Has anyone installed an empeg in the new-style Mazda MX-5 (AKA
Miata)? I know several people here have done so in the previous
model, but I haven't seen any reports mention the 2000-onwards
style. I suspect that there is not a lot of difference between
the two internally, but I haven't found a definitive list of the
changes although I know there are some.

Mostly I wonder if the limited opportunities for mounting the
amplifier have changed at all---I am keen that it doesn't take
up space in the small boot. I'm thinking of the Genesis Profile
4-channel amplifier. Are there any good places in which to hide it?
What's behind the panel immediately behind the passenger area?
It looks as if there might be some space there which isn't part
of the boot.

My MX-5 has two factory-fitted speakers in each door: a mid/bass
unit low down and a tweeter just below the window. I believe
the large speaker is 5x7 but I don't know the size of the tweeter
(it's mounted at the front of the door just below the window).
The car also came with a Sony CD/tuner head unit. The sound quality
is pretty good with the top up, but with the top down, I usually
have to crank the volume up a long way to hear anything over the
road noise... then something starts rattling in the door panel
and the equalization isn't right. I'll fit an amplifier anyway;
will this be enough to overcome limitations of the Sony head unit,
or are the speakers the problem?

I exchanged some email with Dominic from Cambridge Car Audio back in May
(when I thought the tuner arrival was more imminent than it turned out
to be---that's the only reason I didn't get it installed months ago)
and he suggested putting Kicker Impulse 57.2 speakers in the doors.
This is a coaxial driver, but it can have the tweeter mounted remotely.
Since there are already separate speakers fitted, would it make better
sense to go for separates?

I don't have headrest speakers fitted; is it worth getting them?
I know Hugo had them in the old model MX-5, which had the seat
wiring; does the new model have this already? Do they make a
big difference? Does it make sense to connect them the to empeg's
rear outputs though two separate amplifier channels?

I've not really noticed a lack of bass, but perhaps that's
because I tend to listen to more classical stuff. Is there room
to hide something like a Kenwood's KSC-WA62RC subwoofer behind
(or underneath) the seats?

Any experience or suggestions welcomed.

--
http://ro.nu/ Robin O'Leary