I've got an '04 MC (non-s) and am looking to upgrade the audio system (not the HK system, the base one). I wanted to get opinions on how this will sound and if I should change something before I order it:

Head unit: Stock with DICE for iPod (I want a stock apperance to thwart thieves)
Equalizer: Kicker KQ9
Amp for front & rear speakers: Infinity Reference 475a
Front speakers: I'm trying to decide between Infinity Reference 6010cs and Infinity Kappa 60.7cs
Rear Speakers: Infinity Kappa 693.7i

Basically DICE connected to the stock HU, the front signal from the stock HU -> equalizer -> amp -> speakers

 

Anyone? Would I be able to get a decent enough signal from the stock HU to get good sound out of all these parts?

 

Yes, you will get good sound from the head unit - and from your other choices. If you use that particular amp though you will need to get a hi to low signal converter. It doesn't accept speaker level inputs.

 

Which is one reason I chose the Kicker KQ9 (in this hypothetical setup) - it accepts high level from the head unit and outputs low level for the amp. I get all the converters I need plus more accurate EQ than from the stock head unit (9 bands vs "bass" and "trebble").

edit: so then this should work well? good stuff

 

ah! I didn't think to check on the EQ specs.

 

The HU will do quite well in that set up.

I would recommend going with the Kappas in the front since you've already decided on the Kappas in the rear. I say this because it appears that Kappas are 2-ohm where as the Reference601s are 4-ohm. I would think it would be a real PIYA to try to properly equalize the front and rears if you were mixing 2 and 4 ohm speakers.

Also having different sensitivity ratings among different speakers might annoy you too. I realize the Kappas are going to cost more, but I think having a similiar speaker in the front and back will produce the best quality for you.

Otherwise it looks like a good setup. Don't forget to take pics of it when you get it installed.

 

Will do. Classes start back Wedneday and with my hefty course load this semester it might be a while, but I will take pictures when I finally get around to it.