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Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
OK, since the Kia is gone, I guess I'll start a build thread for the new car.
I'm not planning to use any of the old equipment in the new car.
Here's the current (evolving) plan...but I haven't bought anything yet.
Head Unit
Pioneer AVIC-4100NEX
PAC Audio SWI-RC for steering wheel controls.
May use an Arduino to integrate the knob in the center console.
If I don't use the SWI-RC, I will probably do an iDatalink Maestro RR
Axxess Interfaces AX-MAZCAM-6V to retain the factory backup camera
Microbypass Parking brake interface
Axxess Interfaces AX-USB-35-EXT USB/Aux plate (there is an issue with retaining the factory port in the center console)
Metra 95-7522B Dash kit
Front Stage
Illusion Audio C3CX 3" point source coaxes, likely on the a-pillar
Illusion Audio C8W 8" shallow midbass in the door. Not cutting the car up this time, or giving up my foot room. Besides, there's a fuse box in the
kick panel.
Subwoofer(s)
Acoustic Elegance IB12AU's (I have a 14 cu ft trunk, and the numbers say 2 of these give me a system Q of .702)
Signal Processing
Undecided, but leaning toward:
Mosconi 4to6 or 6to8v8
Mosconi RC Mini (so I can use an Arduino to interface my volume controls with the processor)
Power/Ground Distribution/Wire
I saved my Streetwires Distro block and ground block from the Rio.
Will probably pick up a 200A breaker for up by the battery.
Power/speaker wire will likely be from Knu Koncepts again. Second choice is Tspec (which I can get locally).
Probably going to run 14ga to all the speakers, and 12 or 10 to the subs.
There may or may not be some Techflex involved. lol
Amplification
Currently thinking about either (2) Alpine PDX-V9's, or a PDX-F4, and F6 and an M12.
I'm leaning toward these because I might build an amp rack that hangs from the rear deck and I could hide all the wires, and the controls would all face out for easy accessibilty.
This car ACTUALLY came with a spare tire, and I want to leave it in there, if I go with my second choice amps (2 Arc Audio KS300.4's and a KS1200.1) or 3rd choice (Mosconi) I'd have to put them down there.
Sound Control/NVH
Mainly Soundskins deadener and speaker rings (although FAST rings might make an appearance if Soundskins doesn't have an 8" ring)
MLV (at least in the front doors.)
RCA's
Probably Stinger 6000 series.
That's my current plan. I'm sure it will change some before I start tearing the car apart.
The Victim:
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/c...psqvw932kx.jpg
2015 Mazda 6i Touring, in Snowflake white pearl. Black Leather(ette) interior.
19" wheels, manually shiftable automatic transmission (no paddles), dual zone A/C, rear seat heat/A/C vents, push button start, etc.
It will be getting tinted with Panaflex heat rejection window film.
The current HU has HD Radio, USB, Aux, Pandora control, Bluetooth and hands free. And the implementation of just about all of it is horrible.
Since I don't have Bose, the radio doesn't control any of the car's options, so changing it won't present a problem.
However, cars with the Bose option have a 9" woofer in the door. And I've seen TheJesus' build thread on DIYMA and Mazda6club's forum, and he got Hybrid L8's in his, so the C8's should be easy. Haha.
Rear speakers will remain off the radio power, so that I can fade them off or on when there are rear passengers.
That's what I'm thinking anyway...lol
Jay
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
OK, not sure if anyone else is going to see this, but I'll see.
I'm looking for a small rectangular USB/3.5mm aux panel AND a MATCHING dual USB panel.
I can find round ones, or a rectangular of one, but not the other.
Any suggestions?
My coworker is probably going to sell me his 4100NEX since he won't be using it in his new (to him) Grand Cherokee.
Jay
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
OK. I found out that Metra makes a piece that snaps into Ford factory knockouts that gives me 2 USB ports, an HDMI port and an 1/8" aux port.
It's called an AX-FDUSBAUX. I ordered on on Amazon so I could return it if it won't work, and it arrived yesterday. (Yay, Amazon Prime) and it looks like if I open the hole up in the car, I can put it right where the factory USB/aux port is.
Second, I bought the 4100NEX from said co-worker. Needs a little cleanup, but it came with a Microbypass, so I don't have to source that, at least.
