My stereo system...

[Sully008]

Hey all,
This is going to be long, please bear with me...

I thought I'd post some pics of my stereo system. I know the majority of the community is into making their Marauders faster, but I like the "overall" package, and for me that includes creature comforts like the audio system.

Car audio has been a hobby of mine for over 10 years now, and I'm talking accurate reproduction of music. I used to compete in IASCA, which is the International Autosound Competition Association, and was a two time IASCA World finalist. What it is is a car show to judge your stereo based on the accuracy and musicality of the system. A lot of people have the misconception that all car stereo's good for is rattling windows and annoying other drivers. There's a quite a few people that enjoy a good sounding system, one that sounds like a home audiophile system. I'm one of those people. My stereo is built to sound like a live concert. The dash is the stage, and it should sound like the performers and instruments are in their correct places on that stage.

I'm also one of those people that enjoy a "stealth" system. That means the audio system must compliment or enhance the factory look of the vehicle's interior. Killjoy's trunk panel is one example of enhancing the vehicle's stock look. I'd like to think my stereo enhances the stock look as well. On to the pics:

Starting in the front, I have an in-dash DVD player, hidden by a false face when not in use.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/2/9/6/0/FrontOfCvr.JPG

The front stage consists of a pair of 6.5" speakers in the kick panels, and a pair of HLCDs (horn loaded compression drivers) mounted underneath the dash. The kicks were built using fiberglass, MDF and covered in factory matching carpet with matching grilles. The grilles for the HLCDs are also covered in matching grille cloth.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/2/9/6/0/Front1.JPG

Closeup of driver's side:
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/2/9/6/0/Driver1.JPG

Passenger side:
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/2/9/6/0/Pass1.JPG

Now you're probably wondering, doesn't it sound like it's coming from the floor? The human ear can be tricked into thinking the sound is coming from above, even though the speakers are down low. In my car, it sounds like the speakers are on top of the dash.

Continued next post....

[MarauderMark]

I have an in-dash DVD player, hidden by a false face when not in use.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/2/9/6/0/FrontOfCvr.JPG....

Thats really cool , i like that:2thumbs:Where can 1 get please?

[Sully008]

Continued...

The trunk is equally finished to look stock. Here is the rear shelf:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/2/9/6/0/Trunk5.JPG

And two overall shots of the trunk:
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/2/9/6/0/Trunk4.JPG
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/2/9/6/0/Trunk1.JPG

Now you're probably thinking, where are the amps and subs??? Well, they're on the rear shelf. The subs are 2-10"s running infinite baffle, which means the entire trunk is the enclosure. The amps are on a motorized amp rack, which extends out and tilts in the back to show the amps. They are highlighted with blue LEDs. You can see where I used one of my Godshead badges from CAR Motorsports.:D

Here are some pics:
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/2/9/6/0/Trunk2.JPG
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/2/9/6/0/Trunk3.JPG

If you're wondering where my spare is, I built a false floor to cover the spare, which is now in the deep well. I still have the majority of my trunk for stuff.

I hope some of you enjoyed the pics. I've put a lot of hard work into my car, and in case anyone is wondering, yes it's protected. But as you can see, I try and make it look as factory as possible.

[Sully008]

Thats really cool , i like that:2thumbs:Where can 1 get please?

Hey Mark,

If you're asking about the false cover, I just found a used radio from the salvage yard, ripped the guts out of it and glued the buttons back on. The backside is covered with carpet so I don't scratch the screen.

[KillJoy]

That has got to be the BEST looking MM trunk I have EVER seen!!

2 Thumbs UP!

KillJoy

[Sully008]

That has got to be the BEST looking MM trunk I have EVER seen!!

2 Thumbs UP!

KillJoy

Thanks for the compliment, KillJoy! I have one more thing to do in there, then it'll be finished. BTW, I have a question for ya, I'll PM you for more details.

