A client from here in Lehighton recently brought his 2017 Acura RDX to Mobile Edge to have the stereo system upgraded. We’d installed a good-sized audio system in his previous vehicle, and now he wanted that gear installed in this new SUV. After reviewing the audio equipment he had, we inspected the vehicle to see how we could make the best use of each component. Then we put together a plan that would deliver the audio quality he wanted while keeping the vehicle looking pretty much stock.
Hertz Front Speaker Upgrade
We started the project by installing a set of Hertz Dieci speakers in the front doors. Our technicians made a set of composite plastic mounting adapters that would allow the new 6.5-inch woofers to bolt directly to the factory speaker-mounting hardware. We always use composites instead of wood — wood will swell when it gets wet, which usually results in the speaker being damaged.
Next, we treated the doors to a layer of SoundShield triple-layer damping material. The butyl base layer and aluminum support sheet help to prevent noise from being transferred into the vehicle. The damping material is topped with a layer of closed-cell foam that helps to absorb high-frequency energy and prevents the wiring in the door from buzzing or rattling while the vehicle is in motion.
We mounted the tweeters from the Hertz speaker set in the stock locations in the sail panels so they would offer excellent high-frequency performance and a wide soundstage.
Digital Signal Processor to Add Tuning Capabilities
The next step was to install a new Audison bit Nove digital signal processor (DSP) to the system. We connected the input of the processor to the outputs of the factory radio. The processor includes the ability to remove any equalization that the radio applies to the speakers so they work from a flat, smooth signal. We mounted the bit Nove on one of our trademark steel component racks under the passenger seat.
The output of the DSP feeds a Hertz HCP 4D four-channel amplifier. We made a second mounting rack for the amp to place it under the driver’s seat. This amp provides up to 85 watts of power to the front speakers and an impressive 290 watts to the system subwoofer.
Hertz Subwoofer Delivers Clean Bass
The last step was to add the client’s Hertz DS 25.3 subwoofer to the system. This 10-inch sub has a maximum power rating of 600 watts. While most people associate a subwoofer with booming bass, it’s an essential component in creating an audio system that sounds good and plays at reasonable volumes. Having a subwoofer means that the relatively small door speakers don’t have to try to reproduce low-frequency information — they can focus on clear and detailed midrange frequencies and let the sub handle the hard work. As a result, the entire audio system will sound better.
Amazing Realism from Car Audio System Tuning
The final touch was to use our Audison bit Tune sound analyzer to measure the output of the left and right speakers and the subwoofer. The bit Tune creates an equalization curve that compensates for the acoustics of the vehicle. The bit Nove processor allows us to set crossovers to protect the door speakers from receiving too much bass and filter to midrange information from the subwoofer.
Finally, we configured the signal delay settings and overall output levels.
The result of all these adjustments is a car audio system that reproduces music as if you are sitting in your living room, positioned perfectly between two high-end speakers. All the sound is spread out in front of you, and you can pick out the different instruments in the music. Performers and instruments are placed accurately across the dash. It’s very similar to sitting in the audience at a live performance.
Pennsylvania’s Car Audio Upgrade Experts
After a long day of work, we had the stereo system in this Acura RDX upgraded and configured. The client was thrilled with the results and amazed at how much better the same equipment sounded with the DSP in the system.
If you are considering an upgrade to your car audio system, we invite you to drop by Mobile Edge in Lehighton and talk to a member of our team. You can reach us by e-mail using the red button below.