Third, I may have a problem:
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/c...psvswahhfq.jpg
I'm listing a bunch of my gear for sale to help fund the new build. My C10XL, my BitOne.1, some budget Kenwood components (that if they don't sell will end up in my GF's Jeep, or in the garage), and all of my old school sony amps. I'm putting ads up in DIYMA's classified section, but if anyone's interested PM me.
Jay
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
Looks like I'm in the market for a new processor...my BitOne sold in less than 24hrs.
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
The Helix DSP.2 seems to be the new forum boner. I work for an Arc Audio dealer, and can get a PS8 reasonably priced. The last time I'd seen the software was in Andy's GTI like 3 years ago, and it's come along way. I had been leaning toward a Mosconi 6to8v8 (because it gave me features I wanted and I've used the software, as well as the expandability), but I'm not sure.
I guess I'll go back through and see what Erin's using nowadays. lol
Jay
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Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
JayinMI
I guess I'll go back through and see what Erin's using nowadays. lol
Jay
Helix Pro-2 I think. :)
The DSP.2 should be good to go.
Often wondered about those Mosconi units though.
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
I like the Mosconi 4to6 and 6to8...but the software is a little clunky. For example (and the hardest thing for most people to understand) is that in order to get 24 (or 36 or 48dB/oct slope) you have to do multiple 12dB/oct slopes at the same frequency. It's not a GUI, it's more DOS-like. lol. I like how you can plug in modules to add BT streaming in HD, BT sync with your PC for tuning with no cables, etc, but it looks like Helix is doing that now as well. I work for a Focal dealer, and Focal/Mosconi/Gladen/Illusion all kind of fall under the same umbrella (Orca) I can get their stuff cheaper than stuff we don't sell, and since my former employer killed the car audio section, I don't know of a Helix dealer that will give me anything close to dealer pricing. AaMoF, I don't know of any other Helix dealers in my area.
From the looks of it, the DSP.2 would do everything *I* need.
The PS-8 left a bad taste in my mouth, after it took so long to actually come out, the commander was YEARS in actually showing up, the software was rather like the Mosconi software (more type in values, than GUI) and there were noise issues early on. But I got to do one the other day and use the newest software and was rather surprised to find it extremely flexible.
I think I'm between the 6to8v8, the DSP.2 and the PS-8. More research to come.
Jay
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
Well, I'd like to help make that decision easy if I can. Buy the Helix. Nothing else can touch it.
However, if you're interested the JL twk88 is a really nice unit as well.
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
I don't need the extra outputs of the Pro, so I'd be looking at the DSP.2...Thanks for the input.
Hope I can find a deal...it's hard to work in the industry and pay normal pricing. lol
Jay
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
A friend of mine has a little "out-of-his-garage" deal going and he said he would check on pricing on the Helix for me. He also offered to sign up with Soundskins...
But I am going to look at Focal's deadener too, since the shop I work at is already a Focal dealer. No point having his little venture have to sign up for something just for me. lol
Jay
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
Check to see what you get the Gladen Aerospace DSP for. I don't know much about it right now but I do know it looks pretty promising as far as specs go. If you guys are dealers for Focal/Mosconi then I imagine you can get a pretty good deal on the Gladen piece, even though I imagine it's not going to be cheaper than the Helix DSP.2.
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
Looking forward to seeing this.
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
Well, after running a tablet in my last car for a few years, I decided it really wasn't worth it. Especially after I put a Pioneer 4200NEX in my GF's Jeep.
My tablet runs on Android 4.4, and in order to run Android Auto you need at least 5.0. When it got cold, I'd have charging issues that usually required me to remove the tablet from the car and charge it in the house to knock some sense back in to it.
When I recently upgraded to my '15 Mazda 6i Touring, I was quite happy with everything about the car except the audio system. It had a lot of features I wanted (BT hands free, read/send SMS messages, Pandora integration, etc) but they were all integrated very badly. One thing I never liked about having a tablet was that with a Samsung Tablet and Motorola phone, there was no simple way to allow me to make and answer calls from the tablet...so I decided to go with a Pioneer 4100NEX for myself. I picked it up pretty reasonably from a co-worker who also got a new vehicle, and he isn't changing his radio, so he didn't need this anymore. With a firmware update, it's essentially the same as a 4200NEX.
