help build my system for DVD viewing, I rarely play music nowadays.

car: 2008 mazdaspeed3, bose w/navi, and a pioneer avh-p4200dvd. I didn't do the install so don't ask how, but I can watch DVD's while I'm driving. I want to replace the front speakers, and add a 10" sub, and an amp for all of it. Space is a huge issue. I don't want to lose more space than is necessary.

So I'm considering the flat/shallow subs. like the kenwood excelon 10" flat sub possible, mounted in the left side of the trunk. Remove the jack, have a box built that extends the left side of the trunk a few inches out. This will keep the flat sub flush with the left trunk panel, and a fairly stock looking appearance. I don't want too much bass though. I want to hear what the actors are saying more than I want to feel a helicopter land if you catch my drift.

With music I always liked the sound coming from all around me, however I've noticed I don't want much at all in the rear when it comes to DVDs. Hearing voices coming from in front of me and behind me at the same time is just weird. So I only plan on upgrading the front. Polk MM6501 get rave reviews on here I've noticed because of their 2ohm rating and high db s/n number. To those audiophiles out there I need your help answering some questions.
If clarity and hearing voices is my priority over being loud and musical, should I stear away from 2ohms (Polk and Infinity Kappa) and stick to 4ohm speakers? Home audio tends to run at 8ohm, so there's gotta be a reason for that.

If I ran Polk MM6501 off the Bose amp, and added an amp just for the 10" sub it would probably be cheaper than the alternative, a 4 channel amp, running @4ohms up front to whatever components you suggest, with the rear channels bridged to push the 10" sub. We know which one is obviously "better" but will I hear a significant difference?

Help build my system guys! My budget isn't too high. One setup I've considered is Polk mm6501 up front powered by the Bose amp and the 10" Kenwood Excelon flat sub pushed by a JL j360.2. The rears remaining the same.

I also have a 4 channel amp from a sponsorship in 2003 by JBL on a car I have garaged. Its a JBL px300.4. If I wanted, I could grab that amp, (hoping it even works), and run 4ohm components up front, and the 10" sub pushed by the rear bridged. I don't mind buying a new amp however. The JBL amp seems maybe a little bit like overkill. Perhaps I'm wrong though??

Please set me straight, and by all means, have some fun with this and give me some suggestions about what you think I should do. I have heard some stereo shop guys opinions, but they all differ, and I dont trust them since they're out to make a buck. One REALLY wants me to put a Kicker sub in my car. I've never been a fan, but I don't have a good reason either.

Oh ya, sorry, one last question: What are your thoughts on putting a 10" flat sub on the left panel, and making it into a factory looking panel with a sub flush in it, but in actuality its a box in disguise just behind. Are there any quirks with our cars in that area that would make that a bad idea?

I look forward to your replies guys! Educate me and steer me in the right direction.

Marcus
 
First of all...You can't run ANYTHING off of the stock Bose amp. Even if you buy the best speakers out there, there will be minimal (if any at all) difference in sound quality. It just sucks that bad!!!! Second of all, if you wanna go a cheaper route, replace the front speakers with a set of Alpine SPR-17S components (I believe that is the part number). They are 6.5 inch round speakers with one inch tweeters. Installs fairly easy using the supplied adapter rings. Plus they can handle 110 watts RMS a side. Quite loud and clear. Which brings me to the JBL amp. You're gonna need it. Use the front 2 channels for the Alpines and buy yourself a sub and enclosure for the jack compartment. Bridge the rear channels on the JBL and use it for the sub. Or just use the front channels of the amp on the front speakers and buy yourself a dedicated mono amp for the sub. Either way, you would be styling!!
 
New change of plans. Still want to run the JBL px300.4 amp, front channels running the Orion 6s components, and rear channel bridged @ 4ohms to put out around 325w RMS. I am open to either 10" or 12" or whatever in between, but I want one that comes in it's own enclosure from the factory. I like the designs of some. Some choices are JBL, Infinity, ported for both only available. JL Audio makes a 10W3 or 12W3 in Sealed and Ported Choices. I don't think I could power a 10w6, but if you're familiar with this amp then maybe? Kicker, Fosgate, Polk Audio, and some others also make their own enclosures. I'm shopping around but its difficult without hearing it first. I'm planning to only run a single 10 or 12, because I don't believe 300 watts is enough for 2x10s or 2x12".
Again, I have a huge emphasis on sound quality.

Any suggestions would be appreciated of course.


Marcus
 

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