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The Chatterbox => Random Chat => Topic started by: NewF on May 03, 2018, 12:28:53 PM

Title: Car Audio!
Post by: NewF on May 03, 2018, 12:28:53 PM
I've been working on these monsters for quite a while now. A few months, and quite a bit of money later, I'm the proud owner of my dream system.
Currently running two 12" JL W7 subs powered by a single JL 1000/1 V2 amp (Getting the second one this Sunday!)
Subs rated at a pure 1000 watts RMS each, amp outputs 1000 watts total (Which is why I need the second amp for these monsters)

Normally, I kinda figured it'd be as easy as any other stereo system to install. Unfortunately, I was wrong. There's a shitload of time and money needed to be spent to get these things fully powered. You need specific wiring (zero gauge pure copper), multiple batteries (Running 2 at the moment, will need a third when I get my second amp) Multiple grounds to the frame and alternator (Zero gauge as well) Then had to get a higher voltage deck. The generic 2 volt just wouldn't cut it. So had to get a higher end double din touch screen high voltage deck as well.
 
After all said and done, you then need to soundproof/rattle proof the car. Dynamat to the rescue. But takes a hell of a long time to get it all installed properly (I'm still not complete with mine yet) Then...There's the problem with the speakers literally blowing my trunk lid open from the power. I need to find a fix for that. I drive down the road with my stereo on, and poof, trunk pops open. Happens constantly, drives me insane. I guess it's kind of a good problem to have, but at the same time, fuckin' annoying.
So, a few months, thousands of dollars later, my baby is almost complete. Even though it was a lot of work and headaches with all the extra BS, I still love my system and wouldn't trade it for anything.
I'll post some videos of it in action in a bit. In the meantime, here's some pics -

(https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/31824290_10155547734178263_6952864707132784640_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&_nc_eui2=v1%3AAeGEcZg-L4eHEhIa53Qsqas54DEOwyuhLQJWWoHEGc6I4WThp2-524SV-6mIrAGFwz42jiRo1SfisyQLtCvPATcPDqfLOqM9c_sJNoltHpboEQ&oh=75bcc7020aa758cbf8046a10750f9367&oe=5B9648C0)

(https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/31531532_10155547734523263_5356253903820161024_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&_nc_eui2=v1%3AAeGU52piUdVeNpBqvI5QlPbPhWlFsWWbrR1Re0Fo0VXgzwsdJWd6404FzqriLRcXmw3tnoomK3XK-5V97gzwqxzYcEEaWkBlDi8rtdu4sYz7Qw&oh=dddaddd1d1c7b7a92a4fd5c845f4adaa&oe=5B8F9036)

(https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/31890683_10155547734333263_1724521947364065280_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&_nc_eui2=v1%3AAeGIn99phV4Y7FVAoMOptE66FbXfxmB7SbHKHoCkDHfBTlCxDrpWG1uWNMJb-EtfpWwvL_TtLimDccJM343uDjctaSQluj9AJWmUM4MD-MZePg&oh=e3bc5d61607b3aef4afb094d01c236fb&oe=5B54ED0A)

(https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/31855226_10155547734073263_4579584951820746752_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&_nc_eui2=v1%3AAeECFoITupN2SJLwCUY9f6hEib60vEW4H_7f-mgbu5wd8LwbzzntwM2YxByXN8EsWe-r87zfb0vkxzj-B2uLuwxQufAzCPwQh4FsGiZPspwpRg&oh=a44825df783e257841edc9877e2268e5&oe=5B969A4D)

(https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/31960662_10155547734283263_8735134920743059456_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&_nc_eui2=v1%3AAeG7ZSCBY3ENQgVDdl73ti1EpS7MFynEQ2FYTHECxlxQj9X7hNQ2aOM3q16ivc3awx9-d6G9qtiRUAkQd9_EjaqLUnwVKQck49jeUGeDM3A5zg&oh=f6b928c87c5870a534e09a9c83011e64&oe=5B99F0DD)

(https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/31870403_10155547734098263_1795960116923596800_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&_nc_eui2=v1%3AAeGlIO4lnbhnQNb2nYig7d6yGgEjAVQ5hbl7rAgoPA7qgxVOU66XWbZ-L4Mj9NmdqwOcfAnSgvyod3of0jasbs35D1P8jdasmn0O7ADyOXqndg&oh=57a0fc5bf7773a4ba7cb6ccb6c13b2c7&oe=5B55B70D)

