Door Speakers: custom enclosures. group buy ?
Discussion
I am going to go over and talk to
Audioscape today:
www.audioscape.co.uk
They specialise in custom enclosures for cars.
Basically I want to see what ideas they have for
the tuscan. Either door speakers (maybe a pod in top of door) or possibly enclosures to fit into the front shelf... basically something that would allow speakers to go in front rather than in rear (which I hate personally... and as I also hate tweetery sound, bringing sound forward with front tweeters won't cut it for me).
Anyway, I don't know if they will be able to help, and have no idea what costs will be (they do custom enclosures for other cars for 150-200 quid.. but then they are mass produced).
My thoughts were though that they may be more interested in jigging up for it, etc if there were more people interested.
I suppose what I'd be hoping for is a set of pod that can easily be fitted by yourself or you local car audio shop in the door and wired up in a couple of hours....
stu
Audioscape today:
www.audioscape.co.uk
They specialise in custom enclosures for cars.
Basically I want to see what ideas they have for
the tuscan. Either door speakers (maybe a pod in top of door) or possibly enclosures to fit into the front shelf... basically something that would allow speakers to go in front rather than in rear (which I hate personally... and as I also hate tweetery sound, bringing sound forward with front tweeters won't cut it for me).
Anyway, I don't know if they will be able to help, and have no idea what costs will be (they do custom enclosures for other cars for 150-200 quid.. but then they are mass produced).
My thoughts were though that they may be more interested in jigging up for it, etc if there were more people interested.
I suppose what I'd be hoping for is a set of pod that can easily be fitted by yourself or you local car audio shop in the door and wired up in a couple of hours....
stu
Just tried the tweeter route myself, with an installation last weekend and you're right - not much cop guv.
Will put in the false back/2 speakers/sub/amp ala www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?p=2&f=5&t=11543&h=0, when I have time.
But would also like door speakers - so count me in if you get the idea off the ground.
Cheers
Will put in the false back/2 speakers/sub/amp ala www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?p=2&f=5&t=11543&h=0, when I have time.
But would also like door speakers - so count me in if you get the idea off the ground.
Cheers
I'm interested, depending on what solution & price they come up with.
However I *think* I've found a way of getting mids/tweeters into the doors without changing the appearance of the trim. Hope to be fitting some kit within the next couple of weeks, so if it works I'll post details.
However I *think* I've found a way of getting mids/tweeters into the doors without changing the appearance of the trim. Hope to be fitting some kit within the next couple of weeks, so if it works I'll post details.
Just tried the tweeter route myself, with an installation last weekend and you're right - not much cop guv.
Will put in the false back/2 speakers/sub/amp ala www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?p=2&f=5&t=11543&h=0, when I have time.
But would also like door speakers - so count me in if you get the idea off the ground.
Cheers
Will put in the false back/2 speakers/sub/amp ala www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?p=2&f=5&t=11543&h=0, when I have time.
But would also like door speakers - so count me in if you get the idea off the ground.
Cheers
plotloss said:
Its not all that tricky to do yourself.
To make something that does the job, yes I agree.
To make something that does the job & is also in keeping with the rest of the door trim styling, no I don't. I've spent ages trying to come up with an idea that doesn't ruin look of the interior - not an easy task.
Leadfoot said:
I'm interested, depending on what solution & price they come up with.
However I *think* I've found a way of getting mids/tweeters into the doors without changing the appearance of the trim. Hope to be fitting some kit within the next couple of weeks, so if it works I'll post details.
post details now!! please... if you've got some ideas pipe up. I can at least bring them up with audioscape tonight.
what size speakers are you thinking of ?
I was thinking 4x6 or 5x7s or a 6.5 and these are way way to deep to fit in the door without an enclosure (unless you want em driving into your seat, fitted in the existing bottom trim).
For these fitted near top front of door, I was figuring that they needed to be pretty much sitting on the skin of the door as I doubt there is much space between skin and window at the top. So they would be a pod maybe 7-8cm out from door skin or summit....
stu
I'm currently fitting new speakers in my car and have found it very difficult (read expensive) just to have someone cut the wood for me to make a box.
I've fitted tweeters on the front parcel shelf, mids where the old speakers were close to the seat head rests, and then a 10 sided pyramid for the woofers which will sit directly behind the rear screen air vent.
It's this pyramid that I'm just trying to have the wood cut for. The only place in London I found that would cut the wood wanted £280 to do so. Before anyone asks, it's only MDF!
