May 28, 2024
I have read a lot of threads about audio updates. And I apologize for starting yet another one. But I've collected information from all these threads and I wanted to make sure my plan is sound. Additionally, I will be looking for harnessing advice.
I've got a 2022 Ford Bronco OBX w/Sasquatch. I'm far from an audiophile but I can tell that the quality just isn't there. So, I want to swap out/update.
I've watch almost all the videos from @RagnarKon
I also read this thread. In this thread he mentioned the Kicker 200.4 is under-powered and mentions clipping at 18/30 and definitely at 22/30.
I like to push the top back (it's a soft top) and open all the windows and when I'm going down the road (especially highway), 18/30 is hit easily with the wind and road noise. I've been reading about other amps and since I would like to also implement a subwoofer, I am going to try an inexpensive 5 channel amp.
I poured over this thread for ideas.
That all said, here is my proposed build.
Replace the dash speaker and roll bar speakers with the Kicker KSC40
I was not planning on replacing the kick panel speakers, as RK mentioned they were decent speakers already.
I am considering the Soundstream ST5.1300D 5 channel amplifier (see notes below)
Finally, I am looking at this subwoofer kit with the Kicker 8" CompRT
I believe this amplifier will meet my needs based on it's channel output:
4x 90W (Dash and Kick panels) and Roll bar.
It as a 300W CH5 output, and that seems to be the sweet spot for the Kicker 8".
If any of my logic above is flawed, I'd definitely like to hear it.
As for amp installation, this thing is not nearly as small as the Kicker many people use and will not go in the steering column nor the glove box.
I would like to install this under the passenger seat. But I don't know how much space there is under there. Does anyone know available size dimensions? This would help me if I change amplifier direction. This amp also has a subwoofer level control that is a knob that connects externally, and I am not sure I want to deal with something like that. Any other amp suggestions are welcomed, but as I mentioned I'm not looking at expensive amps and I'm okay with lower end ones.
Since this will probably go under the passenger seat I am going to need to wire it up. Which means knowing how to get the harness from the dash (ACM) under the seat (and back to the ACM connector) and then from under the seat to the side panels out to the subwoofer (this one could be harder?)
I am not opposed to making the cables at all, but I am unsure of the connector types and I haven't seen any wiring diagrams yet (but still looking)
And finally I think I need to do something for Forscan to unlock some of the functions - need more reading.
So to summarize what I'm thinking:
Amp
* Are my thoughts on the amp solid, or is there another amp that would be recommended. I like the Soundstream's price. I don't want to spend THAT much.
* How much room is under the passenger seat?
Wiring
* Any information on wiring this up and back to the sub in both physical channels and wiring diagrams would be great. I understand that I'll need to "intercept" after the ACM. I don't know the connectors on these things
* I'm going to need to power the subwoofer - I know RK talks about this and I haven't watched/read how he accomplished that yet.
Config
* I'll need to configure the amplifier, and I saw some of RK's setting somewhere
* Forscan - I'll need to do something with forscan - need more reading.
My wife is going out of town at the end of June, which means I can stretch out in the garage. I know I will need the room and I am also slow, so I know it will take me several days of effort (after work).
Thanks for reading and your input.
I've got a 2022 Ford Bronco OBX w/Sasquatch. I'm far from an audiophile but I can tell that the quality just isn't there. So, I want to swap out/update.
I've watch almost all the videos from @RagnarKon
I also read this thread. In this thread he mentioned the Kicker 200.4 is under-powered and mentions clipping at 18/30 and definitely at 22/30.
I like to push the top back (it's a soft top) and open all the windows and when I'm going down the road (especially highway), 18/30 is hit easily with the wind and road noise. I've been reading about other amps and since I would like to also implement a subwoofer, I am going to try an inexpensive 5 channel amp.
I poured over this thread for ideas.
That all said, here is my proposed build.
Replace the dash speaker and roll bar speakers with the Kicker KSC40
I was not planning on replacing the kick panel speakers, as RK mentioned they were decent speakers already.
I am considering the Soundstream ST5.1300D 5 channel amplifier (see notes below)
Finally, I am looking at this subwoofer kit with the Kicker 8" CompRT
I believe this amplifier will meet my needs based on it's channel output:
4x 90W (Dash and Kick panels) and Roll bar.
It as a 300W CH5 output, and that seems to be the sweet spot for the Kicker 8".
If any of my logic above is flawed, I'd definitely like to hear it.
As for amp installation, this thing is not nearly as small as the Kicker many people use and will not go in the steering column nor the glove box.
I would like to install this under the passenger seat. But I don't know how much space there is under there. Does anyone know available size dimensions? This would help me if I change amplifier direction. This amp also has a subwoofer level control that is a knob that connects externally, and I am not sure I want to deal with something like that. Any other amp suggestions are welcomed, but as I mentioned I'm not looking at expensive amps and I'm okay with lower end ones.
Since this will probably go under the passenger seat I am going to need to wire it up. Which means knowing how to get the harness from the dash (ACM) under the seat (and back to the ACM connector) and then from under the seat to the side panels out to the subwoofer (this one could be harder?)
I am not opposed to making the cables at all, but I am unsure of the connector types and I haven't seen any wiring diagrams yet (but still looking)
And finally I think I need to do something for Forscan to unlock some of the functions - need more reading.
So to summarize what I'm thinking:
Amp
* Are my thoughts on the amp solid, or is there another amp that would be recommended. I like the Soundstream's price. I don't want to spend THAT much.
* How much room is under the passenger seat?
Wiring
* Any information on wiring this up and back to the sub in both physical channels and wiring diagrams would be great. I understand that I'll need to "intercept" after the ACM. I don't know the connectors on these things
* I'm going to need to power the subwoofer - I know RK talks about this and I haven't watched/read how he accomplished that yet.
Config
* I'll need to configure the amplifier, and I saw some of RK's setting somewhere
* Forscan - I'll need to do something with forscan - need more reading.
My wife is going out of town at the end of June, which means I can stretch out in the garage. I know I will need the room and I am also slow, so I know it will take me several days of effort (after work).
Thanks for reading and your input.
UserError, TK1215