Bboytaktix's modest STI sedan SQL sound system build - Front woofers replaced...again

22437 Views 110 Replies 12 Participants Last post by bboytaktix, Dec 16, 2014

bboytaktix

Discussion Starter · Aug 5, 2013 (Edited)

11

NEW FRONT COMPONENTS UPGRADE P.11

Hey guys,

wanted to share my project. This is my third car in which I've built a system, lots of the equipment is being used over from my last car. I will be updating this thread whenever I receive new parts/snap new pics and get stuff installed! Should sound great in the end! Enjoy!

Now, onto the audio goodies. The rear speakers in my cobalt were 6x9 but the STI has 6.5'' in the rear doors so the 6x9 are for sale and had to order some 6.5'' for the rear doors. Also, my JBL GTO 1214D subs in my vented enclosure are just way too big for the trunk, I want trunk space, especially when I to head up north with friends for a weekend of skiing, so I want at least one side of fold-down seats available to me.

Here is the list of what will be going in the STI;

HEAD UNIT: Pioneer x850BT (bought it new for the STI)
HARNESS: SVDX's (David) harness for subaru (ae64.com)
OTHER ACCESSORIES: Metra Axxess ASWC-1 steering wheel control harness
FRONT SPEAKERS: JBL c508GTI MKII components (PREVIOUS: C608GTI - blew one side woofer three weeks into ownership?!?!? Other previous: P660c components from last build)
REAR SPEAKERS: JBL P662 "fillers" (Ordered, on their way)
4-CH AMP: Pioneer GM-D8604 (class D, digital, 150RMSx4 at 2-ohms) PREVIOUS (SHORTED OUT): JBL GTO1004 4-channel amp (150RMSx4 at 2ohm, from last build)
SUB: JBL W10GTI, self-built 1.8ft^3 box with 3'' aero port tuned to 28Hz! PREVIOUS (was not satisfied): sealed 0.75 cubic foot box
MONO AMP: Clarion DPX11551 (1550wRMS at 2-ohm or 850wRMS at 4-ohm, from last build)
SUB BOX: custom made by me

ELECTRICAL: knukonceptz KCA 1/0-gauge power kit, Karma SS 4-ch RCA cable, SKY HIGH car audio 'Big Three' o-gauge OFC upgrade kit

Chose the W10GTI because I've always wanted the GTI series subs and after doing research, most audio enthusiasts said it's a very solid and well-rounded sub. Also, my amp should be perfect for it, hooked up at 3-ohm it should put out around 1000-1200RMS which should be more than enough.

FIRST UPDATE:

First thing I ordered and installed was the head unit and install accessories. The install went pretty smooth. I got the ASWC harness as well to keep steering wheel controls functional with the new head unit. I also got the JDM STI bezel that perfectly contours the double din screen (shipped straight from japan!) I decided the JDM bezel was too bland so I cf-wrapped it to make it pop a bit more. PICS;

Soldered and shrink-wrapped all connections;

all connected and taped up (for the most part):

Carbon-wrapped dash trim;

Installed, with my custom "subaru STI" splash screen I designed;

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bboytaktix

Discussion Starter · #2 · Aug 5, 2013 (Edited)

10

Re: Bboytaktix's modest STI sedan SQ sound system build

FRONT COMPONENT SPEAKER INSTALL:

Had time last weekend to install front speakers. I also had like 25-30 sq ft of fatmat left from my last build so I put what I could in the doors.

old vs new tweeter;

Tweeters mounted in stock sail pods. Had to modify them slightly but overall a pretty good fit and pretty easy install;

Fabricated some speaker spacers from plywood I had in the garage;

Finishing up install;

Right now they are running off the head unit, they sound better than stock of course but nowhere near their full potential when they will be amped

SO FAR: Order for P662 rear speakers as well as KnuKonceptz wiring/install stuff was made this past week. Patiently awaiting its arrival in the mail. *Also, had a conversation with the eBay seller aout the w10GTI, he's hooking me up with a decent deal shipped to me in Canada, so I'm going to be purchasing that tonight. Hopefully won't take too long to get here. Then I wil have to start thinking about box design

MORE UPDATES TO COME WHEN I GET MORE WORK DONE!!! hope you are enjoying my modest SQ build thread.

