Help improving sound in my 66 C10

[Kenfuzed]

I installed a new RetroSound Hermosa stereo and kick panels in my 66 C10. I really like the ability to make it fit my dash which was the main purpose for getting this unit, plus it has the built in bluetooth. Sometimes I wish the PO would have cut the dash so I could just install a modern stereo. Anyway...

Just a heads up, I'm by no means an audiophile, just a guy after a strong sounding system. I mostly listen to both classic and modern rock and like to turn it up to 11.

System includes:
RetroSound Hermosa stereo (25x4 RMS, pretty weak by itself)
Kickpanels with Kenwood 6-1/2" coaxial speakers (300w max)
Compact amp - Memphis SA4.5 - 50W x4 or bridged 160W x2.

At first the sound was barely audible when I connected the stereo alone to a set of high wattage 6-1/2 speakers (450w each) that I already had, and since the stereo is only 25w/channel I believe the problem was it couldn't properly drive them. So I went out and bought some lower wattage Kenwoods and a compact amp to fit under the dash. Still the sound was not very strong so I bridged the amp. Even after bridging I can turn up the volume max and still not consider it "blasting". I even experimented with a third speaker in the center dash grill which helped bring the sound out of the weeds but its still not there for me. Perhaps I'm expecting too much out of a couple of 6-1/2 kick panel speakers. The kickpanels limit the depth of the speakers to just under 2" which I realize limits my options there.

Next step:
I ordered a powered 100w 8" subwoofer which will arrive today. This will go under the seat so hopefully that will fill in the lower range I'm missing. I realize this won't be a thumping system but I'm not of the age where I'm looking to rattle windows or set off alarms (that's what my Harley is for).

Ultimately I think I need to put some larger speakers behind the seat with a bigger amp when I remove the fuel tank in exchange for an underframe tank. But that will have to wait till next year.

Looking for opinions from those who know rather than keep throwing cash at this thing.

Also, probably worth mentioning that I have headers and dual 2-1/2 pipes running through a set of Flowmaster 40's that drown reduce my listening above 50 mph with the windows down. I located the mufflers back before the axle and have the pipes exit straight out under the bumper, but it still drones a little at highway speed. The cab was insulated and carpeted from firewall to the tank, but still need to add sound deadener to the back wall after the tank comes out.

Suggestions? The stereo itself is a lock, its installed already so I need to find ways to enhance what I already have.

[Kenfuzed]

Quick update, the powered subwoofer arrived early so I put it in under the seat and it made a big difference. However I'm still turning the volume up over 3/4 just to "rock it" so I still don't think I'm getting the full potential yet.

[Gunnin4ya]

I'm going with pretty much what you have except was wondering about subs under the seat. Curious to see what you come up with. I have no idea of what amp or where to even put it.

[Kenfuzed]

Originally Posted by Gunnin4ya

I'm going with pretty much what you have except was wondering about subs under the seat. Curious to see what you come up with. I have no idea of what amp or where to even put it.

I added a single 8" powered subwoofer under the seat. It fits but the seat adjustment bar that stretches from the drivers side to the passenger side (64-66 bench seat) presses against the top and will probably gouge the enclosure unless bending that bar. I'm experimenting with it wedged into the space next to the gas tank on the passenger side. I put some foam around the edges so it won't vibrate, so far it sounds good and gives the much needed depth I was missing.

I also played around with mounting a center speaker up under the dash center opening. This makes a big improvement as well. This is only temporary, as I'm going to pick up 2x 4" speakers and mount into a piece of mdf, then epoxy the fixture up under the dash. My truck (66 C10) has no mounting bracket so I need to get creative with the mounting.

[Gunnin4ya]

Thanks for the information. Saving me a lot of time