Stereo Upgrade - 2000 Expedition with MACH Premium System

[aeorn]

Here's the fun stuff. Found this box on ebay for $50. It was a great deal because the part retailed for $350. Some guy had it on display (for 20 years?), so it was like new. Bought the sub separate. I had to force it a little, but got the box to fit and all the plastic snapped into place so you can't see anything!

 

[aeorn]

Amp fits perfectly under the passenger seat. Doesn't touch it at all - complete adjustability preserved. Yes I mounted it over the heater - yes I screwed amp straight into the floor sheet metal, screws visible from below. Sue me. Again, no nothing visible once the seat is installed.

 

[aeorn]

Here's the brain. I didn't want NAV because they all suck compared to google maps, but I did want a physical knob and a mic so I could take calls. Bluetooth is the business! I can actually take a call without losing my shit while flying down the freeway. Also, the system sounds fantastic. Got a sweet little sub knob with the amp. Quick note on the cable photo - There were three plugs, I got really confused because there were so many and it took me way too long to remember that there was a CD changer in this car... Anyway, CD changer is a brick now.

 

[aeorn]

i only replaced the sub with a nice kenwood and it sounds great even with windows open and driving, i am still using both amps. my system sounds loud and clear, but if i wanted everyone around me to hear what i was listening to i would need a different pair of amps.

That was my idea at first, then "oh I should get bluetooth"... then it just snowballed. As these projects do!..

 

[01ExpeditionXLT]

Very nice job aeorn, I'm about to do a similar install on mine. What is the model of the Fosgate amp that you are using? Any issues since you installed this?

 

[1955moose]

It's been 7 months since our last poster posted, he may not be around.

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[01ExpeditionXLT]

Thanks, but I have been in touch with aeorn and he is still here. He used a Rockford Fosgate R500X1D Prime 1 amp in this install. I'm attempting something similar in my 2001 XLT and I'll update the group too.

 

[aeorn]

UPDATE: Front passenger speaker went out. I'm 99% sure its my quickie wiring job. Separately, I can definitely hear a sound quality difference between the front and rear speakers adding to my suspicion that the hidden amp only applies to the front. Thinking about replace it with a 4 channel. Something compact like the Dual DA704L or the NVX MVPA4. Both look cheap and effective.

If anyone has replaced that secondary amp out there, let me know if you think these would fit!

Cheers

 

[1955moose]

I'm still a little confused as to the amps, I know theirs one for the sub in the rear passenger side, but what is the amp under head unit on Mach Stereo. I was told it was below head unit Am/Fm/cassette. But I also hear amp is part of head unit even on Mach audiophile setup. Can you clear up if it's a separate 4 chanell amp?

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[aeorn]

Hey Moose, I'm not sure yet. I'll take photos when I finally get to the teardown though!