Planning my total sound system upgrade..old school style!
07-09-2013, 03:55 AM
#11
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Thats pretty sweet! What speaker is that, if you don't mind me asking. That is a great location for the center channel. The only issue is how wet it will get and how well the speaker with withstand moisture...
07-09-2013, 05:17 AM
#13
I just sold my old AC 2XS and Epicenter Saturday. They are good stuff. But, I have to disagree with the saying that gear from yesteryear is "better". It cost more back then, but it wasn't better. Now days , a Mosconi 6to8 processor has more processing power than the old Rockford Symmetry. It is basically the AC digital crossover, time alignment, and a pair of EQTs in a little box that is Bluetooth controlled and costs about $800 retail. Has BurrBrown D/As. It also is running two Motorola DSPs inside. I think the old gear seams better than the new gear because some of the bigger names have sold out to the OEM and no longer care about high end aftermarket. RF, JBL, Infinity, Pioneer, etc. and the old specialist stuff, Orion, HiFonics, Autotek, MBQuart, etc have sold their brands to companies that have tried to use the name to sell crap. Sound Around and Maxsonics. Own most of the old brands. And it's made in China( the better stuff) and Malaysia and other 3rd world countries for most. Haha.
Sent from the fast lane while driving one handed.
Sent from the fast lane while driving one handed.
07-09-2013, 08:10 AM
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Yes, I know that isn't the optimal placement, but I'm looking at the limitations as far as space and my use of the vehicle. My other option is to install the center channel on top of the dash, above the radio, either in an enclosure built above, or installed into the top firing up. That area has 2 serious problems: one it is very visible, telling people I have a system installed, and second it is very exposed to the elements and I run with my top off most of the Spring, Summer, and Fall. But, if after I play with the speakers it looks like that is the best location, then I will make a decision. I can even instal a component set with the mid down low and a tweeter module on top of the dash like the current speakers, but that doesn't usually work well for a center channel....
As for the electronics, I have the crossovers and an AudioControl System 90 Model 11 center channel processor which has an amp, 3 band eq and spatial sound processing with dash mounted controls that actually does a pretty amazing job.
Very well spoken points about placement and it being obvious for others. I definitely say do it and test it. I hope it works out for you. I was being a little closed minded, as sadly my top stays on way too much.
What's funny is above the radio is exactly where my top leaks. Ill have to look into fixing that issue! Hahaha
07-09-2013, 08:20 AM
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You have to stick with what works for you. If that's the way you want it, and it's safer, then go with it. Anything will be better than nothing and heck it may be awesome.
Very well spoken points about placement and it being obvious for others. I definitely say do it and test it. I hope it works out for you. I was being a little closed minded, as sadly my top stays on way too much.
What's funny is above the radio is exactly where my top leaks. Ill have to look into fixing that issue! Hahaha
Very well spoken points about placement and it being obvious for others. I definitely say do it and test it. I hope it works out for you. I was being a little closed minded, as sadly my top stays on way too much.
What's funny is above the radio is exactly where my top leaks. Ill have to look into fixing that issue! Hahaha
I need to look at some of the "marine" speakers. Maybe I can find something that sounds good and will withstand the elements. That would just leave me with how to make it somewhat stealthy......
07-10-2013, 01:19 AM
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Get technical with it man. I'm just voicing my own opinion. So take it how you want by all means. Haha
I just think it would be a neat add on. Audio people would think its awesome and people will ask what that is and why you did it. Three words center channel integration. Hahah then come the questions. It's fun talking up the things you create.
I just think it would be a neat add on. Audio people would think its awesome and people will ask what that is and why you did it. Three words center channel integration. Hahah then come the questions. It's fun talking up the things you create.
07-12-2013, 07:35 AM
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07-12-2013, 07:38 AM
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07-13-2013, 03:21 PM
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Ok, I grabbed some old component speakers and an amp (the stock units from my old BMW Z3) temporarily wired them up and did some listening tests for soundstage. The best feasible locations for the center channel speaker are on top of the dash over the head unit, forward of center so the speaker is aimed more towards the windshield. I also took Rednroll's advice and tried mounting tweeters to the back of the rear view mirror aiming towards the windshield. That worked well, but with no mid's the dash location sounded better. I ordered my Infinity EDPL electro-dynamic planar loudspeaker to install in that location. Looks like my A/D/S/ speaker acquisition fell through, so I looking at the Focal's, Quarts and Boston's. I'm not having much luck finding them around to audition...
Played with putting the front speakers in the kicks, and as usual, got much improved imaging, but its tight down there. Plus, I don't think most speakers would hold up well to that dirty, wet location in a Jeep. Its just one of those compromises when installing in a off road vehicle...
As far as sub's. I am going with 10 inch in sealed enclosures under the front seats. I prefer tight, accurate bass, so I usually stay with sealed enclosures and internal volumes close to the low end of the recommended range. Sub's under the front seats should give me plenty of volume and "feel" even with the top and doors off.
Played with putting the front speakers in the kicks, and as usual, got much improved imaging, but its tight down there. Plus, I don't think most speakers would hold up well to that dirty, wet location in a Jeep. Its just one of those compromises when installing in a off road vehicle...
As far as sub's. I am going with 10 inch in sealed enclosures under the front seats. I prefer tight, accurate bass, so I usually stay with sealed enclosures and internal volumes close to the low end of the recommended range. Sub's under the front seats should give me plenty of volume and "feel" even with the top and doors off.
Last edited by Davesrb; 07-13-2013 at 03:25 PM.