Chaz

Daveb,

I just finshed a separate component install in mine. It is mid-budget, and you can save lots of $$ by buying from other than a stereo store. I saved well over 300 bux by doing it that way on the rear speakers and amp. After doing days of research on each part of the system before deciding, I installed or had installed the following:

Head unit - Pioneer AVH-X5600BHS
Front speakers - Infinity Kappa 60.11cs components
Rear speakers - Infinity Kappa 693.9i
Amp - Alpine PDX-F4
Amp power - Rockford Fosgate power and ground cable.
RCA cables - Monster MPC I202 2C-4M
Sub - None

All of the components I installed myself, except the front speaker component set. I paid a professional to install them because I did not want to take apart the door panels. Never did that before, so I wanted someone else to do it. All other pieces I did.

The sound? To me it is amazing... crisp, clear, no distortion and no engine noise at ear splitting volume... Kid Rock, Santana, AC/DC, and softer stuff all sound excellent. The speakers can handle that amp, and I love it! Some folks would tell you rear speakers are not needed in these cars. I don't necessarily agree with that. I love my music and love to be surrounded by it. The rear speakers add so much, and the 6x9s in the rear provide plenty of bass for me.

I did not install the rear speakers in the speaker ports behind the seats. They are all they way in the back of the hatch area mounted into good quality speaker boxes covered in black felt and held in place with a small piece of velcro under each one. They look good back there actually. I keep them covered in black so they cannot be recognized for speakers through the window tint. The wires of course are run through the center console to the back, and under the outboard side trim pieces to the speakers.

The amp is mounted vertically, plugs down, with 1.5" wide velcro strips to the BHD behind the driver's seat, just above the little cubby shelf. That's where all of the wires come out and attach to the bottom of the amp. I need to get a spare shelf piece, so I can cut it and it sit correctly. Dont wanna do that with the original piece.

I adjust the fade and balance to put my ears in the center of the sound field. Like I said... it sounds amazing to me. Everyone else who loves music and listend to it are wowed by it.

Good luck and hope this helps..