So...
This has been a journey. I started out with the DIY under $500.00. Then as a project I wanted to tackle something a little more challenging and involved.
I also wanted to try out some different components along the way. We all know that Focal is tried and true and proven. Dom stands by Morel. Some folks like the American made Frogs.
Harking back to much roots... I went with Hertz. I figured what better way to listen to my Italian Crooners than on Italian speakers.
I tried a few different combinations of Hertz speakers before I got it right. I settled in on their Mille Legend line. Larger 35mm tweeters, 6.5” legend components in the front doors and Mille Pro Coax 6.5 two way in the rear doors. I rounded it out with dual 12” Alpine Type R thin subs mounted in an under seat enclosure.
It’s all powered by two JL amps. 1000 watts HD going to the subs and 800 watts for the doors and dash.
I used a slightly used Dsr1 from Dom and his old home made amp rack. I used some sound deadening tiles in the doors and wrapped the inside and outside door panels with dynamat. FAST rings and some merry adapters rounded it out.
I did have to pull an 0 gauge wire to the rear and set up a distribution block. I had to replace the stock alternator wires and upgraded the battery to stop voltage dips on big bass songs. I used fuse blocks as opposed to breakers.
I’d put this as a medium difficulty, higher end DIY build. I didn’t tally up all the costs, but I would guess it’s somewhere around 5,000.00.
So how does it sound? It sounds like very high end audio. It’s extremely clear without distortion and there is a nice centered sound stage. At very low listening volumes it’s a little short on bass with a properly set RTA but that is easily corrected by adjusting the “bass” slider on the head unit. Anything above volume level of 5 and the bass has to slide back to neutral to appreciate all the musical nuances.
Was it worth it? Only if you’re genuinely an audiophile and have an ear for it. Otherwise,probably not. Was it worth it for me? Absolutely! I enjoyed the project and the journey to get there as much or more than the final product.
And yes... it sounds better than anything I’ve ever heard from the factory, regardless of brand.
Totally doable project for a DIY under $6,000 crowd.
This has been a journey. I started out with the DIY under $500.00. Then as a project I wanted to tackle something a little more challenging and involved.
I also wanted to try out some different components along the way. We all know that Focal is tried and true and proven. Dom stands by Morel. Some folks like the American made Frogs.
Harking back to much roots... I went with Hertz. I figured what better way to listen to my Italian Crooners than on Italian speakers.
I tried a few different combinations of Hertz speakers before I got it right. I settled in on their Mille Legend line. Larger 35mm tweeters, 6.5” legend components in the front doors and Mille Pro Coax 6.5 two way in the rear doors. I rounded it out with dual 12” Alpine Type R thin subs mounted in an under seat enclosure.
It’s all powered by two JL amps. 1000 watts HD going to the subs and 800 watts for the doors and dash.
I used a slightly used Dsr1 from Dom and his old home made amp rack. I used some sound deadening tiles in the doors and wrapped the inside and outside door panels with dynamat. FAST rings and some merry adapters rounded it out.
I did have to pull an 0 gauge wire to the rear and set up a distribution block. I had to replace the stock alternator wires and upgraded the battery to stop voltage dips on big bass songs. I used fuse blocks as opposed to breakers.
I’d put this as a medium difficulty, higher end DIY build. I didn’t tally up all the costs, but I would guess it’s somewhere around 5,000.00.
So how does it sound? It sounds like very high end audio. It’s extremely clear without distortion and there is a nice centered sound stage. At very low listening volumes it’s a little short on bass with a properly set RTA but that is easily corrected by adjusting the “bass” slider on the head unit. Anything above volume level of 5 and the bass has to slide back to neutral to appreciate all the musical nuances.
Was it worth it? Only if you’re genuinely an audiophile and have an ear for it. Otherwise,probably not. Was it worth it for me? Absolutely! I enjoyed the project and the journey to get there as much or more than the final product.
And yes... it sounds better than anything I’ve ever heard from the factory, regardless of brand.
Totally doable project for a DIY under $6,000 crowd.
