Audio Install
- Thread starter Lewisjb
- Start date
tempted to build a ski hatch myself, what do you think?
I guess the only problem might be sourcing the part for it unless you can build your own bespoke one. It's something I would like to explore once I've done bits like the smart top but I'm worried it will add some unwanted rattles if I start pulling things apart.
I guess the only problem might be sourcing the part for it unless you can build your own bespoke one. It's something I would like to explore once I've done bits like the smart top but I'm worried it will add some unwanted rattles if I start pulling things apart.
Looks a great job so far, I don't know alot about in car audio as I find the professional factory ICE fine but would fitting speakers right behind the seat backs spoil the sound quality? sorry for my ignorance 
I also don't get why people fit large speakers in the boot of cars as surely for sound clarity you wouldn't want the area in front of the speaker projection obstructed? or is it purely for the wattage over sound quality?
Tim.
I also don't get why people fit large speakers in the boot of cars as surely for sound clarity you wouldn't want the area in front of the speaker projection obstructed? or is it purely for the wattage over sound quality?Tim.
TitanTim said:Looks a great job so far, I don't know alot about in car audio as I find the professional factory ICE fine but would fitting speakers right behind the seat backs spoil the sound quality? sorry for my ignorance
Tim.
Thank you
The speakers behind the seats are subs, the magical thing about bass is if the frequency is low enough it cant be located unlike mid and treble. You will feel the bass and hear it but there will only be a front soundstage, with mid bass, mid range and highs.
TitanTim,
From what I've gathered, due to the nature of sub-bass frequencies, the location of the driver can be of lesser importance due to the ways in which those frequencies resonate, hence the idea to fit subwoofers in the back of cars or behind seats etc in essence for most isn't an issue.
As you progress higher up the frequency scale, the placement of the driver units themselves becomes more and more critical, the idea of creating a decent soundstage becomes a lot more appealing.
For those whom the idea of the perfect sound stage is of high importance, it would not be unusual to see a woofer that is fitted in front, essentially removing all rear speakers from the setup (as many view this to be the perfect sound stage - as if you were listening to an artist live, all the sound would come from the stage and not from all directions)
Regarding the wattage/sq question, the easiest way would be to compare it to a car engine, A smaller engine would have to work harder to produce a certain amount of horsepower. Now (in order to keep this simple, we're just talking n/a engines) a larger engine wouldn't have to work as hard to produce the same horsepower. This in turn is not too dissimilar for amplifiers, ultimately you'll get better quality if the amplifier isn't working near it's full potential (and even bordering on clipping).
From what I've gathered, due to the nature of sub-bass frequencies, the location of the driver can be of lesser importance due to the ways in which those frequencies resonate, hence the idea to fit subwoofers in the back of cars or behind seats etc in essence for most isn't an issue.
As you progress higher up the frequency scale, the placement of the driver units themselves becomes more and more critical, the idea of creating a decent soundstage becomes a lot more appealing.
For those whom the idea of the perfect sound stage is of high importance, it would not be unusual to see a woofer that is fitted in front, essentially removing all rear speakers from the setup (as many view this to be the perfect sound stage - as if you were listening to an artist live, all the sound would come from the stage and not from all directions)
Regarding the wattage/sq question, the easiest way would be to compare it to a car engine, A smaller engine would have to work harder to produce a certain amount of horsepower. Now (in order to keep this simple, we're just talking n/a engines) a larger engine wouldn't have to work as hard to produce the same horsepower. This in turn is not too dissimilar for amplifiers, ultimately you'll get better quality if the amplifier isn't working near it's full potential (and even bordering on clipping).
Neil and Lewis thanks for the replies much appreciated, I'm more the wiser now I didn't realise its more to do with the frequencies so makes more sense as you both say, I know slightly different but I bought a Bose soundbar for the TV and read alot of complaints that it was too boomy and bassy but it seemed to be that it dependent on the position i.e. if too close to a back wall it projected the bass too much, I was just wandering if it was same for doing this sort of install in cars with bass speakers, but I get now the lower frequences its not so critical than speakers for the higher frequences.....interesting, thanks guys
Tim.
I didn't realise its more to do with the frequencies so makes more sense as you both say, I know slightly different but I bought a Bose soundbar for the TV and read alot of complaints that it was too boomy and bassy but it seemed to be that it dependent on the position i.e. if too close to a back wall it projected the bass too much, I was just wandering if it was same for doing this sort of install in cars with bass speakers, but I get now the lower frequences its not so critical than speakers for the higher frequences.....interesting, thanks guys Tim.
Just to finish off this audio seminar - the higher the frequency, the more directional the sound from the speaker. It's why tweeters should always be installed pointing straight at the listener and at ear level and why good installations have the tweeters either in the back of the door mirror housings or mounted in the 'A' pillar trim.
mmmm not strictly true Garvin, I've seen and heard plenty of quality installs with the tweeters down in custom kick panels. Some folk would give you a good argument that the mid driver and the tweet shouldn't be separated that far.
Lewis, did you not consider a bass build with the subs firing thro the ski hatch? (that's what I'm thinking of doing when my new one arrives), wouldn't lose legroom then and it'd also give you more space for the box.
Looking forward to seeing the final install
Lewis, did you not consider a bass build with the subs firing thro the ski hatch? (that's what I'm thinking of doing when my new one arrives), wouldn't lose legroom then and it'd also give you more space for the box.
Looking forward to seeing the final install
If you can see both kick panels from both seated position then you can get a good install. However, in most vehicles the kick panels are not 'line of sight' ( or should that be 'line of ear'!) with far to much obstruction in the way (dash, centre console not to mention people's limbs) and so is very compromised for tweeters in most vehicles.Nismo said:
Not for me - I have the seat all the way back! If you need the seat a long way forward then it can potentially be a drawback as it will be difficult to get the balance acceptable. The best approach is to have bespoke 'A' pillar trims with the tweeters situated just above the dash as far forward as possible i.e. right where the 'A' pillar meets the dash.Nismo said:
It shouldn't be too difficult to 'lash up' temporary locations to test the tweeters in various locations to see which proves the best. Failing that, install an equaliser and set the frequency response and 'Q' to give the best results with the tweeters in the standard locations.
Sorry there hasn't been much progress, ive been busy with work.
But.. there has been a bit of progress today, changed the sizes of the boxes, after having a tall friend in the passenger seat.
They are much smaller now, and they still have enough air volume for the subs.
Tomorrow i am heading down to Ultimate audio in Bromsgrove to get some ideas about how build an amp rack in the boot for the amps and processor.
Will keep you updated.
But.. there has been a bit of progress today, changed the sizes of the boxes, after having a tall friend in the passenger seat.
They are much smaller now, and they still have enough air volume for the subs.
Tomorrow i am heading down to Ultimate audio in Bromsgrove to get some ideas about how build an amp rack in the boot for the amps and processor.
Will keep you updated.
