SQ audio build \ lessons learned

15909 Views 95 Replies 4 Participants Last post by Nightmistx22, Aug 23, 2017

Nightmistx22

Discussion Starter · Apr 12, 2017 (Edited)

After reading through all the posts for the SQ how to and v2, I am looking at doing a similar build in my 2012 cruze.

First I would like to thank XtremeRevolution for putting those threads together. I feel like I have learned more about audio reproduction in the past week than I have in the past 20 years.

The point of this thread is two fold. First to discuss my build plan and get tips and suggestions while being on a fairly tight budget. Second to get and document any lessons learned from those that have installed a similar build in their cars.

My Build plan:

Tweeters: Vifa ( now peerless )

Woofers: Silver Flute

Sub: JBL P1022 (because I already own it)

Amps:
JBL GT5-A604 60Wx4 @4ohm (own)
Power Acoustik BAMF2000/1d 600Wx1 @4ohm (own)

miniDSP

Deadening:
CLD,CCF,MLV from sounddeadeningshowdown

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21 - 40 of 96 Posts

Nightmistx22

Discussion Starter · #21 · Apr 17, 2017

2

XR,

Planning out this build I will have a little extra money I feel would be best served putting my sub in a better box. It currently sits in a .7 cu/ft custom fiberglass box for the RX8 I used to own. If you could, please model out a box so I could get the best Sq out of my JBL P1022.

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Nightmistx22

Discussion Starter · #22 · Apr 19, 2017

Just ordered the miniDSP 2x4 and downloaded the 2way advanced software for it. It's a pretty intuitive piece of software.

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Nightmistx22

Discussion Starter · #23 · Apr 20, 2017

2

Sweet. Just got my Vifa (Peerless) tweeters in today. Looks like I might need to cut away some material from the front to get them in the stock tweeter location. Is that what everyone else did that installed these tweeters?

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XtremeRevolution

· #24 · Apr 20, 2017

Nightmistx22 said:
Sweet. Just got my Vifa (Peerless) tweeters in today. Looks like I might need to cut away some material from the front to get them in the stock tweeter location. Is that what everyone else did that installed these tweeters?

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Yep, just file away that faceplate till it fits just right. Shouldn't take too long at all. Depth won't be an issue.

Sent from my STV100-1 using Tapatalk

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Nightmistx22

Discussion Starter · #25 · Apr 20, 2017

Anyone have an idea if and where the stock radio starts to clip? With the stock speakers in I usually keep it below 30. 22-25 is my norm. Loud enough to put life back into the sound but not loud enough to hurt my ears.

Nightmistx22

Discussion Starter · #26 · Apr 24, 2017

Just got my miniDSP in today. It's smaller than I expected. Just need to order my sound deadening and wait for those 6.5" Silver Flutes to come back in stock then I can get this build underway.

In other news I decided I want to give a shot at some DIY home speakers... I'm thinking the Orient Express.

XtremeRevolution

· #27 · Apr 25, 2017

Nightmistx22 said:
Just got my miniDSP in today. It's smaller than I expected. Just need to order my sound deadening and wait for those 6.5" Silver Flutes to come back in stock then I can get this build underway.

In other news I decided I want to give a shot at some DIY home speakers... I'm thinking the Orient Express.

I've built Paul's Overnight Sensations MTM. Great speaker, I use them for blasting music in the garage and my wife complains of how loud it is...in the living room. I don't think you can go wrong with any of Paul's designs.

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Nightmistx22

Discussion Starter · #28 · Apr 25, 2017

I'm debating between the OS MTM or the OE... I'm leaning towards the OE because 1) I am really liking those darn silver flutes. 2) my onkyo HTIAB is only 8ohm stable.

Really want to build me a pair of those Statement Monitors but I feel I should get my feet wet with something like the OS MTM or OE first.

XtremeRevolution

· #29 · Apr 25, 2017

Nightmistx22 said:
I'm debating between the OS MTM or the OE... I'm leaning towards the OE because 1) I am really liking those darn silver flutes. 2) my onkyo HTIAB is only 8ohm stable.

Really want to build me a pair of those Statement Monitors but I feel I should get my feet wet with something like the OS MTM or OE first.

Yeah, the statement monitors are not a beginner's design, nor are they cheap to build. I regret that I have them stored under the desk in my home office. With a 3.5 and a 1.5 year old running around, I couldn't risk them sticking something through the tweeter and having to blow $250 on a new pair (they only sell them in pairs). Not kid friendly speakers, at least not until I get some covers on the front.

For home use, I REALLY like the TangBand W5-704D. It is one of the smoothest drivers I've ever heard. I designed a pair of TMs with it, using another Vifa tweeter with a large faceplate. They're incredibly smooth overall with very low listening fatigue.

Nightmistx22

Discussion Starter · #30 · Apr 25, 2017

XtremeRevolution said:
Yeah, the statement monitors are not a beginner's design, nor are they cheap to build. I regret that I have them stored under the desk in my home office. With a 3.5 and a 1.5 year old running around, I couldn't risk them sticking something through the tweeter and having to blow $250 on a new pair (they only sell them in pairs). Not kid friendly speakers, at least not until I get some covers on the front.

For home use, I REALLY like the TangBand W5-704D. It is one of the smoothest drivers I've ever heard. I designed a pair of TMs with it, using another Vifa tweeter with a large faceplate. They're incredibly smooth overall with very low listening fatigue.

Hmmm.. going to need to look up that TB driver.
I have a 5, 3 year and 7 month old to deal with. They already pushed in the domes on the tweeters of my onkyo 2way speakers.

