I spoke with a knowedgable guy at Boston Acoustics for some time reguarding upgrading the Chrysler sound systems. Here's the deal, The Boston Acoustics system in the Jeep SRT-8 and other Chrysler vehicles has a special amp in the trunk area that has many functions. The amp has a timing computer that gives specific delay to speakers located in different areas of the car. Also, as many of you know the dash speakers are high freqency, the front door speakers are low and the rear door has full range. The amp output to the speakers has a higher voltage than an aftermarket amp and could damage a high to low converter or another amp with line level inputs. It's almost as though they designed this system so it couldn't messed with. I don't want to junk the whole system, especially with the steering wheel controls so all of us should contact Boston Acoustics and complain or at least ask for an upgrade solution. Art Daven

Im keeping the NAV system and trashing everything else. With JL Evolution ZR's around around + a jl w7 12" in a custom box. One 400x4 amp.. and one 1000/1 amp.

-- Sal

I agree trash everything. The only thing I lost was u-connect phone stuff. the factory stereo is crap. See my post about JL to see what I did.....

Edit: and LilOne those ZR's are sooooo nice!!!

like i said.. ima keep the stock nav for the look and so everything functions.. but I am going to get the JL Clean sweep to clean up and enhance the single to the amps.

Jeff.. what size ZR's fit in the jeep?? and did what all did you replace.. ( dash?? doors?? )

-- Sal

the ZR650's will fit fine in the factory locations in the front doors and dash. You are going to have to make a plate for the door speaker though as Jeep uses a 6x9 in the door. For the rear doors I used the XR650's and mounted the tweeter just above the mid, which will mount in the factory location. for subs I did 2 JL 10w6v2's. See my post on JL stuff for the pics.

You should be able to remove the stock amp and replace it with an aftermarket amp. Steering wheel controls should be tied into the head unit not the amp, so upgrading the amp and speakers shouldn't effect that. You can buy aftermarket amps with delays on each channel, you can add an in line delay box, or you can simply equalize the speaker cable lengths to correct the timing.

you can also get the steering wheel controls to work with an after market head unit. I forget what it's called but it sends an IR singnal to the radio when a button on the wheel is pushed.

or you can simply equalize the speaker cable lengths to correct the timing.

Can you explain that? What do the lengths of the cable have to do with timing?

You should be able to remove the stock amp and replace it with an aftermarket amp. Steering wheel controls should be tied into the head unit not the amp, so upgrading the amp and speakers shouldn't effect that. You can buy aftermarket amps with delays on each channel, you can add an in line delay box, or you can simply equalize the speaker cable lengths to correct the timing.

It's tied into the amp. The Clean Sweep must go in after the amp in order to maintain the U Connect and Voice Nav.

Can you explain that? What do the lengths of the cable have to do with timing?

Most often you want to equalize the sound, keeping the signal to all speakers in sync. It's likely that the delays built into the stock amp are to compensate for unequal length cabling, which means the signal will not reach each speaker at the same time without them. The easy, old school way to keep the speakers in sync is to simply use equal length speaker cable, and you could use this method if you upgrade the amp. It's also possible that the stock timing is to create a sweet spot, so rather than the signal reaching the speakers in sync, it's timed so that the sound is in sync at certain location in the car. I haven't changed out an amp in one of these jeeps so I don't know for sure, but my best guess is that they are compensating for unequal length speaker cables.

It's tied into the amp. The Clean Sweep must go in after the amp in order to maintain the U Connect and Voice Nav.

I was just talking about the steering wheel controls, like volume and such. Uconnect and voice nav are something I've never dealt with so I' have no clue how they connect.

Most often you want to equalize the sound, keeping the signal to all speakers in sync. It's likely that the delays built into the stock amp are to compensate for unequal length cabling, which means the signal will not reach each speaker at the same time without them. The easy, old school way to keep the speakers in sync is to simply use equal length speaker cable, and you could use this method if you upgrade the amp. It's also possible that the stock timing is to create a sweet spot, so rather than the signal reaching the speakers in sync, it's timed so that the sound is in sync at certain location in the car. I haven't changed out an amp in one of these jeeps so I don't know for sure, but my best guess is that they are compensating for unequal length speaker cables.

that IS old school. a difference in length of 5-10ft is barely measurable and inaudible. the delays in the amp are for unequal path lengths of the speakers and not the unequal length of cables.

that IS old school. a difference in length of 5-10ft is barely measurable and inaudible. the delays in the amp are for unequal path lengths of the speakers and not the unequal length of cables.