Now, The last few years, my GF and I do some roadtrips...and this radio can do Apple Car Play and Android Auto. You have to use specific USB ports for each, however. I'm really into factory integration...but this car only had one USB and an AUX port in the center console, and there is some issue using any of the few pieces that are supposed to retain the factory USB port. So, I did a little research and found out the Axxess Interfaces (Metra) makes a piece called the AX-FDUSBAUX. It is intended to replace a knockout on Ford vehicles, and gives you 2 separate USB ports, an AUX AND an HDMI. I picked on up on Amazon. I opened up the hole in the center console where the factory ports were, and put this in it's place. Let's start there...
Here's my collection of parts:
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/c...pswjkgyz19.jpg
Factory USB/Aux
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/c...psffha3diy.jpg
Measured, and marked for cutting.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/c...pswpnkzxvw.jpg
Hole cut.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/c...psncpbtgnv.jpg
New panel in place.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/c...psa6ysritl.jpg
Harness Tesa taped, and run along the passenger side of the console.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/c...psn7l4dl47.jpg
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/c...psjq3g62hg.jpg
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/c...pshezl9dhc.jpg
One snafu, tho. I ordered an 18" extension for the HDMI cable, and 3 foot USB extensions...The HDMI came up about 8" short. I don't plan to ever use the feature, but I'll probably order a 3' extension just because.
The reason I wanted to have both USB ports accessible, is because I use an Android phone and she has an iPhone. This way whoever is driving can just plug their phone in and go. She's used to Car Play from her Jeep anyway.
I guess this is the first official "build" post in the thread. lol
Jay
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
The HU came with a Microbypass which lets me avoid having to trigger the parking brake before I can get into certain menus and/or set destinations for Nav, etc.
I picked up the Dash kit, wiring harness and antenna adapter for $20 on eBay, and also got a Metra (Axxess) AX-MAZCAM-6V which allows me to retain the factory camera, and comes with a piece so I can feed it 6V like it wants to see. I also got 2 3' USB extensions, 1 18" HDMI extension and used one of my leftover 3' RCA's for Aux. No idea why the pic in the above post is upside down.
I picked up the PAC SWI-RC from work, even tho it doesn't officially support this car, it works with some others that use the same radio. It's also easier to manually program than the Metra (Axxess) ASWC-1. That might come into play later if I attempt to integrate the i-Drive style knob in the center console.
Anyway, here's the obligitory "Installed" pics of the radio.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/c...psno0mls2k.jpg
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/c...pskeirtq8x.jpg
Get to try it out more tomorrow. The lack of steering wheel controls will suck for now, but at least it came with a wireless remote.
Jay
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
Righteous! Lookin good Jay!
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
Well, the SWI-RC didn't work properly. I think I'm going to return it and pick up a Maestro SW.
Edit: Ordered. lol
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
Jay, do you have a link for that dual usb/hdmi? My reason for wanting that is the same. I have an android and my wife has the iphone. I did a quick search but, couldn't find it. However, I'll search again later. Thanks
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
They also have an AX-GMUSBAUX that is shaped a little differently. Depending on you application, it might fit better.
Also, I saw in one of the reviews someone said it didn't work with CarPlay...I'm going to check it when my GF and I go to breakfast in a
little while, but it worked fine with Android Auto.
https://www.amazon.com/Axxess-AX-GMU...=ax-gmusbaux-3
I love that the seller outright stole the pic from SonicElectronix. lol...also the GM one is available in a -3, and -6 (3' cables and 6' cables, respectively) Something I didn't find with the one I used. I got an 18" HDMI extension and it came up short but fit fine.
https://www.amazon.com/UGREEN-Extens...on+cable&psc=1
Jay
Edit: CarPlay worked, but I had to go into phone settings and switch the USB input back to USB1.
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
Also, something I noticed. The XScorpion wiring harness doesn't have illumination or dimmer wires in it. The 4100NEX screen is quite bright at night.
I looked at the Metra equivalent (70-7903) and it appears to have said wires. So, even tho it was a good price on the package, I probably wouldn't do it again. It would cost a little more to buy the separate pieces, but I think it would be worth it.
Jay
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
So, I've been trying to decide on equipment for the new install...
I'm definitely using Illusion C3CX's, C8's, 90% that I'm going to do 2 AE IB12AU's.