I'd much prefer 18mm MDF for the speakers than fibreglass due to the resonance properties of the different materials.
I've fitted tweeters on the front parcel shelf, mids where the old speakers were close to the seat head rests, and then a 10 sided pyramid for the woofers which will sit directly behind the rear screen air vent.
It's this pyramid that I'm just trying to have the wood cut for. The only place in London I found that would cut the wood wanted £280 to do so. Before anyone asks, it's only MDF!
I'd much prefer 18mm MDF for the speakers than fibreglass due to the resonance properties of the different materials.
ec1 eex said:
I've fitted tweeters on the front parcel shelf, mids where the old speakers were close to the seat head rests, and then a 10 sided pyramid for the woofers which will sit directly behind the rear screen air vent.
I'd much prefer 18mm MDF for the speakers than fibreglass due to the resonance properties of the different materials.
sub.. I was gonna go for either a small active thing like a panasonic or blaupunk thing that can go behind passenger seat, or more likely something like an active infinity basslink. In 'clear' this looks suitably silvery and space age and will go with my interior. I was gonna mount it in the same place you are mounting yours. I am going to have this pass as much bass as possible (not just sub) to take on the duties usually done by bigger front speakers.
Since the offside 4" pillar speaker is about 3" from my ear when I'm driving I still wouldn't fancy doing any sort of fit in that location... but that could be just my driving position (kind of like to lie down driving....).
As for the materials.. the back is still gonna have fibreglass thanks to the door being made of it. And it's what audioscape use exclusively (they pack it or summit.. have a look at their website). As experts in their field, I reckon they'd be no problems with resonance there.
stu
Actually found a thread with a pic of a box already made up for the rear shelf. And I think it looks good:
www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?t=93232&f=5&h=0&hw=pioneer
Anyone ever follow up with 'Colin' for the hows and wheres of that one? Powerlord - saw you in the thread - what did you think of that box..?
www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?t=93232&f=5&h=0&hw=pioneer
Anyone ever follow up with 'Colin' for the hows and wheres of that one? Powerlord - saw you in the thread - what did you think of that box..?
Right results.
they can do it, at a cost of about 300 quid a pair.
Fitting will not be easy.. they estimate a day @ 200+ quid. Plus 2-300 for a sub fitted into parcel shelf, etc.
so feck that..it's a tuscan. most of time I am listening to engine (do check it's not about to blow up......) so just want summit listenable.
I have taken an alternative route... it's a personal thing and some folk will probably not like it, but I've been doing this sort of stuff for the past 15 years so I know what I like.
so... here's what I am doing (stuff is all ordered):
Where the pillar 4" speakers are I have ordered a set of infinity 5000cs component 5 1/4in speakers. I reckon I can just about fit them in there with some enlarging of the hole. I am not going to fit the tweeters, just the crossover and main speaker.
In the front I have a pair of PC speakers... from a hercules 5.1 PC speaker system. shitey little speakers but nice little 4" cabinets... so I have ordered a set of Infinity-KAPPA 32.5cf 3 1/2 inch speakers. These will replace the crappy paper speaker in thse enclosures and fit like a glove into the front parcel shelf and are near invislble. They are 2 way full range speakers.
This combination with provide full range sound with directional sound coming from the 3 1/2 speakers and some punchy midrange and bass coming from the pillar speakers.
Finally I have ordered two blaupunkt cms 265s:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2485494796
one will fit behind each seat. One will be tuned to 120hz cross over and will fill in the bass (driver side). The other will be tuned to 60hz and will fill in the sub (passenger side as less directional).
Altogether I reckon this will give me a powerful sound that I can enjoy, without breaking the bank (less that 500 quid total including the head unit).
I will take pictures of the install in case it's useful for someone else. Like a lot of this stuff though, it's a very individual thing, and what I find as acceptable musical definition may not be what someone else does.
stu
they can do it, at a cost of about 300 quid a pair.
Fitting will not be easy.. they estimate a day @ 200+ quid. Plus 2-300 for a sub fitted into parcel shelf, etc.
so feck that..it's a tuscan. most of time I am listening to engine (do check it's not about to blow up......) so just want summit listenable.
