Which upgrades are cost effective to do at the same time?
 

Hey Folks,

I recently purchased and installed a Pioneer AVIC-Z120BT. It connects to the otherwise stock system of 2 6x9's in the rear deck, 2 6x9's in the door and 3 3.5 speakers in the dash. Everything including a factory sub, that I don't even really count cause it's useless, is powered by a stock amp (388w i think).

On Tuesday, I'll be getting a pair of Alpine 10" Type-R subs and an Alpine PDX-M12 amplifier installed. Since the installers will in theory have the car apart to run wires, is it cost effective to add other stuff in at this time?

At some point in the future i'd like to replace some speakers, however, I can't afford to replace them all and buy an amp nor do I ever intend on doing any custom work that would involve modifying any visible portion of the vehicle (no kick panels or cutting door panels ro anything). I can't even afford the subs/amp, but I got a good deal, so here's hoping I can pay off Mr. Visa.

My battery is in the trunk, so running power cable is a no brainer, however, it's crossed my mind that maybe they should run an extra set of RCA cables or 2 from the HU since they'll already have the car apart, but simply not hook them up yet? Worthwhile, not a big deal - store will still charge me the same for amp or speaker install next time around?

Any recommendations as to how the speakers should be powered now? Am I better to run the 3.5's off the the HU, is it gonna make much difference? Most seem to only be like 30RMS (unless I'm just lookin at crappy stuff).

Additionally, if/when upgrade time comes, how will it all connect? Door and dash speakers will likely be the first to get upgraded after this, however the speakers are a fairly large distance apart. Does a person still go the component root, or do I just buy seperate speakers and then how do you set their respective frequencies? Is that done by the amp powering them? Does that then imply they get their own amp? If so, what happens to the rear speakers should they get replaced? A thrid amplifier?

I've noticed my HU does have a HPF, 7 band equalizer and sub controls, but those aren't adjustable per set of speakers.


I don't mind adding on a tiny tiny bit of cash if it's a no-brainer to add something, but the main speaker/upgrade sohuld wait.

rca for fronts and rear and get them to put a relay on the remote wire if you are planning to run more than one amp, the relay will ensure you have enough amperage to turn on more than just your sub woofer amp

battery in trunk with the M12. i suggest a run of 0 gauge power from the alt to battery in the trunk. while they are there might as well add the 2 grounds

the big 3

and ya run ur rca's