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bboytaktix

Discussion Starter · #3 · Aug 8, 2013

5

Re: Bboytaktix's modest STI sedan SQ sound system build

Got a package last night from KNUKONCEPTZ!!

Install accessories including;
-Knuconceptz KCA 1/0-gauge power and ground wire and terminals
-In-line fuse holder and 200A ANL fuse (to be used at battery)
-150A ANL fuse (for mono amp) and 80A fuse (for 4-ch amp) to go on distr. block (already have)
-Karma SS 4-channel 6m RCA cable (already have good mono amp RCA cables)

more pics;

The wire is great quality, even more flexible than I thought, and they make it oversized to make up for the fact that it's CCA-type wire.

Definitely seems like good quality stuff! Will be running the wires this weekend since I still haven't received my rear speakers in the mail yet and my amps and other gear are still up north. Also still have to pick up some wire for the 4-ch speakers today or tomorrow, but that isn't expensive. MORE UPDATES TO COME SOON!

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jetpilot116

· #4 · Aug 8, 2013

Re: Bboytaktix's modest STI sedan SQ sound system build

Are you running the doors with the factory speaker wires currently? In your opinion do you think they need an amp? I am contemplating for my build.

bboytaktix

Discussion Starter · #5 · Aug 8, 2013

Re: Bboytaktix's modest STI sedan SQ sound system build

jetpilot116 said:
Are you running the doors with the factory speaker wires currently? In your opinion do you think they need an amp? I am contemplating for my build.

I am currently running my front speakers off the pioneer head unit using factory wire. The sound is definitely better than stock but I can get MUCH better sound off these with my amp connected, and I can hear where they begin to get distorted just above half volume...so yes, they definitely need an amp. If you do not want to amp them, I would say get less expensive speakers. The head unit only puts out maybe 20w RMS, these components are rated at 90w RMS and can apparently take more.

as for speaker wire,, many people run stock speaker wire to speakers even when they are amped. I think it is like 20-22 gauge wire. 14-16 gauge wire would be a bit more ideal but probably overkill for most people's applications. I'm going to pick up some 14 or 16-gauge tonight for the speakers, less current than stock wiring, plus I plan on feeding the speakers 90ishW rms each so bigger wire can't hurt!

bboytaktix

Discussion Starter · #6 · Aug 14, 2013

4

Re: Bboytaktix's modest STI sedan SQ sound system build

SECOND PACKAGE ARRIVED! picked it up this morning. Fresh speakers for the rear doors

these should sound pretty good;

Now just waiting on the subwoofer. Shipped out thursday via UPS, but then yeaterday evening it ran into an exception, "The commercial invoice is missing and is required for export" GRRR! Looks like it may take a bit longer than planned to get it. Whatever, I still have lots of work to get done in the meantime. **

Going to run all the wires tonight (battery to trunk for power, RCA cables from head unit to trunk, and speaker wire) so at least that will be done

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bboytaktix

Discussion Starter · #7 · Aug 14, 2013

12

Re: Bboytaktix's modest STI sedan SQ sound system build

Got some wiring ran this weekend. Took a while but it's quite clean. Here's a few shots;

started by putting the fuses on the fuse box for later...and realized there is a 0-gauge in (cool) but only two 4-gauge out (I want to run 0-gauge out to the mono amp)...should I order an adapter for like $15 or just strip a bit of extra off the 0-gauge until it fits in the 4-gauge output?? I don't think I'll lose any power that way since most of the wire will be in contact with the block (correct me if my logic is wrong);

Decided to run the 0-gauge from the side of my battery, down into the fender panel and into a decent size grommet behind the driver side fender panel. 0-gauge is NOT easy to fit through a grommet!!*

Since the wire was passing from the engine bay down to the grommet behind the fender, it was touching the edge of some sheet metal. I took extra precaution by running wire loom on the length of that wire (from grommet into engine bay);

So that was done, then I ran the power wire down and back in the driver side door liner. At the same time, I ran the front and rear door speaker wire for driver's side with the power wire. Now, one way I can tell that this Subaru is a solid car is the way that they engineered a sort of wire conduit where the carpet ends, right under the door sill. It was extra easy to attach my wiring to the existing wiring and fit nicely under the white wire conduit, out of sight and protected as well;