(https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/31945438_10155547734218263_3226185128434728960_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&_nc_eui2=v1%3AAeH8IKfpUHWDeEHBg3SLSyK8ju_5-jXNlONuxOuoyiVjyvOOXTpVgUmBFCyC2IJ3RSmdZhrDB2IbytgE7dZRPSom2CpJg-pRx0nSUphJY9m9jg&oh=aae9c8e21f60ac5476a87446d41dd382&oe=5B5A644A)

(https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/31632083_10155547734153263_1285628546579955712_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&_nc_eui2=v1%3AAeG3ZmOcplU9R6gRXePiDIOdqu9Ublc5HmzS3PtqAlwUD9uutl47QCuVdXE6ezSOxh6wdlB_W2IKnpj6lTuHVEycbZU3IaHjqQMOkGjUv6cZuA&oh=8f7d148c010037f4488ecb31815b307b&oe=5B953B78)


And one extra......Yes, I've cracked my windshield with the stereo already....Forgot to put my windows down. Oops.
(https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/31906899_10155547734493263_5716639305342910464_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&_nc_eui2=v1%3AAeGAEA0NwXXBDNC7wVmm84En_zd0u2Anki-NtrAWkjNUxzgt4-KlnhuXM5IJLzN7YDXCnz5JWoQN8iEnXrB4yZOL2YC14vgSSiNjXwnXfHq0zA&oh=5eeb57463e78b43d620840a0a69047ea&oe=5B930311)

Also, sorry, my car and equipment are a bit dirty, didn't bother to clean yet, lol.
Title: Re: Car Audio!
Post by: Spectere on May 03, 2018, 02:27:17 PM
Photobucket's being a dick right now, so I can't see anything. >_<

And yeah, from the sound of it, that does sound like it would take a lot of planning and effort to get everything working well. Sounds like a pretty killer setup!

My system is a bit more modest. I'm currently driving a 2012 Honda Civic EX with the Premium sound package. Now normally I'd roll my eyes at that, especially after experiencing the exceedingly meh GM Monsoon sound package, but this one actually sounds pretty good! The highs are crisp (and can reach ear splitting levels) and the mids are solid. The main issue is that the shelf-mounted factory subwoofer is a bit lacking.

My dad had an amp he wasn't using, so I ended up installing a 10" Polk db1040DVC sub. While my car does have a separate amp (which is kind of surprising in my experience, even for an upgraded factory system) I didn't really want to have to run too much wiring back to the trunk, so I just plugged the factory subwoofer harness into an LOC, adjusted the levels, and pushed that into the amp. Power is simple to run on 9th gen Civics, to the point where it almost looks like they intend for you to do that. Just pop off the false pedal on the driver side and you can easily run thick gauge wire directly to the battery. From there, you just take off a couple of trim pieces, run it under the backseat, and that's about it.

The factory amp pushes about 200W RMS (400W peak) to the six in-cabin speakers, which is more than enough for my needs. The sub amp can manage 350W RMS (700W peak) at 2Ω impedance, so as long as I keep the levels fairly balanced they tend to compliment each other very well. I have to give Honda credit for not skimping on the alternator on those cars. Even with that much extra load I get minimal headlight dimming, even in spite of the fact that the 2012 Civic uses power-sucking HID bulbs. If I converted to LED they wouldn't so much as flicker.

I'm also pleasantly surprised that I don't get any annoying rattles. If I were pushing 500-600W RMS with 12s I'm sure I would, but it's fine with my single 10" woofer. On some frequencies I've heard the rear license plate frame buzz a bit, but it doesn't happen often enough to be annoying.

Definitely not the loudest system I've seen, but it works well enough for me. :)
Title: Re: Car Audio!
Post by: NewF on May 03, 2018, 10:00:40 PM
Fixed the photos.
And also, I'm surprised. For a stock system running 200W rms? That's pretty awesome, especially for a stock system. Not bad at all!
Title: Re: Car Audio!
Post by: Bobbias on May 04, 2018, 01:35:40 AM
2010 ford focus SEL with whatever is stock at that trim. Sounds kinda ok. At this age plenty of plastic pieces rattle either at certain frequencies or just from driving. Its not outright painful, but not the nicest experience lol.
Title: Re: Car Audio!
Post by: Spectere on May 04, 2018, 09:24:19 AM
Fixed the photos.

