Stereo / Music / Sync

Thought I would start a thread on stereos since I just did mine.

My system consists of:

1) Stock head unit (HU)
2) JL CL441 Cleansweep signal processor - Necessary to convert signal into something you feed into amplifiers (no RCA outs on back of HU)
3) JL C5 5x7's in doors - I chose the coaxials since they fit perfectly...EXACT same speaker specs as Components.
4) JL C2 5X7's in rear shelf
5) Diamond 12" Subwoofer TDX D2 (requires 1 cubic ft of air space)
6) Memphis 1000D Monoblock Amplifier (Drives the subwoofer)
7) JL AUDIO XD400/4 CLASS-D 4-CHANNEL CAR STEREO AMPLIFIER (Drives the door and rear speakers 100 X 4)
8) KICKER 09 PKD1 1/0AWG AWG DUAL AMPLIFIER/AMP POWER KIT (BIG ASS POWER WIRE!)
9) POWER ACOUSTIK PCX-3F 3 Farad Car Audio Capacitor (Ready power for sub...keeps headlights from dimming, etc)
10) Dynamat sound deadener in doors and rear shelf area
11) Custom speaker box with amp mounting board behind rear seats
12) I only used 16 AWG wire for my speakers, except for 10 AWG for the subs. Kicker RCA's (I did not buy the wire ahead of time, had to use what the installer had). For short runs such as inside a car, 16 gauge is perfectly fine, although I really wanted 12 gauge but oh well.


I got most of my stuff on eBay where there is good price competition. While I could have installed a lot of this myself, I decided not to risk messing up my new car and let someone with Mustang experience do it. They did a great job.

Anyway, my system is VERY LOUD!!! I mean crazy loud without any distortion. The signal to noise level of my JL Amp is very very good and clean, I am so happy with it all.
There are the sounds that are supposed to be there...and nothing else in between...no static, hum, etc. And as you can see from the pics, I utilized the space under the rear shelf so quite a bit of trunk space left. This might be a better solution compared to the JL Stealthbox, but it depends on what you use your trunk for. And amazingly, no car rattle from subwoofer! The car shakes like a 9.0 earthquake (and my keys vibrate).



What about the stock 8" door speakers, you ask? Well, I left them in, and they get minimal power from the head unit. These speakers really cannot handle an amp. BUT...I may just replace them with some shallow mount Kickers or Kenwoods and drive them with a third Alpine amp I have, which is bridgeable into 100 X 2. But to tell you the truth, I'm not sure I need it! But here are some options:

http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Car_Entertainment/eXcelon/Subwoofers/KFC-XW800F
http://www.kicker.com/sites/default/files/2008CompVT8-10-12.pdf

There is a problem though...it's extremely difficult to get these door 8"s to be "enclosed" properly in order to deliver good volume. I guess to some extent, the entire door can be considered a ported box, but I"m not sure how it will sound. So, I'm just not sure how much sound they will put out. I guess at a minimum, obviously it will be louder than the cheapo stock speakers...so by that metric, it would be a good upgrade.

On another note, did you know there is a second USB port for music? See:
http://www.allfordmustangs.com/forums/2011-mustang-talk/304470-phantom-usb-2-port-sync.html
http://mustangforums.com/forum/2005-2011-mustangs/622693-glovebox-usb-mount-for-second-usb-port.html

I"m gonna try putting a permanent USB flash drive with a ton of songs in there, maybe velcro it to the back of the glovebox.
I've been having a problem lately with my Iphone in ipod mode. I mean...at first, the Sync system would allow me to browse all my songs on my iphone. But now, for some odd reason, the buttons that enable that have gone "grey" / can't select them as options. I wonder if there is a difference between bluetooth and plugging it in USB? I'll have to experiment more. I sure wish we could rip MP3's onto the hardrive though...

Looks like a great install. Thanks for sharing!

Nice setup in the back, looks good and clean!

Looks great. I need to upgrade my subs sooner or later, and i need to re tune my amp. Using dual 12s with an 1100w kenwood amp

Nice system & setup. Me likey.

Looks awesome. I'd love to do something like this. But I can't block off the back. I have to carry all the club stuff to events. I need the room. ;(

I had always been curious how well the JL Cleansweapswork, sounds like it works pretty good.

Very cool! Thanks for posting!! Very clean install and Im sure it sounds great. Will have to have a listen next event you attend.

Updated my subwoofer box with a pair of Cobra emblems I ordered for 16 bucks on eBay. Used black sharpie to make shadow effect...really makes it pop out! Also attaching pics of my sun visor, door handles, and my new tire valve caps:

Very nice

Lookin good sir!

nice!

Ok got all my little chromed out parts installed.

I have to say my FAVORITE part...the side seat lever. It's HUGE...and it's awesome! Highly recommend. I also love the door vent inserts...I like these better than the all out alum. replacements you can get.

FYI...I have an extra chrome seat switch cover (the one adjacent...forward/backwards) if someone wants to buy it for a discount. You can only buy them in pairs, even though my passenger seat is not power.

Very nice. I see the mod bug has bitten someone else. Lol.

Sooner or later, it always does

Nice setup