Install under way.. help/opinions welcome.

[ibavarian]

Lets start by saying that i'm a noob as far as aftermarket systems. Im pretty good with electronics though so i'm hoping this will go smoothe. Here's what I have so far. Also.. im not looking for off the chart bass. I just want an upgraded clean note with a touch of bass.


Equipment came from a S13 I had. I ripped it out in 30min cause seller wanted 200 bucks off the price :grin: Anyways..
Panasonic DF903U- Temporary.. want to upgrade to pan. 7413 in near future.
Sony 5.25 in front- Cant remember the model..open to suggestions for upgrade
Alpine MRP F240 AMP (4/3/2 channel)
2 SET of tsunami RCA's (4 leads total)

Im undecided if I just want to run the AMP to 4 speakers or 2 channels to the front and bridge a third channel to a sub. Reasons- I have a 4door and no ski hole. I fear having a 10/12 sub in the rear wont do much and cause rattling if pushed wich I DONT want. But i'm also leary of running the amp to just speakers as I may not get the bass im looking for. So i'm open to suggestions from those who have done both.. Luke? I'll most likely run fresh wiring..

Thanks!

[falcon64]

does ur cd player havesub controles

[smonkbmw]

i thought all cars had ski holes? pull out the rear seat and punch the center out? id run the amp in a 3 channel set up and pick up one of lukes boxes.

[ibavarian]

does ur cd player havesub controles

yup

[StereoInstaller1]

I have yet to find an E30 without the ski hole. Pull the trunk liner and check. Shouldn't take more than 5 minutes...

Luke

[ibavarian]

Oh i see..I didn't know I get to use my hammer on this project.:D
Should this amp be enough to power a sub. It's a 350W peak output amp. RMS 40 x 4
That being said.. I have a CC giftcard for 100bucks, any recomendations?

[StereoInstaller1]

Oh i see..I didn't know I get to use my hammer on this project.:D

Oh yeah, hammer time!

Should this amp be enough to power a sub. It's a 350W peak output amp. RMS 40 x 4

what amp is it?

That being said.. I have a CC giftcard for 100bucks, any recomendations?

sell it on Craigslist for $75 and buy good used stuff?

[ibavarian]

Alpine MRP F240 AMP (4/3/2 channel)
I'm starting to lean more towards just running 4 speakers off this amp and possibly change the set up and add a seperate amp/sub down the line. Any recomendations on speakers? thanks..!

[StereoInstaller1]

that little F240 is a decent amp, but gutless. Basically, use that as power for a decent set of fronts and add a subwoofer with about 300 watts RMS.

[einstein57]

The best buy by my house has a 1000 watt kenwood on clearance for $80. I think i'll buy it as a spare or for a later install since its so cheap. Check your local best buy for killer open box buys. The only thing that rattles with my one twelve when i realy turn up the bass is the rear shelf. I figure some insulation foam should do the trick.