[LILALLEYKATT]

Truely A CLASS above the rest. I never would have considered upgrading the factory system because Of the appearance of non OEM head units. I really like the appearance that your unit projects. What would it cost to install a system like yours. Could you please break it down $$ wise...Thanks AL

[Sully008]

Truely A CLASS above the rest. I never would have considered upgrading the factory system because Of the appearance of non OEM head units. I really like the appearance that your unit projects. What would it cost to install a system like yours. Could you please break it down $$ wise...Thanks AL

AL,

Thank you for the compliment. If you're asking about only the headunit, I really don't know how much $$$ it would cost. I'm assuming ~$50-100 to install, including labour and materials. The unit itself is ~$1000US. There's a couple of members that are installers for a living, hopefully they'll chime in.

If you're asking about the full system...I worked on it in my spare time but I've got about 80 hours of work in there. A lot of blood, sweat, tears and swearing.:D

[LILALLEYKATT]

Whom makes the headunit and where can you get one....Crutchfield??? And has the ability to make speaker enclosures such as those in your front floorboard become highly specialized or are most local high end installers able to replicate something like what you have done in your front footwells....

[Sully008]

Whom makes the headunit and where can you get one....Crutchfield??? And has the ability to make speaker enclosures such as those in your front floorboard become highly specialized or are most local high end installers able to replicate something like what you have done in your front footwells....


The headunit is a Kenwood DDX7015 from last year. You should be able to get it @ Crutchfield. I would look at the work of your local installers to determine if they can do it. Most can, but it's all in the tuning afterwards that will make or break the sound.

[Pat]

There is that word "Tuning" again. It took me a while to understand tuning as it applies to engine power production, I also understand chassis tuning but stereo tuning? Is it more that just selecting expensive products and putting them wherever there's room? What instruments would be used"

Your car and system looks, if I may say so, "factory". The install is very professional and you have evidently made informed choices in component selection.

I mean that as a compliment in the same way that one Amish man greets another "Ah, Amos, you look very plain today".

Pat

[snowbird]

Sully008,

Really great install. I haven't touch the stock sound system yet but now your post show directions when you want it nicely made ! :)

[LordVader]

Really nice work on the install. I guess my only problem would be what to do with my big feet, since those speakers really invade that space and I'd be afraid of getting them dirty.

[ckadiddle]

Very, very nice! Definitely Awesome.

[JVJ]

Very nice set-up.

[magindat]

There is that word "Tuning" again. It took me a while to understand tuning as it applies to engine power production, I also understand chassis tuning but stereo tuning? Is it more that just selecting expensive products and putting them wherever there's room? What instruments would be used"

Your car and system looks, if I may say so, "factory". The install is very professional and you have evidently made informed choices in component selection.

I mean that as a compliment in the same way that one Amish man greets another "Ah, Amos, you look very plain today".

Pat

There are instruments used to tune sound, most notably and RTA or real-time-analyzer.

A highly trained and experienced ear can also get you close.

Once it's close, the rest is subjective. (Just like everything else.)

[magindat]

Sully,
Tight install. kudos.
Never been a fan of kicks or horns. Too much space used up. I'm sure she sounds great, though.

Which IB 10's did you use? My favorite has been Pioneer. I had a car back in the day that did 153 on 4 IB 10's. Sadly, Pioneer no longer produces an IB speaker.

I assume you baffled at the metal behind the rear seat and sealed all the nooks and crannies.

How do the 10's sound behind the seat?

I've got a band pass for now. Hate trunk rattle. Passing the port thru the rear deck @ factory speaker hole. Sounds good, but need more. Wanted to do 4 IB 10's in this one. I have a strong IB 15 to use, but haven't done the measurements yet.

Rack looks great. Didn't know you could still get xtant. I got an old Linear Power 500.2 19 years old and still puttin out 994W!

Anyways, lemme know which IB's you used and how you like em.

Nice work.
Rich

[TooManyFords]

Infinite Baffle (IB) is a new term to me. I understand the concept, just bolt them in place and they don't need to be in a box with a tuned port, correct?
Are subs engineered to be IB or are all of them capable of this?

I ask because I have an Alpine Type R still sitting in the box and don't know how or where I'm going to put it yet.