Actually 3 feet is audible, but it's something you wouldn't notice unless you were able to A/B the system. The easiest way to understand exactly how audible it is, is with a modern home stereo receiver. Most receivers now have the ability to create a sweet spot, the setup where it asks you how far the front and rear speakers are from where you sit. Change the distances, and you can hear a change, these are millisecond delay changes, but you can hear them. Now while they are audible, Big you are right in the sense that it is not noticeable in most cases. But why would you use delays in the amp to create a sweet spot, are these delay adjustable through the head unit? Also, where's the sweet spot? If you sit in the passenger side rear seat does the sound feel like it's in front of you? That speakers are in identical positions on each side of the cabin right? I'm asking because I haven't recieved my SRT yet, so I really don't know.

Man, I'm only 33 and my methods are old school already!? Where does the time go? :)

Also, where's the sweet spot? If you sit in the passenger side rear seat does the sound feel like it's in front of you?

i don't care what it sounds like for the people in back:D rear speakers are coming out. i want my stage upfront and center on my dash from the drivers seat.

Actually 3 feet is audible

i disagree

http://www.trueaudio.com/post_007.htm
http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/audioprinciples/interconnects/SpeakerCablelength.php

i disagree

http://www.trueaudio.com/post_007.htm
http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/audioprinciples/interconnects/SpeakerCablelength.php

I have a master recording degree, and owned a recording studio for 10 years in Phoenix AZ. I know sound, and while many will say "it's not problem" that doesn't mean it's not audible.

I'm not arguing with you on the delays being for a sweet spot, if you know that's what there for then I'll accept that. Like I said, I haven't received my car yet, so I can only go off you guys are saying. I'm just throwing out possibilities, hoping they help someone find the reality and then pass the info on to all of us. :D

I have a master recording degree, and owned a recording studio for 10 years in Phoenix AZ. I know sound, and while many will say "it's not problem" that doesn't mean it's not audible.

i must be spending too much time on the car audio forums. i'm not arguing, just a friendly debate. so what speakers are you going to go with? the stock systems going to sound like crap to you:D

i must be spending too much time on the car audio forums. I'm not arguing, just a friendly debate. so what speakers are you going to go with? the stock systems going to sound like crap to you:D

You know I've been so worked up about paying MSRP for the car while the EP pricing thing is going on that I haven't given it much thought. This is my first new car sense I moved back to Chicago so first I need to find a great custom shop to do the work. Then when it comes to my system it's all about control. I have to be able to tweak everything, that's why I was freaking out about not being able to adjust the delays in the stock amp. Give me enough knobs to adjust and I can make any system sound good. As far as brands, it's been a couple of years so I'll have to do some looking but I've read a few good things about the high end Kicker stuff, and I assume MBQ is still putting out great stuff. If you're really current on whats out there I'd love to hear who's at the top these days. I don't need to push a 1000 watts anymore, I'm looking for really clean, tight, precise sound.

You know I've been so worked up about paying MSRP for the car while the EP pricing thing is going on that I haven't given it much thought. This is my first new car sense I moved back to Chicago so first I need to find a great custom shop to do the work. Then when it comes to my system it's all about control. I have to be able to tweak everything, that's why I was freaking out about not being able to adjust the delays in the stock amp. Give me enough knobs to adjust and I can make any system sound good. As far as brands, it's been a couple of years so I'll have to do some looking but I've read a few good things about the high end Kicker stuff, and I assume MBQ is still putting out great stuff. If you're really current on whats out there I'd love to hear who's at the top these days. I don't need to push a 1000 watts anymore, I'm looking for really clean, tight, precise sound.

i hear you. i'm more into sq now also. if you like control and want alot of adjustment, the best bang for your buck processor used by many sq competitors and a few world champs is the alpine pxa-h701. the thing i like about it is it can use an optical toslink input which totally eliminates noise which is hard to do with rca inputs with todays cars. or you can look into zapco's new dc digital reference amps with built in processing. you can hook up a laptop to these and tweak all day. speaker recommendations are like A$*h0*'s:D everyone.......j/k. i would audition as many as you can but i personally like seas lotus, rainbow, dls, and focal with image dynamics for subs. amps: zapco, arc, and genesis. you might not be familiar with some of these brands but i would definitely look into them. they're not the main stream popular jl audio or rockford brands but if you're into sq and not sound boom they're for you.

did someone mention JL? :)

http://images14.fotki.com/v192/photos/4/43063/3148071/nicerack-vi.jpg
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did someone mention JL? :)


yeah, but i also mentioned zapco and focal:D. i know it's not a jeep but i'm holding out for an 07. nice clean install idealrides!
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c130/bigwise1/kk212.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c130/bigwise1/13.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c130/bigwise1/Shane25.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c130/bigwise1/kk257.jpg

Very nice Big. I need a shop in Chicago that can an install that clean. Again, very nice.

