GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Hello There! I have the 6CD changer w/6 speakers and I wanted to replace my speakers because the stock suck! i can't even play John Mayer without them starting to vibrate. So here's what i had in mind:Replace the front and tweeters w/ Infinity Kappa 60.5cs 6-1/2" component set.Replace the back w/ Infinity Kappa 62.5i 6-1/2" 2-way speakers.I wanted to keep my stock head unit because I don't want to give up the 6cd changer. My only problem now is choosing an amp. I know that the HU does not have RCA outputs so I'll need to get an amp with speaker level imputs. Crutchfield suggested that I get the Kenwood KAC-8401 60W x 4 Car Amp but I wasn't too impressed when I heard them at Bestbuy. The Rockford Fosgate P4004 sounded really good on the other hand.One problem though, the P4004 doesn't have speaker-level inputs. Does anyone have any suggestions on amps? Or maybe other suggestions on setting up the Rockford? I heard that Metra makes a wiring harness that gives you RCA outputs off of the head unit. Does anyone know if this is true and will it sound any good? I also heard that I can splice into the rear speakers and get converters, but someone told me that might sound like crap? Someone please help me out here.

seems like you've got good choices here!! I agree, the Rockford piece will be of better quality (and more money). A simple solution to your dilemma is to use a high-to-low level convertor to take the speaker level outputs and convert them to RCA. I sell a product by PIE (p/n PDC-LOC) http://www.pie.net/sec11sb6.htm These work exceptionally well for the intended task. However, you will always get cleaner/better sound by installing a good quality aftermarket CD player with desginated pre amp outputs.good luck! Oh, and don't cheap out on the power wiring for the system....per another thread, its easy to go the cheaper "just enough" route now (like 10 ga. pwr cable) and end up hating yourself (and having to re-run larger) when you step up in amplifiers later!beezy

PDC-LOC4 what is the pricing ? I looked at the site but no info on price? ?

Quote, originally posted by blk182@n7 »PDC-LOC4 what is the pricing ? I looked at the site but no info on price? ? its the mfg site...do a google search for your part number and you should find them. I know I do the 2 channel versions in the $35 range.good luck!b

Go to either CC or Best Buy and ask for a speaker level converter. For 2 channels they cost $20, 4 is $40, appropriately.In my own opinion, i'd steer away from Rockford equipment, and BestBuy as a whole. Even though, yes, i'm employed at Circuit City, it's an unbiased opinion. I've avoided Bestbuy car audio for years, for reasons of lack of their knowledge, and lack of good product. I highly reccomend going over to Circuit City and looking at Audiobahn, MTX, or Alpine amps.

i was just checking out bestbuy because they had a 10% off coupon for this holiday weekend.... and plus their Rockford P4004 was only 239.99 to start with compared with crutchfield's 299.99so do you think that the line level converter will sound good? i don't want it to sound like crap

I used this level converter:http://www.scosche.com/scosche/electronic/SLC4.aspWorks like a charm!

you say it sounds good? worth the effort and money?

Cost about $15 at walmart. All you do is attach it between the car harness and radio harness. VERY easy to do. I'll nab a picture of mine one of these days...Takes about 20 minutes to install, that includes the time to remove and reinstall the head unit...

I swear by the RP Punch Series. They are reasonably priced and they give great all around sound. Plus the remote gain control is nice.

Remote level control is kinda useless on a 4 channel amp, since the level is essentially controlled by the radio..As for the level converter, it'll sound better than what you have now. I generally try to steer people away from the idea, because the factory radio is very "noisy." And you won't get near the sound increase from changing it to an aftermarket radio.I have my Nav system hooked up with a level converter, and unless it's a really quiet song, you can't hear the noise. So yes, it'll be worth the effort if you don't want to spend money on a new radio.