More info please!

John

[ctrlraven]

Awesome install! Makes me wish I was still doing that stuff for a living. Stealth screen cover is a nice touch. I've only seen a few vehicles with them and have only done one myself. I'm waiting for someone to load the trunk of an MM up with a bunch of subs one day. Good choice on the Xtant amps.

[Skiordie53]

sweet system, congrats!

[Sully008]

Hey everyone,

Thank you all for the compliments!! I'll try and answer all the questions as best I can. The multi-quote function doesn't seem to work right now.

Pat: For most people, upgrading the factory speakers and using the bass/treble control is the only thing they'll ever need. Magindat hit it on the head if you want to take it to the next level. I didn't show them, but I have 2-Mono 31-band 1/3 octave EQs (Audiocontrol EQTs) under the floorpanel. So basically, I can control 20hz-20,000hz on each channel, broken down into 31 different frequencies. That's 62 channels of equalization. I usually use an RTA, which plots the frequency response of the system on a screen. You can cut/boost according to the curve. Much like getting a flat A/F line on a dyno, you shoot for a relatively flat RTA curve. From there, what sounds good is subjective.

Magindat: I'm running a lot of old school gear here (we're talking circa 1996). The Xtants are the original 2200i, 2x100w and the subs are 2- JL Audio10w1 8ohms in parallel. Macrom 6.5", Crystal HLCDs. Haven't had it on the RTA yet, but I have no problem hitting the 18hz Organ note from the old IASCA comp CD. Rattlings a little bit of an issue 'cause I didn't really sound deaden too much. The all elusive "up front bass" is pretty good. The subs are fast and detailed. The rattles pull the image back a little.Yes, I built a baffle, bolted it to the frame, and sealed all the nooks and crannies.



TMF: I don't remember specifically what parameters need to be met when using a sub for IB applications. I'll see what I can dig up. Rich, do you remember?

[eric jones]

I have the same head unit and in order to install it and still have the ability to use the steering wheel controls you have to purchase an interface. My install with the interface was $240.00 and well worth the money. I paid $899.00 for the head unit itself through the AAFES website (military)

[Sully008]

I have the same head unit and in order to install it and still have the ability to use the steering wheel controls you have to purchase an interface. My install with the interface was $240.00 and well worth the money. I paid $899.00 for the head unit itself through the AAFES website (military)

That's correct, Eric. It's probably the PAC SWI-X controller. I haven't put that in yet, but soon. BTW, here's a pic of the amp rack and subs with the cover off. Ignore the blue amp cover. It took me hours of stripping to get all that powdercoat off. You can see the baffle I made for the two 10s running IB. I used the "Great Stuff" expandable foam to fill in the gaps.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=10 153&stc=1&d=1160601899

[rvaldez1]

[quote=Sully008;429047]That's correct, Eric. It's probably the PAC SWI-X controller. I haven't put that in yet, but soon. BTW, here's a pic of the amp rack and subs with the cover off. Ignore the blue amp cover. It took me hours of stripping to get all that powdercoat off. You can see the baffle I made for the two 10s running IB. I used the "Great Stuff" expandable foam to fill in the gaps.

If you have a kenwood, it prolly has a steering wheel remote input, PAC SWI- for kenwood would be a direct plug in, no IR to worry about.

[rvaldez1]

Infinite Baffle (IB) is a new term to me. I understand the concept, just bolt them in place and they don't need to be in a box with a tuned port, correct?
Are subs engineered to be IB or are all of them capable of this?

I ask because I have an Alpine Type R still sitting in the box and don't know how or where I'm going to put it yet.

More info please!

John
Hey, im sure I will be showed up on this, but IF subs must be made that way, blaupunkt for instance makes most of thier subs IF. The install is a little more tricky than just bolting them to place. The trick is to never let the front sound wave get to the back sound wave (the cone has to be completely insulated from the rear). Thats why there is a baffle board with great stuff all over.