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bboytaktix

Discussion Starter · #8 · Aug 14, 2013

9

Re: Bboytaktix's modest STI sedan SQ sound system build

Ran them this way all the way until under the rear seats, then secured them to some existing wires to be safe. They aren't ziptied in this picture but were afterwards to some existing cables that ran under the seat;

Next morning I began running my RCA cables. Got my new Knukonceptz karma 4-channel RCA's along with the Bassworx RCA's for my mono amp I had already (seemed like good quality so I kept them);

Began from the radio side. Didn't have to take my head unit off, just the dash trim and one vent section, had access to all wiring. was great!

Ran the wires down through the bottom of the center console, there was a pretty thick wire harness to attach to that went to heated seats, e-brake cable, etc.;

Finally got them from the end of the center console then under the small section of carpet and under rear seat, secured them to existing wire under rear seat and then into trunk;

All that is left is to run passenger side wires for front and rear speakers. Nothing too exciting in terms of updates but got the annoying part out of the way.*

W10GTI is on the way, UPS says it should arrive by Friday, we shall see

That's all for updates for now, so far it's coming along nicely. Hope you enjoy my modest build so far

dying to have a balanced system again!! *I will have some other questions, comments tomorrow as well. Debating some other things!!

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jetpilot116

· #9 · Aug 14, 2013

Re: Bboytaktix's modest STI sedan SQ sound system build

Looks good man! It always takes time to do it right. Is your car out of commission while you are doing the install and waiting for your parts? Nice write up.

bboytaktix

Discussion Starter · #10 · Aug 14, 2013

Re: Bboytaktix's modest STI sedan SQ sound system build

jetpilot116 said:
Looks good man! It always takes time to do it right. Is your car out of commission while you are doing the install and waiting for your parts? Nice write up.

thanks man!! nope, everything is put back together right after I finished. This past weekend I ran all the wiring an dput everything back to the way it was. Only wiring left to run is the speaker wire on passenger side, which should take like 20-30 minutes. Then, when my amps are installed, I will also push the speaker wire through the doors and hook the speakers up. Then when my sub box is built I will hook the sub to the mono amp. I just do it step by step, no downtime and I ensure it is done right, or else it bothers me

bboytaktix

Discussion Starter · #11 · Aug 14, 2013

Re: Bboytaktix's modest STI sedan SQ sound system build

and I'm like dying to finish the install and have those crisp-clear highs and some BASS

I am sure after all is said and done, I will need to go back and put some fatmat in a few places, since I ran out after doing my front doors, but all in good time. After I buy the Kinetik hc1400, I need to stop spending money for a while lol. I Need winter tires!!

jetpilot116

· #12 · Aug 15, 2013

Re: Bboytaktix's modest STI sedan SQ sound system build

bboytaktix said:
thanks man!! nope, everything is put back together right after I finished. This past weekend I ran all the wiring an dput everything back to the way it was. Only wiring left to run is the speaker wire on passenger side, which should take like 20-30 minutes. Then, when my amps are installed, I will also push the speaker wire through the doors and hook the speakers up. Then when my sub box is built I will hook the sub to the mono amp. I just do it step by step, no downtime and I ensure it is done right, or else it bothers me

THat's pretty difficult and really redundant! My first crack at taking the door panels off netted me a broken tab... Are you following any instructions or DIY threads? What is your background or knwledge of electronics? I want to do this but don't have the knowledge. I would be following threads like this and stumble through. I have a pioneer AVIC930 partially installed. I have to drill a hole for the navi module and wire up the steering wheel control module. This seems like the hardest part is over. The wiring for the speakers and sub(s) are my other concern with removing all the plastics and routing the wires. Just wondering how much experience you had before diving into this!

bboytaktix said:
and I'm like dying to finish the install and have those crisp-clear highs and some BASS I am sure after all is said and done, I will need to go back and put some fatmat in a few places, since I ran out after doing my front doors, but all in good time. After I buy the Kinetik hc1400, I need to stop spending money for a while lol. I Need winter tires!!

haha I have run into this before. I said that after headers and PW intercooler! I plan to try the grace ice and water shield for sound deadening material. It is the same idea as the dynamat but i'm sure it's cheaper. You did run new cables to the door speakers right? I don't know if I want to do this on my car LOL.

