Circuit's Protege5 Audio Build!

[Circuit]

I will use this thread to document my entire audio system build. Starting from scratch is always fun!

Goals for the system:

Amazing sound quality using stock speaker locations
Lots of source options (FM, iPod, Sirius, CD, USB, etc.)
Clean custom hatch area with useable cargo space


Head Unit
- Eclipse CD7100
- Will use digital time alignment for front components with Eclipse E-iServe for more accurate tuning.
- MSP Pocket

Amps
- Eclipse XA4000 (125W RMS x 4 @ 4ohm)
- Will Bi-Amp the Polk SR6500's
- (2) Eclipse XA1000 (490W RMS x 1 @ 2ohm)
- 1 For each SW7000

Front Speakers
- Polk Audio SR6500 (6.75" 125W RMS)
- Bi-Amped using suppled x-overs
Rear Speakers
- Polk Audio DB651 (6.5", 60W RMS)
- Ran off of rear channels of HU

Subwoofers
- (2) Eclipse SW7000 (10" 450W RMS)
- In custom sealed enclosures

Auxiliary
- Eclipse iPC-106 iPod control
- Eclipse SIR-ECL1 Sirius Tuner

Battery
- Optima Red Top

Sound Deadening
- Lots of Dynamat and/or RAAMmat in doors, floor, and trunk
- Dynaliner on floor
- Dynaxorb behind all speakers

Wiring/Distribution
- 1/0 GA run from battery
- 4 GA power wire from fused dist. block to amps
- 4 GA ground wire from dist. block to amps
- 1/0 GA ground
- 1/0 GA Big 3 Upgrade
- Monster Cable 400 Series 4-Channel, Subwoofer, and Y-splitter RCA's
- Monster Cable 300 Series 4 and 2 conductor twisted speaker wire

[Circuit]

Optima Red Top and Big 3 Upgrade.

For those of you that don't know what the Big 3 is for:

The following power/ground cables are upgraded to 1/0 gauge wire, usually run in addition to the factory wiring:

1. Alternator (+) to Battery (+)
2. Battery (-) to Chassis Ground
3. Engine Ground to Chassis Ground


This increases the entire system's current carrying capacity and negates the need for a useless Capacitor. If I ever get headlight dimming after this, it will require a H.O. Alternator to provide more amps for my electrical system.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/luminousbeats/bubbies%20P5/engine2.jpg

[Circuit]

Sirius tuner location

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/luminousbeats/bubbies%20P5/siriustuner2.jpg

Ipod Controller location

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/luminousbeats/bubbies%20P5/ipodbox2.jpg

HU and MSP pocket

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/luminousbeats/bubbies%20P5/ipodandhu.jpg

[Circuit]

The rest of my stuff stored in my closet until I get my speakers and sound deadening.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/luminousbeats/bubbies%20P5/HPIM0619.jpg

[liquid_ag]

awesome! welcome!

[Circuit]

Thanks for the welcome!

VG Shark fin antenna install:

Small cut in roof for Sirius antenna to get by the FM antenna

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/luminousbeats/siriuswirecutout.jpg

AM/FM Base bolted back down

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/luminousbeats/antennas.jpg

Positioning the Shark Fin

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/luminousbeats/placement.jpg

Success!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/luminousbeats/stickied.jpg

[liquid_ag]

nice! keep us updated as things get installed

[Circuit]

You know it! That's what this thread is for. Hopefully I'll get some time this winter break to get some stuff done.

[kansei]

There is actually a subforum for build threads but since this is audio only I think this section is more appropriate. Looks like a fun build! I took a good long look at those Eclipse units before I settled on the pioneer premier P880PRS. They're really nice but I wasn't a big fan of the interface.

looks great in your car though!

[DemonIAm]

So far so good! Looks like you have a great plan for your system. Can't wait to see more progress!

[SATimko]

That looks ballertastic! I have my XM tuner in the same location as your Sirius tuner.

