Some stereo shops suck

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Feb 16, 2010 | 08:01 PM

#16

lariat97

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From: North west La

I thought a RTA should be used to get a baseline & then tune the system by ear to match the vehicle it is installed in. That's how I used it in my truck. It didn't sound right with it tuned to the RTA. I had to cut some mid frequencies back to get it right.I got my front stage to sound like it came from the hood instead of the kick panels. It took several tries to find where to put the speaker pods but it was worth it. I added a set of silk dome tweeters in the ac vents too. I was surprised how much they added to the vocals.

Feb 16, 2010 | 08:22 PM

#17

AudioNutz

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Like I said... It has very little to do with the quality of the labor.

Feb 17, 2010 | 04:32 PM

#18

lariat97

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From: North west La

Yep the install takes a good design with plenty of time & careful labor put into the job. Good tools help but they don't do the work.

Feb 17, 2010 | 05:25 PM

#19

bgalaxy67

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From: Rio Linda, Ca

Without a doubt. A good design before they ever dig into the car is very important. But to actually have them execute what they design is just as important.

I believe that you should not tune with an RTA as the human ear works way differently as a mic. However, I would be more willing to let a shop touch my trucks when a shop takes the time and money to invest in gear like that and takes the time to use it correctly.

While were talkin RTA, i thought I would share a pic of mine that is about 10 years old now

Feb 17, 2010 | 06:54 PM

#20

AudioNutz

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Mine's a bit older than 10 years old, but it's still considered industry standard...

Feb 18, 2010 | 07:13 PM

#21

lariat97

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From: North west La

Bill the one I used is like yours. I haven't used one since 2001. I quit trying to compete that yr. I didn't have the time or money. I just play around with it as a hobby now. My Ranger is the next project. I need to build a sub box for one 8inch sub & build speaker pods for the front kick panels to house a tweeter & 4 inch mid. I will drive it all with a old phoenix gold 475 titanium amp.

Apr 20, 2010 | 11:23 PM

#22

optikal illushun

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From: Coal Region

good points everyone, i dont know what those fancy pieces of equipment are but when i do my own installs on my own vehicles i take the time to do it right. and when i see my friends throw this n that at thier truck i cringe and make them do it right. then i get "oh man thats 10x better". granted i dont know anything about steering wheel controls, in-dash navs, etc becuase all i have is old junk.

i do notice one thing, its becoming harder and harder to get things to sound right to me before it gets all distorted n all since i cant hear as good as i once could.

Apr 21, 2010 | 02:31 PM

#23

lariat97

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From: North west La

I have my Ranger close to finished. I haven't installed the 4 inch mids. I will wait tilI have 40 or 50 sq ft of sound deadening before I pull any more panels. I have the doors deadened & the cab walls up to the glass. I'll pull the seats & carpet to deaden the floor next. I undercoated the cab with deadener. I want to do it inside too. The sound deadener made my little trucks system sound much better. Its louder & much sharper & clear sounding now without all the metal noise. I recommend a good sound deadening to anyone who wants a clear & clean car audio system.