For Amps, I'm considering:
(2) Alpine PDX-V9's
OR
(2) Arc Audio XDI1200.6v2's
OR
(2) Alpine PDX-F6 (4 channels to C3CX's, second bridged to the C8's)
(1) Alpine PDX-M12 (subs)
OR
(2) Arc Audio XDI600.4v2
(1) Arc Audio XDI1100.1v2
OR
Mosconi Gladen One 1000.1
Mosconi Gladen One 250.2
Mosconi Gladen One 130.4
For processing:
Either a
Mosconi 6to8 Aerospace
OR
Mosconi 8to12 Aerospace
Can't decide if the ability to play 24/192 natively is worth the extra money,
since I doubt I could tell the difference...especially while driving. I don't need 12 channels. lol
Any input?
Jay
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
I actually like the idea of the all Mosconi option, just because. I don't think you can make the wrong choice with any equipment you have listed! You are going to have one super sweet system...
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
I agree Mosconi.
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
I'm a big fan of the second Arc combo, but all the listed equipment kicks some serious ass.
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
Someone suggested (2) PDX-V9's and a PDX-M12. Along with the 8to12. He suggested I might need the extra channels for rear fill in the future.
I had planned to experiment with rear fill, but I was going to do a MiniDSP piece that would allow me to do L-R R-L stuff.
Frankly, that setup would be sweet, but it's a little out of my budget. For now.
Jay
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
beak81champ
I actually like the idea of the all Mosconi option, just because.
I thought about doing an AS amp setup, but the amps are big enough that I'd have to lose my spare, and I don't want to do that since the car actually came with one.
I like the layout of the PDX amps because I can use stack kit hardware to suspend them from a welded steel rack suspended from the rear deck, all the controls face out, wiring wouldn't be visible.
The issue that has me leaning away from 2 V9's, is I'm worried getting the subs level matched would be tough, running one on the the sub channel of each amp.
Since there can be a pretty big difference in sub channel power from amp to amp.
But I think it would be a killer setup if I could get around that. I could always pre-plan to add the M12 later. Hmmm....
Now I'm thinking....
Jay
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
JayinMI
..suspend them from a welded steel rack suspended from the rear deck, all the controls face out, wiring wouldn't be visible.
The issue that has me leaning away from 2 V9's, is I'm worried getting the subs level matched would be tough, running one on the the sub channel of each amp.
Since there can be a pretty big difference in sub channel power from amp to amp.
But I think it would be a killer setup if I could get around that. I could always pre-plan to add the M12 later. Hmmm....
Now I'm thinking....
Jay
The rear deck idea is very cool.
I'm running left and right IB off two XD1000/5v2. If I measured output or voltage I might see some differences but you can tune for that.
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
Yeah, I figured I could get it pretty close, and I'd probably give it a shot....
The last setup I posted about (2 V9's and an M12) Richard said I should do:
100W to the tweeters
200W to the mids
500W to the Midbasses
and the M12 on the subs (600 apiece)
and it leaves 2 channels to do rear fill.
I'm NOT building kicks, and 500W on C8s in my doors might result in some noticeable tactile feedback. lol
But I'm seriously considering doing the 8to12 and 2 V9's and leaving room for the M12 later.
Seriously.
Jay
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
So, I installed the Maestro SW a couple of weeks ago. None of the BT buttons worked. Posted up in the Idatatech FB group and most people were like "It should work."
Today, I got in there and did some testing. I wasn't getting anything on the wire that was supposed to be for the BT buttons...unless the car was off.
Long story short, I ended up finding the wire at the steering column, cutting it and running the button side up to the Maestro. I also unplugged the external BT module above the glovebox. Now my BT buttons work, and my car isn't constantly trying to pair with my phone.
Jay
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
Achievement Unlocked:
Amps Purchased! lol
Today I picked up a couple of Alpine PDX-V9's from work.
The plan is to run them actively: (each running one side of the car)
100W to the tweeters in the C3CX's I have yet to buy.
100W to the mids in the C3CX's
200W to the C8-W's
500W to the Sub.
Also, if I decide to, I can run the passive crossovers of the C3CX's and leave two channels open for future rear fill duties...Or I can add a PDX-M12 and reconfigure:
100W to the tweeters
200W to the mids
500W to the C8-W's
600W to each sub
100W to rear fill speakers.
Seems like a pretty flexible setup for now.
Jay
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
Very cool! I really liked the new PDX's. I'd fail a blind test between those and the XDv2's I'm running now, but they were an upgrade over the NVX (same board as PPI Phantom) amps I ran before them in power, fidelity and control.
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
I like the new PDX's. The old ones had some noise floor issues, but the new ones are pretty solid.
