I have been working on adding to the stock stereo ever since I bought the S in June. Thank you everyone for advise and thank you Dan for you help with installing the components.

This is what I got and I think it does the job just fine. It was the first system I ever installed and I guess it went well.

Stock headunit
JBL 180GTS amplifier
MB Quart components
Knu Konceptz distribution block
Monster Cables
second JBL 180GTS amplifier
CDT 10" subwoofer
custom sub enclosure made entirely of MDF that fits in the tool well
false floor with grill (similar to the JL stealbox cover)

The carpet matches perfect. I get great sound with the top up and no rattles. It is a bit too cold to put the top down but hopefully that changes soon! If I can figure out how to post pictures I will get them up this weekend.

 

Oh, I forgot. Total cost less than $350!

 

ok all that for less then $350! wow that's the most impressive.

did you build the sub enclosure? i'm thinking about building one myself, but i'm worried about doing the correct volume and dimensions. have any tips?

 

if u want a good sounding sub geta 12" jl. then get a powerful amp. geta gallon of fiberglass resin and fiberglass mat. emptyout the tool well where the jack is. use the fiberglass with the mat and line the entire well then cut out a 3/4" mdf board size of the well from underneath so that u can screw into the steal surronds into the mdf board. then drop in the sub into the mdf bard and wire it up. sounds great top up or down!

 

If you go the fiberglass route, make sure to line the tool area with a couple of layers of masking tape and aluminum foil to make sure you don't get any resin on your carpet--assuming you want it to be removable, that is!

If you're going to build an mdf box, then just take your time. Measure 10 times, cut once. Use a table saw or something else that gives you nice straight cuts. Make sure you use plenty of glue. When the box is assembled, seal it from the inside with silicone caulk. Let the culk cure for a day or two before installing your sub. Use T-nuts to mount your sub.

If I think of anything else before falling asleep, I'll post it...

 

I was able to find a website online that did all the volume calculations for me. Worked out very well and I was able to figure out exactly how to build the box. If I can find that website I will post a link.

I didn't go the fiberglass route.. but no doubt it is better. I am just getting started with this and maybe later on I will try it again with a nicer sub and fiberglass but until then I am happy.

 

hmm cool, how do you like the CDT? i know the max rms on it is a little low for a 10inch sub. I know it's considered a "music" sub versus an "spl" sub, but I've been reading some reviews that say it's just too quiet, would you agree with that?

to be honest i'm pretty happy with the 6x9 i have in the rear of my car right now (see avatar), but always looking for more.

 

I think the CDT is loud enough. I am not a bass junkie or anything. Just trying to fill in the sound and get a little bit of bass at the same time. I read that it is considered very accurate. I guess I agree... And it doesn't require all that much power compared to other 10's so the amp was a lot cheaper to get.

 

Any pics?

 

Yeah this weekend I will once the amp rack is completed. How do I post pics on the website?