Hidden Audio & speaker locations

[chopthebass]

I have found a really cool product from Out Of Sight Audio. Its a Bluetooth amplifier, similar to Kicker PXi50.2 but without remote.

It puts out 4 x 27w RMS and also has sub-out for another amp.

My question is regarding speaker placement. Is there room for two speakers in each door? Or am I best having one in each door and the other two behind the seats? If so, is there room for a sub too?

I'm not too knowledgeable on car audio so suggestions will be appreciated!

Cheers
Ian

[chopthebass]

No one installed speakers?

[edwardb]

Maybe you've seen them in my build thread. I put Polk speakers on the rear cockpit wall. I wish they were a little more subtle or hidden. But also don't want to greatly compromise the sound quality. So have them hanging out there for now. I installed them as far apart as possible, and they're slightly behind the seatbacks. Before installing in the cockpit wall, have the speakers on hand and check carefully for interference in the trunk. These particular speakers have somewhat large magnet/crossover housings. So just barely fit vertically, and had to stay out of the way of the roll bar stubs.

After I had them installed, first listening showed the system would sound better with front speakers as well. I looked at putting them in the doors. Probably would have been a good choice. But I didn't want to mess around with wires and the hinges. Also didn't want to take a chance on the doors rattling. So put some smaller Polks down in the footbox. It's not an ideal location, but provides some fill and overall sounds better. All four speakers are marine rated, so should be able to handle an open top car and occasional rain.

I put a head unit in the glovebox and a small amp behind the dash. Sounds pretty good.

I didn't pursue installing a sub. Just didn't want to take space from anywhere. Plus the level of components I have provides a good enough sound for what I want. More pictures and details in my build thread mainly in these entries:

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?8296-Mk4-7750-Build-Progress-Update&p=146169&viewfull=1#post146169

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?8296-Mk4-7750-Build-Progress-Update&p=149650&viewfull=1#post149650

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?8296-Mk4-7750-Build-Progress-Update&p=151863&viewfull=1#post151863

[billjr212]

pretty solid discussion here: http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?14410-Stereo-any-point&highlight=speakers

I know there are extensive discussions on the "other" forum as well, since that has a lot of years of roadster experience behind it.

You mention you aren't too knowledgeable on car audio, but don't expand on what you're looking to get out of your system. The number of speakers you are suggesting implies you are a bit of an audiophile, but are you looking for massive sound, perfect clarity, etc or just some background music?

[chopthebass]

Bill,
I'm not an audiophile. I don't want a radio, I just want to plug my ipod in and that's it. The hidden system I mentioned is Bluetooth so even less wiring to worry about.

My truck and car both have factory subs and I have got used to the weighty bass, so I want to replicate that in the build. The reason for 4 speakers is purely because the hidden unit has 4 amps. Is there depth in the tunnel to mount speakers there?

[chopthebass]

thanks Ed

[edwardb]

pretty solid discussion here: http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?14410-Stereo-any-point&highlight=speakers

I know there are extensive discussions on the "other" forum as well, since that has a lot of years of roadster experience behind it.

You mention you aren't too knowledgeable on car audio, but don't expand on what you're looking to get out of your system. The number of speakers you are suggesting implies you are a bit of an audiophile, but are you looking for massive sound, perfect clarity, etc or just some background music?

Yea, I posted in that one too.

[chopthebass]

I'll figure it out when I start my build. My 'any point in stereo' thread didn't specifically detail where speakers can go.

[billjr212]

I think you will find lots of examples in the threads linked above for similar setups to what you are talking about then. Just wanted to be certain you weren't looking for a more elaborate set up, since those are a little more difficult to find and are usually installed by people with much higher audio standards than people such as myself.

Speakers in the center tunnel would be tricky for 2 major reasons: certain transmissions are going to eat up a lot of that space, and you would have to build in a box behind your speaker to prevent it from being exposed to all kinds of lovely road grime, water, etc (that 2nd part isn't all that difficult, just need to bend up some aluminum and seal it, but that takes up even more space).

The fact that your amplifier has 4 output channels (plus a sub) does not mean you absolutely need to go with 4 speakers. You could stick with just the 2 behind the seats. As Edward mentioned though, be very careful on placement even there, since you will sneak up on the roll bar stubs in a hurry.

[jakester888]

Many builders here are very sophisticated & professional. Here's my simple minded solution:

Small 4.5" speaker #1 & #2 located on either side of the cubby/console here:
32717[

Trunk separator mod with speakers #3 & #4 mounted at the separation, you can see the bass kick through the oval cut-out as well:
32716

Here's a view from the rear, note the 400W amp mounted above the hidden battery compartment:
32718

5th & 6th speakers located just behind the driver & passenger ear behind the seat:
32719

[Jester]

This is my solution - 4 very high quality 100+ watt speakers with sound shaping and weather protection backing plates. You will need very high quality speakers and stereo (I used a 400+ watt marine amp - sounds great) to hear the music over the exhaust and wind noise. No need or room for sub with high quality speakers


327233272432725

[Timb]

I have the high backed Kirkeys in my coupe and was wondering if anyone has tried installing headrest speakers like the Miata used.

[chopthebass]

Jester, was there room on your tunnel speakers for the speaker shroud?

[Jester]

Jester, was there room on your tunnel speakers for the speaker shroud?

Chop,

No issue with the trans tunnel speakers and backing plate (a little tight but workable and trans can be removed without an issue). I showed the rear speakers only to show the backing plates as I do not have any photos of the underside of the trans tunnel speakers). The backing plates protect and seal the speakers from all elements and road grime and the worst conditions possible (hopefully the roadster does not see bad weather too often).

Important to note that for best sound, the speakers should not be blocked or obstructed by anything so the sound will remain clear and not muffled (requires high quality components or you will be disappointed with the result)

If you decide on trans tunnel speakers, it is best to install the speakers after the engine and trans so you can confirm positioning and space requirements.

I am very happy that I installed a stereo (wouldn't have it any other way) - great sound and fantastic for longer drives. I may design an integrated console but that is for another day. I have satellite radio, CD, radio, blue tooth, aux in etc.

There are many options for speaker locations (I really like edwardb's install as well (well done Edward!)- especially the hidden head unit. Another option is hidden under dash and rear bulk head speakers as per the following great build thread http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/402697-steves-mk4-8243-build-2.html. Build it the way it looks in your mind - you won't be disappointed.

Note: a sub woofer will require a lot of sound dampening material and you will need to be sure all panels and fasteners are extra tight as you will hear every vibration from the chassis etc.

[chopthebass]

Thanks Jester. What make/model speakers did you go with?

[Jester]

Thanks Jester. What make/model speakers did you go with?

The speakers I used are Alpine SPR60. You will need a good amp (min 400 watts - 100 watts per speaker) you should be very happy. I can hear clear sound at any speed - and loud if that's what you are looking for.

Highlights:


» 6-3/4" 2-way car speakers (pair)
» multi-layer hybrid fibre woofer with Santoprene® rubber surround
» 1" swiveling silk dome tweeter
» power range: 2-100 watts RMS (300 watts peak power)
» frequency response: 65-29,000 Hz
» sensitivity: 88 dB
» top-mount depth: 2-1/2"
» includes adapters for 6-1/2" openings
» warranty: 1 year