Lee Bliss's 1990 Mercury Cougar

Items installed:

• Kenwood XXV-01D 25th Anniversary CD/MP3/WMA/AAC Player
• Alpine SPS-570A
• Infinity Kappa Perfect 10.1
• Alpine MRP-F240
• MTX Thunder801D
• Lightning Audio LS10-03
• StreetWires Low Noise 2 Stereo Patch Cable
• Q-Logic QLH-1.2512DS
• StreetWires PS04B
• StreetWires 14-gauge Ultra Cable? Speaker Wire
• StreetWires 12-gauge Ultra Cable? Speaker Wire
• Dynamat Xtreme 10455

Installation Description

Well, this was the biggest stereo install I've ever done. The head unit listed is my second; the first was a Kenwood x-579 and I liked it but the 25th Anniversary gives a lot more options for sound shaping. The 5x7's were easy to install, but running all the wire was tough. I ran all my wire under the carpet and through all the factory boots and away from anything sharp or other electrical devices. I Dynamated almost everything I can and it helps a lot.

I have at least 25 hours worth of time into this car and I'm not sure I'm done yet. I choose a lot of the pieces that are listed because I want a very factory look except for the head unit and the earth shattering bass. The 12's are also the 2nd set. I ordered 10's the first time and I like them but the 12's are awesome. I get super clean bass and once I finish adjusting my head unit I will have everything perfect. I want to finish the trunk off in the future and give it a more clean look and a little fancier look. I just ran out of money. Being my first attempt at a higher-end sound system, I feel really good about it. I really believe that all the extra money I spent in better wire and cables paid off. Up next is my 1996 Mustang GT.

Q&A Section

Why did you decide to upgrade your A/V system?

I wanted a high-end audio system, something that sounded clean and could also get really loud and thump.

What's the first thing you show people about your installation?

My head unit...the graphics are out of this world, then I turn it up and the jaws drop.

Why did you choose these products?

I listen to a very wide variety of music so I wanted something that would have good spl and also hit really hard. I had to settle for 2-ways but I really like the Alpines.

What was the most difficult part of the installation?

Running all the wire and tearing my interior apart.

What plans, if any, do you have for future upgrades?

Cleaning the trunk up and giving it a more factory appearance. I want to make a board to mount my amps on.