VX car audio redesign & system build

[biju]

Thanks Scott for merging the two... I didn't think about that!!

Loco - The Dragon's my wheelin' / everyday driver rig. It's the one I'll be using for the trails at Zu. The Proton's coming with, but she's going to stay safe and sound on pavement.

Currently I'm kind of 'slumming' it by using the active crossovers built into the Alpine head unit. I plan on going with the Audiocontrol DQXS later this summer (after I recoup from the sticker shock of what I just poured into this project!)

Same situation with the parametric settings - all from the Alpine currently. Note, the parametric settings listed above were set that way to 'push' the system initially. I just wanted to get a wee bit crazy I guess and see the side walls of the VX FLEX!. The other settings I'm using (not listed) came about simply from what I can hear (spent the day tuning, listening, tuning, listening, tuning, etc.) I know what an RTA is, but not sure where to find one. I competed (once) as a young buck in IASCA in 1993, so it's been a while for me also... (I just couldn't outgrow this hobby I guess). Can I just go to a car audio shop and have them spec out my set-up so I can find those dips/bumps in the spectrum? How does that work now-a-days?...

The enclosures were very cool to build. If you poke around Decware's site, you'll see the info on the Deathboxes. They're 'tunable' to the specific driver and environment, etc. I was able to listen to the enclosures in the VX as I 'tuned' them. The design allows you to move the inner insert up and down to adjust the sealed chamber's volume, etc.) to find the best possible sound for the interior of the VX, and nature of your sub. What a great concept, huh?

-biju.

[Locomigo]

Excellent... I competed in Sound Q and actually judged wuite a bit in the '92-95 range. Did installs from 88-96 professionally and still do some on the side. Whether it's car, home, or business, I have the triple threat knowledge, and add to it the video, networking, computer, control systems, telecommunications, and power and I suppose that just about anything is possible with enough money, time, and creativity. >; -)~

So back to the topic at hand... I dont have a mobile based RTA, but I do have one of these in the shop and we utilize it when setting up theaters, conference rooms, board rooms, lecture halls, etc.

I would imagine if you would have the ability to meet up soe evening/weekend I could gain access to the unit and we could play aroud with it, your settings, etc. It also has ability to measure SPL, polarity, and some cool little tests.

Those deathboxes are pretty sweet, much easier for a GOOD result than the MANY formulas, analysis of the vehicle, driver specs, and determining the style of box. That is always fun designing your own enclosure but a HELLUVA lot of work.

Best I ever did was 2-10s in an 8th order push/pull configuation in a second gen Probe. Before we blew the rear glass out of its seal, onto the road, we were able to hit 148dB. Powered with an old RF Power1000 amp in a 2 ohm load, bridged.

I look forward to hearing your setup, it sounds nice and Im a HUGE fan of Bostons!

[mbeach]

I have stereo envy.

[Triathlete]

So I guess we know who's supplying entertainment at the campground this year. I'm going to have to check this out when we get to Moab.
Where ya going to put your stuff?

[kpaske]

Looks like an awesome setup, Biju. I love the Line-X look on the boxes. I too never really outgrew the monster system desire, but the small VX interior really limits what you can do unless you're willing to give up your back seat and all of your cargo room.

[Ruflyf]

I feel like such a noob reading this thread, bottom line is it sounds good and thumps...and looks good too.

[biju]

Thanks, all. It's not a 'professional' set-up by any means, but darn good considering I'm just a hobbyist (if I do say so myself). AND, I finished the install with only 9 of 10 digits!

Hotsauce - I think you said it best... So far the two of these things have proved to be no joke indeed. I'm certain I could have gotten away with just one Deathbox and been just fine! (and by 'just fine' I mean *crazy* low end). But then again, I’m sure this is something you’ve known for a while now!

Loco - I'll have to take you up on that offer! Anything to measure, and consequently improve, the sound is fine by me. That contraption you've got has got to be better than just 'winging' it with just my ears. I wasn't going for SPL, but it would be kind of cool to see what it's at.

Billy - good question. Not sure yet. I'm actively (FRANTICALLY) scouring the U.S. trying to find a roof rack system of some sort. Anybody willing to part with one? I’ll pay top dollar! LOL...

Kpaske - I hear ya. I was really torn about having to make the seats disappear, but figured what the hell. This set up will last only a while until I get bored with it and want to change, or somebody wants it more than I do (a.k.a. the car audio gremlins of the world).

Ruflyf / mbeach: TAKK (Icelandic for ‘thanks’).

-biju.

[IndianaVX]

Biju,
sounds like an awsome system. It has been so long since ive had any power in my ride, other than factory. anyway, when i USED to mess with stereo equip, i always kept flymn and the bb's "tricycle" on hand to test the range of epuip. and its always good to have varity, when you have great sound in your vehicle. congrats on getting it all to work....lol
david
'

[thedutchguy]

Can you turn it up a little?
I still can't hear it over here!

[morgan-tec]

That looks very clean and tidy, job very well done. Comming from someone that installs high end audio/video you did a top rate job you should be very proud of your self.

[WormGod]

Nice, but around here, once that VX comes out of the garage, kiss your system goodbye. Around here, they even take your alarm too. My advice.... REALLY dark tint.... or leave it in a garage.

[biju]

I mean, enough to the point where I don't worry much. I park in a garage at work, and at home. And when I go out shopping or to the mall I drive the Axiom...

I know it's not impervious, and the gremlins are out there, but I can't hole up and let that fear keep me from all that I enjoy...

I'm not planning on it being stolen, but I expect that I'll have to take measures to protect the VX more so than without the system - Proof that I'm not ignoring that possiblity (thus the extra insurance!).

As with all things, it's fun while it lasts.

Dark DARK DARk tint is in order, though.

-biju.

[Navigator]

Yes, that will get your ride "noticed" . Big sound with all the components in plain view Mmmmmmmmmm

[Ruflyf]

Biju, if you dont already have one, the 2-way alarms are very nice and the new fm ones have a nice range on them. Thats one of the first things I did was go 2-way on my alarm. I didnt get the fm versions, but I didnt really need that type of range either.

[WormGod]

Whadd'ya say Nav.... wanna take a "road trip" to Colorado?

Biju, tinting from the driver passenger window would be perfect ya know. Luckily, here in MD, window tint on SUVs is more overlloked by law. Just about every wondow but the windshield and front side windows can be tinted. With the rears all tinted dark, that system is as good as stealth.... until you drive through Anacostia with the volume turned up.

Nice system though. Layout is a little, odd, but the equipment sounds like it will be quite the in-car playground. My advice.... get Cinematic Orchestra's "Everyday" album. Albums like THAT are what good systems are made for.