So I decided the stock factory stereo in the cube was a bit lacking. I had the 6 speaker stereo (not premium), and while it was 'ok', I like a bit more from my tunes.
At first I thought I would just buy some replacement door speakers to pump up the sound, but after I actually installed them I figured out they didn't do much to improve the sound by themselves, because the upgraded speakers needed more power than the stock head unit could supply. Then I thought I would just add a small amp to the mix, but I figured "Hell, if I am gonna go through all the trouble of running all the wires I might as well add some subs and a sub amp too".
Hence, the full install detailed below.
I really like the steering wheel controls, bluetooth and iPhone integration that the factory stereo has, so I decided not to change the stock head unit. Instead, I bought an AudioControl LC6i. I just ran the 4 speaker lines from the head unit to the LC6i. The LC6i combines the signal, duplicates the 2nd channel to create a 3rd channel for the sub, and converts them into low level (RCA) outputs for the amps. It even has a remote out so you can use it to turn the amps on. It really works great, and as you can see from the pictures below it fits perfectly in the upper pocket of the Cube's glove box.
I'm really happy with the sound it produces. The highs and mids are nice and crisp and it hits all of the lows really well. I wanted a budget (if you can call it that lol) system that looked as factory as possible, produced clean sound and could handle the wide range of music I listen to (from rap to rock, pop and even some italian opera), and this system certainly delivers. The only thing I may add going forward is a head unit. I like the Audiocontrol LC6i, and it works great, but it seems like the factory stereo really favors the high frequencies. I have spent a lot of time adjusting the levels, but no matter what I do there are still some songs that sound a bit too sharp. I can only assume that this is due to the factory tuning of the head unit.
I am sure I have spent more on this build than what is listed. Just the little odds and ends here and there that aren't listed (speaker wire, ring terminals, cables, end caps for the amps, etc.). This was my first build so I didn't really know how much extra stuff would be needed.
Build specs and prices:
0 gauge amp install kit $50.00
Custom homemade amp rack and sub-box ~$75.00
AudioControl LC6i Line controller $120.00
Kicker KS6.2 6" component speakers x2 $120.00
Kicker KS60 6" speakers x2 $80.00
Kicker 08S10L5-2 Solobaric 10" sub x2 $245.00
Kicker 11ZX350.1 4ch 350W amp $170.00
Kicker 11ZX1000.1 Mono 1000W Sub amp $330.00
Misc. wire and install parts $200.00
Total ~$1400.00
For anyone thinking about tackling a stereo install, the Cube is very installer-friendly
Feel free to hit me up with any questions. And now, the pictures...
I installed the Kicker tweeters in the stock location, but I obviously had to drill out the holes to fit these. They are quite a bit bigger than the stock ones.
Another view of the tweeter.
The LC6i. This thing is pretty awesome.
This is the LC6i installed in the glove box pocket.
It's almost like Nissan intended for people to install things in the glove box. They provided this nifty hold to run wires through.
This is the 0 gauge wire that runs from the battery, into the wheel well, through the firewall, under the floor all the way to here. This a view from inside the trunk area looking out towards the back. The plastic trim panel is removed to run the wire.
RCA, speaker and remote wires all run.
Same wires cleaned up with a bit of flex tubing.
Had to drill some holes in the finish piece to get the wires run, although I may replace this piece and figure out a different mounting scheme for the amps at a later date.
Checking the sub enclosure for fitment in the back of the cube. I managed to get almost exactly 1.00cu.ft. per sub. Let me know if any of you want the dimensions of the box.
Again, checking fitment with the top just layed on the top of the box.
Getting ready to glue the top on.
Top on and ready for carpet.
The sub enclosure nearly complete.
Kicker 350.4 that drives the door speakers and tweeters.
Kicker ZX1000.1 that drives the subs.
The subs just look so cozy in there...
All finished. I made the amp rack out of MDF like the sub enclosure. It was a pain in the ass to make because of the odd shape. The left side of the trunk area cuts way in compared to the right side. Also the right side of the back door comes further into the cargo area than the left so I had to account for that. I like the way the rack came out, but I may figure out a different way to mount them in the furure.
