Full stereo install
Discussion
In case anyone is interested, over the next few days I will be installing a complete audio/video system in my S4. I will document the install and try to post picts etc. Here are some of the features.
Double din 6.5" touch screen monitor/dvd, tuner, cd, mp3 player headunit (I relocated the a/c controls to the bottom of the console to make room for the double din fitment and it turned out perfectly..looks stock)
Navigation system that is integrated and controlled by the head unit.
Satellite radio tuner integrated and controlled by head unit.
Hard drive mp3 "changer" controlled by head unit.
4 channel amp, JL dash speakers and JL 6.5" speakers in rear stock locations.
The only modification is the center console to make room for the head unit, and it can be put back to original if desired. It is very important to me that I dont have to make any non-reversable changes. The 6.5 speakers are very high end and will fit in the stock locations with use of a custom spacer. All the electronic components will be Kenwood Excelon which allows full integration and control from the head unit. It will be the only thing visible in the cabin.
Another interesting aspect is that the headunit has additional audio/video RCA inputs and outputs. I plan on a small camera in the rear by the license plate for backing, and another in the front, opposite the icing/temp probe. I will then be able to record via one of the outputs going into my digital video camera for some cool videos.
Anyway, being that I wasn't able to find much on full blown audio systems in an Esprit, I figured it would be a good project to post. I may see if Kato at LEW would like to host the project.
John
94 S4
Double din 6.5" touch screen monitor/dvd, tuner, cd, mp3 player headunit (I relocated the a/c controls to the bottom of the console to make room for the double din fitment and it turned out perfectly..looks stock)
Navigation system that is integrated and controlled by the head unit.
Satellite radio tuner integrated and controlled by head unit.
Hard drive mp3 "changer" controlled by head unit.
4 channel amp, JL dash speakers and JL 6.5" speakers in rear stock locations.
The only modification is the center console to make room for the head unit, and it can be put back to original if desired. It is very important to me that I dont have to make any non-reversable changes. The 6.5 speakers are very high end and will fit in the stock locations with use of a custom spacer. All the electronic components will be Kenwood Excelon which allows full integration and control from the head unit. It will be the only thing visible in the cabin.
Another interesting aspect is that the headunit has additional audio/video RCA inputs and outputs. I plan on a small camera in the rear by the license plate for backing, and another in the front, opposite the icing/temp probe. I will then be able to record via one of the outputs going into my digital video camera for some cool videos.
Anyway, being that I wasn't able to find much on full blown audio systems in an Esprit, I figured it would be a good project to post. I may see if Kato at LEW would like to host the project.
John
94 S4
Hey John,
Sounds very cool. Are you running any amps with the system?
I recently installed a new system with JL 6" subs in the rear behind the seats and Diamond Audio Hex 5 1/4 components in the dash and 6 1/2" mids in the door kicks.
I'll be particularly interested in the pin hole camera part of your install. That was something I was considering also not only for backing but for better rear view when driving.
Hurry up with the pics will ya...
Jim
Sounds very cool. Are you running any amps with the system?
I recently installed a new system with JL 6" subs in the rear behind the seats and Diamond Audio Hex 5 1/4 components in the dash and 6 1/2" mids in the door kicks.
I'll be particularly interested in the pin hole camera part of your install. That was something I was considering also not only for backing but for better rear view when driving.
Hurry up with the pics will ya...
Jim
Hey Jim,
Yeah, I am going with a Kenwood Excelon 4 channel amp. I know there are stronger amps out there, but with the small cabin space I think the Kenwood will do fine. I especially like it because all features of the amp, cutoffs, levels etc, can be controlled via the head unit. I don't have door speakers, I think that was a non-US option. How do you like the JL's in the rear? Which model do you have and was there any clerance problems? I don't expect it to be a lot of base, but hopefully better than what I have with the Kicker speakers. I plan on doing the install this weekend, so I should have some picts to post Sunday or Monday.
John
94 S4
Yeah, I am going with a Kenwood Excelon 4 channel amp. I know there are stronger amps out there, but with the small cabin space I think the Kenwood will do fine. I especially like it because all features of the amp, cutoffs, levels etc, can be controlled via the head unit. I don't have door speakers, I think that was a non-US option. How do you like the JL's in the rear? Which model do you have and was there any clerance problems? I don't expect it to be a lot of base, but hopefully better than what I have with the Kicker speakers. I plan on doing the install this weekend, so I should have some picts to post Sunday or Monday.
John
94 S4
John,
I used the JL 6WO subs powered by a Memphis amp with no clearance problems, didn't even need a spacer. The bass is respectable, not like a 10 inch and 1000 watts but I just couldn't come up with a location for a large sub that I could live with.
We used the Diamond 6 1/2" mids in the kick panels of the doors eliminating the ash trays, re-glassing it and covering it with matching leather.
Can't wait to see yours, that Kenwood setup should be sweet!
I used the JL 6WO subs powered by a Memphis amp with no clearance problems, didn't even need a spacer. The bass is respectable, not like a 10 inch and 1000 watts but I just couldn't come up with a location for a large sub that I could live with.
We used the Diamond 6 1/2" mids in the kick panels of the doors eliminating the ash trays, re-glassing it and covering it with matching leather.
Can't wait to see yours, that Kenwood setup should be sweet!
Thanks for the info Jim.
Kato, I will send photos and a writeup when I am done. Thanks
John
94 S4
http://hometown.aol.com/oneshotcop/myhomepage/profile.html
Kato, I will send photos and a writeup when I am done. Thanks
John
94 S4
http://hometown.aol.com/oneshotcop/myhomepage/profile.html
Well, I finally finished the stereo install. It is awsome. Check out picts etc on my web page at http://hometown.aol.com/oneshotcop/myhomepage/profile.html
PS: Thanks Calvin, Mark and Sanj for the info on the VSS input wire.
