Chuyler1's new audio install log.

[chuyler1]

Out with the old and in with the new. I fried my ID8v3s and my MTX Thunder 500d. I tried replacing the 500d with an ebay special but it doesn't put out the rated power ($75 down the tube). So I'm starting from scratch...

Here's what's coming out:
Eclipse 6.5" components (for sale if anyone is interested)
MTX Thunder 302 and 500d
1.6cuft ported box for 2 8" subs. (for sale if anyone is interested)
Factory head unit.

Here's what's going in:
DLS Iridium 6.3 components $700
DLS A5 3-channel amp (50x2 + 300x1) $500
2 Eclipse 87081.4 200 watt 8" subs $90 (ebay)
Clarion 9575rz Head unit $200 (refurbished, ebay)
Clarion DPH7500z DSP/EQ $42 (used, ebay)
Clarion CDC655z 6-disc changer $45 (used, ebay)
Total: $1577

I will post installation materials and cost when finished.

Obviously this is going to be a hardcore SQ setup. The DPH7500z, which is controlled by the head unit, has two modes. One gives you a 7-band graphic eq, the other gives you a 3-band parameteric eq (separate for front and rear). It also includes time alignment and some other goodies I probably won't use. Its not as flexible as a 30-band eq but it should give me enough to play with.

For installation, the midbass drivers will be installed in the doors. The tweeters will be installed in the stock mirror panel location. The dome midrange drivers will be installed in the kick panels. I am going to fabricate a new rear deck lid to hold the amp, subs, crossovers, and DSP/EQ. Attached is a rough draft of my design. The black will be vinyl, the grey will be painted to match the stock silver interior. The entire deck will be 3-5" thick and the subwoofer pods will be raised up and angled inward. The DSP/EQ and crossovers will be mounted on the bottom, probably behind plexy. The whole unit will be connected with minimal screws and quick disconnects. If I need more cargo space I should be able to easily remove it.

 

[FrigginGLI]

Going to be a killer system.

 

[chuyler1]

I won the auction on ebay for the DPH7500z...only $57 (shipping included). Damn that is a good price.

 

[chuyler1]

I couldn't wait for my packages to come in so I started installing the head unit the other evening (without the processor). I only had to connect 3 wires (ignition,power,illumination) and move the RCAs from the LOC to the back of the head unit so it went pretty quick. I will post pictures once I get a single din radio pocket.

Listening impressions with just swapping the factory deck with the Clarion DRX9575Rz...

I'll admit that I was content with the sound before...but apparently only because I didn't know what I was missing. The stock head unit did a good job of powering my system and having six discs at my fingertips was a dream. However, the added detail in the high end was like night and day when I swapped in the DRX9575Rz.

The new head unit really smooths out the tweeter response and it stays sharp and crisp even at loud listening levels. The mids seem less muddy but almost to the point where they are lacking. I need to play with the crossover point and the tweeter attenuation should be turned down a little to bring out the midrange. I can't comment on the bass response because my sub amp isn't working at the moment.

Overall, the soundstage is much broader and higher. FM radio reception is also cleaner. This unit has built in RDS so when I listen to WAAF it tells me what song is playing! Most channels just display their call sign but some continuously update based on what is playing. RDS has a bunch of other features but I need the manual in front of me to figure it all out.

My only complaint with the DRX9575Rz (which I saw coming) is that the display is way to bright at night and is an eye sore compared to the soft orange-red tones of the stock interior illumination. The dimmer doesn't appear to be working. I was able to tone it down a little by adjusting the contrast but I'm seriously contemplating a layer of window tint over the face to diffuse the light from display. I wonder if I can replace the faceplate LEDs with red ones. Has anyone ever done that?

In conclusion, the stock radio is..well...stock and there is an amazing difference when moving to a high-end aftermarket unit. I attribute most of the SQ increase to simply replacing the stock unit with something that has RCA pre-outs. I'll expect another bump in SQ when I connect the processor which has a 20-bit DAC.

 

[chuyler1]

New arivals...my shipment from DLS came in today!!!

