Well, my audio system is near complete. I posted in earlier threads and said I'd be doing a single Alpine Type X 12" sub, but I changed my mind and went with two Kicker L7 10" subs. I didn't change my mind on an amp though, I'm still using the Alpine.

For those interested installing a system themselves, I'm posting some pics to assist them somewhat. I built this system in a somewhat "custom" manner, but you'll see more elaborite systems elsewhere.

I wanted to put a system in that could be easily removed with little trace. I accomplished that and didn't drill a single hole when doing it. So, here it is:

Pic 1 is my battery connection. I used a 150 amp circuit breaker and fitted it inside the battery compartment. I had to loosen the battery and move it foward slightly in the compartment to make room. It stays clean and dry there.

 

Pic 2 is my 4 gauge power cable coming through the factory grommet in the driver's kick panel. It was a piece of cake to run through.

 

Pic 3 is of how I chose to run my power wire and remote turn-on lead down the driver's side door sill. It's wire-tied to the factory harness that runs front to rear.

 

Pic 4 is of my Peripheral line level converter. I tied into the rear speaker leads coming OUT of the Bose amp. It is mounted with double sided 3M tape, no screws.

 

Pic 5 is the trunk. I built the box to spec, and it fit snug. The cargo tray is painted in "Velocity Red" to match my car. The amp is 550 Alpine mono amp. It has digital settings, voltage gauge, amperage gauge, and temperature gauge built in.

 

Pic 6

 

In pic 7, you can see my line level converter is accessible if I ever need to service or replace it.

 

Pic 8 is the cover I made for the amp/cargo tray. I traced the cover that came with the tray, and made one of my own that has a raised Mazda logo on it.

 

Pic 9 shows it covered.

 

It's kind of hard to see the detail of the raised logo in the pic, but it looks good in person.

 

I'm having the square L7 speaker grill painted velocity red as well. They'll be done on Tuesday, and I'll post another pic then. If anyone has any comments or questions, feel free to ask.

 

Nice job. It looks good!

 

Wow B E A UTIFUL,

TY for the details man

 

Nice work!

 

I forgot to mention that it sounds great, no noise or turn on/off thumps. Everything went smooth.

 

Those Solo Barics must thump loud. looks great and love that cover awesome amount of detail. How did you make that Mazda logo ? heres a pic of my setup I have changed all the factory pieces whith Polk Audio and changed the factory tweeters with Cerwin Vegas on custom x overs

 

I copied the Mazda logo off of a web sight, blew it up, and printed it out on paper. I then used it a template and traced the emblem on to the wood and used a jig saw to cut it. I hit the edges with sand paper, and it turned out pretty nice.

I think when the grills are done being painted, they will set it off nicely.

 

Mdw - Looks fantastic!! I would like to do the same setup. Any chance your heading down to Columbus anytime soon? I'd like to check it out in person and hear how well it sounds. Are you heading to the revolution? Maybe I can see it then.

 

Thanks, I really am happy with it. I won't be down that way anytime soon, unfortunately. I wish I could make it to the revolution, but I have to work. Sorry, but maybe sometime you'll get to take a look at it.

 

I commend you on a job well done...looks very professional..

? for you...how does the Peripheral hold up for you? Are you using the GMAA?

 

Thanks, I appreciate the compliments. Peripheral products hold up well and do a nice job for me. I'm using the "VENREM." At dealer cost, it was only $18.

Sometimes, I really do love being in this business, because my pricing is pretty good. I did this system for under $600, and a little of my time.

 

MDW--- Quick question for ya... What does the peripheral help you to achieve in your audio system..?

Does the factory stereo in an RX8 have RCA outs that you can plug the amp into directly? If not, what is the best way to do that?

Thanks in advance!

mateo

 

mateo..your second question answers your first...

 

very sharp
looks great

 

XeRo is right. The factory radio does not have RCA outputs, so a line level converter is necessary. Peripheral is one of many companies making line level converters.