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Originally Posted by superior
I am torn between two options:
1.) Getting a kicker amp (zx350.2 which should fit in the stock sub location) with speaker-level inputs and just using it to run my sub (Image Dynamics IDQ12 in 1cuft sealed). Then I would probably replace the front tweeters and woofers with something that could run on stock power.
2.) I have found a few small footprint 4 channel amps (ie Alpine PDX series) that I considered using to power some front speakers and then use the other 2 channels for the sub. Unfortunately, all of the amps that are small enough to be hidden in the BMW only accept RCA inputs. I assume here you would recommend a higher quality loc?
I am definitely not an audiophile, but I enjoy a nice sound and can tell that I dont get that from my current nonDSP system. My old vehicle was similar to option 2, I had a 4x100 amp running Boston Rally 6.5 components up front and a 10 sealed in back. Very good sound in a pickup truck.
I am considering the new Phoenix Gold RSD 6" components as they should fit the roughly 6" woofer opening, but I don't know about the tweeters or if they would sound good w/o some extra amp power.
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If the stock stereo is loud enough for you, then alt 1 will work fine. In my case, I couldn't hear the stereo with the windows down, so it was bye-bye DSP.
Since I don't know what vehicle you have I can't really comment on the stock space or what will fit. However, the stock location for the E39 5 series is fairly small, and
I managed to fit a 4 channel in with at least a smidge to spare.
Of the current offerings I found few that would fit - they are all too long. Thus I decided to go "old school". There is an added benefit that old amps were rated at 12V (not 14.4V) which means the ratings are typically quite low compared to todays. For example, mine is rated 4x25W, but if you find the 14.4V ratings it is actually 4x
65W. I chose an MTX Blue Thunder (which was top of the line at the time) and couldn't be happier.
In your case, this would allow you to run 2x65W + 1x250W.
Oh, and it has the added benefit of accepting balanced inputs up to 8V through the RCA's, which means no LOC.
If, as you said, you do go with one of the new Class D amps then I still don't think it will matter which LOC's you use. If you are an audiophile (I know, you said you aren't) then you'll probably complain about the slew rates of Class D amps. If you aren't, then you won't be able to tell the difference in sound between a $200 and a $20 LOC.
Just my thoughts
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