laser88

Hi All,
Well, I finally did it. Like many of you, I upgraded all the speakers, added the amp and sub in the trunk, using the stock CD player. I bought the car in August 2003, and since then I've wanted to upgrade the sound. But I've read all the posts talking about taking out the seats to install the rear 6x9's and how time consuming the whole process was.
So I did my research and sought out the local Circuit City to do the install, since their current techs had already done a couple of 8's. Wow, they did an awesome job - sounds excellent. Before starting to work on it, they told me jokingly(but seriously in writing) that if they break anything they would pay to replace everything. That was good for me. Here is a list of the parts:

1. Kicker K57.2 5x7/6x8 Component Speakers for the front doors (I planned to use 6.5 Infinity Components with the mounting bracket, but once I heard the Kickers domo'ed, I was sold, and did not need a bracket)
2. Polk Audio DB690 6x9 3-Way for the rear (Once again I planned to use the Infinity Reference, but once I heard the Polk's, I was sold)
3. Alpine MRP-F240 V-Power 4 Channel Amp
4. Bazooka BTA6100 6.5 Inch Subwoofer

Let me end by saying that this setup might not be enough for some who like much more power and bass. To each his/her own. I got more than what I wanted from the setup - A crisp, clear, effective sound that is powerful enough when I need it to be. Thanks to you all for all the posts from which I got many of the ideas.

Spin9k

From your description, it sounds very nice... a conservative, but sufficient upgrade w/great sound. Good work!

Couple of questions - total cost broken into parts cost / labor cost, if possible? Did you have the base or Bose setup to start? Any pics you could share to show how nicely it fits/looks? Thanks.

laser88

Thanks for the comments! Sorry, as you said, I forgot to add the most important part - COST. Here it is:

Kicker Components - $149 on Sale
Polk - $149
Alpine Amp - $139 on sale
Bazooka Sub - $169
Labor - Varies on the item, but ranged between $55 - $65
I had the base audio to start. I've have the Bose setup in another car of mine and as you know, it's not all that!
I will post the pics as soon as I get a chance.
Thanks once again!

momo

Wowzers.... :p j/k can you post pics of where the Bazzoka is mounted. I'm coming from a Miata that had two Kicker CVR8 mounted in the shelf and I was always harrased about that.

laser88

Hi,
Here are the pictures:
The first two are of the Bazooka sitting in the left corner of the trunk.
The third picture is of the Amp which is mounted upside down from the top of the inside of the trunk.
The last picture is of one of the rear Polk Audio 6x9 3way's.
Thanks!

army_rx8

^ oo first bazooka i've seen in an 8 (didnt know they still made those)..congrats. i think everyone has a better system than i do in my 8 (granted i'm stuck with the crap they come with...ah well)

laser88

Thanks!
Hey, don't worry about it. It took me a whole year and a half before I upgraded mine. You can go crazy trying to decide on a system with all the possible options out there. The key is to figure out what you want out of the system and then install the components. You won't be disappointed!

Witelion

Hey guys,
I'm new to the post. I bought my 04 Rx8 about a month ago and I'm getting my system upgraded as well. I'm replacing the front two speakers with Kicker Componets and the rear two with their Kicker Counterparts. The sub will be a Kicker 10 comp something or other. I'll give you more details then. I'm going to run it all through an Alpine 5 channel amp. The best part is the install. We are going to install the 10 in a custom box that will mount flush to the dip in the center of the trunk leave about a foot of room on either side of the sub. The box will be covered in black so that it will blend into the trunk. The amp will be installed in the bottom of the dip and a cover is being built to look like the foor of the trunk so it will look like the trunk is flat across hiding the amp and allowing me to throw stuff on top of it. I will send some pics as soon as its done!

Witelion

I forgot the best part. We are facing the sub towards the front of the car and modifying the trunk pass through panel. We are cutting off the package holder and the inside of the plastic. Then we are going to wrap the whole thing in speaker cloth. So that it will look sleek and will hide the sub (from wandering eyes) but still allow the sound.

jahfari

I didn't think that the rear speaker upgrade was that hard. It seriously took me five minutes to take out the back. You just have to be careful not to damage the fasteners. There's so many pieces that snap into place. I ended up bending one of the plastic snaps on the decklid so it doesn't sit right and now rattles a bit (Damn!!). But the whole process was pretty painless.

Just a note. If you are going to do it yourself there is a post by OverLoad with really good graphical instructions. Just be careful with the rear decklid.

Here's the thread: https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ight=how+to+6x9

laser88

Yes, there are a lot of little pieces back there.
The main reason I went with Circuit City to do the install was because they had done a few 8's already and that they back up everything they do. For example, if the fasteners broke while taking out the seat, they would pay to fix it.
Another thing I liked was the fact that if I ever decided to sell the car (I would never) they would take out all the new components they installed and put the old factory componenets back in FOR FREE.
That's good for me!

Witelion

Did you have to remove the back seat to pull the deck lid?

laser88

Yes, unfortunately you do. Like Jahfari said, it's not that hard, but risky because of the fasteners.

bureau13

Just be careful with the fasteners on the deck lid. If you pull a little at a time, and get your hand right near where its connected, it doesn't seem that risky. I've had mine out a couple times and nothing bad happened. Now, when these cars are a bit older and the plastic has had time to bake in the sun a bit, we could have more problems.

jds

DreRX8

I replaced my rear speakers without removing the seats; I had to pull the seat back cushion far enough out to maneuver my hand to manipulate the speakers and what not. When I first posted that it can be done without removing the seats I was called a liar by some of these self-rightious "experts" on the forum. If you don't want to try and do it without removing the seats--go ahead and remove them--its very very simple to remove the rear seats.

laser88

Wow, great job! I did not know you could do that. Learn something new everyday. Good you ignored those who did not believe you. I did not even think about it. I had the money and just wanted it done. So I got the ones who had done it before.

Witelion

I'm with you laser. I want someone else held liable for breaking my baby.. Theres nothing worse then hearing a rattle and knowing the only *** you can chew is your own.

DreRX8

A good friend of mine that does all my installs is actually an installer for Mobile One. He installed my components up front and will be installing my amp/cap/and sub setup when it gets in. He did all his work on his Altima--its like a concert hall/movie theater on 20"s.

laser88

Wow, movie theater on 20's, sounds sweet! Make sure you include pictures of the amp/cap/and sub setup once it's completed for the rest of us to drool

StphNieuw

Last weakend I (and help from my installer friend) replaced my speakers and added a amp and sub (will post pictures shortly). All in all it wasn't to bad but I am glad that I had his help with everything. I printed out Tamas's manual and also another DIY on how to remove the front speaker covers. Also do a search for the shop manuals, I was able to find one that focused on the speakers that gave a complete step by step list of items that needed to be done. The rear trim panels were a little difficult and I managed to break one of the clips but I ended up being able to put it back and haven't noticed any ratteling other side effects so I was lucky. All in all if I didn't have someone to help me I would have paid someone. I think that if you have some experience with this it shouldn't be that bad. The sound quality has really improved 10 fold. I am still making some adjustments to my amp gain and cross over but I am getting closer to desired sound. I did notice the huge difference in sound quality.