And let me add, the way you did the doors looks sick.

Very nice Big. I need a shop in Chicago that can an install that clean. Again, very nice.

And let me add, the way you did the doors looks sick.

thanks krush. these are the only shops i could find that were recommended on the car audio forums i frequent. soundwerks is an authorized dynaudio dealer. another good brand to look into.

Soundwerks
(847) 451-0787
10745 W Grand Ave
Northlake, IL 60164

Audio Smith
(847) 816-1900
755 N Milwaukee Ave
Libertyville, IL 60048

We have the first boston system in our srt jeep and I will say it kicks ass

I will take some pictures and post them, but I would say there is no reason dump the factory system, just upgrade it.



Scott
GS Motorsports

[QUOTE=idealrides]did someone mention JL? :)



Idel, if you could post or send me some more detailed pics of your SUB setup.. I need ideas! you can PM me for my email if that will make it easier!

-- Sal

Well I picked up my GC SRT today.:D I don't think there are delays in the amp, or if there are they are for some kind of correction not sweet spotting. The sweet spot in my car seems to be between the two front seats as would be expected. With fade and balance on the head unit, why the delays? I need to dig a little deeper but I'm confused at this point. Has anyone actually replaced the amp in there GC? Did it effect the stock balance, or create a slight reverb effect?

We have the first boston system in our srt jeep and I will say it kicks ass

I will take some pictures and post them, but I would say there is no reason dump the factory system, just upgrade it.



Scott
GS Motorsports

What's the difference between the first boston system and what comes in it? Is it an upgraded system?

Red GTS.....are you the same redgts from the vca website?

Red GTS.....are you the same redgts from the vca website?

Yep. :) Liking your Jeep so far?

big, nice setup you've got there. I like focals too (have polykevlars in my other car on a McIntosh amp) only problem is they won't fit in the Jeep's doors without making some sweet pods like you've done in the 300. Very tempting!

Idel, if you could post or send me some more detailed pics of your SUB setup.. I need ideas! you can PM me for my email if that will make it easier!

-- Sal
sal, did you want to see the sub enclosure specifically or the whole system?
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big, nice setup you've got there. I like focals too (have polykevlars in my other car on a McIntosh amp) only problem is they won't fit in the Jeep's doors without making some sweet pods like you've done in the 300. Very tempting!

is it the mounting depth or the diameter? if it's diameter you could go with the 5.25".

Small question here, everyone says the BA system is crap... How Does It Compare To The Infinity System on The WJ ?

sal, did you want to see the sub enclosure specifically or the whole system?

anything you can throw at me :) everything is apresheated!

-- Sal

here's some pictures I took during the install showing the basic steps, if there's anything you want me to explain in more detail just ask.


filling up the enclosure with water to measure volume and check for leaks

http://6pod.com/idealrides/SRT8/2801.jpg


applying spray adhesive for the carpet. you have to wait for it to dry a little bit before sticking together.

http://6pod.com/idealrides/SRT8/2802.jpg

profile of the enclosure

http://6pod.com/idealrides/SRT8/2819.jpg

http://6pod.com/idealrides/SRT8/2820.jpg

http://6pod.com/idealrides/SRT8/2825.jpg

this is the factory amp. I soldered David Navone line output converters to the rear door speaker outputs. Also you can see the 4 gauge ground cable for the amps. On the top right is the factory 12v power outlet.

http://6pod.com/idealrides/SRT8/3083.jpg

here you can see the 1/4" polished aluminum plates that the amps are bolted to, and the 5 farad Alumapro capacitor which also acts as a distribution block for the amps. All power cables are 4 gauge, except the ignition wires which are 16 gauge and they run up to the fuse box under the steering wheel where I tapped the headunit's ignition/accessory wire so the amps stay on after you remove the key just like the factory system. On the left is the sub speaker cable and the power wire for the LED lights. I took this pic before I dressed up the wires and ziptied everything in place.

http://6pod.com/idealrides/SRT8/3085.jpg

not stereo related, but anyway this is the alcantara (synthetic suede) steering wheel cover which I had an upholsterer install, double-stitched just like the factory does it. Same color as the suede seat inserts but not perforated.