[Circuit]

That looks ballertastic! I have my XM tuner in the same location as your Sirius tuner.

lol I am by no means a baller. I just take advantage of my awesome accommodations through my work (circuit city).

[SATimko]

And there's not a damn thing wrong with that!

[liquid_ag]

i like taking advantage of discounts and such

[CTt3P5]

Very nice! Head unit looks good. Anyway you can pass along some of the items on your bed? You can always get them again at your nice discount! haha

[Circuit]

I can only order stuff once a year, so I would have to wait a whole year to finish the P5, when I am trying to get it done during this winter break.

[Circuit]

Just ordered:

Polk SR6500
Polk DB651
Dynamat Extreme Bulk Pack

[Circuit]

Received my Dynamat bulk pack and Polk speakers this past week. Got a chance to hit up one rear door panel after work.

Ahh virgin door panel
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/luminousbeats/baredoor.jpg

Got her all dynamat-ed up
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/luminousbeats/dynamatted.jpg

Close up of speaker hole
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/luminousbeats/dynamattedspeakerhole.jpg

Speaker in (Polk Audio DB651 run off of HU for rear fill)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/luminousbeats/dynamatwithspeaker.jpg

Cleaned up the door panel (Had to take off the lip around the speaker grill for clearance)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/luminousbeats/baredoorpanel.jpg

Got some dynamat on the door panel too
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/luminousbeats/dynamatteddoorpanel.jpg

I used about 2 sheets from the bulk pack on this door. Will do the same with the other door tomorrow, then start on the hatch area.

[Circuit]

Got the other door done in the same fashion the other day and the hatch today. The hatch was a PITA because I broke a couple of the tabs. I forgot my camera, and do NOT want to pop that panel off again lol.

In the mean time, here are some pics unboxing the sexy SR6500's:

Big Black Box of Glory
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/luminousbeats/HPIM0791.jpg

Awesome Packaging
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/luminousbeats/HPIM0792.jpg

Tweeter
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/luminousbeats/HPIM0793.jpg

Massive Crossover
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/luminousbeats/HPIM0794.jpg

Crossover next to my SLVR for size comparison
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/luminousbeats/HPIM0795.jpg

Crossover opened up. Hot.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/luminousbeats/HPIM0796.jpg

The woofer
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/luminousbeats/HPIM0797.jpg

[pro5x2]

Very nice!! Just rec'd my Infinity Kappas this weekend. I'm slowly aquiring parts as well. Need amp wiring kits for the 2 amps, speaker cables, and a headunit. lol

Anypics of how you ran the amp kit? Did you pull upgraded wire?

[Circuit]

I don't. I ran the power wire on a random day when I was bored. Monster Cable 400 Series 1/0 GA. I ran it next to the factory loom in the driver's side wheel well. You have to take out the fender lining (a bunch of screws and plastic screws) and you will see the grommet where the factory loom enters the car. Then just ran it down the driver's side of the car.

[pro5x2]

Alrighty. Thanks!! Just rec'd my second amp today, installed my new headunit yesterday. Gotta wait to install the rest till I have the amp wiring kits and some sound deadining. I will say the headunit made a HUGE difference in the stock speakers though!!

[Fourthmeal]

Very nice. The only thing I see missing so far is some sort of closed-cell foam like Ensolite over the dampener. Cheap, effective, and you might as well do it while you're in the door! Lastly, I think it is worth your time to seal that door better. The SR's when modeled look like they prefer a bit more airtight setup, and I bet it would be a big difference. The best way I think you can do that is to use wood or metal to cover up the open spaces, then mat it down and Ensolite over it all.

[Fourthmeal]

Oh yeah, almost forgot...

Take a material like weatherstripping foam (thick, sticky, soft) and run a ring around your 6.5" speaker. This way when you press the door panel back on, you'll get a snug fit against the panel vs. the speaker. Doing this will prevent radiated waves of sound in the door, which will KILL the greatness of those speakers you've got there.

Subtle things win competitions, trust me.

