(Sorry originally posted in the wrong forum)

I am in the process of upgrading all stereo components and adding an amp/subs to my 05 3500 Cummins QC. After much research, I replaced the H/U with a Panasonic C8803U, the front speakers with Infinity 693.7i and the rear with Polk Audio db650. These are currently wired through the factory harness. My plans, due to the space constraints, are to install the MTX thunderform under the rear seat with two MTX Thunder 4500 series subs. Due to the power driver's seat, I don't see anywhere else to install the amp and capacitor except under the passenger seat. Therefore, I am planning to install a Kicker ZX700.5 5 channel amp to run the entire system. I have a 4ga amp wiring kit and Zero noise patch cables to tie them in and had planned to run 18ga speaker wire from the amp to the head unit and connect into the factory wires from there.

Can someone answer whether I am sacrificing sound quality by not running the 18ga speaker wires all the way to the speakers?

Also, with respect to the amp and subs that I am planning to buy and installation locations, has anyone had success with others mounted elsewhere?

Any assistance or constructive criticism is welcome.

 

1 amp thats it?? [&:]

 

id say behind the seat backs of the rear seats would be the best choice

 

Yes, just one amp. For now. It is a five channel amp that provides 85W RMS to each of the front and rear channels and 420W at 2 ohms to the sub channel.

 

I installed a 600watt rocford-mono amp under my drivers seat and had enough clearance even with my power seats. Just be careful with installing them in tight areas these amps get hot and the inner fan needs space to vent the heat.

 

Thanks Ed,

What did you do for subs?

 

I put a 12" Rockford P3 into a box that replaced my center console in my 05 QC. The flip up part of the console still attaches to it. The box is convered in factory fabric - a guy on eBay makes them for a good price. I haven't finished installing the system yet, so I can't comment on sound. With the sub in the front, I can put the capacitor, wiring, and amps under the rear seats. I also can keep the load flat cargo things back there. The amps are Kickers, a 600x1 watt for the sub and a 150x4 for the speakers. Test fitting seemed to indicate that this will work, but I am still working on final install in my spare time.

Derek

 

In referrence to your question about sacrificing sound quality by not running 18ga speaker wire instead of just using the factory wiring. You should not experience any measureable signal loss using the factory wiring. The length of the cable compared to the gauge of factory wiring is not long enough between the amp and speakers. If the length of cable between the two components were - say - 50 feet or more, then you would have to have a heavier gauge wire to overcome signal loss. There is a calculation out there about how to determine what gauge wire to use based upon power, wire length, and signal loss and, if I remember it correctly, the biggest factor was the length of cable.

In your application, (in my oppinion), you should be just fine.

 

Derek,

I would be interested in hearing how it turns out. I received the Kicker ZX700.5 and did not realize how big it was. 20+". It will not fit under the front seat. I am going back to 2 amps but will still plan to buy the custom box for the rear seat unless I hear good things about yours.

Let me know if you dont mind.

Thanks,

Rod

 

I put the JL audio 10" sub box that fit perfectly under the pear pasenger side seat. just had to take the metal tray out. The one on the drivers side was not removed . the sound on the sub box is perect for the truck . The sound is sharp and no resonating from the speaker vibrations against the body. it sits tight and comes with the clamps to bult it down to the trucks frame. It's a bit expensive but for one 10" sub it kicks as much as some 12" subs I've delt with. I'm about to replace the door panel 6.5" with the JL woofer/ tweeter set up. That sould be enough for me, don't need to go hard of hearing at my age.