Complete sound system overhaul

[2fnloud]

The Sound system has always been the biggest thing about my car. The problem is up until my Stealth R/T twin turbo, my car have been 4 bangers excluding my 87 cavalier convertible.

I had my next system all but installed that was to go in my 01 Saturn SC2.

It was slated to be a 6,000 watt RMS SPL / loud SQ monster.
5.1 DTS mobile theater, active x-over for all channels, 3-way front stage, and 30 bands of digital equalization for all channels.

Then the Stealth came into the picture, for the first time the weight of the system became a concern. So first I sold the two 60+ LBS subwoofers (12" Orion HCCA 12.2's) and the two 25-30 LBS amplifiers (HCCA-D5000) that was to power them.

From there I have been mulling over what exactly to do in my Stealth to satisfy my stereo needs.

I still want the:
5.1 DTS mobile theater
3-way front stage
30 bands of digital equalization for all channels.

I am torn about the active vs. passive x-overs. The need to want all channels active has passed, that would require six to seven amplifiers (yes I have seven amps)....that is ALLOT of weight for the sake of sound quality.

Where I am torn is whether or not to just run the front active. Mainly be cause I have an awesome digital X-over from AudioControl. But would involve three amps just for the front stage, making the total amplifier count five or six depending how I power my rear and center channel. At that point I might as well run full active. I think the K.I.S.S. will be applied here once the install happens.

[2fnloud]

Here is my set up so far for the Stealth. (yet to be installed)

H/U:
Pioneer AVH-P6000DVD

5.1 DTS processor:
Pioneer DEQ-P8000

Equalization:
AudioControl DQS 30 band digital EQ (with remote display)

Extra additions:
Pioneer Blue-tooth interface
Pioneer AVG-VDP1 (A neat little vehicle dynamics display)
Pioneer 6 disc changer
Pioneer I-pod interface

Amplifiers:
Orion HCCA-D2400 (subs)
Orion HP-4800 (front)
Orion HP-4800 (rear & center)
Two channels bridged to the center, speakers wired as an 8 Ohm load to keep the wattage low.

[2fnloud]

Front:
Eclipse SC8365 3-way component speakers.

Rear:
Eclipse SP6900

Center:
Tang Band W23-1287SI (two will be used)

Sub:
Tang Band W8-1363SB (four will be used)

[2fnloud]

I started by just seeing how the mid / tweeter pod sat on the dash:




I didn't not like how that looked, so I started to install each speaker individually, so far i have the mids installed just not hooked up. This is how they turned out:



As for the tweeter, I will be installing the surface mount pod to the base of the "A" pillars and the Blue-tooth mic at the top of the driver's side, along with a gauge pod.

After that I will have the "A" pillars re-wrapped in matching vinyl so the whole thing looks stock.

[pezcore]

WHY do you want a theater in your car?

You can't use it while driving. Any sound quality is negated when the engine is running. The car is a terrible SQ/5.1 environment.

Just curious.

My advice to anyone looking to upgrade is to get a good PAIR of speakers up front and a good sub (and the appropriate power components) and be done.

[2fnloud]

IF you have the power, road and engine noise is not a problem. All you need is sound deadening and sound proofing.

I would NEVER watch a movie while driving
I would never play a movie while driving

[DeadOhioSky39]

Wow, that's a crazy set-up. Keep us updated on progress. I'd love to know what it sounds like when you get it all done. Too bad you don't live closer or i would just come over and check out the progress and lend a hand.

[2fnloud]

Thanks, perhaps by NG11 I will have it installed, then maybe an audition could happen.

[MADMarc]

What eclipse speaker is that in your tweeter location? That is possibly one of the best looking/fitting speakers I have seen there thus far. Did it mount up alright?

[2fnloud]

What eclipse speaker is that in your tweeter location? That is possibly one of the best looking/fitting speakers I have seen there thus far. Did it mount up alright?

That is the mid from the SC8365 speakers. You will be hard pressed to find a nice place to mount the tweeter that comes with the SC8365's. That is why I swapped the tweeters from the SP6900's, That tweeter comes with a surface mount pod that will allow a nice tidy install to the "A" pillar. Once I have the pod plus a few other things how I want them on my "A" pillars, I will re-wrap them in a matching vinyl so they will look stock.