John
94 S4
PS: Thanks Calvin, Mark and Sanj for the info on the VSS input wire.
John
94 S4
John - Had a look at your site at the stereo install. I recently put a similar set of 6" JL subs in the same place behind the seats. How the hell have you got them flush mouted?! I had to put 1" spacers in. Also, have you upgraded the front speakers yet? I've found a really good set of 4" JL mid-range which fit exactly into the original holes, although fitting the drivers side was a bit of a nightmare!! So far, I've just got the front 2 powered from the a Panasonic (4 x 50W) head unit, with rears powered by a cheap 4 x 100W Panasonic amp (that's all I can afford right now). Do you find the bass a bit too punchy?
Gareth
95 S4
Gareth
95 S4
I used spacers as well. I used 3/4 inch plywood and cut a 1 inch wide spacer. I placed the spacer between the carpet and insulation. It worked out perfectly. You can barely notice that it isnt flush mounted. As for the front speakers, the car came with 4" Infinity coax speakers. They are in great shape and sound really good. As far as the sound of the JL 6wo's, I love them. I have them crossed over at a point where they don't get too "boomy"
John
94 S4
http://hometown.aol.com/oneshotcop/myhomepage/profile.html
John
94 S4
http://hometown.aol.com/oneshotcop/myhomepage/profile.html
Hi,
I'm in the process of installing mine too into an S3, thought it would be a lot easier than it has been! Currently the space for the Alpine CDA-9815 head unit has been made, and just finished the doors to take the Alpine SXS-1757 6 1/2" speakers. Just the wiring to go. Supposedly I need to take the head-unit power straight to the battery due to the power output, I'm not sure on this, will the fuse box be ok?
Cheers,
Brent.
'83 S3
I'm in the process of installing mine too into an S3, thought it would be a lot easier than it has been! Currently the space for the Alpine CDA-9815 head unit has been made, and just finished the doors to take the Alpine SXS-1757 6 1/2" speakers. Just the wiring to go. Supposedly I need to take the head-unit power straight to the battery due to the power output, I'm not sure on this, will the fuse box be ok?
Cheers,
Brent.
'83 S3
Brent,
Any audiophile will tell you that you must run the constant 12v directly to the battery. When I installed my 9815 that's what I did. In the real world I'm sure a lot of people don't and just pull 12v from where they can find it.
Being that the electrical system in our cars is suspect anyway, I think it's a good idea especially since the 9815 pulls more amperage than a lot of head units due to the fairly large built-in amp.
I have some pics of how I routed the wiring on mine. Email me if you would like them. It wasn't too difficult with the rear of the car on jack stands.
Jim
Any audiophile will tell you that you must run the constant 12v directly to the battery. When I installed my 9815 that's what I did. In the real world I'm sure a lot of people don't and just pull 12v from where they can find it.
Being that the electrical system in our cars is suspect anyway, I think it's a good idea especially since the 9815 pulls more amperage than a lot of head units due to the fairly large built-in amp.
I have some pics of how I routed the wiring on mine. Email me if you would like them. It wasn't too difficult with the rear of the car on jack stands.
Jim
If you are using a high powered headunit instead of a seperate amp, yes, it may be a good idea to run a power wire straight to the battery. Otherwise, as in mine, I used the factory wires, and I can attest that it isn't suffering at all from lack of power. I do however have my amp wired directly to the battery of course. By the way, I went ahead and installed a set of ADS front speakers. I will be adding more info to the install section on my website soon. I will also give a bit of a review of the goods and bads of the system I went with.
John
94 S4
http://hometown.aol.com/oneshotcop/myhomepage/profile.html
John
94 S4
http://hometown.aol.com/oneshotcop/myhomepage/profile.html
techspy said:
If you are using a high powered headunit instead of a seperate amp, yes, it may be a good idea to run a power wire straight to the battery. Otherwise, as in mine, I used the factory wires, and I can attest that it isn't suffering at all from lack of power. I do however have my amp wired directly to the battery of course. By the way, I went ahead and installed a set of ADS front speakers. I will be adding more info to the install section on my website soon. I will also give a bit of a review of the goods and bads of the system I went with.
John
John,
Can you provide more details and pictures on the install? I'm especially interested in all the work you did to move the a/c controls. This did not seem like a trivial job. I'd like to know what I'm getting myself into if I decide to do something like this. I also would be interested in your review of the good and bad.
Thanks for the advice, I'll now attempt to run it straight to the battery. Thanks John, I'll send you some mail!
John,
Great install, I appreciate how difficult it is to do a decent job! especially love the JL's, I didn't realise they made subs smaller than 10", I'll definately consider them now!
Cheers!
Brent.
'83 S3
John,
Great install, I appreciate how difficult it is to do a decent job! especially love the JL's, I didn't realise they made subs smaller than 10", I'll definately consider them now!
Cheers!
Brent.
'83 S3
Brent, you should seriously consider the JL 6" subs. They sound awsome! You will probably need a spacer as I point out in my install section on my website. Karl, I have pcts and comments on my website and cover the relocation of the A/C controls. I will be adding info about the front speakers and writing a review within the next few days. Check it out here http://hometown.aol.com/oneshotcop/myhomepage/profile.html
Also, Kato will be placing the info and picts on LEW when he gets some hardware probs sorted.
John
94 S4
http://hometown.aol.com/oneshotcop/myhomepage/profile.html
Also, Kato will be placing the info and picts on LEW when he gets some hardware probs sorted.
John
94 S4
http://hometown.aol.com/oneshotcop/myhomepage/profile.html
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