Aftermarket Sound System - It's Done!

I replaced the JBL system with:

JL Audio Cleansweep & SSI Module
Alpine PDX-5 channel amp (75 rms x 4 + 300 rms)
Boston Acoustic Pro60 speakers - front
Boston Acoustic SX60 speakers - rear
Alpine 10" subwoofer in fabricated box in right rear "nook"
Sub control mounted in the front cabin under the steering column
Dynamat Xtreme in the door speaker area
USA Spec Toy20 unit for Ipod integration

Of course the system sounds nothing like it did before. I've had aftermarket systems in other cars, so this is nothing new, but I must say it's the nicest sounding system I've ever had. So far the Ipod integration seems really good. I can see playlists, artists, titles, etc. I haven't had enough time to really properly evaluate it, but the sound is amazing.

I had the install done at Beach Auto Sound in Huntington Beach, CA, and so far it seems they've done a fantastic job. Time will tell. They commented that they weren't thrilled with the mids from the Boston Acoustic Pro60 speakers (I didn't get most of the equipment from them, as I had thought I was going to install it with my buddy), but then said it likely will improve as the speakers "break in", as right now they're very rigid. They were super informative, helpful and straightforward.

The subwoofer looks like it was installed by the factory. Very nice looking, and also nice not to have to lose rear hatch space with a big box.

 

Yes, I'll post pics....just gotta find my camera, lol. Hopefully today.

 

After listening to it quite a bit today, I've decided that I don't have enough midrange in the front Pro65 speakers. The shop told me to drive it around a week and let them know what I want tweaked. I get tons of crispness from them, but it's almost too much. Sometimes definitely needs to be adjusted. I felt very little air being moved in front of the front speaker woofer when played loudly.

I used to JL Audio Cleansweep 441dps and the CL-SSI module. I only Dynamatted the speaker area of each door. The installed said doing the entire door would help a bit, but not much.

Like I said, something in the front needs to be warmed up a bit, with more punch to the mid-range.

 

I spent about $1,200 in parts from Ebay, and about another $1,200 in labor and parts (incl. the sub, control, enclosure, usa spec) from the install place.

Sorry for slacking on the pic, I just haven't had time to take on yet.

 

That's great to hear...I'm supposed to stop by the shop this week and have them adjust the system, so I'll be sure to mention it. Thanks.

 

Update: The front Boston Acoustic Pro60 speakers just aren't right for my ears. The titanium tweeters just sound to strong/harsh for me, and aren't warm enough.

I took the car back to Beach Sound Audio in Huntington Beach, and they recommended Alpine spx-17ref speakers for the front. They replaced them and it sounds much better, and a lot warmer, phew.

I can't help but give them a plug on this form as they were really helpful and accurate with their advice. And, they did not recommend products that were too expensive for what I really needed/wanted.

 

I'm still not happy with the sound of the system. I was listening to my friends stereo in his G35 and he has stock stereo speakers, rockford fosgate 4 channel amp, 3sixty sound processor, amp for sub, and 10" subs and it sounded *WAY* better than mine. Not so much the sub, but rather the speakers in the door. I believe his door speakers are 5-1/4. Literally zero bass is coming out of my front door speakers and they have this "mono-like" tinny sound to them. I also noticed that sounds that are supposed to come out on the right side actually come out on the left, and the opposite is true. I put in the Cleansweep calibration CD and noticed that when it says "left side, left side, right side, right side" they come out the opposite side. I'm guessing perhaps the input wires from the OEM to the JL Cleansweep are not in the right harness slots. Maybe that's screwing up the sound. It's also entirely possible that the installation center didn't calibrate it using the CD from JL Audio Cleansweep. Grrrr.....

And, I keep forgetting to get the usb transfer cable for my camera from my friend. I'll try this weekend.