Car Audio 101

Graybullet · 08-30-2009, 03:38 AM

This thread is great and very informative! Thanks bigaudiofanat. By any chance, would you recommend the Z for a complete Noob to install a complete an audio system? The only experience I have is installing my head units with metra cables...

bigaudiofanat · 08-30-2009, 11:04 AM

I think with a little guidance and a lot of patience I believe that you can do it. I think that you need to read a few DIY threads first. If you need any help just ask and I can help you out.

http://www.the370z.com/diy-section-d...ket-radio.html

http://www.the370z.com/diy-section-d...aker-size.html

Also maybe take a look at my build thread and ak's as well to give you some more ideas of what I did.

California Install

http://www.the370z.com/audio-video/5...am-ak370z.html

bigaudiofanat · 08-30-2009, 11:20 PM

Bump new info on previous page.

bigaudiofanat · 09-06-2009, 10:01 AM

A few rules to fallow when working with car audio.

1. Always start off by disconnecting the negative battery terminal.

2. Never cut the wiring harness behind the dash unless you are absolutely sure that what you are doing is right. Even in that case verify it with someone on the forum.

3. If something goes wrong or dose not work after installing everything. Check Check Check your connections makes sure they are okay and that no pint in the harnesses are bent.

4. Check your fuses. This may seem like something simple but many people over look this. If you have been messing with wires check them. It could hold the answer.

5. Take your time and take plenty of pics

Division · 09-06-2009, 10:59 AM

Big,
Chances are most of the people using this thread are novices, I would strongly discourage people to use their 'ear' to set the gains on any amp. Most novices won't/don't understand the concept of clipping, nor what it sounds like on a sub, vs a set of components. I would like to see you write up the proper way to set gains using a volt meter, and test tones to avoid potentially over driving a speaker. I think this would go a long way in helping the community.

john370z · 09-06-2009, 11:22 AM

I have truly enjoyed every post on this thread. I do have a question...
Will a 6 3/4" component speaker like a boston acoustic pro fit on the front door panels?
I know you said a 6.5 would..
thanks
john

bigaudiofanat · 09-06-2009, 04:16 PM

division, I do not think that many people know or have a volt meter nor will that help you rely set gains. You would need a oscilloscope for that which I do not think people want to spend 300 dollars on that and learn how to use it. Yes it is for new people and the best I can do is tell them to set it by ear. Some might be better than others but I am not going to recommend learning about 2 or 3 tools that will cost an extra 500 dollars to set it. I believe that people are capable of understanding what distortion is "or clipping" and how to turn a knob down so that there is none.

bigaudiofanat · 09-06-2009, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by john370z

I have truly enjoyed every post on this thread. I do have a question...
Will a 6 3/4" component speaker like a boston acoustic pro fit on the front door panels?
I know you said a 6.5 would..
thanks
john

First of thank you for your words

Yes they will have no problem fitting the only thing is you will have to get a spacer ring that has a hole small enough for them.

speedaudio64 · 09-06-2009, 04:51 PM

I am going to have to agree with big on this one. I have been in the car audio business for a little over 10 years and new people in car audio will not know how to use the fundamental tools needed for tuning a system. That is why MOST people giving advice to new people will tell them to listen for distortion or in our term clipping. Keep up the great work Matt. I see you are doing okay without me HAHA.

Division · 09-06-2009, 05:14 PM

A cheap digital multimeter (DMM) will run ~20 bucks and should be in any installers/DIY-ers toolbox already. You do NOT need an oscilloscope.

Here's a pretty easy tutorial anyone can follow on how to use a DMM to set their gains. The source is pretty reputable.

Clipping can be very difficult to hear, especially at lower frequencies. I'm a pretty big fan of math, and with some basic calculations, a volt meter, and a a 50hz test tone, you can properly, and more importantly accurately set your gains. Familiarize yourself with Ohms Law.

Why use a DMM to set your gains?
Accuracy, repeatability, and unlike your hearing, math doesn't change after years of excessive volume.

Here are some additional links to refer to when properly tuning a system:

Wattage - this puts ohms law in english.

