Stereo idea for my Cougar....

[andrewb70]

My Cougar came with a working 8-track am/fm head unit and there are speakers installed in the front kick panels as well as a set of 6x9s in the rear deck. I do like listening to the radio around town, but ideally I would want to stream some music through Pandora on my Android phone. So here is what I am thinking...

Get a Kenwood Bluetooth amp:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UTXQL74/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687702&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00JEC0YFQ&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=06WM9PK59T5GEN2H7YJJ

Daisy chain it with another mini sub amp:

http://www.amazon.com/Kenwood-KAC-M3001-Compact-Digital-Amplifier/dp/B00U80FUHA/ref=pd_sim_422_5?ie=UTF8&dpID=41REXSCQs3L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=0S7HA6A3KBM32RT6H104

The bluetooth amp would power a set of new components in the kick panels and the sub amp would power a JL micro sub that I have kicking around that would sit in behind the passenger seat on the floor.

Seems simple and not super expensive and better than a Bluetooth speaker that I currently use when on the road...

Andrew

[Paraman1]

I like it ! Keep the original AM radio sitting there and have a kick butt stereo hidden somewhere else .

[feeble]

Looks like a good plan but I didn't see a high pass crossover for the components?

Bluetooth speaker not loud enough or are you missing the quality or both?

[andrewb70]

Looks like a good plan but I didn't see a high pass crossover for the components?

Bluetooth speaker not loud enough or are you missing the quality or both?

The components usually have a passive crossover that filters out the subwoofer frequencies...

Andrew

[andrewb70]

.....

Bluetooth speaker not loud enough or are you missing the quality or both?

The bluetooth speaker is plenty loud but I need a little more punch, if you know what I mean...

Andrew

[andrewb70]

I just ordered the amps and they should arrive on Wednesday. It's cold again here in WI so this may have to wait.

However, that doesn't stop me from thinking ahead. I was looking at the manuals for the amps and it seems that one draws 15 and the other 20 amps. This doesn't seem like a lot so there should be no need to run crazy thick cables from the battery. I brought a power lead into the cabin that runs through a big 75 amp relay that is triggered by the ignition switch. The only thing being powered through that are the Holley digital dash and my fuel pump, so both combined are 20 amps max. I am thinking that I can run both of these amps off that 75 amp relay and call it a day.

These amps are so small that I might even find room for them under the dash, but they will probably end up under one of the seats.

Andrew

[bmbrzmn101]

Andrew, will you give us an update after you install this setup and inform us how this worked out for you. I am usually happy with just listening to the engine but sometimes my inner child wants a life soundtrack to get me going(i.e. loud tunes), so just curious how this works out. I am currently designing my son's system for his pickup and my old school brain is sometimes overwhelmed by all the new school tech.

Chris

[Jetfixr320]

Andrew, will you give us an update after you install this setup and inform us how this worked out for you. I am usually happy with just listening to the engine but sometimes my inner child wants a life soundtrack to get me going(i.e. loud tunes), so just curious how this works out. I am currently designing my son's system for his pickup and my old school brain is sometimes overwhelmed by all the new school tech.

Chris


Yes, A full write up on your install would be great! I've been wanting something for my Falcon. But, I don't know anything about this stuff.

Please and thank you in advance.

[andrewb70]

I'll update this thread as I go and also document the installation in my Cougar build thread. I'm very intrigued by these new, small class D amps.

Andrew

[Fuelie Nova]

You gotta quit coming up with these ideas... my credit card is getting maxed out :cheers:
Tom

[Fuelie Nova]

I went out on a limb and ordered the first amp, should be here friday. I haven't read a bad review on it yet, I figured I have my interior ripped apart rewiring so I might as well get that installed and wired then I can work on the rear and the sub part of things.
This looks like a great idea...
Thanks
Tom

[andrewb70]

I went out on a limb and ordered the first amp, should be here friday. I haven't read a bad review on it yet, I figured I have my interior ripped apart rewiring so I might as well get that installed and wired then I can work on the rear and the sub part of things.
This looks like a great idea...
Thanks
Tom

Tom,

The reviews are what made me take a chance and honestly, these amps are pretty cheap. Both of mine together were about $200 shipped (Prime) on Amazon.

I got mine today and I may do a quick and dirty "unboxing" video. They are small!

Andrew

[andrewb70]

Unboxing video, as promised.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0S9JRRPTwOI

Andrew

[andrewb70]

So it was finally a little warmer today and I got motivated to step out into the garage for a little bit. These amps are small enough that I will be installing them under the dash, which will make wiring a lot easier and shorter. I also ordered some kick panels with holes for speakers. I have an old set of MB Quart components that use a 8" driver which I will attempt to adapt to the kick panels that were only designed for 6.5" speakers. :hammer:

Andrew

[Fuelie Nova]

My amp came friday and I was also shocked at how small it was. Are you just using speakers in your kick panels and a sub under your seat or do you also have speakers in your package tray also. I eliminated my radio and had a guy 3D print me a delete plate that looks just like an original so I will be able to mount mine where my radio use to be.
Tom

[andrewb70]

My amp came friday and I was also shocked at how small it was. Are you just using speakers in your kick panels and a sub under your seat or do you also have speakers in your package tray also. I eliminated my radio and had a guy 3D print me a delete plate that looks just like an original so I will be able to mount mine where my radio use to be.
Tom

Tom,

My plan is to just run the speakers in the kick panels and the sub, which will just sit behind the passenger seat. It's a baby JL sub that uses a 6" driver. I like the idea of it being easily removable for trips to the drag strip.

