Good Websites?

[exploreraudio]

Hi,

I just purchsed my 1998 Limited (haven't even got pics yet...), and I am getting ready to install all my gear. Anyone know of any good websites with Explorers with SoundQ installs, instead of the more "normal" two-subs-and-an-amp-screwed-to-the-box kind of thing?

A list of the gear going into the new truck (on the off chance that anyone is interested )

Alpine 7618 DigitalMax head unit
Alpine 5957 DigitalMax 6-Disc changer
Alpine 3900 DigitalMax processor/DAC
Alpine 3402 7-band Parametric EQ
Alpine 3672 Active Crossover Network
Alpine 3566 6ch Amp (60x2, 30x4)
Alpine 3549 2ch Amp (100x2)
Front speakers: undecided, probably my SAS 6" seperates
(2) a/d/s/ RS10 Reference 10" Subwoofer

I will be posting pics, etc. to my website in the near future...there's nothing there quite yet!

Thanks, and I'll keep you all posted with the progress!

ExplorerAudio

 

[jason]

www.ritop.com has a cool one under class projects

 

[Mike 92 XLT]

www.sounddomain.com has a ton of installs. Just search for the Explorer. They also have a great car audio forum with tons of info there.

Another site is www.cartunes.com They have an awesome install in a 92 Explorer.

Sounds like you're going to have quite a system. I noticed that you haven't figured out your front stage yet. May I suggest looking at a set of Focals? If you can swing it, the Utopias are nothing short of amazing. I love my Polykevlar 165Ks.

peace

Mike

 

[exploreraudio]

Mike 92 XLT

Thanks for the reply. Interestingly enough, the Focals and the a/d/s/ are the only two drivers I am considering right now! I have yet to hear them in a truck (just a Focal demo car), but I have heard enough to know they are a consideration!

What size componants should I be able to fit in the front doors? They are factory 6x8s, so I could probably squeeze a 6" in there, but I suppose a 5" would be a whole lot easier...

 

[Mike 92 XLT]

Exploreraudio

The a/d/s and the Focal speakers are both great, but they sound very different from one another. The a/d/s is very neutral and "laid-back" sounding, and the Focals are incredible detailed. Some prefer one sound, some prefer another, so this is one of those times where you really have to listen before you make up your mind (true with any set of speakers). For me, it was the highs that really sold me on the Focals.

Getting a 6.5 in the door is no problem. I custom made my own adapter plates out of MDF. The only problem you may run into is depth, because the window rail is right behind the speaker location. The Polykevlars just fit, and I think the Utopias would've been too deep. Oh, and I put some Cascade Audio deflection pads on the door panels right behind the speakers. These absorb the rear waves from the speakers before they can go bouncing off all that metal in the door (ultra-technical explanation), and really tightened up the midbass.

peace

Mike

 

[karl_burns]

focals and a/d/s

Very good choice on components.
I have the Utopia 5.25 (136W) in my 98 Sport. I used 1/2 inch MDF, and used one of those plastic 6x8 or whatever pieces that people use to angle the speaker more towards the center of the vehicle. Two hints: They sounded great in the store, but behind the doorpanel they lose a lot. So price how much it would be to cut the door panel and mount them fluch with the interior of the door. And second, the Focals sound even better if you build some very small enclosure around the driver (fiberglass will work beautifully). I'm in the process of doing just this right now. Someday when I finish, I'll post pictures.
The a/d/s are great speakers too. I just love the detail of the Utopia's.
Make sure you have enough power for those things!
Karl

 

[exploreraudio]

Thanks for the input, guys...

If 6.5s will fit, I will probably just use my SAS. They are relatively unheard of, but they have been my drivers of choice for 3 systems now. Huge magnets, cast baskets, silk dome tweeters. As much as that tells you nothing of the sound, it at least says something about the quality

By the way, as far as power goes, I plan on wiring as follows:

Alpine 3566 (2x60, 4x30)

Bridge 4x30 to make 2x90 - Front doors
2x60 - Rear doors

Alpine 3549 (2x100, or 2x150@2ohm stereo)
Run in 2ohm stereo on my DVC a/d/s/ RS10 subs

Thanks again, guys