Focal Audison setup on my '99 Z28 ( homemade amp rack and stealth box + Dynamat )
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Here are some pics of the system on my '99 Z28, featuring Focal 165KP front speakers, an Audison LRX 5.600 amp (bridged for the 165KP), a JL Audio 10W3v3 2ohm sub. I won't show the head unit as it's a crappy one, but it will be replaced by an Alpine.
Here you can see the amp rack and the stealth box I've made:
![](http://pagesperso-orange.fr/jpdesvauxlavandou/1S/sono1.jpg)
![](http://pagesperso-orange.fr/jpdesvauxlavandou/1S/sono2.jpg)
The tweeters of the 165KP kit were mounted on the pillars:
![](http://pagesperso-orange.fr/jpdesvauxlavandou/1S/sono3.jpg)
The woofers from the same kit (note that I've removed the felt from the grilles):
![](http://pagesperso-orange.fr/jpdesvauxlavandou/1S/sono4.jpg)
The stealth box being made. It's built of 1/2" MDF to give a maximum of inner volume, and also to reduce weight:
![](http://pagesperso-orange.fr/jpdesvauxlavandou/1S/sono5.jpg)
The amp rack is built out of 5/8" plywood (lighter than MDF, the screws hold better), with the top of it in 1/2" MDF:
![](http://pagesperso-orange.fr/jpdesvauxlavandou/1S/sono6.jpg)
Here it is covered, with holes drilled for the cables:
![](http://pagesperso-orange.fr/jpdesvauxlavandou/1S/sono7.jpg)
Dynamat Xtreme was used for the doors:
![](http://pagesperso-orange.fr/jpdesvauxlavandou/1S/sono8.jpg)
I've cut this shape out of 1/2" MDF to fill the hole in each door. The edges of these pieces were then covered with Dynamat for a better seal:
![](http://pagesperso-orange.fr/jpdesvauxlavandou/1S/sono9.jpg)
The hole of the window rubber stop, at the bottom of the door, was also sealed with Dynamat. Note also the Dynamat on the inner skin of the door (only about half of the inner skin is covered), as well as the acoustic dampening material from Focal (just behind the speakers):
![](http://pagesperso-orange.fr/jpdesvauxlavandou/1S/sono10.jpg)
I've cut this shape out of 1/2" MDF to replace the plastic speaker pods. I was originally planning to keep the plastic pods, but a local car audio expert (he builds show cars for car audio manufacturers) advised me to go for the MDF:
![](http://pagesperso-orange.fr/jpdesvauxlavandou/1S/sono11.jpg)
The screws I used for the woofers:
![](http://pagesperso-orange.fr/jpdesvauxlavandou/1S/sono12.jpg)
Note that Dynamat was added around each MDF piece, in order to make it as sealed as possible:
![](http://pagesperso-orange.fr/jpdesvauxlavandou/1S/sono13.jpg)
Sanding the felt of the speaker grilles (I don't know whether that helps or not, but it's a free mod, so...):
![](http://pagesperso-orange.fr/jpdesvauxlavandou/1S/sono14.jpg)
This is part of my older system, currently not connected to anything. I could hook it up to a second amplifier but I don't think I will, as I'm already very happy with the sound I have:
![](http://pagesperso-orange.fr/jpdesvauxlavandou/1S/sono15.jpg)
I used up my Dynamat bulk pack in the trunk well:
![](http://pagesperso-orange.fr/jpdesvauxlavandou/1S/sono16.jpg)
I listen mostly to trance and I'm very happy with the sound I have!![Happy](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_stretch.gif)
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, don't hesitate!
