Hey guys, just thought I'd share a few pics of some systems I did.

As a side hobby, I'll take on some fabrication projects once in a while. I do private vehicles and also will assist on higher end installs with the local shop here in RI and another up in Mass.

Some of the more recent stuff I've done or helped with below

Jetta

This is a sub box I made from 2 sonotube concrete deck footing forms,lol. On the other side, there is a window with my shop name (HomeGrown Concepts- high end audio installs) which is displayed on a backlit (purple to match dash) window. This box hit VERY hard, the numbers blew us away.



We raised the soundstage by raising one of the center channels. Excellent increase in dynamic range



More of the front stage. Imaging from these kick pods was dead on,...whew! lol



This is a view with the back seat down, looking into the trunk. Small pics, sorry, but if you look above that white box (leftish) you'll see the window I spoke of earlier. The rear seat is motorized and folds down at the push of a button on the dash to reveal a monster 2500w amp mounted on it's back.



PT Cruiser

This was a joined effort of 2 independent installers and the team at Sound FX. I did the center channel and laid the glass for the sub box facia.





Another car I worked on with sound fx. I glassed the vertical tub and the rear panel. This car went on to the IASCA Sound Q nationals. We put over 700 lbs of dynamat in this thing, NOTHING fit right after that,took days to get the interior right again.

 

Those systems must be worth like twice the value of the car.

 

Retail can get a bit pricey but it's the hours of labor that deliver those price tags you see on shows like Unique autosports, etc. Showy installs take lots of man hours and often are rush jobs, price no object, they want it tomorrow so add overtime to the bill.

The 4 runner I just got to pull my boats with is getting a competition level system in it although I did a stealth install, no show, but the equipment alone, with contacts in the industry, stands me about $1800, would have cost the avg joe off the street maybe $4000 or so? If you were to track it though, I think my last system ended up costing me like .008 cents a mile by the time I sold the car. For that kind of sound, it's worth every penny, not to mention, it's still running in the car now and added value to the sale.

 

Do you have any friends at Focal?

 

nope,lol, quite the opposite. I sent them a nice letter asking if they could cost justify why I should buy their components as opposed to an equivalent set that cost about 300% less. The reply was,...if you ever hear a pair, you'll understand.

So I explained I was the chief installer at (Store name here) and was asking because I can't hear the difference. They replied that it must be the install.

I sent them a copy of my IASCA nationals scorecard ("Sound Quality" class) and we dropped Focal. (They were all custom order anyway, pain in the ass)

Don't get me wrong, great sounding speakers, but not worth THAT much more money. IMO

Sorry man, wish I could help. Is it a customer service issue? If it's a performance issue, I may be able to help you troubleshoot it.

 

No, neither, I'd like to purchase them in the near future when some money finally clears up. I've heard them before in a friend's E46 M3. Loved the sound. But! If I can find the same audio orgasmic quality in a cheaper price, I'll be in contact.

 

Oh, you definitely can. Biggest thing to remember is install is everything. The best equipment, applied incorrectly, can sound much worse than mid level stuff installed dead on.

If using a single set of components up front, I highly recommend custom kick pods. (NOT q-forms, customs ) This allows the installer to properly set the imaging, staging, etc. Pre set, pre made stuff=crap. If your installer suggests Q-forms, find another, he is looking for the easy way out because he is either uncapable or unwilling to build the sound you are obviously willing to pay for.

Another thing is to get the most out of a set of components, 2 way or 3 way, you NEED to have it backed up by the sub frequencies. Doesn't mean you need to add a BOOM machine to the car, just a discreetly placed, 10" amped sub to carry the low frequencies and really keep the sound full, thusly, complimenting the components.

Just some stuff to keep in mind while you shop. IMO, the JL Audio w7 is the cream of the crop. DEFINITELY have this sub installed by an authorized JL dealer. I also highly recommend the rest of their line. No affiliation, but if I were buying new, off the shelf, there's a lot of bang for the buck in their line, and it's not cheap by any means. Not "focal" priced but for the industry,..."above avg" and one of the very few that make stuff that's worth every penny. Most importantly with car audio, their customer service is superb.

Also, seeing how you are comfortable with forums, I recommend THIS ONE to help you with your choices. Weed thru the kids and there are some real guru's on there. (Imtfox, iamurph- 2 real audiphile's, easy to find, they are mods)

 

Nice work man! Impressed with the center channel and the venting. Where are you located. My installer won the Installer of the year, works at AMS in Madison. Did a job for my client on his Sl65 Kleeman, crazy job. I'll find the link.

 

Wow...

That is some crazy gear loaded into a cage!

Your post has inspired a question. Can you point me in any direction for equipment and install for gear into a Jag? My sales guy car is in serious need, but I've been given a lot of "sorry" from anyone I speak with. And I HATE the Jag dealers in Atlanta. I'd rather deal with the in car system than give them any business.

 

choke, if you are looking to mount in stock locations, I would suggest reading a bit on some of the forums, sounddomain.com, caraudioforums.com, etc. Pick out some gear and make 1/2 a saturday of it, really some easy stuff.

After that, to add some body to your sound, add a headunit with a sub out, a sub/box (10-12") and a small amp. (A shop can do this for you, pretty quick too, easy stuff for them.)

Look for a headunit with bluetooth capabilities too if ur on the phone doing sales a lot during your travels.