New sound system (adding a amp and sub to a factory system)

[QuadKewl]

Hi all.

I just added a sub and amp to my 04 Ion QC. I have the advanced audio system with the 6 disk cd/mp3 player so I did not want to replace my head unit. Here is what I did.

Components:

I bought a Jenson JPX720 amp from eBay for 40$ with shipping. This is a two channel amp that will run 350 watts rms and 720 peak when bridged to 1 channel.

I used a high level converter to deliver the signal to the amp via RCA cables. 20$ from a local stereo store (it was 30 but I talked him down to 20)

I used a single 12 sub. I bought a JBL GT120 12'' Subwoofer on eBay for 75$ with shipping.

I constructed my on cabinet since I could not find one exactly 1 sq ft. volume. I drew up the plans with the rear of the box sitting on an 11 degree angle to match the angle of the rear seat. I used one sheet of ¾” MDF one 4’x 8’. 1 sheet was about $20 at home depot.

Finally I bought a 8 gage Street Wire kit for 40$ from a local stereo store (it was 60 but I talked him down to 40)

Because the battery, rear speakers, and factory amp were all accessible from the trunk, installation was a snap. I used the rear left and right speaker wires along with the power and ground leads from the factory amp to wire up the high level converter. Next I hooked the street wire power lead directly to the battery and ran it into the amp. I drilled a new hole for the amp ground lead as it was easier the hooking it to the battery. I tapped into the factory amp for the amp remote. It is the pink wire (row b pin 5 I think). Next I strung the street wire RCAs from the high level converter into the amp.

Then I cranked it up and enjoyed. It really sounds great. The headlights actually dim when the base hits. I was initially worried that the inferior sound quality of Jensen amp would really affect the sound quality, but it doesn’t. I think the match of the cabinet and rear seat angles help the base to resonate through the passenger compartment. I can notice the difference when I move the box away from the seat. I have the plans for the cabinet if anyone is interested.

Sorry for the long post but I though this might help someone.

M@

[bama]

Definately get a capacitor and a new battery. If you are not keeping consistent 13.8v while the car is running, your are not using the full power of the sub.

I would buy a 1 farad capicitor per 500 watts RMS and an Optima yellow top battery.

Bill

[BlackNRedIon]

any pics?

[QuadKewl]

i have not finished the box with any um errr finish. It is raw MDF but yeah, I take a pic and upload it.

m@

[QuadKewl]

Hey Bama, do you have a GM part number for that Fascia?

[kfaber]

I have the 6disc in dash/mp3 setup in my ion 2, and was wondering if I would have a factory amp installed as well. I dont think I do...is it standard? anyways, if I dont, where woudl i run the remote wire?

[FASTPLANET]

only cars with the "advanced audio" have an amp.
check your window sticker if you still have it! or lock under the rear dash/deck. youll see the amp if its there, you cant miss it.

[Doug]

I had the 6 disc changer in my '04 QC with my upgraded 6.5 Infinities/components and 2 10" subs + amps and couldn't stand the sound quality. I ended up throwing in a nice Alpine with 3 outputs to clean up the sound. I hated to part with the 6 disk too, but it was well worth it! PS...anyone need a 6 disk? lol

[Vita]

Originally posted by Doug
I had the 6 disc changer in my '04 QC with my upgraded 6.5 Infinities/components and 2 10" subs + amps and couldn't stand the sound quality. I ended up throwing in a nice Alpine with 3 outputs to clean up the sound. I hated to part with the 6 disk too, but it was well worth it! PS...anyone need a 6 disk? lol

got dibs on the 6 disk, sent you a PM too

[kfaber]

im pretty sure i dont have it, but where woudl i run the remote wire?