Yaris Sedan Deadening and Sound system upgrade

[Alien Mantis]

That's cool with me if Scott wants to get into the technical aspects of his subs. I was just curious, but it's not something I need to know.

I got started on the Roadkill job this morning, then it got too hot so I had to quit. I got the drivers door finished at least.
The plan is to tackle the passenger door this evening when the sun goes down. I'm working in my driveway. No shade or anything.

Roadkill is easy to cut and work with, but the whole job is very time-consuming. I've got over 2 hours on this one door.
Tomorrow I plan to do the rear speaker areas. I will be using some filler-foam back there after I apply the Roadkill pieces.
I can already tell a big difference on this one door. Just giving it a "thump-test", it sounds way different than the other side which has not been done yet.
Can't wait to get the whole thing done, then take it for a cruise.

Here's a quick pic of the progress. I wasn't quite finished at this point, but you get the idea. I tried to get the stuff on the outer skin, as well as the inner skin.

[Alien Mantis]

2 more hours.... passenger door DONE.

I still have a long way to go. Gotta do the rear speaker areas, the hatch, and the spare tire area. Going to chip away at it again tomorrow.
I'll be glad when it's done.

A quick pic of the new Infinity's: ( nothing like a $25 pre-fab sealed box, huh )

[sqcomp]

Does it work? Yes? Then there's nothing wrong with it.

[Alien Mantis]

Originally Posted by sqcomp

Does it work? Yes? Then there's nothing wrong with it.

Yeah, it's working great.

I just figured a pre-fab box is very boring for you. So I was making a little joke.

Truth is, I can't build a box for what these cost. So i'm just being cheap and lazy, but it gets the job done.
I want good music in my car, and I don't want to have to slave away for days or weeks to get it.
I'm not in the "custom car audio business", nor do I compete.

Custom boxes are sweet, but not necessary for me.

Another truth is... I hate having to do the Roadkill. But this car needs it, so I have to suck it up and do it.
"Road noise" is seriously getting in the way of my music.
After living with this for awhile, I decided something has to be done about it.
I would rather not have to do it, but it needs it.

I love high-end competition audio systems. But I don't have the desire to do this in my car. If the music is strong and clean, i'm happy. That's all I need.

[sqcomp]

You know what? There's absolutely nothing wrong with that. You know if D or I can help you, let us know.

[Alien Mantis]

Another 2 hours spent... one more section done.

Rear speaker area on the drivers side: ( yes, that's a 6 1/2" coax )



Acoustic foam to finish it off:

[sqcomp]

Watch out for mold or mildew coming off the foam in a couple years. Not saying it will happen, just beware of the potential.

[Alien Mantis]

Originally Posted by sqcomp

Watch out for mold or mildew coming off the foam in a couple years. Not saying it will happen, just beware of the potential.

Yeah, I can see where that could be a concern.

Out here in Arizona, it's hot and dry. I shouldn't have any issues with mold in there, but I was a little concerned about that stuff catching on fire.
I think it will be okay though.

If I lived in a colder damp climate, mold and mildew could certainly form in there over time.
As always, your insight is appreciated.

All I have left to do now is the rear hatch area and lid.
I should be able to get to that tomorrow morning.

I didn't like messing with those rear interior panels. They are kinda tricky.
Gotta be careful not to break any clips. I just had to take my time.

[Alien Mantis]

I spent about 4 hours on the rear hatch lid and the spare-tire-well today.

My back is not going to be happy tomorrow morning.


I used almost all of my material. Only had a couple of small pieces left over.
Everything sounds nice and solid when I thump on it.
I walked around the whole car, thumping on it. Big difference from the way it used to be.
Much quieter when I open and close the doors. The doors just make a tiny "thud" sound now.
Haven't done the test-drive yet. I will probably take it for a spin later tonight.
Should be okay, we'll see.

[Alien Mantis]

SQ: I seen your 15" in the trunk. I was going back over this whole thread earlier today. And your WALL of DD amps. That 15 was a Hertz.
Killer looking sub. I'll bet it pounded hard.
Any recent pics of your latest setup?
I also seen all the work D was doing to try and get his sub in the front of the car. Nice little enclosure he built for it.
I don't like subs up front, it costs you leg room. I'll just deal with the bass coming from the rear. Doesn't bother me at all.

Initial report from my test-drive:
Definitely quieter. It mellowed out the noise. Still a little road noise on the rougher roads, but nothing like it used to be, and almost silent on smooth roads. Love it.
Now here comes the strange part. This surprised me.
The system sounds crisper and punchier!
The whole system sounds "tighter". Not sure how to explain it.
The highs are extra crisp. The bass is tight and punchy. Very clean.
I'm sure all the "noise" was clouding the music, and now more of the music is coming through. I just didn't expect it to be that noticeable.
1st impression: I like it. It's a definite improvement. I'm glad it's DONE.