I keep going back and forth on the OS and OE... I was thinking on possibly using the Vifa BC25SC in place of the AC25SG that is discontinued. But to do it properly I would need to invest in something like the umik-1 so I could work up a new crossover for that tweeter.

Think I'll just get an OS MTM kit for my first go.

XtremeRevolution

· #31 · Apr 25, 2017

Let me know if you want to build the ones I designed and I can get you the schematics. The TB driver is great as the dome isn't easy to push in.

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Nightmistx22

Discussion Starter · #32 · Apr 26, 2017

Sure, I'll look them over. Not sure when I will be able to get around to building any of these DIY speakers...

What program do you use to model out a sub box? I remember seeing it another thread but I cant't seem to remember where.

JerryGash

· #33 · May 9, 2017

Nightmist,

It sounds like we are pretty much working on the same project. I am trying to keep costs down though so I may end up using a few components I already own instead of buying new. My wife is pretty happy with her new car. She wants a better sounding stereo but if I go nuts with the budget all that happiness will surely turn into rage. LOL

I just ordered the miniDSP stuff and the VIFA tweeters a few minutes ago. Hopefully those Silver Flutes come in stock when they say they are.

Good luck with your build!

Nightmistx22

Discussion Starter · #34 · May 9, 2017

JerryGash said:
Nightmist,

It sounds like we are pretty much working on the same project. I am trying to keep costs down though so I may end up using a few components I already own instead of buying new. My wife is pretty happy with her new car. She wants a better sounding stereo but if I go nuts with the budget all that happiness will surely turn into rage. LOL

I just ordered the miniDSP stuff and the VIFA tweeters a few minutes ago. Hopefully those Silver Flutes come in stock when they say they are.

Good luck with your build!

Jerry,

Glad to hear your on a similar mission. I think this setup will sound awesome once complete. Good things come to those who wait... or so I'm told.

I just sent the SDS crew an email to see how much material for sound deadening they recommend. I plan on doing just the front doors with CCF and MLV and sticking CLD tiles throughout the doors and trunk to keep costs down. As soon as I get a reply I'll post it here.

Most of my "savings" with this build is from reusing my amps and sub from my previous setup. So far I have spent about $150 on this build and should come in around $400 when all said and done.

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JerryGash

· #35 · May 9, 2017

Nightmistx22 said:
Jerry,

Glad to hear your on a similar mission. I think this setup will sound awesome once complete. Good things come to those who wait... or so I'm told.

I just sent the SDS crew an email to see how much material for sound deadening they recommend. I plan on doing just the front doors with CCF and MLV and sticking CLD tiles throughout the doors and trunk to keep costs down. As soon as I get a reply I'll post it here.

Most of my "savings" with this build is from reusing my amps and sub from my previous setup. So far I have spent about $150 on this build and should come in around $400 when all said and done.

Definitely let me know, that's exactly what I was wanting to do.

What are your plans for speaker ring adapters? I know I've seen XR mention maybe busting a few sets out but if not are there any alternatives?

I don't own a router but I have a friend who has a pretty slick woodworking shop that has a pretty sweet router table setup. If I had the dimensions I'll bet I could get a few pumped out with some trial and error.

Sent from my SM-G900R4 using Tapatalk

Nightmistx22

Discussion Starter · #36 · May 9, 2017

Jerry,

I was hoping to get a set from XR if he is making them. The only alternatives I am currently aware of are some crappy plastic ones by metra or scosche.

Just got an email from Don at SDS. Here is what he is recommending.

37 CLD Tiles™ @ 2.25 = $83.25
1 roll Extruded Butyl Rope @ 9.75 = 9.75
35 linear inches MLV @ .93 = 32.55
2 sheets 1/8" CCF @ 16.35 = 32.70
5 Velcro Strips, adhesive 2 sides @ 1.63 = 8.15
1 8 oz can HH-66 Vinyl Contact Cement @ 9.50 = 9.50

Sub Total: $175.90

XR,

Please let us know if you would make us some baffles or if not post a schematic of them so we could make them(or have them made).

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XtremeRevolution

· #37 · May 9, 2017

I'll be able to make a batch toward the end of this month or early next.

Sent from my STV100-1 using Tapatalk

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JerryGash

· #38 · May 9, 2017

XtremeRevolution said:
I'll be able to make a batch toward the end of this month or early next.

Sent from my STV100-1 using Tapatalk

Your the man! Definitely interested in a set!

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JerryGash

· #39 · May 9, 2017

Nightmistx22 said:
Jerry,

I was hoping to get a set from XR if he is making them. The only alternatives I am currently aware of are some crappy plastic ones by metra or scosche.

Just got an email from Don at SDS. Here is what he is recommending.

37 CLD Tiles™ @ 2.25 = $83.25
1 roll Extruded Butyl Rope @ 9.75 = 9.75
35 linear inches MLV @ .93 = 32.55
2 sheets 1/8" CCF @ 16.35 = 32.70
5 Velcro Strips, adhesive 2 sides @ 1.63 = 8.15
1 8 oz can HH-66 Vinyl Contact Cement @ 9.50 = 9.50

Sub Total: $175.90

XR,

Please let us know if you would make us some baffles or if not post a schematic of them so we could make them(or have them made).

That's not so bad. I've never messed with sound deadening or dampening before but after I did the last install in my Jeep Grand Cherokee I quickly realized I completely dropped the ball by not doing it. Between all the rattling and road noise adding aftermarket speakers turned out to be a complete waste of money and effort.

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Nightmistx22

Discussion Starter · #40 · May 9, 2017

I have never used any sound deadening/ vibration dampening before either, and for me it's the most expensive part of my build. But from what I have read it is well worth the investment.

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