Right, here we go...

I've got a Stilo, and although the standard system sounds decent to me (I think helped by the 16.5cm components), I would like to improve on it.

Thing is though I really want to stick with the standard head unit, basically because it is part of the dash, and I think the single DIN converter plates look naff.

I also want to keep everything looking neat and standard! So, I'm looking to replace the speakers alround and add a sub.

I'm sure the speakers are 16.5 cm, so I'll need to stick with that size.

My questions are:

Any recommendations for speakers? Budget - £120 front components, £60 Rear Coaxs.

And Should I amplify them or run them off the HU?

Can I run an amp of the standard HU?

If I fit an amp, any ideas where it can be mounted out of sight? (I'd rather not take up too much bootspace)

Subwoofer - where to start really, I've never put one of these in a car before, so all advice here welcome! I would really like to build it into the side of the boot, to take as little space as poss and look neat

Main question tho, is can I do this and run it off the Standard HU? Like I say I'd really rather keep my Standard HU, but one other option would be to do a double DIN installation (I like the look of the Blaupunkt 5disk changer matched up with an MP3 HU), but I'm not sure if the necessary adapters exist for this?

Sorry for the long post, hope I didn't miss any info

53 3d Stilo Dynamic JTD - Sprint Blue

Im not sure if you can run an amp from a standard HU, I might be mistaken though, it will if you have RCA pre-outs on the rear of the HU, you might have to ask Fiat or take it out and have a look. Double DIN HU's are rare but look the dogs dangly bits!!

Components will run a lot better from an amp. More power, more flexibility and a lot more clear. After running speakers from both I wouldnt run any future ones from a HU again.

An amp could be mounted in the boot under a false floor or maybe under the front seats? Have a look at mine: http://www.zen8627.zen.co.uk/Matt/01.jpg and http://www.zen8627.zen.co.uk/Matt/02.jpg . I have two amps underneath a false floor and all the wiring etc... Its simple to make as well. The sub could go in a stealthbox from www.autoacoustics.co.uk but they are quite pricey for what you get but they are really well made. They basically fit into the recesses in the side of your boot. You can also get an ampbox for the other side.

You could also look at a pair of subs being fitted in the doors instead of mids and have a pair of co-axials built into the tweeter locations (if there are some) or elsewhere. The bass wouldnt be as big as it would with a sub in a box in the boot but it would sound really good, with excellent imaging as everything would be in the front.

If you can find a reputable ICE installer in your area, dont be scared of ging down there just to have a chat with them, they would be able to give much better advice and also show you examples of their work. That is if you want to pay somebody to do it, but nothing beats the feeling when you've installed it all yourself and switch it on for the first time!!!

Matt

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While most Cinqs are unreliable...mines just taking the pi55

Firstly let it be known that I do not hold much knowledge of ICE just I do have an opinion on one of your questions:

You want to keep your nice new car pretty standard with still adding it so that it looks right yet has better sound, correct? You want a sub and subs don't exactly look inconspicuous do they? If I personally wanted a small sub that was out of the way I would buy one like:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3075600458

You can get better looking ones with better specs but that is the first I found. Why would I buy this? Small, compact and can be good looking. You can fit it even underneath your seat if you want or it takes up little space in the boot and looks fairly hidden.

I know they don't give out massive amounts of bass compared to a standard sub in a huge box but I think this has much more style. I don't know any better ones than the link I have given you but I am sure you will find something!

Regards
Paul

If you want to keep things standard, stick a cannon-type sub in t'boot. The JBL BTX-250 looks smart, and sounds great for around £80. That way, no amps to worry about, just 2 wires running to the front of the car. When you go to sell, just take it out.

Another day...another problem...

I like this:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3076699143&category=18798

Cheers for the advice Fella's much appreciate[8D]

As for the sub thing, I must admit I tend towards Sando's idea of the box built into the side of my boot, I know it might cost a little more, and be a little more fixed in, but I don't mind that as I think it would enchance the car

But I have to say, that at the mo all of this is on hold until I get my car back in an acceptable state (see my Aaarrrgggh post in the stilo general forum for an explanation of that!).

Thanks again lads

53 3d Stilo Dynamic JTD - Sprint Blue

Hi ive got a sub in my stilo, it was simple to install, especially if you use the cigaret lighter in the boot to give it its power, then its just 2 wires run up to the head unit which on a 3dr is childs play, and i should know im only 19!