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bboytaktix

Discussion Starter · #13 · Aug 15, 2013

Re: Bboytaktix's modest STI sedan SQ sound system build

jetpilot116 said:
THat's pretty difficult and really redundant! My first crack at taking the door panels off netted me a broken tab... Are you following any instructions or DIY threads? What is your background or knwledge of electronics? I want to do this but don't have the knowledge. I would be following threads like this and stumble through. I have a pioneer AVIC930 partially installed. I have to drill a hole for the navi module and wire up the steering wheel control module. This seems like the hardest part is over. The wiring for the speakers and sub(s) are my other concern with removing all the plastics and routing the wires. Just wondering how much experience you had before diving into this!

Well it's not really redundant because now that I am finished running the wiring on the driver side, I don't have to go back and open anything up again. Same with the RCA wires through the center console, once I was done, nothing more to do under there. All I will have to do is open the front door panels up a second time, to run my non-stock wiring through to the crossovers, but that takes me about 5 minutes each side. I haven't opened the rear door panels yet, but when I do, I will be installing the rear speakers in there as well as running the wiring through to them so that's all one shot.

This will be my third car that I have done audio in. First car was a 2001 civic but only had subs on an amp, and just put new front speakers off head unit. My second car (the car before this one), I did a full build with about 70 sq ft of fatmat (both doors, trunk and roof as well), 4 speakers on amp, and my subs on an amp, with a tiny bit of custom work in the trunk (nothing beautiful lol) so I also gained decent experience doing that and it sounded pretty damn good.

Now that I have refined my skills I am applying what I have learned to my subaru, and I want it to be CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN!! Which is why I am spending a bit more on accessories etc to make sure everything is done right. Also taking my time with the wiring to ensure it is run properly and out of sight as well. Don't want to have issues with wiring down the road, especially since I plan to keep this car for quite a while.

Another thing about this build is that I am more aimed towards SQ this time around (hence the JBL W10GTI sub in sealed enclosure) and also trying to save my trunk space and keep the trunk looking clean with all the audio equipment in there. My last trunk had basically no room with my two 12's and vented enclosure in there plus the two amps sitting on the floor in front of the sub box.

I might eventually go passive with my front components but we shall see, not for a while lol. That would help even more for SQ at least.

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bboytaktix

Discussion Starter · #14 · Aug 15, 2013

Re: Bboytaktix's modest STI sedan SQ sound system build

jetpilot116 said:
haha I have run into this before. I said that after headers and PW intercooler! I plan to try the grace ice and water shield for sound deadening material. It is the same idea as the dynamat but i'm sure it's cheaper. You did run new cables to the door speakers right? I don't know if I want to do this on my car LOL.

I did run new wire to my 4 speakers from the amp. Reason is that stock wiring is only 22 AWG which is a bit small for my application. I plan on feeding my front components somewhere around 100-110 RMS max, and the rears somewhere around 80-90RMS max, and also want least loss possible since the length from amp to speakers is fairly long, so I ran 14 AWG wire to all 4 speakers (just need to run it through the doors when I have time). 14AWG is a bit overkill, 16-18AWG is fine depending on what power you plan to run to your speakers, but 22AWG doesn't really cut it for the power I plan on sending. Plus, a little overkill is always better than not enough.

For my sub to amp wire, I picked up some 10AWG wire since I want to send anywhere from 800-1000RMS to it, 12AWG could be okay but again, a bit of overkill doesn't hurt.

As for your GPS unit, not sure why you have to drill holes? Is the GPS function a seperate box, or are you just talking about the head unit's GPS antenna? if it is just the GPS antenna (little black box thing) I put mine right on top of the head unit, behind the dash, and it works perfectly from there, plus it's out of sight and out of mind

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bboytaktix

Discussion Starter · #15 · Aug 20, 2013

9

Re: Bboytaktix's modest STI sedan SQ sound system build

ALRIGHT. here we go. Updates. Was a big weekend. DID WORK SON;

First off, finished my wiring by running the speaker wire to front/rear speakers on passenger side;

ran wire same as driver side (under kick panel with stock wiring) and then crossed over perpendicular to RCA cables to driver side to join other speaker wires. I was told crossing speaker wires perpendicular to RCA can help prevent noise.

