japjoe7 audio build thread

I will be building out my audio over a span of time due to the cost of some of these components. I prefer to go a little above grade with quality and performance. I will start this post with my very first upgrade to get things going and add subsequent components and installs as they happen.

'21 DC 8" NON-JBL

Build out:
Pioneer DMH-WC6600NEX
iDatalink MAESTRO ADS-MRR & HRN-RR-TO3
Focal PS 165 FXE Flax EVO (Front)
Focal PC 165FE Flax EVO 2-way (rear)
Helix M Six DSP
Helix M One X
Topping D10 Balanced USB DAC
MTX 10” Blue Thunder Legend Series, JL Audio 10TW3-D4(In 2ohm config.)
Custom sealed box
Custom tune
Metra 82-8147 (Front), Metra 82-8147 (rear)
Stinger RKFR6 fast rings kit (will replace later with closed cell foam)
SoundSkins ring kit
Low-Density PVC Foam Tape, 1/8"x1/2"
Siless Liner 157 mil (4mm) sound deadening
Siless Black 80 mil (2mm) sound deadening
Noico 80 mil (2 mm) sound deadening

Current mid replacement for tweeters, Crutchfield Cheap temp upgrade to get rid of these terrible stock tweeters.

 

04/07/2022
Focal PS 165 FXE Flax EVO, eBay Yes, eBay. I did some digging on this seller and they seem to be authentic down to there location. Fingers crossed. I'm hoping to use the tweeters in dash since they are using an inverted dome for better off axis listening. I'll move them to the sails if I need to.

 

Following

 

i've gone through a number of variations in my brz, which has the same tweeter location.

tweeter off-axis performance doesn't really matter much, as the tweeter is really just using the windshield for an acoustic reflector. the reflections will make a bad tweeter worse though.

if you've got the willingness to mount in the sail panel or a-pillar, it's a much better-sounding option to not need to deal with the windshield reflections.

personally, i deal with it because i prefer a more concealed install.

 

Thanks for the input. I’ll most likely put the tweeter temp in the stock location and see how it sounds then mock something up on the sail panel and see how that sounds. If I end up going with the sail panels I’ll buy a few sets of them and create a custom panel like some have done. I’m pretty handy so it should be pretty easy to make.

 

Looking forward to watching this build work out! Love you selection of equipment.

 

I'm interested to hear how you like those. I wonder how they compare to the Subaru Kicker tweeters being that they're half the cost.

 

I like them, much better than stock with a smidge of mid base you won't hear in the Kicker tweeters. I'll be taking them out this week to try the Focal's in this location.

 

Quality on these speakers are amazing! Speakers are authentic, seller is an authorized seller. I checked the serial with Focal and registered the warranty. Warranty probable will be void though seeing that they were purchase from Poland. Warranty applies to the county they were purchased in. Apparently I like riding that fine line of $ vs function.

 

Now I'm in the process of deciding if I want to go with a Helix M Six DSP and Helix M One or the AudioControl LC-5.1300. The Helix DSP is far superior to the AudioControl. The AudioControl will have a 5 year warranty but the Helix will not have a warranty. Also, the Helix set will be cheaper than the AudioControl.

 

Ooo Focal!

What did you think of the kicker 2 3/4 mid/tweeters for the brief time you had them?

Also, any fitment issues with PC165FE in the rear doors? Crutchfield says they don't fit.

 

Kicker mids are nice, not harsh like a tweeter can be.

The PC165FE do fit with the Metra adapter no problem. They will not fit without the adapter.

 

crutchfield are pessimists.

 

Started sound deadening interior doors.

 

Looking good bro. Looking really familiar. Lol. That will make a huge difference by itself.

 

I hope so, EVERYTHING I read says this is the most important thing to do. I'm going full ham on it doing the inner, outer, speaker adapter, and door panel. I've got butyl, closed cell foam, closed cell egg crate, and foam tape to use. I'm not fucking around.

 

Yeah. You don’t have to go full baked potato. You can do the outer shell and add some to the inner door panel itself too. That’s the part I have to do next is add some to the inner panel. I wouldn’t cover the window access areas just incase it needs to be serviced. But any large areas should do

 

Nice, good point!

 

Also, got some more stuff in. Adapters, wire, transfer film, butyl, closed cell foam, foam strips. More still coming.

 

Left driver door butyl done. Gotta say it’s a pita. Wires wrapped in foam strips. Also added some to the door panel along with some tesa tape and foam strips. Haven’t decided yet if I’m going to add the closed cell foam. Door seems to deadened enough as it is right now.


Decided to install one of the speakers temporarily to get a feel for it with the stock system. Sounds like ass of course. Helix M Six DSP has been ordered so it’ll sound better soon.

Got some more stuff in the mail. Speed wire, braided sleeve, speaker t-harness.

Oh and ordered some SoundSkin ring kit too.