New audio install. I have questions.

[marjen]

I am starting my audio install today as pretty much all the major components have arrived. Not sure if I will do the entire thing myself as I haven’t done an install like this before.

components
Kicker key 200.4
kicker key 500.1
audiofrog GS42, gs60, (2) gs12d2

so I have started with the gs42. I got the covers off. I removed the old speakers. The new ones do not line up with the holes with the old ones. So first question, does anyone know of any adapter I can get to mount the gs42 into that will then line up with the holes? For now I drilled new holes in the plastic but not sure how well they will hold.

i added bass blockers from crutch field and used the hoel harnesses and those fit great. Also should I add any acoustic deadening material? I got the boom mats but they are just too big and bulky and did not work at all.

next up I am going to try and get the gs60 into the kick panels tomorrow.

i need power cable for the amps. Does anyone have any suggestion? Also how do I run the wire from the battery? The 200.4 will be in the glovebox and the 500.1 probably rear cargo on the passenger side. Thanks.

Sponsored

 

[Erock]

There are a couple of threads on installing the Kicker keys… I’d link one but I don’t know how. Maybe you can get your questions answered through those though.

 

[rtazz17]

If you dont know how to run cable from battery you should prolly have professional do install. No disrespect but this can turn into a nightmare if you dont know what your doing. Running cable is basics

 

[Erock]

Thread 'Kicker Key Amp 200.4 Install DIY Video - Do this first!'
https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/kicker-key-amp-200-4-install-diy-video-do-this-first.38520/

 

[marjen]

If you dont know how to run cable from battery you should prolly have professional do install. No disrespect but this can turn into a nightmare if you dont know what your doing. Running cable is basics

I have done a bunch of other projects so far. Installed oracle fogs and light up letters. I have wired my entire house when I built it just haven’t done a lot of wiring in a car before. So wondering where it’s brought through into the cabin and how each end is connected. I am sure I could run the wire, more worried about breaking clips on panels to be honest. And don’t know what gauge and brand of wire to get.

 

[marjen]

Thread 'Kicker Key Amp 200.4 Install DIY Video - Do this first!'
https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/kicker-key-amp-200-4-install-diy-video-do-this-first.38520/

I have spent a lot of time in there and maybe will focus my amp specific questions to that thread.

 

[Erock]

I use Mesa wire, for the most part. 100% copper. As far as size, it depends on the draw of the amp and distance from the battery. I think the 200.4 comes with a power wire in the harness, but the 500.1 needs like a 6 or 8 gauge wire. Just be sure to put fuses in at the battery.

 

[fitterhappier]

When I had the GS42's up front, I used a pliers to cut right down the center of the mounting hole's "ear" - this gave me the ability for the screw to catch onto the mount. I think I used some washers as well to make sure it was secured properly. It's not perfect, but it held for the time that I had them up front in the dash.

I used polyfill behind all the speakers - definitely made a difference in overall imaging and removing some of the "hollow-ness" I was getting.

 

[marjen]

When I had the GS42's up front, I used a pliers to cut right down the center of the mounting hole's "ear" - this gave me the ability for the screw to catch onto the mount. I think I used some washers as well to make sure it was secured properly. It's not perfect, but it held for the time that I had them up front in the dash.

I used polyfill behind all the speakers - definitely made a difference in overall imaging and removing some of the "hollow-ness" I was getting.

did you use bass blockers? I add some 300hz blockers but might remove them. Looks like the gs42 has good output to around 125hz and they sound really shallow right now. Granted I have not installed the gs60 yes or the subs but very tingy.

 

[MOBRONCO]

did you use bass blockers? I add some 300hz blockers but might remove them. Looks like the gs42 has good output to around 125hz and they sound really shallow right now. Granted I have not installed the gs60 yes or the subs but very tingy.

They have that output at very low volume, they have a Fs (resonant frequency) of 145.8 Hz, below that nasty things happen with any real power, best practice would be crossing over at 2X of the Fs, or 300 Hz.

I would recommend an active 12dB crossover at no lower than 200 Hz, if no separate amp channel then leave the bass blocker as is.

 

[marjen]

They have that output at very low volume, they have a Fs (resonant frequency) of 145.8 Hz, below that nasty things happen with any real power, best practice would be crossing over at 2X of the Fs, or 300 Hz.

I would recommend an active 12dB crossover at no lower than 200 Hz, if no separate amp channel then leave the bass blocker as is.

so leave bass blockers in? I am going to install the kicker 200.4 amp to drive them. Just hoping once the amp and other speakers are in everything sounds a lot better. Currently sounds like listening to a little hand held radio.

 

[83XLT]

I used polyfill behind all the speakers - definitely made a difference in overall imaging and removing some of the "hollow-ness" I was getting.

I haven't used polyfill before but just replaced my dash speakers and felt around in there. I was worried that polyfill would just travel around in there and end up coming out under the dash. How much should you use? I haven't even opened the bag.

 

[fitterhappier]

so leave bass blockers in? I am going to install the kicker 200.4 amp to drive them. Just hoping once the amp and other speakers are in everything sounds a lot better. Currently sounds like listening to a little hand held radio.

Yeah, leave them in. The Audiofrogs are a great speaker but they try to over-perform in the low end department without any bass blockers or high-pass filters engaged; the distortion will be noticeable. I used 600hz bass blockers with mine and had the HPF on the Kicker set to 60hz; it was a good combination!

 

[fitterhappier]

I haven't used polyfill before but just replaced my dash speakers and felt around in there. I was worried that polyfill would just travel around in there and end up coming out under the dash. How much should you use? I haven't even opened the bag.

I thought that too when I was looking around in the speaker cavities! So far, the polyfill hasn't moved around. I used enough to completely fill the cavity; you'll know you've used too much when it gets difficult to re-insert the speaker. It made the biggest impact in the front dash (you'll notice right away), but I added a bunch to the door speakers and the rear dash.

 

[marjen]

Question about subwoofer placement. Any reason I cant face the sub drivers towards the front seats? I know people usually face them towards the back, but trying to better protect them.

I have the speakers all installed. The amp install is in progress. Took it to a shop today, they had issues installing the amps so I need to take it back for them to get the calibration straight, i guess they havent done one before.

Sponsored