Austin Rogers' 1998 Chevy S-10 Blazer
- Alpine CDA-9853 Head Unit
- Four Pioneer 6-1/2 3-way speakers 180 Watt
- Two 12" Sony X-plod Shallow Subs
- One 12" Sony X-plod Deep Sub
- One 1200-watt Sony X-plod 2-channel Amp
- One 800-watt Sony X-plod 2-channel Amp
- Massive Audio 2-farad Cap
Installation Description
Before I got my permit I was looking for audio parts to put in this Blazer. The first thing that I got was the Head Unit. It was a fast and easy to install. Soon after that I replaced my stock speakers with Pioneer 6-1/2 3-way 180-watt speakers. It was also an easy install because Crutchfield sent all the necessary equipment I needed for free. Than after that I got my Two 12" Sub box, Two Sony X-plod shallow subs, and my Sony X-plod 1200-watt 2-channel Amp. After a night of setting all this up I had it going the way I wanted to. Then after several months I wanted more bass. So, I got a new box that could hold three 12" subs. I also got a Sony X-plod 12" deep sub and a new 800-watt Sony X-plod 2-channel Amp. The last thing that I got was the Massive Audio 2 Farad Cap.
Q&A Section
Why did you decide to upgrade your A/V system?
I wanted to hear my music the way it was meant to be heard.
What's the first thing you show people about your installation?
The head unit. It's the most important thing in a car audio system.
Why did you choose these products?
I have always loved Sony parts.
What was the most difficult part of the installation?
Getting the amp wire through the fire wall. Mine had lots of wires already in it so it was very tight getting the wire through it.
What plans, if any, do you have for future upgrades?
Get one more sub, get a new box, and get a bigger amp

Alpine CDA-9853 Head Unit

Pioneer 6-1/2 3-way, 180-watt Speaker

My Three Sony X-plod 12" Subs and My Two Sony X-plod Amps

My 1998 Chevy S10 Blazer

My System

Me... Ahhhhh
by Crutchfield's
Meet Robert Ferency-Viars
Eating up the highway with clarity and volume — a champion of car audio.
During my first few years at Crutchfield, I served as one of our Advisors, helping our customers choose new audio components for their homes and cars. Eventually, I moved to the writing team and spent a decade researching new products and getting even more hands-on with car audio gear.
I've performed many car and home audio installations over the years, some of them even on my own cars. As the editor of Crutchfield's car audio web articles, I couldn't ask for a cooler job. We listen to music and play with car audio gear every day!
Like most of us here, I've always been into music. I installed my first car stereo system before the family car was even mine. In college, I helped friends and roommates install their car stereos and set up the stereos in their apartments. I was a volunteer DJ for the local community radio station for a few years (playing late night metal and Sunday morning bluegrass & alt-country). That's where I also first learned a little bit about sound mixers.
These days, I serve my community by volunteering with the Boys Scouts of America. I also love playing board games & RPGs, spending time with my family, and installing new audio systems for my friends.
More about Robert
More from Robert Ferency-Viars
Review of the Sony XAV-AX5500 car stereo
Single-DIN vs Double-DIN car stereos
How to connect your new car stereo's wiring
How to choose a replacement FM antenna for your car
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What are Crutchfield Demo Videos?