[MarauderMark]

Hey Mark,

If you're asking about the false cover, I just found a used radio from the salvage yard, ripped the guts out of it and glued the buttons back on. The backside is covered with carpet so I don't scratch the screen.

Thats smart thinking and a dam good job .WTG Mike:2thumbs:

[magindat]

Infinite Baffle (IB) is a new term to me. I understand the concept, just bolt them in place and they don't need to be in a box with a tuned port, correct?
Are subs engineered to be IB or are all of them capable of this?

I ask because I have an Alpine Type R still sitting in the box and don't know how or where I'm going to put it yet.

More info please!

John

All speakers (subs) MUST have a way to separate the front pressure wave from the back pressure wave. These waves move in exactly opposite directions and as such will cancel one another if allowed to make contact.

Enter the box. Obviously, a closed box separated the front and back waves by fully containing the back wave.

Ported? Ported boxes do the same thing as sealed boxes with the exception that a certain frequency of the back wave is allowed to accent the front wave. This is accomplished with a tuned diameter and length port. The phenomenon is much like blowing over an open beer bottle.

All band pass boxes are variations of the two above.

Infinite baffle theory suggests that if you put the speaker in a board that's big enough, the back wave and front wave will never practically mix because the trip around the edge of the board is too far. This takes a much stiffer woofer (higher Qms) since there is no contained air pressure helping control the cone.

For all practical purposes, a trunk is actually a sealed box. However, since the trunk is so big (volume) and poorly sealed, an infinite baffle 'rated' speaker is used. In this case all nooks and crannies between the cabin and trunk must be sealed as well as a very stiff baffle board used in order to extract bass from the woofer. Any leaks or board vibrations will set up cancellation and your IB setup will sound like poo-poo.

It has been my experience (and I'm sure sully will agree) that while it looks like it would be easier, IB is definately the hardest to build. However, the benefits are: lower bass frequencies, usually less weight, stiff board reinforces car body, no wasted trunk space, center of graavity and weight added directly over rear axle.

[Sully008]

Infinite baffle theory suggests that if you put the speaker in a board that's big enough, the back wave and front wave will never practically mix because the trip around the edge of the board is too far. This takes a much stiffer woofer (higher Qms) since there is no contained air pressure helping control the cone.


It has been my experience (and I'm sure sully will agree) that while it looks like it would be easier, IB is definately the hardest to build. However, the benefits are: lower bass frequencies, usually less weight, stiff board reinforces car body, no wasted trunk space, center of graavity and weight added directly over rear axle.

I agree completely. An IB setup is not the easiest to build. Also, because there isn't the contained air pressure controlling the cone, IB setups usually handles less power than a sealed/ported box.

[TooManyFords]

Thanks for the great info. OK, so I'm not going the IB route. So, what I'll need help with is designing the correct enclosure for the sub I do have.

I'll go start a new thread so as to not derail this one.

Thanks!

john

[piglit50]

great car 100% all around... one question off topic... why does your speedometer read kph instead of mph

[Drewstang]

Because he's from Canada?

[KillJoy]

great car 100% all around... one question off topic... why does your speedometer read kph instead of mph


Why would you bring up a 1 year old Thread to ask an off topic question???

:dunno:

KillJoy

[finster101]

Why would you bring up a 1 year old Thread to ask an off topic question???

:dunno:

KillJoy
Maybe he wasn't here a year ago.

[finster101]

Looks great. Wish I had seen it a year ago

[ImpalaSlayer]

Looks great. Wish I had seen it a year ago

i second that. awsome work

[MACFORD88]

Nice Work And Clean.

[Lowndex]

Continued...

The trunk is equally finished to look stock. Here is the rear shelf:

I hope some of you enjoyed the pics. I've put a lot of hard work into my car, and in case anyone is wondering, yes it's protected. But as you can see, I try and make it look as factory as possible.

Very professional.

[daddyusmaximus]

Maybe he wasn't here a year ago.

Love your Avatar. The 2nd ACR was my first unit after basic. I was L Trp 3/2 from 1981-83, in Amberg West Germany. :beer:



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