http://6pod.com/idealrides/SRT8/3106.jpg

and this one is only slightly off-topic... recycled the JL amp's cardboard box into a puppy bed, lined with subwoofer carpet. He's only 2 months old, likes to sleep a lot!

http://6pod.com/idealrides/SRT8/3117.jpg

finished product with two 48 LED strip lights under 1/2" plexi. There's translucent vinyl to let the light glow through and the outer edge has normal vinyl to block you from seeing the LED's directly. I did not cut the plexi myself, I had an industrial glass shop do it, just gave them the factory cover to use as a template. When I asked them to cut the slots for the factory tie downs to work, they said they couldn't do slots, they could only drill holes, so I told them to drill a bunch of holes in a row and it would be just like a slot! Worked out pretty well.

http://6pod.com/idealrides/SRT8/3121.jpg
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ideal, nice build pics. any more pics of the enclosure build up? and what kind of dog is that? looks big for 8 wks.

Ah yes, the enclosure. I mentioned this briefly in another thread but I'll elaborate here a bit more since since you asked...

I've never had the pleasure of making a fiberglass enclosure before, and I wanted to avoid making a stinky epoxy mess in my new Jeep so I wasn't about to start now. I hired Rob from Art of Noise (from one of the other SRT forums) to make the enclosure. He's made a bunch of them for magnums, but never for a Jeep, so he went out of his way to rent a new WK just to make the mold. Since he only had the Jeep for a day he had to finish off the front without the car... so by the time it was finished it didn't fit perfect. Nothing major, just had a friend do some bondo work to cut away the openings for the power outlet and grocery hooks, and move the cargo hook openings a bit more into place.

This it what it looked like before the extra bondo work:

http://6pod.com/idealrides/SRT8/0962.jpg


And the dog is a half-breed Pit Bull that I found on the street outside my office. Actually he found me... I was working on the stereo, leaning into the trunk, and I felt a wet sensation on my ankle and jumped back not knowing what the hell just licked me. And there he was, looking up at me from under the exhaust tips! Played with him for a while and when I was getting in the jeep to go home he tried to jump in, so I picked him up and took him home. According to the vet he's about 10 weeks old now, with these long razor sharp baby teeth... so his name is Stitch.
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very nice install.. and cute puppy :)

Thanks for all the pics.. They will deff be put to use, since the shop i use has not see a SRT8 GC yet this should be fun lol! but your pics should help them out alot.

-- Sal

hey ideal,
nice setup,

can you help me with a system i installed in a jeep srt8 as well?
http://www.cherokeesrt8.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2622&page=2

thanks?? if you can

So, there has been plenty of mention in this thread about trying to intercept the signal for an outboard processor after the factory amp, but has any tried to grab the signal before the BA amp (and allof it's delays and eq)?

Any results?

Thanks!

the headunit controls the output volume of the amplifier through the CANbus data network, so if you intercept the signal before it reaches the amp then you will need to have an auxiliary volume control. :(
________
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the headunit controls the output volume of the amplifier through the CANbus data network, so if you intercept the signal before it reaches the amp then you will need to have an auxiliary volume control. :(

Crap! :mad:

I've been looking at a number of processors that come in after the amp but most of them try to correct not only with eq but delay as well. Beyond that I've also heard that the signal from the cleasweep and 3sixty are still somewhat "dirty". I'm also looking at the upcoming alpine pxe 650 but it is also a delayed solution.

My hope was to take more of an analog approach using the full CDT upstage system but I will probably need more of a clean slate (signal). Also I'd like not to shell out 2 grand for an aftermarket nave unit and would like to keep steering wheel controls. Not sure what to do....

Advice???

So the Kicker dual sub set-up and Kicker amp will not work with the BA stuff?

yeah, but i also mentioned zapco and focal:D. i know it's not a jeep but i'm holding out for an 07. nice clean install idealrides!
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c130/bigwise1/kk212.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c130/bigwise1/13.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c130/bigwise1/Shane25.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c130/bigwise1/kk257.jpg
Looks very good.

I just dont like the Focals. I had them in my mercedes. Watch out for the cone warping problem. I replaced them numerous times and finally got sick of them. I am a boston acoustics Z6 type of guy.

I had the Z6's before in 2 different cars. My blazer had 2 sets and the mercedes had 1 set. In the blazer I had 200 RMS going to each driver and they never hickupped. In the mercedes I was running over 300watts rms to each boston Z6 driver and they never even flinched.

