Mazda CX-5 AudioFrog GB series build evolves

[JCsAudio]

I really like your attention to the construction of the enclosure. I also had to chuckle a little when i read you use BBPro to model your enclosures. I am a huge fan of that app but notice most people on the forum prefer other apps for enclosure modeling.

Thanks Cutaway. I didn’t know they make an App? I have the PC program version and love how it works. It also creates cut sheets for you which is something most programs can’t do and as you know it can model most any shape too with surprising accuracy.

[Cutaway]

Thanks Cutaway. I didn’t know they make an App? I have the PC program version and love how it works. It also creates cut sheets for you which is something most programs can’t do and as you know it can model most any shape too with surprising accuracy.

No you're right... I was being lazy referring to it as an 'application' vs a 'program'

[JCsAudio]

Made some progress today. Got the VX800/8i installed and the interior mostly put back together.

Old 4 channel Pioneer PRS 2-way setup under passenger seat.

New JL 8 channel 3-way which is much cleaner looking under passenger seat mounted to new wood base painted black.

Old JL twk88 DSP under drivers seat.

No more anything now under drivers seat. I got rig of a ton of wiring using this new JL Vxi amp.

Old JL 4 channel vs new JL 8 channel on bench. Hard to believe this 8 channel is more powerful and has a DSP built in.

Old shitty hack job that I didn’t care at the time so long as it worked and was safe. I did this back in 2016 so that was then.

Made a custom aluminum bracket to secure new fuses and drilled and taped some m6 screws into the aluminum and pained it black.

This isn’t exactly how I wanted it to turn out with those ugly sharp bends as it looks like shit but I ran short on wire and I’m under a time constraint here and I broke the 4 gauge fuse holder so I had to use a different non matching fuse holder. Parts are on order and I’ll fix this up later. I used KnuKonceptz ultimate batter terminal and accessories so I could mount the stock terminal and fuses to the same location. Worked out ok I guess but still looks like shit only worse than before.

This is how I beat the heat in my garage this weekend or I would have never got this far. It was 95 out today and humid.

[PorkCereal]

Had to make like difficult a few days before the meet

[JCsAudio]

I got everything mostly back together and when I get back from vacation I should be able to get a tune on it so long as everything works correctly. If not then I’m in trouble.

[Stycker]

Your going to love that amp. I had it for almost a year. Its very versatile and powerful. I loved the fact that 2 channels can be bridged for the midbass. I sold it to Nick to offset the cost of my Helix V8 MK2. There is some give and take between the two amps. The Helix can not be bridged but has a more powerful DSP. I was a big fan of TUN software. It was very easy and intuitive. Now I'm used to the Helix software and actually prefer it to TUN. I was able to master the TUN software but feel I've only scratched the surface of the Helix. For the enthusiast like myself TUN is perfect.

[JCsAudio]

Thanks Stycker, I’m very familiar with the TuN software and agree it’s very user friendly for enthusiasts. I had a Helix DSP for a short while and agree it’s very powerful with more features than I could use. I feel as though the Tun software offers me all that I need though and that anything more is nice but not needed. I purchased this amp for its power in a small package and the fact that it eliminates a lot if required wiring needed for a traditional separate amp and DSP. I also really like the fact that it has Bluetooth so I can tune using my iPad vs my laptop. I can also use my phone for quick simple adjustments. My familiarity with the JL software and it’s small size swayed me towards the Vx800/8i.

[JCsAudio]

Got everything back together and put some tuning time into it although there are a few issues with the tune that I just don’t have time to address. I think they are more a function of the non-ideal driver locations and maybe the back wave from the midrange making its way from under the dash and interfering with the tune. Those issues will have to be addressed with some CLD carefully placed behind those midrange. It still sounds pretty good though so I’m satisfied for now. My previous 2-way GB15/GB60 combo had smoother vocals but the three way has a higher more focused front stage. Detail is also improved slightly. I initially tuned with a single GB12 which obviously blended better but I got the frankenwoofer dialed in pretty good. Just going from a single GB12 to two GB12 added 7.5 db to the sub stage without doing anything. Also have some rattles now with anything over 50% volume.

[JCsAudio]

No more frankenwoofer for me. I decided to try a single GB12 sealed (forget the volume but it’s ~ 1) and I have to say I’m impressed. Got it dialed in and it’s very good. This subwoofer just continues to impress me. Now I think I want to try two GB12 sealed. Two ported was just way too much for me. I may actually compare the single ported to the single sealed and see if I can tell a difference after adjusting for volume differences. I should actually do this for the next meet and see if anyone prefers one over the other without them knowing which one they are listening too.