The area where my 8-track is mounted is quite generous and I have thought about making a shelft there to mount both amps. There is plenty of room. Please post pictures of that 3D printed plate!

Andrew

[Fuelie Nova]

As usual I'm on the road but will post some pics when I get home.
Tom

[andrewb70]

I have updates on the install here:

https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/109464-1967-Cougar-build-(over-500-pictures-and-videos)/page51

Andrew

[nekkidhillbilly]

20 amp and 15 amp is not going to be a very large amp rms wise jfyi. the class d in my truck pushes 400 watts rms. it has 60 amp fuses and my 4 channel has 50 amp and pushes about 300 rms. this is the standard 4 ohm load. I do have it set up for 2 ohm draw so I do get more wattage that way. the amp your using is a 180 watt rms which is fine for most speakers but if you got a big speaker clipping will happen when you turn it. its like the speaker will just cut every 2 seconds. just make sure you have a speaker that doesn't demand 100 rms at 4 ohms and try to feed it with 45 rms is what im saying cause you burn out an amp or fry a voice coil. good luck with it that is a nice amp.

[andrewb70]

^^^ Thanks for the tips.

Does anyone have any suggestions for shallow mount 6.5" components that don't suck?

I was looking at these:

http://www.woofersetc.com/c-172-speakers/c-10-compon-speakers/c-40-65/idq65cs-image-dynamics-6-5-125w-rms-2-way-component-speakers-system.html

Andrew

[OLDFLM]

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_107DXI6501/Polk-Audio-DXi6501.html?tp=106

Unless you went with a stronger amp, I doubt you would see much improvement going up in price to higher-end components.

With that BT amp, the Polks will be tough to beat and I'm confident you'll be very impressed with them.

[andrewb70]

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_107DXI6501/Polk-Audio-DXi6501.html?tp=106

Unless you went with a stronger amp, I doubt you would see much improvement going up in price to higher-end components.

With that BT amp, the Polks will be tough to beat and I'm confident you'll be very impressed with them.

Ty,

Thanks for the tip. Those looks like an excellent option at a very decent price point.

Andrew

[Fuelie Nova]

Andrew
Any more updates?
Tom

[andrewb70]

Andrew
Any more updates?
Tom

Hey Tom,

I was out of the loop all last week, but hope to make some progress later this week. I need to order some speakers (I think I am going with Polks listed above).

Andrew

[andrewb70]

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_107DXI6501/Polk-Audio-DXi6501.html?tp=106

Unless you went with a stronger amp, I doubt you would see much improvement going up in price to higher-end components.

With that BT amp, the Polks will be tough to beat and I'm confident you'll be very impressed with them.

So I found these speakers on Amazon Prime from a third party seller for less than what Crutchfields was selling them for. Given that I am a Prime member, I decided to go for it.

This is what I received in a rather rough looking box:

https://www.pro-touring.com/~andrewb/cougar/677.jpg

https://www.pro-touring.com/~andrewb/cougar/678.jpg

https://www.pro-touring.com/~andrewb/cougar/679.jpg

https://www.pro-touring.com/~andrewb/cougar/680.jpg

These are clearly not new and look to be OEM Chrysler speakers that were stuck in a Polk Audio box. After a quick Google search of the part number I confirmed that they are Jeep Liberty speakers. This seller (Buc4385) is clearly trying to rip people off by sticking old take out speakers in Polk Audio boxes and selling them.

I called Amazon and they instantly refunded my money and I bought again from Crutchfields. Amazon doesn't mess around with stuff like this and I would not be surprised if they pursue criminal charges on top of never having him as a seller.

Andrew

[rfalker1]

So I found these speakers on Amazon Prime from a third party seller for less than what Crutchfields was selling them for. Given that I am a Prime member, I decided to go for it.

This is what I received in a rather rough looking box:

https://www.pro-touring.com/~andrewb/cougar/677.jpg



https://www.pro-touring.com/~andrewb/cougar/678.jpg

https://www.pro-touring.com/~andrewb/cougar/679.jpg

https://www.pro-touring.com/~andrewb/cougar/680.jpg

These are clearly not new and look to be OEM Chrysler speakers that were stuck in a Polk Audio box. After a quick Google search of the part number I confirmed that they are Jeep Liberty speakers. This seller (Buc4385) is clearly trying to rip people off by sticking old take out speakers in Polk Audio boxes and selling them.

I called Amazon and they instantly refunded my money and I bought again from Crutchfields. Amazon doesn't mess around with stuff like this and I would not be surprised if they pursue criminal charges on top of never having him as a seller.

Andrew

gotta love amazon for the way they handle things like this. They are so quick about refunds, returns, etc... Like zero hassles! (Love what I am seeing too!

[andrewb70]

Posted updates in my Cougar build thread:

https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/109464-1967-Cougar-build-(over-500-pictures-and-videos)/page52?p=1182273#post1182273

Andrew