Damn, that's a clean setup. Very nice job on the wiring! I can't imagine the "fun" you must have went through trying to run power back there.

How are you liking that Pioneer deck, by the way? My parents are looking into that model so that they could connect their phones via CarPlay for navigation.

And also, I'm surprised. For a stock system running 200W rms? That's pretty awesome, especially for a stock system. Not bad at all!

The amp is technically pushing out 360W RMS. The shelf subwoofer consists of 160W of that, and given that I'm running a separate sub now it's basically wasted power. :)

The thing that surprises me even more about it is that the speakers don't sound like deflated bags of shit. I remember being gobsmacked when I listened to GM's "premium sound" system and realizing that the budget system I threw together in my old Saturn for a couple hundred bucks blew the socks off of it. The Honda system is surprisingly well-rounded, albeit a bit weak in the bass department.

To be fair, I get why they put in a shelf subwoofer. They wanted a system that wouldn't take up any additional truck space. It sounds decent for what it is, but I'm glad I upgraded.
Title: Re: Car Audio!
Post by: Zephlar on May 04, 2018, 09:44:15 AM
Aw shit. What you bumpin?
Title: Re: Car Audio!
Post by: vladgd on May 04, 2018, 07:04:10 PM
Got the whole block bumpin? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eXLCd40qSQ)

(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/cq_1spLziyo/maxresdefault.jpg)
Title: Re: Car Audio!
Post by: NewF on May 09, 2018, 09:46:09 PM
Damn, that's a clean setup. Very nice job on the wiring! I can't imagine the "fun" you must have went through trying to run power back there.

How are you liking that Pioneer deck, by the way? My parents are looking into that model so that they could connect their phones via CarPlay for navigation.

Thanks. I actually just got my second amplifier and had a TON of work to do to get it all mounted up together. Not the cleanest job yet, but I'm working on making it look good.



As for the deck, it's awesome man. Great power, great EQ customization, clean sounding and absolutely perfect for hands free voice control and everything else. Very happy with the deck.

As for my new setup, I'll update and upload more pics when its complete.
And wow....When I connected the second amplifier....What a difference.
Sound quality is through the ROOF! Loudness is even louder and it sounds absolutely amazing.
My next problem......The subwoofers are so loud, that they've actually flexed my speaker box apart on both sides. So now I need to buy some carpenters glue and get some wood reinforcements for the box so the speakers doesn't blast it apart again.
Next problem - The subs also blast my trunk lid open. I tried buying a new trunk latch, but same problem. I need to find a way to re-inforce my trunk lock so it doesn't blast it open now. Annoying, but a good problem to have I guess, hahaha.

Aw shit. What you bumpin?

I play a bunch of different varieties of music, but now am focusing on the nice, super clean bass tracks.
One of my favorite is -


Such a good clean bass to it.
Title: Re: Car Audio!
Post by: Spectere on May 10, 2018, 12:34:13 AM
Thanks. I actually just got my second amplifier and had a TON of work to do to get it all mounted up together. Not the cleanest job yet, but I'm working on making it look good.

Always best to do a rough hookup to make sure it works first!

As for the deck, it's awesome man. Great power, great EQ customization, clean sounding and absolutely perfect for hands free voice control and everything else. Very happy with the deck.

Sweet, I'll let my dad know. Considering Kia usually overrates their speakers and underrates their head units big time, they should get a nice quality boost out of it, too.

My next problem......The subwoofers are so loud, that they've actually flexed my speaker box apart on both sides.

Holy shit.
Title: Re: Car Audio!
Post by: NewF on May 12, 2018, 10:48:54 AM
Yeah, so now that I got some time today, I'm gonna reinforce the hell out of the box, and bolt it down as well. Hopefully it'll work, cause I really don't wanna buy new material and make a whole new box.
Title: Re: Car Audio!
Post by: NewF on May 31, 2018, 11:09:07 PM
Am I doing something wrong? I wanted to make a post and show updates to my system, but any image link I try to set in here, it doesn't work. What can I do to fix this? I wanna show you guys my final system!
Title: Re: Car Audio!
Post by: Spectere on June 01, 2018, 08:54:03 AM
What error are you getting?
Title: Re: Car Audio!
Post by: Spectere on June 01, 2018, 04:26:20 PM
I just fished your post out of the deleted posts bin with my Admin Powers™. I figured you wouldn't mind me reposting it with corrected links. 8)