Ohm's Law
Ohm's Law Calculators (is the most useful calculator)

bigaudiofanat · 09-06-2009, 06:55 PM

That is a good link and all, but I know that people can hear clipping, even at lower volumes. I also have explained ohms law as well in one of my posts. Yes it can be done with a volt meter, but I think that not everyone doing an install is a DIY'er as well as they are able top hear what they are looking for. If you rely want to get technical about it all yes you do need an oscilloscope if you are rely worried about clipping. At that level it is not important but you are trying to say that using a volt meter and finding clipping that way is. Different installers recommend different ways. We can argue on about this until the world comes to an end. I choose to show them that method for setting gains. You have showed them your way. They both work.

speedfreak28 · 09-07-2009, 03:23 PM

I dont think reccomending an amateur set gains by ear is a great idea, Clipping isnt always an audible occurance, the DMM and test tone method is the most common used by installers. You could be sending a clipped signal and not know it if the speakers rated rms is lower than actual power handling. A clipped signal will introduce heat, the number one kilelr of speakers.

speedaudio64 · 09-07-2009, 03:45 PM

I have to agree with you, on the fact that heat kills speakers. What I will argue is that the volt meter method is good, but I do not see that it can be better than setting by ear. If you set by ear, and turn it up to the point of clipping than back a quarter turn you are pretty safe from any clipping. I have been doing it sense my first installs years ago and those same systems are still going "the ones that are still in tact." So big, and speed I am going to have to agree with you BOTH. You can choose which way you want to set the gains. Either way works fine.

speedaudio64 · 09-11-2009, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

JL Myth
So a lot of you may have heard or been told by people or the internet that JL is basically the best you can buy. This is no way true. There are so many better companies out there for around the same or less price than JL. A few to start with are focal, CDT, Image Dynamics, Rainbow, and Dynaaudio. Do not get me wrong JL is good stuff just there is a lot better for the price you spend for JL. If you are looking for a site that carries the brands and others that I have mentioned please look no farther than Woofersetc.com the online car audio super store, the largest selection at the lowest prices!

I so agree with this. People see that they are on tv and all and think they are the best. There not wait to shine the truth on them. I am not saying there not good I am just saying there is better for the money.

Great website as well

JoeD · 09-17-2009, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

The system is not even as good as the base sound system.

Anyone else want to chime in on this?

I'll take your word for it, as I have no compared the sound-systems in both the Base and the Touring and you're the resident audio guru. I just want to know if this opinion is shared among others as well.

So, again, comparing stock to stock purely on a sound basis without taking the other drawbacks to the Bose audio that you mentioned...the Base out-performs the Touring?

08-30-2009, 11:04 AM	#47 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	I think with a little guidance and a lot of patience I believe that you can do it. I think that you need to read a few DIY threads first. If you need any help just ask and I can help you out. http://www.the370z.com/diy-section-d...ket-radio.html http://www.the370z.com/diy-section-d...aker-size.html Also maybe take a look at my build thread and ak's as well to give you some more ideas of what I did. California Install http://www.the370z.com/audio-video/5...am-ak370z.html __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/ Last edited by bigaudiofanat; 08-30-2009 at 12:33 PM.

08-30-2009, 11:20 PM	#48 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	Bump new info on previous page. __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

09-06-2009, 10:01 AM	#49 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	A few rules to fallow when working with car audio. 1. Always start off by disconnecting the negative battery terminal. 2. Never cut the wiring harness behind the dash unless you are absolutely sure that what you are doing is right. Even in that case verify it with someone on the forum. 3. If something goes wrong or dose not work after installing everything. Check Check Check your connections makes sure they are okay and that no pint in the harnesses are bent. 4. Check your fuses. This may seem like something simple but many people over look this. If you have been messing with wires check them. It could hold the answer. 5. Take your time and take plenty of pics __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/ Last edited by bigaudiofanat; 09-06-2009 at 04:43 PM.

09-06-2009, 11:22 AM	#51 (permalink)
john370z Base Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: new mexico Posts: 141 Drives: 2007 335i coupe Rep Power: 283	I have truly enjoyed every post on this thread. I do have a question... Will a 6 3/4" component speaker like a boston acoustic pro fit on the front door panels? I know you said a 6.5 would.. thanks john __________________ 2009 370Z, Had Berk HFC and un-installed them cuz too noisy!, Stillen CBE, 10mm rear wheel spacer, K&N drop in filters. Blower to come...