I have taken an alternative route... it's a personal thing and some folk will probably not like it, but I've been doing this sort of stuff for the past 15 years so I know what I like.
so... here's what I am doing (stuff is all ordered):
Where the pillar 4" speakers are I have ordered a set of infinity 5000cs component 5 1/4in speakers. I reckon I can just about fit them in there with some enlarging of the hole. I am not going to fit the tweeters, just the crossover and main speaker.
In the front I have a pair of PC speakers... from a hercules 5.1 PC speaker system. shitey little speakers but nice little 4" cabinets... so I have ordered a set of Infinity-KAPPA 32.5cf 3 1/2 inch speakers. These will replace the crappy paper speaker in thse enclosures and fit like a glove into the front parcel shelf and are near invislble. They are 2 way full range speakers.
This combination with provide full range sound with directional sound coming from the 3 1/2 speakers and some punchy midrange and bass coming from the pillar speakers.
Finally I have ordered two blaupunkt cms 265s:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2485494796
one will fit behind each seat. One will be tuned to 120hz cross over and will fill in the bass (driver side). The other will be tuned to 60hz and will fill in the sub (passenger side as less directional).
Altogether I reckon this will give me a powerful sound that I can enjoy, without breaking the bank (less that 500 quid total including the head unit).
I will take pictures of the install in case it's useful for someone else. Like a lot of this stuff though, it's a very individual thing, and what I find as acceptable musical definition may not be what someone else does.
stu
swisscheesegrate said:
Actually found a thread with a pic of a box already made up for the rear shelf. And I think it looks good:
www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?t=93232&f=5&h=0&hw=pioneer
Anyone ever follow up with 'Colin' for the hows and wheres of that one? Powerlord - saw you in the thread - what did you think of that box..?
The box in mine is just made up from MDF covered in
a thin layer of foam and then covered in portland hide.
The speaker's are small but the huge magnets on the
Focal speaker's give a great deal of bass(360watt amp in boot) Most good audio install shops should be able
to knock something similar up and they wont need your
car till it's time to bolt the finished unit in.
Col.
As an update, I spent all weekend removing seats, pulling carpet up, etc.
Still in the middle of it.
Ended up deciding I couldn't fit 5 1/4s in pillars, so cut holes in rear shelf wall and fitted them there (very snug fit at back because of petrol tank, but they fit and look excellent)
There is something unnerving about cutting chunks of fibreglass out a 50k sportscar
especially when the carpet caught fire at one point.
The little speaker cabinets I was gonna fit the fronts in were too small too, so I had to make my own front speaker cabinets (from a malt whiskey bottle case, and wooden end bungs amongst other stuff).
Speakers sounded terrible powered by head unit and made me start thinking 'oh my god what have I done' but I powered them with the home hifi in the garage (loads more power) and they sounds awesome.. even the wee 3 1/2 speakers are good (infiniti kappas with external seperate crossover). Once I fitted them in their custom build cases and made the enclosure air tight you get a fair bit of bass out them too.
Tight fitting getting the driver side one under the dash, and had to force off the front shelf round the aluminium frame, but I got there in the end.
So, gonna need to fit a 4 channel amp in boot to power the speakers. I'll do all the wiring for that tonight. And one is on it's way courtesy of ebay.
The little subs I got are total pants. I'm reserving judgement till tonight as I have only powered them up on the bench so far with a spare battery.. but there they sounded hellish.. so sub is still a problem. May have to either fit one on rear shelf behind seats or fit one in boot.
I've been taking pictures, etc so once it's all finished I'll stick a thread up with the details in case anyone else wants to have a crack at it.
stu
Still in the middle of it.
Ended up deciding I couldn't fit 5 1/4s in pillars, so cut holes in rear shelf wall and fitted them there (very snug fit at back because of petrol tank, but they fit and look excellent)
There is something unnerving about cutting chunks of fibreglass out a 50k sportscar
especially when the carpet caught fire at one point.
The little speaker cabinets I was gonna fit the fronts in were too small too, so I had to make my own front speaker cabinets (from a malt whiskey bottle case, and wooden end bungs amongst other stuff).
Speakers sounded terrible powered by head unit and made me start thinking 'oh my god what have I done' but I powered them with the home hifi in the garage (loads more power) and they sounds awesome.. even the wee 3 1/2 speakers are good (infiniti kappas with external seperate crossover). Once I fitted them in their custom build cases and made the enclosure air tight you get a fair bit of bass out them too.
Tight fitting getting the driver side one under the dash, and had to force off the front shelf round the aluminium frame, but I got there in the end.