They're pretty reliable, 1 pair of channels have a bandpass crossover built in, ad they make decent power.
With two I should be able to keep the gains down and keep noise to a minimum.
I've been told I might have some turn on/off thump, but I haven't noticed that on these in a long time,
so hopefully Alpine addressed that issue.
I had a few other options I was considering, but the layout of wiring on one side and controls on the other, as
well as being reliable and in my price range, were a big factor. I also think I might suspend them from a welded amp rack
anyway, and I think I can use a stack kit to do it.
I also like that they're all the same size, so I can use one to make sure an M12 will fit later, if I want to go that way.
I've been considering some equipment changes because I can get some different stuff from work.
I was considering a PS8 and Focal 3 way Flax components, but I really want 8's and C3CX's.
Jay
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
The C3CX would likely be easier installation as well.
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
So, the other day I ordered my C3CX's, C8s, 8to12 Aerospace, RC Mini and MOS BTM. The authorization has gone through, but I have no idea how long before they get here.
I have about $260 of stuff in my cart at KnuKonceptz, About $300 at Wirecare.com (which will probably grow, since I plan to make my own RCA's now) and I still need to order my subs and deadener.
My previous boss sent me a customer since he no longer does car audio, and he (previous boss) offered the customer his last PDX amp at a smoking deal...but it's a PDX-M12, and this customer needs something like a PDX-V9. But for what he's selling the PDX-M12 for, I might have to scrounge some money up for it. lol
Hey, Babs, how big is your trunk? When I modeled the IB12AU's they came out a little better than the SPB12's, but the SPB's have gotten better real world reviews for IB use. So, I'm curious how close trunk size is between cars. Mine's frigging huge, and with leakage I assume it will act like a bigger encosure as well.
Any chance you could post any frequency response graphs for you system (or just subs if it's a secret, lol) so I have something to compare to?
Jay
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
I have a pair of SBP 12's with the Apollo upgrade in my Accord. 15.8 cubic foot trunk.
John at A.E. recommended the SBP over the IB if the trunk is likely to see reduced airspace from use. He said the SBP will have less of a change in sound compared to the IB. Otherwise the IB would work well he said.
I ultimately choose the SBP Apollo because I found a pair local for sale NIB for $500. Made it a no brainier for me.
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
I don't use my trunk much. And if I do, I'm not going to stress over a small loss of sound. I usually listen to Audiobooks anyway.
Jay
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
Decided to make my own RCA's again. So I ordered 250ft of Gepco 6600, 200ft of Black/neon blue tightweave Techflex and some Rean NYS352BG RCA ends, and some cable pants from PE.
I'm waiting for eAsy fab products to release their stickers so I can mark the RCA's every foot or so...
Once the stickers get released I also plan to get the ultra clear heat shrink from Wirecare.com
I'm going with the intention I might (someday) compete in install as well as MECA Street or Modified Street (that's how I'm planning it right now, anyway).
Jay
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
JayinMI
Hey, Babs, how big is your trunk? When I modeled the IB12AU's they came out a little better than the SPB12's, but the SPB's have gotten better real world reviews for IB use. So, I'm curious how close trunk size is between cars. Mine's frigging huge, and with leakage I assume it will act like a bigger encosure as well.
Any chance you could post any frequency response graphs for you system (or just subs if it's a secret, lol) so I have something to compare to?
Jay
Sorry I missed your question for late reply. 8th Civic sedan. I want to say I read somewhere something like 14cubic. I could be very wrong on that.
I'll do up some REW responses soon. Yeah that is an interesting choice. I've been pleased with the SBP's if I could learn to tune them but they certainly bring the depth. They have a bump around 35hz and some kind of dip I need to look at closer and verify with REW RTA. Saw it in AudioTools Transfer Function but that's with stationary mic so I don't trust it. Might be a modal dip at mic placement. Cool tool maybe if I can master it. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...0a7f43dea1.jpg
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Re: Jay's 2015 Mazda 6i Touring build thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Salami
I have a pair of SBP 12's with the Apollo upgrade in my Accord. 15.8 cubic foot trunk.
John at A.E. recommended the SBP over the IB if the trunk is likely to see reduced airspace from use. He said the SBP will have less of a change in sound compared to the IB. Otherwise the IB would work well he said.
I ultimately choose the SBP Apollo because I found a pair local for sale NIB for $500. Made it a no brainier for me.
For that price, I can see why! Nice score.