Got my new 2005 EDGE last week and I'm ready to upgrade the stereo. I've heard so many good things about retaining the stock CD/MP3 HU and just replacing speakers and installing an amp. I don't really have the room for a sub right now plus I don't like to feel the bass. I'd like to do this and then if I feel like spending the $$$ on a new aftermarket HU then I'll already be set for it. Let me know what you think - am I missing anything???

Here's what I've got on my list:
AMP
Alpine MRP-F240 50watts x 4 channels

Speakers
Kenwood KFC-C6889ie 6"x8" 60watts RMS
or
Infinity Reference 6812cf 6"x8" 60 watts RMS

Hoping I can fit that amp under the passenger seat...

Thanks guys,
Brandon

 

DEFINITELY go with the infinity references over the kenwoods. it should sound good. youll probably need an rca line converter as well...

 

The amp is a tight fit, but really won't fit under the seat. I have the same one, it's a decent amp ( alpine mrp-f240).
If you're going to spend around 100$ for speakers, get a cheap set of components, from a different site, crutchfield is OVERpriced. Try this, its a great site http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu...6.5&RowIndex=8
I would upgrade to an aftermarket HU, but I never looked into the stock one you got in keeping it. I run with higher-end stuff, so whatever you're looking for.

 

I've never bought anything from Crutchfield - they are way to overpriced but they have the best site for specing out a system. I've had aftermarket all the way in all of my other vehicles but I was trying not to go overboard with this one already. Thanks for the great comments. I didn't even think about going components up front. I'll have to look into that and see what I need. Thanks again,
Brandon

 

I don't like crutchfield's prices. I'll agree to that extent. JL audio just released the CleanSweep device that flattens out the built-in s**t EQ from your headunit with a suplied disc, has line inputs and RCA outputs! plus level matching and a line driver. It's great! But it's the only JL peice I'll buy. I can't drop a grand on my tube HU just yet. Also, CDT Audio has some components called braxials where the tweeter is mounted on a bridge-type-device in front of the speaker, but they're not co-axials at all. They come with CDTs awesome crossovers that can be later upgraded. Other good sites for low prices on good stuff are:

www.thezeb.com
www.sonicelectronix.com
www.acaraudio.com

Try installing some sound damping from

www.b-quiet.com

dynamat or cascade audio

 

Get Polk speakers and a clean sweep. Alpine has fantastic sound quality for their amps. Kenwood is ****, infinity is over rated IMO...clean but so flat and lacks midbass.

Also, if yo are serious about adding a sub down the road run at least 4 guage power and grounds with a distribution block so you can simply plug and play when you add another amp down the road. You may spend a BIT more today, but you will save a lot of time and money in the future when you complete the system. Depending on how you like to wire your system you may want to run a second set of RCAs, although personally I prefer to daisy chain and double up on the crossover/filters.