We'll see if my viewpoint changes as time goes on, but right now I am pleased with it.

I felt guilty about hijacking your thread, but then I realized this thread was about "sound deadening" and "upgrading". So.... I stayed on-topic.

[derickveliz2]

Originally Posted by Alien Mantis

I felt guilty about hijacking your thread, but then I realized this thread was about "sound deadening" and "upgrading". So.... I stayed on-topic.

Initial report from my test-drive:
Definitely quieter. It mellowed out the noise. Still a little road noise on the rougher roads, but nothing like it used to be, and almost silent on smooth roads. Love it.
Now here comes the strange part. This surprised me.
The system sounds crisper and punchier!
The whole system sounds "tighter". Not sure how to explain it.
The highs are extra crisp. The bass is tight and punchy. Very clean.
I'm sure all the "noise" was clouding the music, and now more of the music is coming through. I just didn't expect it to be that noticeable.
1st impression: I like it. It's a definite improvement. I'm glad it's DONE.

We'll see if my viewpoint changes as time goes on, but right now I am pleased with it.

It's ok with me AM no problem! I enjoy the activity and sharing with every body.

"Sound deadening" and "Block road noise"...

Now just imagine when the proper system to block road noise comes in place.

by adding some "roadkill" to metal you start controlling reverberation, and I see you can tell the difference, also helps for a better environment to listen music.

To block road noise with roadkill you'll need at least 3 or 4 layers to accomplish what a system of combining MLV+CCfoam+roadkill would do.

keep up the good work!

D.

[sqcomp]

I'm dealing with a fuse and ground issue at this time. I should have the car up and operating again on Wednesday.

[Alien Mantis]

That is so simple and clean looking. I like it.

What is that smaller control panel under your HU?

If it's not giving away any secrets, can you tell me your entire system setup?

What is your chain from source to drivers?
I'm just curious what you are running now. Your whole system.

( If you want to keep it a secret I understand. You compete with it. )

[sqcomp]

AM, I'm not ignoring you. I'm dealing with a serious issue that came up with the system on Sunday. This may or may not keep me from competing at world SQ championships in a few days. It all comes down to Wednesday night...

I'll fill you in on the system, it's future, after this weekend...oh, and there are NO secrets.

This is as close to a diagram as I have now:

[Alien Mantis]

It's okay. I know you are not ignoring me. You have been busy.
Thanks for the diagram. That is exactly what I was looking for. Great info.
Really sweet setup. I like the Audison Bitone. Total control.

Now... you know what obvious question I am going to have for you, right?

Here it comes:

WHY do you have those ridiculously OVERPOWERED surfboard S2b amps powering those L6se's and ID8's ?!?!?


Those L6se's are rated at what, 75w RMS at 4ohms ???

You must have the gain barely cracked on those amps!
Those amps could push those driver cones right out of the baskets!

If I had to guess, I would say you are running that setup because when you barely crack an overpowered amp the signal stays PURE.
You may only be using a small fraction of the amps power, but this maintains the integrity of the signal.

Am I on the right track? ( It still seems WAY overpowered to me. )

[Alien Mantis]

Let me know when you get your problem figured out. I hope it doesn't keep you from competing.

Good luck. I know you'll fix it.

[sqcomp]

AM - Those big amps have the ability to launch any speakers I have in this system through the earth's core...

I got them for the "WOW" factor really. Control, headroom what have you. If I were to change, I'd have to sell this big boys off, I'd probably go with JL Audio's HD line of amplifiers. Prolly four 600/4 amps or seven 750/1 amps (as a last resort from JL, I might go with seven XD600/1). Arc Audio has offered to put me on their team and even though I appreciate their SE amplifiers...I'd prolly pick JL over Arc. Just a choice made by observation over these last few years of the manufacturers and their representatives.

...Tomorrow night I'll have experience over my shoulder to tell me whether I'm screwed or not. I've narrowed the issue down as specifically as I can...somewhere on the harness...this is the only thing I see holding me back from having a Yaris represent at world finals.

[Alien Mantis]

Originally Posted by sqcomp

AM - Those big amps have the ability to launch any speakers I have in this system through the earth's core...

I got them for the "WOW" factor really. If I were to change, I'd have to sell this big boys off, I'd probably go with JL Audio's HD line of amplifiers.

Yeah, that makes sense.

JL HD line is what all the rich kids use.