So, gonna need to fit a 4 channel amp in boot to power the speakers. I'll do all the wiring for that tonight. And one is on it's way courtesy of ebay.
The little subs I got are total pants. I'm reserving judgement till tonight as I have only powered them up on the bench so far with a spare battery.. but there they sounded hellish.. so sub is still a problem. May have to either fit one on rear shelf behind seats or fit one in boot.
I've been taking pictures, etc so once it's all finished I'll stick a thread up with the details in case anyone else wants to have a crack at it.
stu
whew.
it's finished. a weekend and 5 evenings. estimate 40 hours.
Results sound fecking amazing... i was thinking back and that's the 12th stereo install I've done in a car, and definately the most difficult.
But the results sound.. well.. how can i put this...
absolutely AWESOME !!!
I've spend a total of about 600 quid:
220 head unit
110 speakers
130 subwoofers
130 amp
It is without doubt the best sounding setup I've done so far... and I'm surprised.. i was fully expecting it to sound 'ok'.. but nowt better.
I'll stick the piccies up for anyone that wants to have a go.
Main differences from other installs I've read about here:
1) not just rear speakers. I wanted a balance between rear and front,, to feel IN the music.. hence my front speakers
2) subs.. none of your custom sh*te costing 100s of quid.. just a couple of blaupunkt things at 50 quid each.
3) component rears.. not 6x9s. 5 1/4s let me sit them further out for stereo image. Top of range infinitis pack a mighty punch
4) amp in boot. A doddle to fit. sony is about the most powerful headunit you can get. I was counting on it powering the speakers. I was dreaming. No headunit can do jsutice to good speakers. Got a JBL 75.4 and it puches soooo much power through the speakers. even without the sub it sounds fecking awesome. with the subs on its jsut ...ooooo... amp has variable crossovers on each channel and that enables me to touch down the bass a little on the front, touch it up on the back, etc, etc.
And the BBE MP on the sony makes MP3s sound soooo much better.
Seriously.. I know... engine sounds great...and driving hard round the twisties I like nothing better, but for longer journeys...through towns, etc... this is the best 600 quid I've spend in ages.
I think the thing I've found most amazing is the amount of sub bass/bass I can get out of it... I'b a bit of a bass junky..not arsehole thump thump thump.. I'm a ned bass, but nice punching bass like I get with the home setup. I really though I'd be lucky to get anything decent in the tuscan... but hell, I've had to turn the bass down! I think me ears are bleeding.
stu
it's finished. a weekend and 5 evenings. estimate 40 hours.
Results sound fecking amazing... i was thinking back and that's the 12th stereo install I've done in a car, and definately the most difficult.
But the results sound.. well.. how can i put this...
absolutely AWESOME !!!
I've spend a total of about 600 quid:
220 head unit
110 speakers
130 subwoofers
130 amp
It is without doubt the best sounding setup I've done so far... and I'm surprised.. i was fully expecting it to sound 'ok'.. but nowt better.
I'll stick the piccies up for anyone that wants to have a go.
Main differences from other installs I've read about here:
1) not just rear speakers. I wanted a balance between rear and front,, to feel IN the music.. hence my front speakers
2) subs.. none of your custom sh*te costing 100s of quid.. just a couple of blaupunkt things at 50 quid each.
3) component rears.. not 6x9s. 5 1/4s let me sit them further out for stereo image. Top of range infinitis pack a mighty punch
4) amp in boot. A doddle to fit. sony is about the most powerful headunit you can get. I was counting on it powering the speakers. I was dreaming. No headunit can do jsutice to good speakers. Got a JBL 75.4 and it puches soooo much power through the speakers. even without the sub it sounds fecking awesome. with the subs on its jsut ...ooooo... amp has variable crossovers on each channel and that enables me to touch down the bass a little on the front, touch it up on the back, etc, etc.
And the BBE MP on the sony makes MP3s sound soooo much better.
Seriously.. I know... engine sounds great...and driving hard round the twisties I like nothing better, but for longer journeys...through towns, etc... this is the best 600 quid I've spend in ages.
I think the thing I've found most amazing is the amount of sub bass/bass I can get out of it... I'b a bit of a bass junky..not arsehole thump thump thump.. I'm a ned bass, but nice punching bass like I get with the home setup. I really though I'd be lucky to get anything decent in the tuscan... but hell, I've had to turn the bass down! I think me ears are bleeding.
stu
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