GTPJAY

iTrader: (2)

I have a 2006 Grand Prix GXP.

Here's what I have now:

HU is a New Alpine IDA-X100
SUB is a 12" Fusion Jonah Lomu in a 1.5cu ft sealed box
Amp is a Alpine MRP-M650

I had it hooked up with the Metra/Axxess GM Chimes module which uses the front/rear RCA out of the deck as input then it goes to teh factory amp etc. but it sounded like poop and I would need to have the Volume all the way up for it to sound half decent (When I turned the gain up on the Chimes Module I would get nasty feedback through the speakers)

So I have come to the conclusion that I should just get a front component set and an amp to run them so I can get rid of the Chimes Module and get better sound, I would also like to get one of the newly available double DIN GPS Nav units with built in Bluetooth and high volt pre-out but this obviously cuts into my budget so here are 2 options with a budget of max 2k, what do you think?

P.S. I like Alpine and I would like to keep everything the same brand as much as possible...I'm weird like that.

**Click on product number I hyper linked everything to make it easy to look at specs

Option 1 (Keep the IDA-X100)
-Add KCE-300BT Bluetooth Module
-Add PXA-H100 Imprint Sound processor with Software to tune myself
-Add SPX-17REF for front component
-Add MRP-F550 to power them
-Add SWX-1243D as a new sub with a custom box
-Add MRP-M1000 to power the sub

Option 2 - Get new Indash but keep current SUB/AMP

-Replace Alpine HU with either:
Pioneer AVIC-F90BT
or Kenwood DNX8120
-Add SPX-17REF for front component
-Add MRP-F550 to power them

Option 1 - ~$1600 after shipping/duty using Ebay pricing as a guide
Option 2 - ~$2000 after shipping/duty using Ebay pricing as a guide

Thoughts?

nghtrdr

i have the Kenwood DNX8120 and luv it. this is connected with the metra module in my avalanche and all works great. chimes are not as loud as factory but still very noticable.
good luck!

GTPJAY

iTrader: (2)

Anyone have opinions on the above? Or maybe suggest alternatives?

Tom.F.1

iTrader: (1)

I like option 1. I have the 06 MonteCarlo SS.

But do away with the metra chimes and get a soundgate module for RAP/chimes etc. And disconnect/ bypass/remove the factory amp and speakers. My chimes are now on separate speakers under the dash, have nothing to do with the stereo. Then you need the PAC SWI-ALP for your steering controls to work with your alpine.

GTPJAY

iTrader: (2)

Any chance you have a link to the soundgate?

nghtrdr

a dnx8120 just went up for sale today for $1300 2 months old so full warranty.. go check it out you may get a better deal..

nghtrdr

i do like the sound gate module idea better. there is a way to do the same with the pac/metra module using just a speaker. i dont have full info on the connections though.

bigdjayz

iTrader: (1)

I like the X stuff, but I would use PDX amps to power it.. Especially the sub, the m1000 wont be enough

GTPJAY

iTrader: (2)

What I was going to do was just use the Metra harness for the chimes and RAP, it used the left front speaker output for the chimes and I was going to re-wire that to the center speaker that I have in my dash (Monsoon system has a center speaker) so that would work nice for the chimes.

Would a PDX-1.1000 be enough to power it? I'm not too familiar with with the PDX series. Maybe the MRP-M2000 would be better?

I'd also be open to other brands, basically what I want it clean good sound with lots of BASS as well. Not looking for record breaking SPL but want it to sound good/clean/loud

bigdjayz

iTrader: (1)

If thats what you want go with the 1000.1... Its basically made to power the type x sub and it will give you better sound than the v-power amps will..