A client from Slatington recently brought her 2012 Dodge Challenger to Mobile Edge for a stereo system upgrade. The vehicle owner told us that the speakers in her car sounded terrible. After a quick listen, we determined that the foam surrounds had failed at the edge of the speaker cones. She wanted the stereo to sound at least as good as the original system and that would last. After auditioning a few speaker and subwoofer options in the store, our team put together a system design and quote that met her expectations.
Challenger Amplifier Upgrade
We started the project by testing the signal from the factory audio system going to each speaker using our AudioControl DM-RTA. This information let us know that the audio signal was filtered to the small, mid-range speakers in the dash and the factory-installed 6×9 woofers in the doors. For the new speakers to sound good, we’d need a signal processor that could recombine those signals.
We turned to the Audison AP5.9 bit amplifier because it had the power we wanted to ensure the system would play loudly. In addition, the integrated digital signal processor in the amplifier had the features and processing capabilities we required to create a usable signal.
Our technicians installed the amplifier on a steel bracket under the driver’s seat and ran eight AWG Audison Connection power cables up to the battery under the hood. The amplifier gets audio signals from the factory source unit, then feeds a set of woofers and tweeters from a Hertz Dieci-Series DSK 165.3. The tweeters in the stock locations in the dash have a dedicated set of channels on the amp, as do the 6.5-inch woofers in the doors. The power output of the amplifier is staggered, so the tweeters have 20 watts of power available while the woofers have up to 50 watts each. Finally, the mono subwoofer channel can produce 270 watts of power.
Our team created a set of mounting adapters for the door woofers using expanded PVC plastic.
We installed a Hertz Dieci-series DS25.3 10-inch subwoofer in a vented enclosure to ensure the system would play clearly at higher volume levels. The subwoofer enclosure sits at the rear of the trunk so it won’t interfere significantly with the cargo-carrying capacity of the vehicle.
Dodge Challenger Stereo System Tuning
What made this audio upgrade more than the sum of its parts was the system configuration and calibration process we performed.
Even the most incredible speakers in the world have to be adjusted for the environment in which they are used. Recording studios, concert venues and movie theaters all use digital signal processors to apply equalization to the audio signal going to the speakers so music and voices sound accurate and natural for the audience. The stereo system upgrade in this Dodge Challenger was no different.
After setting the crossovers in the Audison bit processor, we used our bit Tune audio analyzer to measure the frequency response and signal delay requirements for each speaker in the vehicle. We took those measurements and converted them into equalizer settings, then loaded that information into the digital signal processor. Configured properly, the new audio system sounded amazing.
Rather than sound coming from each speaker, the music is created evenly across the car’s dash. Performers who were recorded in the center of the stage are reproduced in the center of the windshield. Instruments sound lifelike and detailed, and the bass is clear and solid with good extension. The experience is like listening to music on a high-end home audio system.
Pennsylvania’s Best Custom Car Audio System Upgrades
When the client returned to Mobile Edge in Lehighton to pick up the vehicle, she hopped in for a listen and was amazed by what she heard. She told us that this was one of the best audio systems she’s ever heard.
If you are interested in a lifelike audio system upgrade for your car or truck, drop by our store and speak with one of our product specialists. If you can’t get to our store during regular business hours, give us a call or click the red icon below to send our team an e-mail. We’d be happy to design, install and configure a custom upgrade solution for your car or truck.
