etazeta

I used factory for now. But I plan to run new wiring soon.

BlackBeauty713

looks good so far man!

BigRick85

I bet it sounds awesome! I have Arc Audio 6x8s front and rear on my 99 with an Arc Audio 800.5 amplifier and 2 Focal 10's under the backseat and it's a really good sounding setup!

Belushi

Did u have to do any trimming of the door plastic before putting door panel back in?

etazeta

No trimming. Everything fit nicely.

lakers08

Hey etazeta,

I've got the same truck as you and also have the factory nav. system. I'm going to keep the factory head unit and add a processor. You seem to have a very good grasp on car audio install and I was hoping to get your thoughts on a couple of things:

1) My first upgrade will be the front doors and I've looked at (but can't audition) the Focal 165VBs. How is the mid-bass response on these? I had a set of Seas Lotus a few years back and ended up a bit disappointed with the end result. The other set possibly in play are the JL C5-650s.

2) How'd those tweeters fit in the factory location? I'll also be mounting mine in the A-pillars and hope no mods are necessary.

3) How was the depth of the Focals with the 1/2" baffle? I was thinking of using 1/4" ABS plastic or even recycled plastic cutting boards for the speaker adapter plate and am wondering if I'll need the extra 1/4" (my wife says yes)

4) What made you go with the Alpine processor versus something like the JBL MS-8 (which can be had used for just over $300)? Was it worth the extra cash?

Thanks in advance. You've done nice work with your install.

karl contreras

im running the 165a1 series in the front of mine, install went as well as yours, for the back of the truck im running hertz 5x7, imo both speakers sound amazing, and well worth the upgrade.

etazeta

Thanks for the compliments.

1.) The mid-bass in the Focals are above average. There are even times where I turn my sub level to zero and just enjoy the crispness of the components. I have also heard excellent things about the JLs. At the end of the day it's so subjective it isn't funny. I've listened to systems with people thinking "this is terrible" all while they are grinning ear to ear. I would suggest purchasing from somewhere that has en easy return policy. That's why I usually spend the extra money to shop Crutchfield. Those poor guys have issued me more return authorization numbers than they can count.

2.) Tweeters had to be dremeled. Very, very easy though. I just made a few rounds around the opening then tested. Repeat until they slid in. I opted to install mine insanely tight so I don't even have a support bracket of any kind.

3.) Depth is fine. 1/4 inch would work fine too. I don't care to use plastic primarily because I feel that will allow more resonance than wood. Either way I stuck some Dynamat on there to help. I do have one door that resonates some that I need to address.

4.) Pass on the Alpine. Trust me. I sent it back very disappointed. I am currently running the Cleansweep which sounds excellent. I may go Bit One or MS-8 in the future but the sound and simplicity of the Cleansweep is working perfect for me for now.

Hope this helps.

lakers08

That info is indeed helpful. I've only heard Focal in a home set-up but a first-hand account in the same application is probably the next best thing to auditioning them.

I'll look at the Cleansweep...I thought you were running an Audiocontrol processor? Probably one of the more confusing choices I'm having to make.

And thanks for mentioning the problem with resonance in the doors. I hadn't planned on doing much in terms of soundproofing but I'll now go the extra mile.

etazeta

"I'll look at the Cleansweep...I thought you were running an Audiocontrol processor? Probably one of the more confusing choices I'm having to make."

I started with Audiocontrol. It didn't flatten the EQ curve from the factory unit. Went with the Cleansweep. It sounded awesome but didn't allow me to adjust any EQ curves after processing. And I like to tinker. So that's when I got the Alpine. Didn't take long to realize they really built that piece for Alpine head unit owners. I just kept missing that warm natural tone the JL produced so I'm back with it now. Actually very happy with it. A trunk mount EQ between it and the amps and it would be even better.