Audio Systems: sound system for f150, avic z1, inch subs

Question
QUESTION: i have a 2006 f150 xlt (3doors) and i would like to put in a sound system, i am getting an avic-z1 and two pioneer 10 in shallow subs to put under the front seats i also want to get a 15 inch sub or 1-2 12 inch subs in that back. what suggestions do you have for subs and what amps should i use?
ANSWER: I always hesitate to make equipment recommendations because there are so many subjective factors involved.

I do not have any personal experience loading up an F150, but pickups are difficult because of space configurations.  

If you get the right stuff you will have an awesome sound, but I recommend you visit a local show car installer who can see the truck and give it a serious look over for what you want to achieve.

I am not a fan of mounting subs under the seat unless you just want to vibrate the passenger rear ends.  They need a large enclosure in order to provide the proper acoustic loading for best bass acoustic response.  Also, I don't know where you would mount a 15 inch sub that would produce strong bass inside the cab; could be great for outside show when mounted in the truck bed, but it would be a neighborhood broadcaster and not a music producer for the drivers and passengers, don't you think?

That is my thinking, but you may have ideas that I am not getting the vision for, so let me know more and we can dialog about it.
C



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks, now that i think about it it would be better to just put two 12's or maybe even 15's if i can get the back seated raised.  any suggestions on the 12's? what amp(s) to use? my friend suggested jbl, how do you think that would be?

Answer
Here is the deal:  Speaker performance is always the weakest link in any reproduction system. The speakers, their housing and installation are by far the most important thing to focus on.  Amplifier sound, compared with speaker sound, is nearly perfect.  So, the amplifier should be one that is easy to install, has a good reputation in the reliability and sufficient power to drive the speakers with the right impedance matching for the speaker that you selected.  So, selecting the amp is a no-brainer; get the jbl if you like it.  Just about any brand can be good.  So, unless you are going for a real show car and the amp is going to be hid out of sight, you can get good performance from a Pioneer, Kenwood, Visonik and so on.

Go to

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-IkLUeDDSR88/cgi-bin/prodgroup.asp?g=120&cm_re_o=kwu

and study through some of the possibilities.

All the best,
C