Mobile Audio: BRZ, FR-S, GT86

[Afghan Vet]

RE: Electronics forum, I'm not sure if this is the right place for this, but we will see.

I'm a car audio guy. I have been working on the system in my '02 325i for a few years - got it just about as good as I can get it.....now I'm ready to pull it all out. I thought I would stay with BMW forever, but this series of cars have come along. The audio potential in this car tipped the scales from the BMW's I was considering. Putting a world class Sound Quality system in a Subaru BRZ would be so easy and effective. I'm not a track guy, so a few extra pounds in the car doesn't bother me.

If I do buy one - I would look at installing a Pioneer P99, Mosconi processor and amps, and Audible Physics speakers. The stock locations on top of the dash is what sealed the deal for me. I have to wait to see one in person, convince the wife to purchase, pull the equipment from the bimmer, and then install in the Subi.

Anyone else out there looking forward to putting a high quality aftermarket system in this car?

[Cal]

Hell yes. I am new to car audio but I am learning. I am in the process of figuring out my ideal system for my 97 240sx to break me into first.

I'd want a Pionner 80prs, with CDT HD-62US component setup, JL W7 13.5 sub with a 4 channel cadence amp and a d grade cadence mono running to the sub.

I have lately been looking into sound processors though unsure of exactly there use other than "cleaning" up the signal.

[Afghan Vet]

I had a 91 sx coupe when I was active duty - loved that car. I had a simple system in it - very fun to drive.

Your plan sounds very good - I like the W7 - I know a guy running that sub in an Infinite Baffle set up, and it sounds fantastic.

A good argument could be made that no one needs a processor to get a system to sound pleasing to them. It comes down to goals. If using the variable crossovers on the amps and using the gains to control levels between drivers gives a great sound to the owner... then rawk it.

For some, they want crossovers, time alignment, eq, etc. to be set automatically - they typically buy a product like JBL's MS-8 (they want the benefits of processing, but don't want to spend the time / energy futzing with a custom processor).

Others want a clean slate and complete control over every aspect of the sound. The latest batch of processors (Mosconi 6to8, Arc PS8, and Helix C - DSP) are very flexible.

So basically - I think it would be fair in summary to say that a processor is a tool that helps "fix" the problems that a car environment has in order to get a closer to home audio sound. Why do this? It is a hobby like anything else - most would not want to - much easier to get good sound from their home set up. Some like to combine the interest with cars and their interest in audio.

[Cal]

Interesting.... I think as I upgrade my S14 I will play with various sound tools and see what I like. The system is horrid now. Running unknown mids with some memphis tweeters with a Fi SSd sub powered by an autotek amp with a Pionner deck from like 08. The car is sealed like a leaky tire.

Saddness...

[Afghan Vet]

The system is horrid now. Running unknown mids with some memphis tweeters with a Fi SSd sub powered by an autotek amp with a Pionner deck from like 08. The car is sealed like a leaky tire.

Saddness...

.....too funny........

Off topic (sort a') - watched Office Space again the other night.....opening scene creaping along in traffic.......the only one that wasn't cussing and stressed out was the one enjoying his system (of course he turned down the hard core rap when the scary 'homeless' man walked by). I am much calmer behind the wheel when I'm enjoying the system.

[Turbowned]

Anything will be better than the four 3.5" speakers in my MR2, but not much will be better than the 14-speaker, 505-watt Bang and Olufsen system in my S4... I have a fairly decent set of Polk components I can put in the BRZ if/when I get one.

[Robh]

Any thought as to how you're going to handle the cabin noise in the car (watch the Chris Harris video).

I think I recall in an article the statement they had run the exhaust in a way to amplify it's sound in the cabin.

[Afghan Vet]

..... Defeat that exhaust thing...... I hadnt heard that, but you are right.... There was quite a bit of noise in that video.

MLV will cut down on road noise (typically in the front doors), but I don't think it is worth the trouble / weight. Most critical listening ( competitions and G2G's) will be with the engine off.

[Turbowned]

I think they ran a mic on or near the engine, because it was disproportionately loud, and the sound wasn't always synched with what he was doing with the car.

[Cal]

So I've been doing some thinking and talking with a pro in the industry. I've decided I want to get really serious.

My components are going to be Hybrid audio. I am thinking the clarus line. I have not figured out an amp yet to match.

I'm going to second skin the crap out of everything in my car.
I am starting all over.

I'm excited.

[Afghan Vet]

Very nice! The HAT drivers are a good choice.... There are a lot of good amp choices as well, from mainstream to boutique.

It will helpful to do some reading about 'Sound Deadening' - different purposes for each of the products (taming resonance, 'blocking' road noise, etc).