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6 minute read
My High-End Audio System and Detail/Restoration Build
Compliments of diggidyd @ https://acurazine.com
3-27-2013
After two months of research and cobbling together components from various corners of the Earth, I'm excited that my build finally started this week!
Here's what is going into the car:
I must admit that after my research and help from these individuals, I am installing components very similar to those used by niebur3 (Jerry), i hate cars (Matt), and gregerst. The system will consist of the following:
Dynaudio Esotar2 650s
Dynaudio Esotar2 110s
JL Audio HD 900/5
Arc Audio PS8 (sound processor)
Acoustic Elegance SPB 15s (2)
iSimple Gateway
iSimple HDRT HD Radio
The subs will be installed infinite baffle. Custom kick panels for the tweeters. The install will be as stealth as possible, and when complete the only visible change should be the kick panels. The kicks were provided by Jerry (niebur3). In fact, if you've read his build thread you may notice that my kick panels look familiar. In fact, these are the exact pair Jerry originally made for his TL. He is going to build new ones that will house both his 4" mids and his tweets.
One of the more difficult pieces of designing this system was finding an installer that was 1) willing to install components he didn't sell me and 2) comfortable/knowledgeable installing subs in an infinite baffle configuration. Fortunately I found such an installer in Dave Varga at Pro Audio in Provo, UT. I chose not to do the install myself for various reasons, but I'm glad I found someone I can trust that was very willing to listen to my specific requests and was very experienced. He has also been great sending pics of the process!
In addition to the audio install, I'm also taking steps to restore my car to as close to factory condition as possible. The car is not modded with the exception of the A-Spec kit. At 10 years from its manufacture date, the car is starting to show its age. Restoration tasks include the following:
- Paintless dent removal of door/hood dings
- Wheel refinish
- Console pillar garnish replacement
- Replacement of side mirror glass
- Paint chip repair
- Full paint polish/restoration/detail by a top detailer
The dent removal has been completed and was awesome! Unfortunately I didn't take any before/after pics, but those guys are amazing. The other steps will be finished in the weeks after the audio install and I'm planning on taking before/after pics of each step.
So now for initial pics of the start of the audio install:
The Dynaudio Esotar 650:
The Dynaudio Esotar 110 - supposedly the best mobile audio tweeter. Built like a tank - for a tweeter at least, even recommended to crossover at 2k with a 6db rolloff:
Seats, trunk wall, rear deck removed:
Audio processor and amp will be located under the front seats:
Kicks installed!
The PS8 has the ability to wire an external 3-way switch to switch between 3 preset settings. I also decided to use a remote bass control knob for the JL 900/5. After considering where to mount these, I decided on the smaller console compartment in the front console. I initially thought about copying Jerry's location in the extra switch panel area to the left of the steering wheel, but I felt the compartment location was more stealth. Don't want to tip off potential thieves!
That's the progress so far. More pics to come as things progress!
Today the 650s were installed and sound door sound deadening was completed, also moving of the trunk release, and installation of the iSimple and HDRT.
Door before sound deadening with factory barrier:
Door after deadening and with speaker installed:
Hood release relocated!
iSimple and HD radio working!