Here you can see the amp rack and the stealth box I've made:
![](http://pagesperso-orange.fr/jpdesvauxlavandou/1S/sono1.jpg)
![](http://pagesperso-orange.fr/jpdesvauxlavandou/1S/sono2.jpg)
The tweeters of the 165KP kit were mounted on the pillars:
![](http://pagesperso-orange.fr/jpdesvauxlavandou/1S/sono3.jpg)
The woofers from the same kit (note that I've removed the felt from the grilles):
![](http://pagesperso-orange.fr/jpdesvauxlavandou/1S/sono4.jpg)
The stealth box being made. It's built of 1/2" MDF to give a maximum of inner volume, and also to reduce weight:
![](http://pagesperso-orange.fr/jpdesvauxlavandou/1S/sono5.jpg)
The amp rack is built out of 5/8" plywood (lighter than MDF, the screws hold better), with the top of it in 1/2" MDF:
![](http://pagesperso-orange.fr/jpdesvauxlavandou/1S/sono6.jpg)
Here it is covered, with holes drilled for the cables:
![](http://pagesperso-orange.fr/jpdesvauxlavandou/1S/sono7.jpg)
Dynamat Xtreme was used for the doors:
![](http://pagesperso-orange.fr/jpdesvauxlavandou/1S/sono8.jpg)
I've cut this shape out of 1/2" MDF to fill the hole in each door. The edges of these pieces were then covered with Dynamat for a better seal:
![](http://pagesperso-orange.fr/jpdesvauxlavandou/1S/sono9.jpg)
The hole of the window rubber stop, at the bottom of the door, was also sealed with Dynamat. Note also the Dynamat on the inner skin of the door (only about half of the inner skin is covered), as well as the acoustic dampening material from Focal (just behind the speakers):
![](http://pagesperso-orange.fr/jpdesvauxlavandou/1S/sono10.jpg)
I've cut this shape out of 1/2" MDF to replace the plastic speaker pods. I was originally planning to keep the plastic pods, but a local car audio expert (he builds show cars for car audio manufacturers) advised me to go for the MDF:
![](http://pagesperso-orange.fr/jpdesvauxlavandou/1S/sono11.jpg)
The screws I used for the woofers:
![](http://pagesperso-orange.fr/jpdesvauxlavandou/1S/sono12.jpg)
Note that Dynamat was added around each MDF piece, in order to make it as sealed as possible:
![](http://pagesperso-orange.fr/jpdesvauxlavandou/1S/sono13.jpg)
Sanding the felt of the speaker grilles (I don't know whether that helps or not, but it's a free mod, so...):
![](http://pagesperso-orange.fr/jpdesvauxlavandou/1S/sono14.jpg)
This is part of my older system, currently not connected to anything. I could hook it up to a second amplifier but I don't think I will, as I'm already very happy with the sound I have:
![](http://pagesperso-orange.fr/jpdesvauxlavandou/1S/sono15.jpg)
I used up my Dynamat bulk pack in the trunk well:
![](http://pagesperso-orange.fr/jpdesvauxlavandou/1S/sono16.jpg)
I listen mostly to trance and I'm very happy with the sound I have!
![Happy](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_stretch.gif)
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, don't hesitate!
Last edited by mindreaper; 02-17-2009 at 09:35 AM.
