[UCLAMDX]

I have seen quite a few discussion threads with respect to replacement speakers, but nothing yet on amplifier installation for the base (non-Bose) model. I understand that the factory head unit is only rated for 5 watts RMS, and was exploring the possibility of adding an aftermarket amplifier in addition to replacing the speakers. It seems that there are a variety of good 5-channel amplifiers on the market today (Eclipse 3650, Soundstream P205, Alpine MRV-F357, etc.), and that only one amplifier would be needed to drive the front speakers, rear speakers, and the subwoofer. In looking at the factory service manual, it seems that in the Touring Model, the Bose amplifier is placed on its side inside the console that houses the transmission shift lever.

Has anyone attempted to install an aftermarket amplifier in this location?
Are there any other locations that would be unobtrusive?
Can one replace the subwoofer amplifier with the 5-channel (if the sizes are the same)?
Does anyone have experience in installing aftermarket head units that are higher powered than the factory head unit?

 

[mig]

UCLAMDX,
I completely replaced the factory system in my base model. The amp for the subwoofer on the base model is actually behind the factory subwoofer just over the rear wheel. Anyway, I actually put my amps where the headrests are stored (of course you loose the headrest storage).
If you do a search on my posts I posted some photos of the work we did.
The Alpine 5 channel might work real well for you and be of a resonable cost. Make sure you replce the factory sub with one that can handle an "open air" enclosure or have a box built or the sub will "fart" all the time and never sound as good as it could.

If you go with amps that can handle "high-level" inputs you will be able to use the input from the factory radio to drive the amp which would save you some money and trouble. I don't know if the Alpine does this but you can also get converters that convert high-level speaker output to line level RCA. You can feel free to put almost any aftermarket radio you want (that fits of course) but the installers have to make a custom install kit as nobody makes a kit for the MDX yet.

I would replace the factory speakers with ones that please your ears and can handle the power of your new amp. I will never make an suggestions as to which speakers you should get as speakers are a very subjective item.

Let me know if I can help with any specific questions. We had my MDX interior torn apart and I know it well.

 

[RTK]

I placed my 4-Ch Kenwood amp under the passenger seat (I don't have Nav). The 5-ch amp would not fit. I wired the rear channels in a tri-mode configuration so that I could also drive the sub-woofer. This config allows me to fade the rear speakers and sub together.

 

[UCLAMDX]

Clarifications...

Mig,

Thanks for the response. I am very impressed with the high-end components that you installed, and did have a few questions after looking at your posts.

When you said that you placed Dynamat in your vehicle, I assumed that you pulled the door covers off and applied the Dynamat directly to the metal, correct?

How much Dynamat did you use for this? I know that Dynamat comes in 2' x 2' sheets, and wanted to find out whether you bought a larger size (more economical).

Did you use the original Dynamat, or the Extreme?

Did your Concept subwoofer drop directly into the existing sub cutout, or did you have to provide a custom enclosure?

Did the installers that you used have any idea when the custom install kit for an aftermarket head unit was going to be available? I checked with a high-end shop, and they said that they charged someone in the neighborhood of $500 (not including the cost of the head unit) to install an aftermarket head unit because of the custom work that was involved (seems like a lot of money to put in a head unit).

Where did you install the tweeters from the Focal components in the second row?

Did your Focal components come with separate crossovers, and if so, where were these mounted?

Would you mind sharing with us the cost of the components and the labor for the install?

Thanks.

 

[Mocking-DX]

HI mig

I'm also interested in dynamating my mdx. I want to dynamat the roofline and the doors--hopefully this will quiet my mdx. How did you guys remove the roofliner and the door panels?

Thanks in advance