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Crown Victoria - High-End Custom Stereo Installation! In this tech article, I describe the installation of my custom high-end stereo system. The purpose of this installation was not to impress or to look fancy. On the contrary, the purpose of this
installation was to get the most superior sound possible, from a completely stock looking stereo system. I will list in detail the components I used, the reasons for selecting these specific items, the installation process, and the total (estimated) cost associated.
MTX re-Q5 Bass Restoration & Signal ProcessorThis is the most important part of the system. Without this unit, the entire system is essentially worthless. OEM radios automatically supress all the lower and upper frequencies of the output channels. The factory does this to protect the stock speakers from damage. The MTX re-Q5 processor restores 95% of the original high and low frequencies, and cleans the outputs of distortion. The re-Q5 has an input harness with which you can use to tie into the outputs of your radio. I do not recommend cutting into your factory wiring however. An alternative is to buy a harness adaptor (both male and female) that will allow you to splice into the connections between the radio and the factory harness. If you have access to a junkyard, most Lincoln Town Cars have a small harness identical to this. Wires should be run from the receiver to the processor, and then from the processor to the amplifiers. Harness adaptors and connections depend upon the year of the Crown Victoria / Grand Marquis. Please note that there are alternatives to the MTX re-Q5 sound processor, however, nearly every independant study has proven this product to be the most cost effective, and efficient unit. Prices range from $175 retail to less than $80 on Amazon. Installation instructions will be provided below. 
AMPLIFIERSThis installation made use of two amplifiers, one amplifier powers the four primary speakers, while the second aplifier powers the subwoofer. In my particular installation I used a pair of matched aplifiers by MTX. The model numbers are inconsequential as I bought these amplifiers used from my neighbor. When picking an amplifier, or pair of amplifiers, the budget should dictate how much or little to spend. Consider of course that the better the amplifiers, the better the speakers the system will be able to support. In my installation, I used a single 4-channel MTX 400 Watt amplifier to power the four primary channels, and a 2-channel 200 watt MTX amplifier to power the subwoofer. When picking an amplifier, consider the total wattage as matched to the speakers being ordered, as well as the sound to noise ratio, and the Hz frequency range supported. If you intend to match this installation and mount them to the rear seat-back firewall, you'll want to ensure that the AMPs are no taller than 3"s in height. It may be more advantageous to buy a single 5-channel, or 6-channel amp instead of two amps. Prices for amplifiers range anywhere from $50 to $500. SPEAKERSSpeaker selection is very important when attempting to match this installation. Because this install only includes an at best, mid-sized subwoofer, the four primary channel speakers will need to share much of the bass from the lower frequencies. In my installation, I used a set of German made MB-Quart speakers. I wanted the speakers to easily fit the stock enclosures, so I used a pair of 6"x8" MB-QUART DKE-168 speakers. MB-Quart speakers are known for their spectacular sound quality. Primarily used in the European market, they are typically used for classical and techno music as they typically provide the largest frequency range. As I stated, these speakers will need to share the bass, so if you cannot afford MB-Quarts, make sure your speakers have the widest frequency range possible. Most off-the-shelf quality replacement speakers will provide a typical range of 57Hz to 25,000Hz. The basic premise is, the lower the frequency, the lower the bass range that will be reproduced. The higher the number in the top of frequency range, the higher the sound frequency reproduction. *Remember, the speakers you order will only be able to function in the range of the amplifier that you buy, so make sure you do your homework and choose a speaker and amplifier combination that provides the matching range that fits within your budget.
FACTORY SUBWOOFERFor a clean factory looking install, this will be one of the harder components of the installation. Throughout the years of 1992 through end of production, various years were offered with a factory subwoofer option. The option was actually quite rare, and very few cars actually came with it. There were entire years where the option wasn't even offered at all. Through most of the years, the wiring and mounting location remained through the entire production. The factory subwoofer is basically unchanged between the entire run, with the exception of a single interchangeable bracket that's dependant upon 92-97 and 98-11. If your car already has one of these, then you're lucky as they are becoming increasingly rare, and rarely turn up on eBay. For 98+ Crown Victorias and Grand Marquis, you'll want to search for a subwoofer enclosure from a Grand Marquis or Mercury Marauder. The subwoofer enclosure from a Lincoln Town Car will NOT fit. An enclosure from a 92-97 can fit a 98-11 and vice versa, however, the bracket will need to be modified. It's worth mentioning that either the top or bottom of this subwoofer box is a perfect location for mounting the MTX re-Q5 or an aftermarket sub amp if you can find one small enough to fit. Details below. 
SUBWOOFER SPEAKERWhat really completes the overall sound package in this installation, is the subwoofer speaker. As was explained in selecting your regular speakers, it's imperative that you select a subwoofer speaker that matches both the size of the factory sub enclosure, and appropriately matches the frequency and output range of your amplifyer. In my installation, I purchased a generic MTX style Bazooka tube from an online retailer, and used the 5.25" speaker to fit into the Ford enclosure. Most of the aftermarket 5.25" mid-range subwoofers will have a larger than factory sized magnet, so the enclosure may need to be modified. My 5.25" speaker has a frequency range that goes as low as 22 Hz. This is imperative to provide the base of the lower frequency range. 
NOTE: I have not finished with this write-up, but I'm making it available in the mean time. I'll get it completed at some point... For upgrading or installing the Cigarette Socket Illumination in a 2000-2002 Crown Victoria / Grand Marquis, click here: Cigarette Socket Lighting For upgrading or installing the Courtesty Floor Lighting in a Police Interceptor, click here: Floor Courtesy Lamps For upgrading or installing the Underbody Security Lighting System, click here: Underbody Security Lighting System Upgrade
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