Quote from: NewF
So.....I decided to go all out. After fixing my speaker box, I got my second amp so the speakers can run at full potential. Had to connect a second battery, more wiring, all that fun stuff. In the end, it was just a big 'ol rats nest, so I decided to clean it up and make it look good.
Here is my final result. Finally achieved my dream system of Two 12" JL W7's, two JL 1000/1 v2 series amps and made it look good. Built the shelf with a friend, then painted it and got custom vinyl decals made up for it so it wouldn't look so plain. Then upped the ante with some nice fresh looking LED's. What you guys think?
It sounds amazing, perfect crisp bass and insanely loud. I fuckin' love it.
I'll post some videos later on when I get the chance.

(https://image.ibb.co/cdP8Nd/IMG_0957.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/mt6YoJ/IMG_0958.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/hP5toJ/IMG_0959.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/jisjvy/IMG_0960.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/mdqtoJ/IMG_0961.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/fWpa2d/IMG_0962.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/nbY2hd/IMG_0963.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/gsQtoJ/IMG_0964.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/fwAtoJ/IMG_0965.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/hKzKTJ/IMG_0966.jpg)
(https://image.ibb.co/j2cjvy/IMG_0967.jpg)
Title: Re: Car Audio!
Post by: Spectere on June 01, 2018, 04:28:13 PM
triple post

And yeah, that's a pretty slick setup! I like the design of the amp rack. The green LEDs are nice, too! Seems like most people stick with either red or blue, so it's nice to see something different. :)
Title: Re: Car Audio!
Post by: NewF on June 01, 2018, 04:33:34 PM
Thanks. Yeah, I always see red and blue, I wanted to switch it up. And I've always liked green better, it's much more bright and glowy compared to the others. :D
Title: Re: Car Audio!
Post by: Bobbias on June 02, 2018, 04:18:19 AM
Great work man. Looks awesome. And I agree, the green is a great choice.
Title: Re: Car Audio!
Post by: NewF on April 04, 2021, 09:08:05 PM
So, been a while. But, got a new car, went all out "Fast n Furious" style and upgraded my system and everything else. What yah guys think?

Also, I've officially hit 151dB with this system so far. (Tested with an actual song, not just tone peak testing) I know I can hit higher with the full tilt tone testing.


(https://i.ibb.co/BfC8mVC/4tsdf.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/ZdxbN3k/bcvb.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/bXgdVDb/IMG-E6999.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/2kCkB4d/IMG-7219.jpg)
Title: Re: Car Audio!
Post by: Spectere on April 04, 2021, 09:24:52 PM
Also, I've officially hit 151dB with this system so far.

Holy fuck. I hope you were wearing ear pro when you tested that, lol

Looks sharp! I like the vinyl work (and it kinda makes me want to pop in NFS:U2...hm...). Kinda disappointed by the lack of a giant wing, though. :P
Title: Re: Car Audio!
Post by: NewF on April 05, 2021, 02:51:00 PM
Yeah, I won't go that far hahahah.
Also, still not finished with upgrades yet. Getting my rims and low pro tires, new headlights and a body kit for it this summer.
And nope, no ear protection worn. Ever.
Still not loud enough for me yet hahahaha.
Title: Re: Car Audio!
Post by: Spectere on April 05, 2021, 10:28:23 PM
Might want to consider it, honestly. That's pretty close to the sound pressure of a gunshot. My dad ended up with permanent partial hearing loss and tinnitus after we went to a Disturbed concert without ear protection in 2019, and the SPLs there were only in the 120-130dB range. I'm sure age had a bit to do with that (he was 63 at the time) but still.

Planning to enter any competitions?
Title: Re: Car Audio!
Post by: NewF on April 11, 2021, 10:22:14 PM
Wanted to, but haven't really been anything in London. Also, I'm not sure how well I'd do, considering I've seen some crazy setups, unless they were to categorize it in specifics, like either a wattage bracket, or amount of subs/size brackets, etc. If I can find one I'd definitely enter it, lol.
Title: Re: Car Audio!
Post by: NewF on July 18, 2021, 10:48:00 AM
So I've decided to go full blown nutjob. Sold my current system and am upgrading to a new one.
Was previously running dual 12" JL W7 subwoofers @ 1000 watts a piece on two JL 1000/1 amplifiers. Now am going to be running FOUR Sundown audio Zv5's @ 2000 watts a piece (Always underrated, these subs can easily handle 4000 watts a piece) on two Sundown Audio Salt-6 Amplifiers. Making the leap from 2000 watts to 16,000 watts. Starting the build now, gonna take quite a while to complete it. Photos and videos to come when it's complete. Going full competition style. Looking to bring back the car audio game in Ontario. I'll be creating sonic booms with this build. Lol. What y'all think?

