Reliable Setup For New Vehicle

[ctmaudi 0]

My girl leased a new Rav4, and looking to make some changes to the factory stereo. Keeping the stock touch screen HU, and want to keep everything as factory looking as possible (drop in speakers, no cutting/custom) in the chance we turn it in at the end.

 

In the title I put "reliable" as, there is a good chance we will buy this at the end of the lease and have it a long time. My back isn't so great, so Id like to do this once, and have it last. I have a couple sets of Crescendo CCX65s that Ive had since 2011. They were only used for about 18-20 months though, (only 4 months amped at 60w). The surrounds are loose, they don't sound as good as they did, there is rust on/around the terminals, and just overall didn't stand up to time. I liked them while they were still good though.

 

 

I have an Audiocontrol LC6i, Hifonics GLX100.4 and GLX1500D, all of which I got a couple years ago but never opened. Also have an old RE SR 12, AA Havoc 12, 1cu sealed box, 1.25cu sealed box, and 2.5cu ported box. The dilemma is, I think I only have room for the LC6i and one amp (under the seats). Having a sub in the back will be ok as long as I can just undo the wires to the box and remove it when I need the space (Havoc + 2.5cu box is too heavy to do that often though). Having amps on the back of the box makes that more difficult, and just doesn't go for the "stock" look my girl and I want for this.

 

So Im leaning towards replacing the speakers with whatever will sound better then stock off the HU (maybe just replace the tweeters in the dash) and run the Havoc/1500. Or, get decent comps, and bridge the rears on the 100.4 with the RE.

 

 

Another concern is the stock alt being 100amp, and trying to run the Havoc/1500. I could keep the gain down more, but not sure how much it will handle and if its worth doing.

 

 

Id also consider grabbing a shallow mount 8-10" sub to go in the spare tire area, under the rear seats (doubt there would be enough room) or side part of the rear hatch area. Maybe even a powered one if there are any decent ones around now? Havent been in audio for a couple years now.

 

Attached pic of rear with seats down. Will try to grab a couple tomorrow under the seats if needed and take measurements.

 

 

 

So I guess at this point Im open to hearing suggestions on which route to go, and which tweeters/speakers/comps would work in this situation. Like SQ over SPL, but still want decently loud. Like to stay under $150 for the speakers and mounts. Going to probably have to get all new wires, my old ones have been through many different cars, and all weird lengths. I still have some deadening stuff from SDS around somewhere too (tiles, EB rope, MLV+CCF).

 

 

[Notorious97200 339]

Don't put the amp on the box, it will be too hard to take the box out when you need it.
With the amp off the box you only need to disconnect + and -.

 

Personnally, I'd run the Havoc in the ported box, I'd put both amps on the back of the rear seats (the bigger one), and that's it.

The cargo area is huge for a 12" sub !

 

Watch your voltage, do the big3. Your alternator is not so small, it will be enough to play some good music when driving.

[Randal Johnson 544]

Your lease agreement allow you to make changes to the car ?