So... thinking about what to do with regards to ICE.

At the moment I have the Alpine iDA-X300 iPod head unit that I'm happy with , and some nice Focal front components that are really good.

Speakers are driven by a pretty cheap amp - Mutant NW280SP Two Channel which I'm going to replace with the second hand 4 channel Rockford Fosgate I just bought second hand from a local forum member.

I had the Alpine SWD-1600 amplified sub mounted in the boot but I realised recently that since getting the new front speakers the sub wasn't really adding anything to their output.

Standard rear speakers in the Octavia Combi are 6x4" components mounted face-up in the sides of the boot

There might be enough room behind the wheel arch in the boot sides to mount bigger speakers but they would be pointing into the boot.

So the question is - do I upgrade the rear speakers and drive them with the new amp?

Do I mount a larger sub in place of the Alpine and drive that with the other 2 channels in the new amp?

That boot side has enough depth to flush mount a decent sized sub I think. But would that be too much bass for the poor dog when she's in the back? ;D

Or do I do both and keep the 2 channel amp to drive the sub?

Decisions...

I mostly listen to rock type stuff not your duf duf dance rubbish so huge bass isn't a priority - I just want it to sound nice!

Had a chat with a local ICE specialist who's on the NZ VAG forum and he suggested that I install the RF Amp to power the front speakers, power the rears from the head unit and for extra bass install a 10" sub with its own amp.

Sounds good to me. He has a second hand sub and amp that I might have off him if he still has them next month

Trying to compete with Jonah Lomu for the "loudest car stereo install in New Zealand" Rob?

I just want niceness. And I can't stop changing stuff in my car. I think I have a problem.

My Twin 12's sound lovely mate but don't leave much boot space

Bit OTT for me I think!

Bit OTT for me I think!

I do like my bass notes but have high power comps up front to balance it out so sounds sweet

Post moved.... sorry

Edited 19 April, 201016 yr by michaelp

Had a chat with a local ICE specialist who's on the NZ VAG forum and he suggested that I install the RF Amp to power the front speakers, power the rears from the head unit and for extra bass install a 10" sub with its own amp.

Sounds good to me. He has a second hand sub and amp that I might have off him if he still has them next month

That makes a lot of sense. Sharing an amp between comps and a sub works and can be fine (I did it for years). But the difference in dynamic power requirements between the two will be substantial, so two amps is a better plan. What sub and amp does he have? Do you have a budget in mind?