[Circuit]

Thanks for the tips fourthmeal! I will definitely keep those in mind when I get around to finish installing everything. Quick question: Should the Ensolite be on the inner door skin or outer?

[Fourthmeal]

The door skin closest to your plastic door panel. I call this the "inner"

[Circuit]

Same here! I was just making sure.

[Circuit]

Actually got some work done this week. So glad school is over for the summer. Got a layer of RAAMmat over the dynamat and then lined the entire hatch with Ensolite. Also got the amp mounting board cut and the amps mounted. RCA's and power/ground/remote wires run.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/luminousbeats/IMG_6303.jpg

To do still:

Make a mount for the SR6500 x-overs in the driver's side indentation of the hatch area.
Run speaker wire from amps to their respective speaker/subwoofer locations
build false floor the cover amps/dist. block and give a flat surface for sub box
2 layers of RAAMmat in each of the front doors
1 Layer of Ensolite in each front door
install Polk SR6500's in factory locations
Tune, tune, tune

[Fourthmeal]

Excellent work my friend.

You've got a great start to say the least. How's the Ensolite? Do you like it?

[Circuit]

Excellent work my friend.

You've got a great start to say the least. How's the Ensolite? Do you like it?

It's great! Very easy to work with, especially with the spray adhesive that RAAMaudio sells! I just don't know how well it is keeping the sound out. I guess I will be able to tell better when I get the doors done.

[Fourthmeal]

Well, try yelling through it...and you'll see its quite good!

I use the stuff in multi-layers to prevent things from vibrating, too. Like if I bolt an amp to a sub box (typically a no-no), i just do it with two to three layers of Ensolite in between it and an amp board (which then has an amp screwed to it), works wonders.


You know, black suede would look pretty nice on that board, especially if you are putting a top cover on (which I think is your plan.) I got yards of faux suede cheaply at my local JoAnns fabric store, you might find something like that too. The most important thing with certain fabrics is to get something that is thick enough to handle a spray adhesive without soak-through, and thin enough to bend around corners. It might take a few trips to get it perfect,...look through the remnants bin and you might find a deal. I once ran into speaker cloth this way..about 3 yards worth for $10!

[Circuit]

Couple pics of subs in box and amp beauty/cover board:

http://i20.tinypic.com/xlb4hg.jpg
http://i24.tinypic.com/1zwp62p.jpg

[Fourthmeal]

Simple solution FTW! Nice job.


Suggestion for the future though...

Take one of those sides, either one, and build a fiberglass box to conserve space and keep the clean lines. From the visual here, I'd do the driver's side. Looks good!

If you want a "now" solution for the looks, just build an add-on beauty board to the sub side, matching the material. That's an easy job for a thin plywood plank and some carpet, plus your subs will get a little protection (if you space the board out a bit.)

[pro5x2]

Fourthmeal, you could make some money if you designed up a 10" or even 8" fiberglass box for the cars. If I knew how to fiberglass, I'd give it a whirl

[Fourthmeal]

Its so easy to fiberglass, its actually retarded.

Step 1. Mask off the area, really really good.

Step 2. pour resin and hardner in the right doses in a separate container, mix.

step 3. lay a piece of fiberglass down, and paint on the resin until it soaks in.

step 4. Repeat a whole lot of step 3, until you get it built up.

step 5. let dry, and there you go.


There's more to it to do complex shapes and stuff, but honestly to make a mold of the trunk and use it as the back of a box...its so simple.

[Circuit]

Simple solution FTW! Nice job.


Suggestion for the future though...

Take one of those sides, either one, and build a fiberglass box to conserve space and keep the clean lines. From the visual here, I'd do the driver's side. Looks good!

If you want a "now" solution for the looks, just build an add-on beauty board to the sub side, matching the material. That's an easy job for a thin plywood plank and some carpet, plus your subs will get a little protection (if you space the board out a bit.)

Thanks! The current box is just for now, I will be ordering a box that is wider and shallower to go across the entire trunk. The driver's side indentation is where my crossovers for the SR6500's will be mounted, since they are ginormous.