I plan on running the Z6's again in the Jeep. Same setup with same power..I will probably buy another set for the rear too.

here's some pictures I took during the install showing the basic steps, if there's anything you want me to explain in more detail just ask.


filling up the enclosure with water to measure volume and check for leaks

http://6pod.com/idealrides/SRT8/2801.jpg




Wait til you see what I have in store for the jeep.

You may want me to make a replacement enclosure for you..

Oh and I got my suede sample pack from the upolstery place.
I have a matching suede that is perforated. the only difference is that the perforations are round and not diamond pattern like the jeep.

Im starting full force on the jeep this weekend and will be documenting each step of the way.

Ill also be making molds just in case someone here wants me to make one for them...

the aftermarket radio mold is drying as we speak.

Bet you are wondering what the hell an aftermarket radio mold is huh.

You shall soon see!

NDM,

I might be very interested in the sub enclosure depending on what size drivers it is designed to hold.

I will more than likely go with CDT 8s or single 10 (just reinforcement, not boom).

Please keep us posted and pics please.

NDM,

I might be very interested in the sub enclosure depending on what size drivers it is designed to hold.

I will more than likely go with CDT 8s or single 10 (just reinforcement, not boom).

Please keep us posted and pics please.

It wont matter what size. I am using a single JL 13w7 but everything will have to be custom built so size doesnt matter( in this case of course!!hehehe!!)

The design I am doing will retain all of your cargo space and allow you to fold down the seats as you will.

I wish I hadnt sold my other 13w7..this suv is built for those.

It wont matter what size. I am using a single JL 13w7 but everything will have to be custom built so size doesnt matter( in this case of course!!hehehe!!)

The design I am doing will retain all of your cargo space and allow you to fold down the seats as you will.

I wish I hadnt sold my other 13w7..this suv is built for those.

What is your timeline for the enclosure (yours). I'm looking forward to seeing it!

What is your timeline for the enclosure (yours). I'm looking forward to seeing it!

Hopefully in the next couple weeks. I am working on it this weekend. I just got som supplies in the mail yesterday.

Mine will be a little different because Im taking the load floor out completely and the size of my sub is big. I also want some other features that will be kinda neat. For a 10 or a 12 sub it is pretty simple. Mine on the other hand wil be somewhat complicated. I also want a downfiring design. I have lots of experience with downfiring and it is my weapon of choice.

the first enclosure will be a sealed design. Then Im going to build a ported just for giggles. The interior airspace will be measured the way I do all my glass enclosures.

Mine will have LED's and plexi too. And the reason why it will take a minute is because I will be finishing the inside and outside.

Otherwise I could kick one out in a weekend.

Ideal,

I have a couple of questions regaridng your install. You tapped off of the rear speaker wires from the factory amp (which is known to have EQ). Subjectively, how clean is this signal, in your own estimation, how much eq has been applied to these "full range" signals, how much difference does there seem to be L vs. R? Also does there seem to be delay added L vs. R?

Thanks!

-7

this little sucker (10W6) wasn't cutting it for me:
http://images112.fotki.com/v580/photos/4/43063/3148071/sub3-vi.jpg


so for now I had to throw in something else:
http://images24.fotki.com/v767/photos/4/43063/3148071/3tens-vi.jpg

can't wait to see what you've come up with, maybe I'll be your first customer!
________
CAMS LIVE (http://camslivesexy.com/)

Wanna sell the box?

-7

Wanna sell the box?

-7

not until I have another small sub to replace it with :cool:
________
California Medical Marijuana Dispensary (http://california.dispensaries.org/)

not until I have another small sub to replace it with :cool:

Im in the works with the box.

on another note.. I just purchased 5040 square feet of closed cell foam for the Jeep....

Im gonna quiet the thing quite a bit!!!!

Now just gotta get other Sound deadening products.... And my favorite nonhardening clay!!

If you are wondering, the foam is for the rear of all the plastic panels, the inner doors, outer doors and to be used over the dynamat type deadening products. Its an absorber for sounds.

Pretty much everything will have some foam on it.

The clay is to be used between the mounting surfaces and complonents. Keeps things sealed and absorbs some vibration energy.

The noise reducing types of products are
Barrier- Blocks sound
absorber- uh duh!!
and mass loading(weight) -loads the surface to prevent vibration


Well gotta go back to work.

IDEALRIDES

know everyone has probably asked the question already but, I really wanted to know if you are still building the single sub boxes? If not where could I get this done and what specs would I need? I really want something put in my JGCSRT8 to richen the sound and be able to turn the bass down on the door speakers for less rattles. Any help would be great.