09-06-2009, 04:16 PM	#52 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	division, I do not think that many people know or have a volt meter nor will that help you rely set gains. You would need a oscilloscope for that which I do not think people want to spend 300 dollars on that and learn how to use it. Yes it is for new people and the best I can do is tell them to set it by ear. Some might be better than others but I am not going to recommend learning about 2 or 3 tools that will cost an extra 500 dollars to set it. I believe that people are capable of understanding what distortion is "or clipping" and how to turn a knob down so that there is none. __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

08-30-2009, 03:38 AM	#46 (permalink)
Graybullet Base Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Hawaii Posts: 82 Drives: 370Z Base/Sports Rep Power: 16	This thread is great and very informative! Thanks bigaudiofanat. By any chance, would you recommend the Z for a complete Noob to install a complete an audio system? The only experience I have is installing my head units with metra cables...

09-06-2009, 10:59 AM	#50 (permalink)
Division Base Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Central FL Posts: 199 Drives: 2009 370Z Sport Rep Power: 16	Big, Chances are most of the people using this thread are novices, I would strongly discourage people to use their 'ear' to set the gains on any amp. Most novices won't/don't understand the concept of clipping, nor what it sounds like on a sub, vs a set of components. I would like to see you write up the proper way to set gains using a volt meter, and test tones to avoid potentially over driving a speaker. I think this would go a long way in helping the community.

09-06-2009, 04:51 PM	#54 (permalink)
speedaudio64 Base Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 18 Drives: None right now Rep Power: 16	I am going to have to agree with big on this one. I have been in the car audio business for a little over 10 years and new people in car audio will not know how to use the fundamental tools needed for tuning a system. That is why MOST people giving advice to new people will tell them to listen for distortion or in our term clipping. Keep up the great work Matt. I see you are doing okay without me HAHA.

09-06-2009, 05:14 PM	#55 (permalink)
Division Base Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Central FL Posts: 199 Drives: 2009 370Z Sport Rep Power: 16	A cheap digital multimeter (DMM) will run ~20 bucks and should be in any installers/DIY-ers toolbox already. You do NOT need an oscilloscope. Here's a pretty easy tutorial anyone can follow on how to use a DMM to set their gains. The source is pretty reputable. Clipping can be very difficult to hear, especially at lower frequencies. I'm a pretty big fan of math, and with some basic calculations, a volt meter, and a a 50hz test tone, you can properly, and more importantly accurately set your gains. Familiarize yourself with Ohms Law. Why use a DMM to set your gains? Accuracy, repeatability, and unlike your hearing, math doesn't change after years of excessive volume. Here are some additional links to refer to when properly tuning a system: Wattage - this puts ohms law in english. Ohm's Law Ohm's Law Calculators (is the most useful calculator) Last edited by Division; 09-06-2009 at 05:17 PM.

09-06-2009, 06:55 PM	#56 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	That is a good link and all, but I know that people can hear clipping, even at lower volumes. I also have explained ohms law as well in one of my posts. Yes it can be done with a volt meter, but I think that not everyone doing an install is a DIY'er as well as they are able top hear what they are looking for. If you rely want to get technical about it all yes you do need an oscilloscope if you are rely worried about clipping. At that level it is not important but you are trying to say that using a volt meter and finding clipping that way is. Different installers recommend different ways. We can argue on about this until the world comes to an end. I choose to show them that method for setting gains. You have showed them your way. They both work. __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

09-07-2009, 03:23 PM	#57 (permalink)
speedfreak28 Base Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: south jersey Posts: 247 Drives: 05 ram, 79 z28 Rep Power: 16	I dont think reccomending an amateur set gains by ear is a great idea, Clipping isnt always an audible occurance, the DMM and test tone method is the most common used by installers. You could be sending a clipped signal and not know it if the speakers rated rms is lower than actual power handling. A clipped signal will introduce heat, the number one kilelr of speakers.

09-07-2009, 03:45 PM	#58 (permalink)
speedaudio64 Base Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 18 Drives: None right now Rep Power: 16	I have to agree with you, on the fact that heat kills speakers. What I will argue is that the volt meter method is good, but I do not see that it can be better than setting by ear. If you set by ear, and turn it up to the point of clipping than back a quarter turn you are pretty safe from any clipping. I have been doing it sense my first installs years ago and those same systems are still going "the ones that are still in tact." So big, and speed I am going to have to agree with you BOTH. You can choose which way you want to set the gains. Either way works fine.

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