https://www.woofersetc.com/p-11999-z-12-v4-d2-sundown-audio-12-1750-watt-rms-dual-2-ohm-subwoofer.html

https://www.down4soundshop.com/SALT-6/
Title: Re: Car Audio!
Post by: Spectere on July 18, 2021, 05:55:35 PM
...the fuck, dude...lol. Pretty badass stuff there.

Kinda surprised I didn't ask before, but how are you powering all this stuff? Multiple batteries and capacitors, I assume?
Title: Re: Car Audio!
Post by: NewF on July 18, 2021, 08:58:23 PM
My mistake. Forgot to mention it in the last post. Gonna be running it off of a 320A upgraded alternator and am gonna be running dual limitless Cyber 12K batteries.

https://shop.singhelectronics.ca/limitless-lithium-cyber-12k/

https://autotechengineeringusa.com/product_desc/18525
Title: Re: Car Audio!
Post by: Spectere on July 19, 2021, 08:10:25 AM
That's some pretty serious hardware. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with!

If we suddenly start getting earthquakes here in Ohio I'll know you're busy testing it. ;)
Title: Re: Car Audio!
Post by: Bobbias on July 19, 2021, 06:53:04 PM
Jesus, that is a monster system. I recall a friend had a 12 inch floor sub on a 1kw (when bridged) amp, and even that was loud enough to crack the rear windshield when he decided to make a point to a couple other kids who thought their system was loud. It was a very imprecision setup since the sun took up 2 of the 3 rest seats, but it was fun to sit beside.
Title: Re: Car Audio!
Post by: NewF on July 23, 2021, 07:03:41 PM
Haha yeah, Can't wait to get it done either. Already have blueprints drawn up for the final box design. I've taken out my  entire back end, seats, plastic covers, panels, everything. So now its just a fully open, dynamatted (Soundproofed) space for the box and subs. Gonna be fucking awesome once I get it all done. Gonna take a while though, that's for sure. I'll definitely keep you guys updated.
Title: Re: Car Audio!
Post by: NewF on December 03, 2021, 11:44:43 PM
HUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE UUUUUUUUUpdate!!
Been a long time in the making. Taking free time from work whenever we could, to start building up this bad boy. ALMOST complete.
Full box built.
Custom 275amp Alternator ordered, built & installed.
Custom 1200+ Lbs rear shocks built & installed.
Subs - installed. Batteries, amps and wiring - ALMOST THERE! Can't WAIT to get this beast up, running and creating earthquakes. This is my DREAM build. As ridiculous as it is, can't WAIT for it to be done. Should be finished within the next week or so.
Video updates to come and will make a video going full throttle with these beasts. People say I'm crazy. I don't give a fuck, hahaha. LOVE IT!!!


https://ibb.co/7gJ7rtk
https://ibb.co/dLPhSFY
https://ibb.co/FnKmtCC
https://ibb.co/tM2kYpq
https://ibb.co/6grjXhP
https://ibb.co/0Q6QsVD
Title: Re: Car Audio!
Post by: Spectere on December 07, 2021, 07:46:35 PM
https://ibb.co/dLPhSFY

Dude, it looks like you're sitting in front of a reactor or something. XD

Lookin' great so far!
Title: Re: Car Audio!
Post by: NewF on December 08, 2021, 08:55:29 PM
My god. It's absolutely ridiculous. Gonna upload some vids to Youtube of it playing. Hitting over 160dB. LOVE IT!!! Can't wait to start competing.
Title: Re: Car Audio!
Post by: Spectere on December 19, 2021, 12:53:12 AM
fuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

That's literally as loud as a 9mm gunshot, lol.
Title: Re: Car Audio!
Post by: NewF on December 22, 2021, 07:27:39 PM
First test. Floatin' t-shirts, lol.

Not fully done, still gotta seal off the full wall, will get a lot more air pressure and loudness after that's done. Progress though. Love it!!

Title: Re: Car Audio!
Post by: Spectere on December 29, 2021, 06:22:38 PM
Oh man, your phone/camera mic really didn't like that, lol.