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lookin good
just a couple of suggestions:
1) paint the heads of the bolts that hold in the speakers in the front doors and the MDF trim rings black....they show through the grille too easily with the black material removed
2) unless it was done for functional reasons (like t-top fitment or adding more components later), i'd center the amp on the amp rack, with one passive x-over for the component set above it on each side of the "hump"....i'm kind of a symmetry freak like that
also, i wouldn't have worried so much about the tiny amount of air space you would have lost with the thickness of the MDF....i'd have gone with at the VERY least 5/8" MDF, but preferably 3/4". if the walls of the sub enclosure flex, you're robbing sound output. and trust me, those JL speakers can definitely make the walls flex with only 1/2" MDF in it. if nothing else, lay down a thin layer of fiberglass mesh and resin to add strength....it will also help to seal it off really well. you could also cut a square/rectangular "ring" of MDF to fit inside the enclosure to add bracing to the walls some, without losing a whole lot of air space. then fill it with poly-fill to "trick" the sub into performing as if it were in a larger enclosure
just a couple of suggestions:
1) paint the heads of the bolts that hold in the speakers in the front doors and the MDF trim rings black....they show through the grille too easily with the black material removed
2) unless it was done for functional reasons (like t-top fitment or adding more components later), i'd center the amp on the amp rack, with one passive x-over for the component set above it on each side of the "hump"....i'm kind of a symmetry freak like that
also, i wouldn't have worried so much about the tiny amount of air space you would have lost with the thickness of the MDF....i'd have gone with at the VERY least 5/8" MDF, but preferably 3/4". if the walls of the sub enclosure flex, you're robbing sound output. and trust me, those JL speakers can definitely make the walls flex with only 1/2" MDF in it. if nothing else, lay down a thin layer of fiberglass mesh and resin to add strength....it will also help to seal it off really well. you could also cut a square/rectangular "ring" of MDF to fit inside the enclosure to add bracing to the walls some, without losing a whole lot of air space. then fill it with poly-fill to "trick" the sub into performing as if it were in a larger enclosure
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02Z28LS1: Thanks for the suggestions! I haven't noticed any flex on the box but then again I haven't really pushed the sound up (it's still in break-in). I thought it wouldn't be much of a problem because of the small surfaces and also because the box's complicated shapes give it rigidity. But once the sub is broken in, I'll run it with the grey plastic trim piece off, and I'll see if I can see any flex. If flex does occur then I'll probably go with the MDF "ring" idea
![Happy](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_stretch.gif)
#4
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Nice job!! I wouldn't worry too much about a W3 flexing anything. If it were a larger sub like an Fi, or RE that have a much larger motor structure and magnet I'd worry more about it mainly because they weigh alot more.
I completely agree with the painting of the bolts and mounts. I removed the felt onmine as well. I always paint mine flat black or use a rubberized coating for even more sound deadening. I use Performix brand Plasti Dip for this. I coat most of my mounts with this and it dries a nice flat black and has a nice rubbery texture. Comes in a spray can to or you can buy a regular can to brush on for larger projects.
Great work!!
I completely agree with the painting of the bolts and mounts. I removed the felt onmine as well. I always paint mine flat black or use a rubberized coating for even more sound deadening. I use Performix brand Plasti Dip for this. I coat most of my mounts with this and it dries a nice flat black and has a nice rubbery texture. Comes in a spray can to or you can buy a regular can to brush on for larger projects.
Great work!!
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That's a really good good. post up some pics of the sail panels when you get a chance. i would love to see how you finished those out for the components in the backseat. also, how do the tweeters sound in the pillar?
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Nice job!! I wouldn't worry too much about a W3 flexing anything. If it were a larger sub like an Fi, or RE that have a much larger motor structure and magnet I'd worry more about it mainly because they weigh alot more.
I completely agree with the painting of the bolts and mounts. I removed the felt onmine as well. I always paint mine flat black or use a rubberized coating for even more sound deadening. I use Performix brand Plasti Dip for this. I coat most of my mounts with this and it dries a nice flat black and has a nice rubbery texture. Comes in a spray can to or you can buy a regular can to brush on for larger projects.
Great work!!
I completely agree with the painting of the bolts and mounts. I removed the felt onmine as well. I always paint mine flat black or use a rubberized coating for even more sound deadening. I use Performix brand Plasti Dip for this. I coat most of my mounts with this and it dries a nice flat black and has a nice rubbery texture. Comes in a spray can to or you can buy a regular can to brush on for larger projects.
Great work!!
![Happy](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_stretch.gif)
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The tweeters sound great in the pillar. They're not too much in your face, which I was a bit concerned with considering the Focal tweeters are very bright.