I am in love and I haven't even heard them yet. Quite possibly the best packaged equipment I have ever purchased. They don't nickel and dime you with anything. Remote bass knob: included.
Detailed instructions: included
a free keychain, speaker grills, trim pieces, mounting hardware, the works!

 

[chuyler1]

A few more pics...

 

[khaosman]

Nice! The A5 is a very sexy amp, I've always wanted to pick one up. I can't wait to see some of this stuff go in.

 

[chuyler1]

My only quip is the basket-ball style grill for the mid and tweet. If I had a Spicy orange MSP I'd be tempted to paint them orange. As it is, I will probably cover them in grill cloth to hide the ugly design.

 

[FrigginGLI]

That amp is the sex. Beautiful.

 

[RyanJayG]

I bet you are getting excited... I can't wait to get home and get started on mine too...

its always nice having new toys to play with. (thumb)

 

[RyanJayG]

and on another note, if there was only a way to protect the mid without a grill.. cause that dome is badass looking by itself. not very practical to drive around without a grill to protect it though. that grill is just so ugly though... it looks like a basketball... lol

 

[Poseur]

Hey, if you'll potentially be able to live without a midrange grille for a bit, talk to me. I'm in machinist school right now, and I've been pondering making different styles of specialty grilles for just such an occasion.

Also,... very interesting about the HU difference. I've always wondered howmuch you truely can get from the LOC setup. always seems that the cleanest, simplest setup is thebest. You've been one of my holdouts of hope tha tit might not be so bad.

 

[chuyler1]

Yeah, it wasn't "so bad" but I simply didn't know what I was missing. I still believe that amp+components should be people's first upgrade.

 

[Poseur]

As do I, but you and I both know that everyone thinks they need a mad-tight new aiwa deck that's got like 300w of power... and inspite of asking and getting an answer they'll ebay themselves a deal on something lame.

I'm pretty stoked for you and your new toys, though. when're the speakers going in?

 

[FrigginGLI]

As do I, but you and I both know that everyone thinks they need a mad-tight new aiwa deck that's got like 300w of power... and inspite of asking and getting an answer they'll ebay themselves a deal on something lame.

I'm pretty stoked for you and your new toys, though. when're the speakers going in?

Lol , we all know sony xplod is the best.

 

[chuyler1]

Well, because they have two crossovers per channel and an extra driver it won't exactly be plug-and-play. I'm not even sure the tweeters will fit in the stock locations. They are pretty big. Anyway, the first step is to build the new box. I don't want to half-ass anything so I am going to install everything once...the right way. Here's the plan:

1) New Box/rear deck
2) Test with old front stage
3) custom kick pods for 3" midranges
4) test fit tweeters and build up panels if necessary
5) install woofers in door
6) custom trim panel for head unit and remote bass/phase controller (possibly new head unit because I hate how bright this one is)
7) custom door panels to display woofers (prolly not till next spring)

At the moment I only have time on the weekends because I don't have a workspace in my apartment. However, my fiance and I are about to buy a condo. The one we are looking at has some space in the cellar that I can use for my projects.

You would think that purchasing audio equipment at such a time would be a bad idea. On the contrary, my credit score went up because of the balance on my credit card and since I pay it off immediately it will help us get a better interest rate. The mortgage councelor actually said that my score went up due to recent activity on my credit cards. Using my AMEX card for every day purchases such as food and groceries helps too.

 

[khaosman]

How come you don't put the tweeters in the kick with mids too? Not like they'll take up much more room...

 

[chuyler1]

Well the tweeters in this setup will be crossed over pretty high (at least I think they will be) so they will primarily be used to raise the sound stage. I will try them down low in my initial testing but if Scott Buwalda can win the IASCA finals with them up high...I should prolly follow suit.
http://www.meisearch.com/projectaltima/
http://www.buwaldahybrids.com/Project%20Altima.htm

...of course he moved the seats back 6" too...which I won't be doing.

 

[slayer4u]

I won the auction on ebay for the DPH7500z...only $57 (shipping included). Damn that is a good price.

I love those new eclyps components. I've been thinking of buying some for my MPV.

 

[Poseur]

them ain't no eclipse comps....