SVT Sound System

[swimmernate]

Ok, I am looking at seriously modifying my 2002 SVT Focus. I already have windows tinted, AEM Cold Air on the way, looking at Borla exhust and waiting for Diablo to have a chip put out.

The thing is, I just had a Kenwood Excelon deck put in. The Audiophile is really nice but this deck was just too cool. Big problem, Ford had made the connector from the Amp to the deck unlike anything anyone has ever seen. The sub can only work with the OEM deck alone and no other. Right now, I do not have power to my Sub because we cannot hook it up. If anyone has ever heard of this problem or have run into this problem please post. Right now the only choice I have is to buy a aftermarket AMP. Thanks.

Nathan P

[RAnDomTASK]

HEY SWIMMERNATE.........YOU CAN TRY THIS..........
THE AMP THAT COMES WITH THE AUDIOPHILE PACKAGE IS MOST LIKELY A SPK LEVEL AMPLIFIER , AND NOT A LINE LEVEL AMP.
WHAT I DID WITH MY STOCK DECK WITH AN AFTERMARKET AMP AND SUB WAS I USED A SPK LEVEL TO LINE LEVEL CONVERTER.
YOU COULD DO THE OPPOSITE.......GET AN WIRING DIAGRAM FOR YOUR SUB AMP OR USE A TONE GENERATOR TO FIND THESUB INPUT SPK LINES. THEN USE A LINE LEVEL TO SPK LEVEL CONVERTER FROM YOUR SUB PRE OUTS ON THE BACK OF YOUR DECK.....SNIP THE LINES OFF THE "WEIRD WIRING HARNESS" THAT ARE INPUT TO THE SUB AMP AND CRIP THOSE AND YOUR LINES (FRONT R AND L) FROM YOUR CONVERTER TOGETHER?
HOPE ANY OF THIS SPAWN'S A RESULT
..............RANDOM TASK

[SVT_JOE]

I have a Kenwood excelon deck in my car and the sub and amp worked fine, I didnt do it my self but it worked fine while it was in there...

[swimmernate]

SVT_JOE-

Your stock Sub works with an aftermarket deck? Would you be able to tell me how it works?

-Swimmernate

[SVT_JOE]

I didnt install it so i dont know how they did it...i think they just rewired the whole thing (amp & sub) i will ask the guy that did it though if you like...

[swimmernate]

Thanks for all of your help everybody. I found out today that there is no way to get my sub to work other then buying an amp.

[SVT_JOE]

dude i swear that my stock amp and sub worked with my kenwood deck

[swimmernate]

Ok, now this is getting interesting. The audio sound pros in town (when I say pros, I mean these guys don't mess around) told me that they called everyone and the connection is not possible. They even called the people that make connections to head units and there has not been one made for the SVT Focus yet. I was told that you would have to be an electrical engineer to figure one out. But if you really are using your stock sub AND amp then tell me and I will be much obliged. I would really, really appreciate it.

[imajsdaddy]

I tried and couldn't figure out the wiring that is why I replaced it with a JVC head unit with single CD, a 12 disk in the hatch, a 400 (ish) watt amp and 2 10" Sony Xploid subs! Sounds awesome... But then I realized there was no room for anything in my trunk and took it all out... After the $900ish I spent.... That sucks.... Anywone interested in the system? I'll let it go for $500?! I know don't sell stuff here, right?!

[ccampbell12]

Go to your local best buy and ask one of the installers to look up in the technical tips on thier computer and there is a way to do it and its on there. I've printed it twice but I keep losing it.

[RAnDomTASK]

DUDE....sounds like the so called pro's that you are talking to are actually salesman.......
............................don't let them warp your mind into buying a new amp!........I confront sales people all the time and they eat their own ****.......
................and if it's just the power you need...then run a line to a triggered 12v lead in your car?

[SALMOST]

I just picked up my new aftermarket deck, but before installing it I was wondering if anyone has some interior pics of theirs that I could take a look at to get some ideas from!

As for the rest, does anyone know if a Kicker LS10 Solobaric will fit in the standard sub enclosure that comes with the audiophile kit?? If not, any recommendations for other types of "EQUIVALENT" subs that would?

[swimmernate]

I did not go as far as to replace the sub. I might later but not now.

I returned my Kenwood deck because of the fact I had no sub, and to make it work I would have to buy a different amp for it. I don't care what anyone thinks, I have done some research on it myself. The only way to make the sub work with a aftermarket deck it to buy an aftermarket amp. Even a $50 amp from walmart would be fine, the amp we have is not all that powerful.

As for the subs go- I would get a momo, Rockford, or even a JL-W6 or W3. If you really want to get into it, have someone who knows what they're doing to build a box for a JL-W7. A 10' or 12' would shake your car like you would not believe. The JL-W7 is the loudest sub on the markert today. Well, the 13 1/2' at least.

JL is at the top of the line for right now, but momo and Rockford are holding their own. Remember, if you replace your factory deck you will have to replace the amp. 100 watts is all you need. I actually have a picture of the deck I had, if you want to see it just say so and I'll post it. Hope I helped.

[SALMOST]

How loud a sub goes isn't really much of a concern to me. I'm a bit more of an audiophile, so any reccomendations of Subs that can fire fast and remain tight would be appreciated, but the sub is the last thing to go.

First is the 5x7's that are the custom speakers...they are getting replaced within the next month or so and I am still undecided as to what to do or who to go with as there are so many bloody choices so again any help or recommendations will be taken at face value!

[swimmernate]

All of this is from my personal opinion, as there is no absolute's. Save for a few things. Everything really depends on your personal preferences and how deep your pockets run.

Subs-
From what I heard, the JL-W6 was really quick and responsive. While it was exceptionally loud it also was really quick and also fairly cheaper then the W7. It's just my opinion that I suggest JL.

Components-
The stock speakers in the car door are very good but need to get replaced. You should get components. These are speakers that come with both the mids and the tweaters. When you separate the mids and tweads you get very crisp and clear sounds. Just plain 'ole speakers you get both the lower and higher tones coming from one speakers. Components are the way to go.

Now, Focal are pretty much at the top of the line as far are components go. They are very crisp and very clear. But, Diamonds are very, very comparable and much, much cheaper. You can spend up to $1500 for one set (2 mids, 2 tweads, one for each door and a cross over) for Focals. You can spend up to $400 for the best set of Diamonds. There are 3 levels that Diamond has. I have been told this, and I believe it myself, that you CAN have too much sound from the tweater.

Amp-
If you do decide to go with a set (should be two sets, one for the front, one for the back) of components you should consider getting an amp to run them at full capacity. Now if you are going to run an amp to run your components then Phoenix Gold is the best in the industry today. Ask around, people will agree.

The reason I know so much about sound is that before my SVT I owned a 2001 Focus SE. There is not much in the way of performance that I could do so I decided to put as much sound into it that I could. I mean, I was looking at some serious numbers. I was going to win any sound competition I would enter. Luckily I got my SVT before I got too into it.

Ok, so you'll have two sets of Diamond compnents at $400 a set- $800. One 1000 watt, 2 channel Pheonix Gold amp- $500. One 12' JL-W7 with custom made box- $1400. Your deck of preferance- $200- $600. Installation- Let's say $300.

So, how deep do your pokets run?