car puter ?'s

[ajrettke]

Alright, I just got my new vehicle and soon as school gets out (april 30) I'm gonna start installing my caputer.
I have a few questions for the audio.
vehicle is a 2002 Tahoe Z-71 LS
I'm going to use a via epia board, but figured I'd go ahead and use a decent sound card (chaintech AV-710 is what I had in mind)....should I do this or would it not matter?

Now, since I'm using a sound card and not a normal stereo deck I'll need amplifiers for the existing speakers correct?

assuming I need the amplifier...any suggestions? The amplifier for the stock speakers could be placed either under the seat or in the trunk...but under the seat would mean short wire length for most speakers...

Should I use a high pass filter for the stock speakers or no filter?

Second, I need a recomendation for a decent sub/amp setup...I'm thinking 2x12's...would like to keep cost for sub/amps/box under 500

Lastly...How do I hookup the speakers to the sound card? I know to use the plug adapter to RCA then to the reciever...but do I just split the 4.1 (figure that's what I'd use) so that the front left and right speakers are on the first port, then split the rear/second port again so I get 2 rear left and 2 rear right on the second port......if I do that then what do I do for the sub....should I split that off the first port?

Sorry if this seems confusing...never wired a car stereo before....also do I have to worry about anything with the factory deck not being installed? reason I ask is because I've heard with newer cars the car won't start if the factory deck isn't installed...not sure if that's just a nasty rumor but figured I'd address it.

Thanks

[Wstinkbait]

I did something similar. Just used a high end car system with a Kenwood head unit that has line in Aux input. It's a connector on the back of the unit and an optional adaptor that mounts on the dash somewhere. Then just plug the laptop in, select aux at the headunit and viola, 2000 watts of thump pumping MP3's for days.

[ajrettke]

well my plan was to put the computer where the deck goes, (gonna usa a via epia) and mount the touch screen over the encloser (so it'd stick out about 1 or 2" but be able to swivel...

and cmon, there's gotta be some people in here who work with subs and stuff...atleast give me a good box/amp combo!

[Mr. Chambers]

Second, I need a recomendation for a decent sub/amp setup...I'm thinking 2x12's...would like to keep cost for sub/amps/box under 500

That's a tight budget for good sound, but definitely doable. First off it helps to know your preference to either SPL (Loudness) or SQ (Sound Quality) - not to say that you can't have a good sounding system that isn't plenty loud. Also how much trunk space you've got to work with, and wether or not you have the ability or know someone who can build your own box.

Now then. For the subs, if you're leaning more towards SQ - you might want to look at a relatively new company - http://www.ascendantaudio.com

They've released some great sounding subs, with killer prices. Two "Atlas" 12's in a small sealed box would probably be some of the best you could buy and still stay within your budget for SQ. Another plus with these subs is they don't need alot of power to shine - the RMS on the Atlas 12 for example is only 300w when in a sealed enclosure.

Some other subs to look at would be Adire Audio's Shiva's (or Tempests, although those are strictly 15's), Resonant Engineering SE's, Alpine Type R's, and possibly some Phoenix Gold Ti's - if you can still find them.

If you're looking for more SPL, you're obviously going to want a ported enclosure. As for amps, I prefer and have experience with Phoenix Gold, Autotek, JL Audio, and certain MTX lines.