Then, mounted the new P662's in the rear doors

Wiring the speaker wire through into the rear doors was relatively easy, popped the rubber wire loom off and used coat hanger to pull wire through. Front doors, not so easy since it was a 2-piece loom and the lower loom extended all the way into the door and was real tight around the OEM wiring. So I did it the best way I could, popped a small hole in bottom grommet, passed speaker wire through it then put speaker wire back inside second rubber loom all the way into the door. Was the only way to do it cleanly without completely hacking up the wire looms and grommets;

I then moved onto the trunk, started fitting/measuring/cutting up MDF pieces to contour driver side of trunk for the amp rack;

My amps are big, especially the 4-channel, so I could not fit them both in the trunk corner or on that side. Decided to mount mono amp in the corner and 4-channel on the floor right under it. Once I made that decision, the rest of the ideas began flowing out of my brain. Had to make it sturdy too;

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bboytaktix

Discussion Starter · #16 · Aug 20, 2013

14

Re: Bboytaktix's modest STI sedan SQ sound system build

First time soldering 0-gauge wire. Used a torch and some flux. Got the idea from steve meade videos while watching him fix some messed up chevelle car audio build. Not bad at all for my first time!

Then cut hole in carpet for main power wire;

Did the grounds behind the amp rack and carpet, wired it though;

ran 4-channel RCA's on opposite side of trunk and put them through carpet right where 4-ch amp will be sitting;

I then mounted a small piece of MDF at 45 degrees, joining the floor and wall piece. This not only added stability and covered the block that secured the two MDF pieces, but is the perfect spot to show off my fused distribution block;

covered that piece in carpet because when the amp rack cover goes on, since the distribution block is small and will have a plexiglass window on top, you will see the background a bit, whereas the amps you will only see the light-up logos with the plexiglass windows. Oh yeah, thinking ahead

next, mounted the 4-ch amp. Raised it on strips of MDF where the amp screws in. Two reasons; one to be able to push it a bit more forward in the trunk where the floor ramps up, and second (and more importantly) for better cooling. I will be adding fans to the amp rack as well to cool the amps;

Wired up the 4-channel amp and the distribution block. Left the mono amp out since I didn't have the sub nor time to hook it up. The speakers sound GREAT with the amp, and of course, they get extremely loud. Gain is set to half on the amp for front components and a bit less for rear speakers, and they get loud as F**K!! I have them on high pass filter, so not much bass, but that will change once I get the sub in.

PLEASE keep in mind the amp rack will have a VERY aesthetic cover over it, and what I built so far is the actual structural amp rack to hold both amps. It will be sexy when all finished, you shall see

oh, and LASTLY, PICKED UP MY SUB TODAY FINALLY FROM UPS!!! this thing... looks....BEAST!!!!!!!

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jkirkpatrick

· #17 · Aug 20, 2013

Re: Bboytaktix's modest STI sedan SQ sound system build

Subscribed! Very nicely done! That sub is crazy deep!

bboytaktix

Discussion Starter · #18 · Aug 20, 2013

Re: Bboytaktix's modest STI sedan SQ sound system build

jkirkpatrick said:
Subscribed! Very nicely done! That sub is crazy deep!

thanks man

and yeah I figured since I was going from two 12'' in a ported to a single sealed 10'' (mostly to save trunk space), I might as well go big. I also always wanted the GTI series sub. Only heard good things about them

Hopefully it bumps well!!!

jetpilot116

· #19 · Aug 27, 2013

Re: Bboytaktix's modest STI sedan SQ sound system build

Waiting....... :lol:

STi Addict

· #20 · Aug 27, 2013

Re: Bboytaktix's modest STI sedan SQ sound system build

I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THIS IN PERSON!!!!

Big ups to your efforts of doing everything very clean! it's looking gorgeous!

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