I had posted in the past about installing a decent sounding audio installation while taking up as little space as possible, as I have a kid and can't afford the lost trunk space for the "family trips." This was my solution. Not as snazzy by a long shot as many of you have, but sounds great for my scenario - I just wanted to fill the car with great sound, not necessarily filling the intersection.

Anyway, I had everything already from another car except the sub - I know the amp sucks, but I got it for a steal at Crutchfield on clearance, and it seems to work great for me. Max volume is still very clear, and any louder would likely result in a hearing aid in the near future.

Here is the headunit install with Metra Kit - Kenwood KDC-MP819


Here is the Amp mounted nicely to the side (note I still have the pocket behind it for a quart of oil, gloves, etc), and the JL Audio 10" sub. This meets my specs because I can easily move it around or move it completely if I need the extra room for a trip:


I have Polk Audio EX3560's in the front with Dynamat, and Sony full range 6.5 in the rear doors. Tweeter did the install for me, and I am REALLY pleased with the install they did, especially for the front tweeters. I know they are a tad far from the mids in the doors for the purists, but the sound is great and the soundstage is definitely raised to a better level than the stocks:


I will also be adding the Sirius tuner (see previous post) in the next week or so.

Thanks.

 

My style exactly, not a fan of alot of bump, I prefer clairty. Nice job to you and your installer

 

cool. take your metra kit out and sand it. it will match better and look better!

 

Thanks !

I actually mentioned the color match to the installer - he sprayed the kit a few times with paint (dunno the exact color, sorry), and it actually does look VERY close to the factory colors - it is also quite smooth, but he didn't mention sanding it. Seems the flash from the camera makes the difference stand out more - you can barely tell the difference in normal daylight. My wife even commented that she was glad it matched.

By the way - I noticed the holes in the back of the pocket of the Metra under the headunit for the first time today after I took my pictures, and I think I can just barely make them out on yours. Anyone know their purpose (I'm guessing for wires to external devices) and if they can/should be plugged?

 

Ya looks like the ablity to add an external device....wires to hook up a cd player or a computer maybe...pretty neet. I wouldnt worry about plugging them, more trouble than its worth.

I do like your install alot!!! A++++ the amp though HAHA

Maybe you could upgrade sometime in the future. Its amazing how much more fun your car is when you have a decent stereo to listen to... when I had the stock system in, I got mad nearly everytime I turned the stereo on!!! One would figgure that for a $30000+ car, you could get a good stereo... oh well.

Good job though

 

Very nice. I am a huge fan of the stealth install. I also do not like giving up the huge trunk for a system. You have done a really good job of both.