Well, just got some new toys to add to the pile of gear in my closet awaiting installation.

I picked up an audio control 4.1i off of ebay for $100 us which I thought was a pretty reasonable price. Its in perfect condition too. Its only got 4 eq bands, but it'll be nice to have a high power line driver. I think its like 9V rms output, so that should be nice. My Xtant will accept up to 17V balanced, so it should help to keep a good clean signal down the RCA to the trunk. I will likely add a more complex trunk mounted EQ in the future, but this should be a good start for some minor adjustments. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I should have this setup? (signal boost levels, or any wiring suggestions to prevent any sort of noise)

I also purchased some Image Dynamics Chameleons for my front stage. Waiting to get them in the mail. Paid around 300us for them. 5 1/4" 4ohm version. Looking forward to hearing them. I've heard good things about them. Good off-axis on the tweeters, and a smooth response. The passive xovers are 24db/oct as well. I was also fortunate enough to get some acura EL kick panels from Wade [img]graemlins/beer.gif[/img] (thanks again Wade!) From my investigations, they should fit with minor modification.

I also picked up some streetwires zero noise 6 interconnects. Look like solid performers and should maintain a clean signal down the line. (I got a 1.6ft to the 4.1 from deck, and a 16.4 foot to the trunk). I have 16awg monster cable XLN speaker wire from a previous install, and my question is should I keep this wire? I should have enough for the components. Its good quality wire, but the awg is kinda low. I used to use 16 awg for the subs too, should I go for 12-awg?

I also got 35sq feet of brown bread which is almost gone already [img]smile.gif[/img] but the trunk is just about completely covered. Where should I go next? I've heard the floor is the best place to get done. Any suggestions? I'm going to order some more.

Anyways, thats it for now. Next items on the buy list include an IDQ 12, and the nakamichi CD-400 deck. Once I have these, I should be ready to start some installing [img]smile.gif[/img]

Mike

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2000 Acura 1.6EL Premium<br />IASCA SQ Competitor - Street Smart 1-600W<br />Sound Domain Page: <a href="http://members.sounddomain.com/turbolemon" target="_blank">Mike's Acura</a>

You should probably up the gauge for the sub wire. I know this helps, also I would use about 12-16 gauge all around just because you don't want to lose your watts because of the speaker wire you use. For some ppl, they can tell the difference between good/great/cheap wire. I know there's a difference too, especially in dependablity department. You just got some good stuff, why cheap out now? Go all out and be happy, not pissed because you gotta redue the wire because you aren't happy now.

People can hear the difference between good and crappy wire?

That's pretty amazing. I've heard 14AWG Lightning Audio wire and 14AWG Monster Cable wire and I couldn't tell the difference and I got pretty good ears.

In fact, I bought 45 feet of Streetwires speakerwire to replace the Radioshack wire on my new Bryston home audio amp which used to be an old school Pioneer....and I couldn't hear any difference at all. I consider my home audio system to be pretty high end. It consists of a Harmon Kardon AVr -500 reciever,through the Harmon Kardon 30 band pre-amp to the bryston that powers my new set of Wharfdale book shelf speakers that sit on 35" stands. For low end right now I use a Cerwin 10" powered sub but hopefully it will be replaced soon with a Jamo 12" powered sub.

Anyway, my point is, I'm pretty sure not too many people can hear the difference between 2 different brand names of wires.

[ September 08, 2003, 08:53 PM: Message edited by: slingshot2 ]

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http://www.sounddomain.com/ride/818309

My old van and install.

http://www.sounddomain.com/ride/634352

The rest of the install pics.

Sound dampening the fire wall would be a good way to reduce engine noise from entering the cabin.

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"The purpose of art is not the release of a momentary ejection of adrenaline but is, rather, the gradual, lifelong construction of a state of wonder and serenity"......Glenn Gould

Firewall,Floor and doors. Those should be your main concerns.

__________________
http://www.sounddomain.com/ride/818309

My old van and install.

http://www.sounddomain.com/ride/634352

The rest of the install pics.

Under the hood fuse........ recommended no more then 18" from the main battery. Then fused distro in the back or a least a distro assuming all your gear has it's own on board fusing. Safety first.

Sound deaden the rear deck.

Tie down and secure all the factory wiring in the rear trunk and around/on the rear deck.

Have fun............. otherwise what's the point !!!