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02Z28LS1: Thanks for the suggestions! I haven't noticed any flex on the box but then again I haven't really pushed the sound up (it's still in break-in). I thought it wouldn't be much of a problem because of the small surfaces and also because the box's complicated shapes give it rigidity. But once the sub is broken in, I'll run it with the grey plastic trim piece off, and I'll see if I can see any flex. If flex does occur then I'll probably go with the MDF "ring" idea ![Happy](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_stretch.gif)
![Happy](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_stretch.gif)
Nice job!! I wouldn't worry too much about a W3 flexing anything. If it were a larger sub like an Fi, or RE that have a much larger motor structure and magnet I'd worry more about it mainly because they weigh alot more.
I completely agree with the painting of the bolts and mounts. I removed the felt onmine as well. I always paint mine flat black or use a rubberized coating for even more sound deadening. I use Performix brand Plasti Dip for this. I coat most of my mounts with this and it dries a nice flat black and has a nice rubbery texture. Comes in a spray can to or you can buy a regular can to brush on for larger projects.
Great work!!
I completely agree with the painting of the bolts and mounts. I removed the felt onmine as well. I always paint mine flat black or use a rubberized coating for even more sound deadening. I use Performix brand Plasti Dip for this. I coat most of my mounts with this and it dries a nice flat black and has a nice rubbery texture. Comes in a spray can to or you can buy a regular can to brush on for larger projects.
Great work!!
if it's not sealed well enough, the box may not flex, but the air leak will cause some loss of output as well, so either way is bad.
the 10W3v3's owner's manual even states:
Do not use any material with a thickness of less than
5/8" (16mm) as this may compromise the rigidity of
the enclosure.
5/8" (16mm) as this may compromise the rigidity of
the enclosure.
Last edited by 02Z28LS1; 12-15-2007 at 12:52 AM.
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Regarding the thickness of the MDF for the box, I asked one of the top car audio guys in Belgium and he said 1/2" MDF would be OK for such a small box with such shapes. Different opinions I guess. I presume thicker MDF is always a little better but then again it robs a little inside volume and weights more. Well I'll see for myself once the sub is broken in, thanks in any case for the input
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Preferred source = where do you get it? I haven't shopped around much, but the only MDF I could find easily was at Lowe's, and came in a huge sheet. Not a huge deal, but I most likely won't need that much of it. I was wondering if you could buy it in smaller sizes somewhere...
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I pick it up at Home Depot in 2' x 4' sheets. Unless I'm building a big project or something that has alot more to it. When I'm just getting it for stealth enclosure faces I get a 2' x 4' sheet of 3/4" and I can get 4 faces from each piece. I thought Lowes had it in a bin as well that was precut into the same size as well. They have 2' x 2' pieces as well in all different thickness all ranging from 1/4" to 3/4".
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Regarding the thickness of the MDF for the box, I asked one of the top car audio guys in Belgium and he said 1/2" MDF would be OK for such a small box with such shapes. Different opinions I guess. I presume thicker MDF is always a little better but then again it robs a little inside volume and weights more. Well I'll see for myself once the sub is broken in, thanks in any case for the input ![Happy](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_stretch.gif)
![Happy](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_stretch.gif)
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Do you have the measurements for that box brother? I want a stealth box but don't want to sniff fumes for glass and have some leftover mdf so if you have those measurements it would be super mega awesome....... Amp rack too if you got it.... LOL I'm soo lazy....
Looks clean and nice attention to detail but yeah paint the screws.
I wouldn't worry a whole bunch about the flex of the box with the thinner mdf. I have personally seen many a box made out of it in tight spots and unless you have large surface area panels usually there WON'T be any probs unless your running a nasty sub and serious wattage. I plan using 1/2"
But then again I'm running a 5 year old 10" and 500 watts.
Looks clean and nice attention to detail but yeah paint the screws.
I wouldn't worry a whole bunch about the flex of the box with the thinner mdf. I have personally seen many a box made out of it in tight spots and unless you have large surface area panels usually there WON'T be any probs unless your running a nasty sub and serious wattage. I plan using 1/2"
![Winky](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_wink.gif)