it was a double din install kit, and did NOT come with the empty tray piece that was origionally part of the dash. I just slid the one that came with the first kit they sent me into the spot, but it was a little too small, so I unscrewed the one from the stock hu/cubby hole assembly and used that. Fits better but is not secured. Can be pulled out by handl.

If you didn't know something was supposed to be there, like the hu trim ring, you would generally think it is ok. My gf thinks it looks fine, but I know better and to me it has a somewhat "unfinished" look.

Any advice or comments on anything I have said? Let me know. Tell me how you guys installed your hu's properly.


Also, I do hear an improvement in sound powering things now with the alpiine hu, but the 6.5's up front do not produce the low level I was expecting. I had to set the bass center frequency to 80uhz and set the hpf to 80 hz to keep them from bottoming out/distorting.

I still plan on getting the pdx-5 amp, cash willing, and was wondering if I will get even fuller sound with the 75w per channel as opposed to the 18 I am using now. It is hard to make a listening decision without actually listening to it!!

Perhaps I have missed asking an important question or two, if so, let me know!

I can't wait to hear your responses.

Ciao for now...

Viper

i think they sent you an 07 sedan kit, it would have the correct wiring, but the wrong dash adepter (double din instead of single). It seems to happen with crutchfield and out cars, this is not the first time. I would ask for the correct kit by telling them you need the same install kit as an earlier car. but just the plastics. its their fault for how much they advertise customer satisfaction and all that they should send it to you.

the 6.5 are not really going to give you a lot of bas, they are only 6.5it will be more than stock, but nothing compared to a subwoofer. more power might help get more base sound out of them if they are rated high.

i'm not an audio expert. but i can say if you were looking for more range of sound you have to have the range of speakers to produce it.

this is the kit you need Call them and get them to send it ASAP

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_120997951/ ... r-Kit.html

This is really simple with the right kit. You paid for it so get the right one and the trim ring is an important detail.

If you think the 6.5s are bad imagine what the 4s would be like. They will sound better with an amp.

My suggestion is if you are short on cash, buy a cheap amp and sub to get the sound you want. You can always swap the amp out later as funds permit. I would buy that 100 dollar RF sub if it is still available and a 100-120 4 channel amp. gets you in the game

Now I want to ask some preliminary install questions. In the near future, hopefully, I will be getting the alpine pdx-5 amp, rf p1l-1x12 sub, and all associated wiring.

But, before the install question, here is a BIG question: Buying from Crutchfield or not? I can get the pdx-5 $120.00 cheaper from sonicelectronix and add a 12" sub instead of the 10" proposed sub, plus all associated wiring for ~130.00 cheaper from sonic. The way I see it, the only thing I won't have is the superior support from crutchfield. But, since I found this site, I figure I can ask all of my questions here. What do you guys think. This is a difference between ~$710.00 and ~$865.00. This a big difference to me.

What are your experiences with sonic? I want to have my system finished by the end of summer, but saving the additional money will push me further away.

thanks, viper

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PittViper

Now I want to ask some preliminary install questions. In the near future, hopefully, I will be getting the alpine pdx-5 amp, rf p1l-1x12 sub, and all associated wiring.

But, before the install question, here is a BIG question: Buying from Crutchfield or not? I can get the pdx-5 $120.00 cheaper from sonicelectronix and add a 12" sub instead of the 10" proposed sub, plus all associated wiring for ~130.00 cheaper from sonic. The way I see it, the only thing I won't have is the superior support from crutchfield. But, since I found this site, I figure I can ask all of my questions here. What do you guys think. This is a difference between ~$710.00 and ~$865.00. This a big difference to me.

What are your experiences with sonic? I want to have my system finished by the end of summer, but saving the additional money will push me further away.

thanks, viper

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Only positive so far. I bought my head unit, all my speakers (I got the installation kit and wiring harness for free), then a double-din head unit for my dad's Aveo... No issues whatsoever. They offer warranty through square trade.

I would recommend them. And what exactly do you mean by "superior support from Crutchfield? I guess I just never had to deal with them, but I had a professional installer buddy of mine help me with everything, so didn't need it anyways. As a matter of fact, he was the one who suggested the site.