Items installed:

• Kenwood KDC-MP208 CD receiver (formerly he had a Clarion CZ100 CD receiver)
• Four Infinity Reference model 6832CF coaxial speakers
• Two Infinity Reference model 1031T tweeters
• One Infinity Reference model 1260W 12-inch subwoofer in a sealed box
• Sound Ordnance M-2100 2-channel amplifier
• Sound Ordnance M-4075 4-channel amplifier

Installation Description

I wanted to upgrade the horrible sounding factory system in my 1996 Mercury Villager. I started out by replacing the factory cassette deck with a Clarion CZ100 in-dash CD player and noticed an immediate improvement in the sound. Then I replaced the four paper factory speakers with Infinity 6832CF 6"x8" coaxials which were a simple "drop-in" replacement for the stock speakers. Since the factory deck did not have enough on-board power, I added the Sound Ordnance M-2100 two-channel amp for the front door speakers, and a M-4075 four channel amp to power the rear two coaxials and the Infinity Reference subwoofer. To improve the imaging in the front, I added two Infinity Reference 1031T tweeters, which are also powered by the M-2100 amp.

Editor's Update: Steven replaced the Clarion stereo with a Kenwood model and moved the Clarion to his wife's car. He says that he gets better FM reception on the Kenwood (and has a killer rock station in his town). He also relocated the Sound Ordnance 4-channel amplifier from between the front seats to underneath the third-row seat. Now it's out of his way AND out of sight. Thanks for the update Steven!

Q&A Section

Why did you decide to upgrade your A/V system?

The factory system sounded terrible.

What's the first thing you show people about your installation?

How good it sounds with the fantastic smoothness of the Infinity speakers.

Why did you choose these products?

Audiophile sound quality at a very reasonable price.

What was the most difficult part of the installation?

Installing the amplifiers. The M-4075 is quite large and would not fit under the front seats. Since the ampliifer is so cool looking, I decided to mount it between the two seats. The amplifier cannot be seen from outside the car, so theft is not a concern. The 2-channel amplifier was installed under the driver's seat. Adjusting the system to perfection also took some time and work, but the end result was worth it.

What plans, if any, do you have for future upgrades?

None. This system sounds incredibly smooth, with clean low end punch and not a touch of boominess. The subwoofer is loaded in a sealed box, so the bass is very smooth and tight.

Kenwood KDC-MP208 (the current stereo)

Clarion CZ100 CD player (no longer in the vehicle)

Front door with Infinity coaxial in factory location and 1031T tweeter in top black corner of door

Infinity coaxial in rear factory location. You cannot even tell it's there!

Sound Ordnance M-4075 amp between two front seats

Infinity Reference 1260W 12-inch sub located in rear cargo area

Me and my 1996 Mercury Villager

Vehicles in the Customer Car Showroom are submitted by customers and fans, and edited by Crutchfield writing staff. You can find more of these articles on the Showroom main page.