Anyone currently using a Q-Logic stock replacement sub box?

[Faster Life]

So next up is the Head Unit. Any good suggestions? For now I'm going to keep the Mach 6x8s...

 

[Faster Life]

Now I need to get setup for the Head Unit. Any suggestions? I want to continue using the Mach 6X8s for the time being...

 

[Joe Dirt]

Are you looking for a single-DIN or double-DIN unit?

I think head units are subjective, but I would definitely get something with a digital input, i.e. MP3 player input, whether it's a patch cord input like I have, or a regular rear hookup.

Look at the specs of some different ones- like I said, I was planning on spending about $200 for a good head unit, and the Pioneer I ended up with for under $100 had the same performance ratings as the much more expensive HU's just with no 'weather tracking' or radio song info recovery or stuff I don't need. All of hte controls and options are there, levels, EQ's, etc...

...I do love having a remote too...

I've always run Pioneer or Alpine decks, so I'm probably partial to those. But I guess buy what looks good to you and meets your performance needs and don't spend more than you need to for fluff you'll never need.

 

[Faster Life]

That Pioneer looks good, and it's pretty inexpensive. The only thing I don't like is that I've heard I'll lose the use of my 6 disc changer and steering wheel controls. I assume there might be a way to keep them hooked up, but I've never been to good at installing decks... Any ideas?

 

[GRNMACHINE]

I dont think you will be able to keep 6 disc changer. Can you provide website where the Q Logic for cheap is? They are pricey, so a $5 Sub Box from el boneyard is more appealing if I could find one.

 

[Joe Dirt]

GRN- In about 2 weeks I'll be heading to the junkyard probably weekly, and can get one for you if you like, would just need some shipping, etc...

Yes, you will lose your cd changer, but that's why I got the Pioneer with the patch input on the front. I can hook a patch cord from the front of the radio to my mp3 player and I have tons of music I can play, without the troublesome stock cd changer. The rear controls are also going to go, but with a 6yo at home, I don't miss those.

 

[celly]

The only thing I don't like is that I've heard I'll lose the use of my 6 disc changer and steering wheel controls.

CD changers are like turntables....dinosaurs. My new CD changer holds too many CDs to remember (and a tad more than 6). It's called in iPod. Get a deck with some sort of direct iPod control and you're set. Mine connects to a cable that's in my glovebox. I don't even take iPod out of it's case. I also have my tunes with me at work, at home, while cutting the lawn etc.

Oh yeah, CD changers swallow up your storage space under the armrest. What's the point?

You can find kits that let you control your HU from your steering controls. It looked like a hassle to me (and not so cheap, around $70 if I recall). My Pioneer HU has a remote that actually connects to your wheel anyhow. Works great and gives you more options than the OEM controls.

 

[Faster Life]

I like the use of CDs because if the files are .wav files and if the cd wasn't burned, I can definitely tell the audio quality is better. But, I also need to except 90% of my music is stored on my computer. Anyway, I think I'm just going to buy that Pioneer deck. It seems it's got everything I'll need, (including an input for .mp3 which all of you guys love so much!) Hopefully I can get everything shipped out to me by this weekend, so me and my grease monkey help can get going on this...

 

[Joe Dirt]

I really do like the patch cord input, and haven't had a problem with the deck at all. Plus, the green button lighting on the deck matches the green interior lights of your truck perfectly... I was never a fan of aftermarket lighting where everything was one color then I had a deck with red lights or whatever...

 

[GRNMACHINE]

Joe D,
That is mighty kind of ya, any idea what shipping would run to Chicago land area? I would rather have a Q logic box with a 10" sub if money were no object but.... A $5 sub box sure sounds affordable!!

And if I understand correctly, the stock amp would still drive the 4 speakers. Another aftermarket amp would be needed for the sub and that would connect via RCA outputs on the back of the radio and a ground wire to battery would be needed? Dont u just love questions from audio newbies like myself.... Or is that audio dummies....

 

[Faster Life]

Grn Machine, If you get a stock box from the jumkyard, there is a good chance the stock amp is still attached to it. It's only 85 watts of power, but it will fill in the lows pretty well.

I bought that Pioneer deck. $82, shipped, brand new, not bad. Now I'm wondering if I should order the amp kit and wiring harness off the net, or just by them locally...

 

[Joe Dirt]

Grn- The box would probably be ~ $15 to ship to Chitown from here. It's a pick 'n pull, so I'd probably just remove the stock amp. They'll charge me $20 for the amp, and you can get the 400w amp I have for $60. Much easier to wire in, too. If you don't already have a sub, you have th change the entire harness to get it to work.

Faster- you'll be looking at $20 ish for the wiring kit, and $10-15 for the harness locally at most stores

 

[Faster Life]

Good! I should have all necessary components for an install this weekend! I can't wait!

 

[Faster Life]

I suppose I could get all this stuff cheap at wal-mart? (wiring kit, harness, polyfill)

 

[Faster Life]

Hey Joe, would you mind posting a shot of your deck? I want to see what it looks like installed.

Thanks for that info Celly. What sub are you running in your Q logic, and whats the deal with the box's install? Do they send you a new side panel piece? Would you mind posting a picture of it? If the 8" doesn't get me what I want, and I buy the Q Logic, I hope to find that Infinity 10". If not, maybe a JL 10W3v3 will fit...

 

[GRNMACHINE]

And any chance of pics of the installed amp and connections for it?? Not sure what to make of a $60 amp (would not have considered it if not for your review) but, for the price, fact it will only be used for 1 sub, etc I am really leaning towards your suggestion.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Hey Joe, would you mind posting a shot of your deck? I want to see what it looks like installed.

Here ya go- I can keep my remote in the slot above, I rarely use the face controls

 

[Joe Dirt]

And any chance of pics of the installed amp and connections for it?? Not sure what to make of a $60 amp (would not have considered it if not for your review) but, for the price, fact it will only be used for 1 sub, etc I am really leaning towards your suggestion.

Yeah, I wasn't considering until I read the reviews. I figured that after reading them and talking to a buddy that has a larger one from them, I'd give it a shot- heck- I can buy two if needed for the same price as one. Otherwise, I get my sub and amp for the same price as a more expensive amp. It really does sound good... Very, very happy with it.

Here is the link to Soundstorm Labs website- they make a LOT of amps...

CLICK ME

This is looking in

I've just got it sitting under there for now, in the next couple of weeks I'm going to re-attach the wires to the connectors/shrink sleeve them, and run the wiring under and through the carpet.

Nothing contacts when the seat is down, which I like, that's why I didn't want to mount it to the back of the seats, as it would be in the way for cargo.

With the '98+ radios (most) you shouldn't have an amp in the back, so you should be able to mount the amp to the sub rack behind the rear trim. I could fit it on mine, but I needed to leave the factory radio amp for my stock setup on there as the system still ran the speakers through the stock amp/wiring and put my sub amp under the seat.

 

[Faster Life]

Joe, that little slot area where your remote sits; did you buy that or is it stock? Being that the stock head unit is so big, I'll need to add one of those tray spacer things...

 

[Joe Dirt]

Check out my thread...

CLICK ME