Angrey's Custom Sound Stage Build

[Angrey]

So I wanted to improve on the OEM sound system. I have a 2016 GT350 and to say that Ford went cheap on the stereo system would be an understatement. The head unit is typical (although the calculator screen looks like something a third grader did to fill in a bunch of space). The 6 speaker system isn't just trash, it's garbage with dumpster juice sprinkled on top.

The rear speakers are so cheap, it's not hyperbole to say I don't think you could find a cheaper/crappier component. They were literally crumbling and falling apart. If you have an OE system and your car has seen a few years of sunshine, I'd check the rear deck speakers. The paper was shredded and it's a wonder they were able to produce any sound at all.

So I set out to improve my screen and audio system. I didn't want anything overly complicated. I wanted minimal weight (and complexity, at least in terms of final look). I didn't want to win any stereo competitions, just a little more power and clarity and brightness.

The first step was upgrading to the Ford large screen. With the help of Hextall, I purchased all factory/Ford components (including the new in dash GPS) and latest Sync 3 build. Hextall was able to not only give me factory/Ford Forscan build, he was able to clear out some of the troubling GT350 audio features (like that annoying augmentation).

I chose to upgrade the front 4 components (woofers and tweeters) with Powerbase. Although they're very inexpensive, for the power I'd be running (45 watts to each channel) they are perfect. Very high value in terms of what you get for what you spend. Very simple installation.

I wanted a little more from the rear deck so I went with Hertz SPL SX 165 Neo coaxials. Very high quality and made from materials that will last better in the rear deck exposed to sun through the carpet.

For subwoofer, I wanted a contained/powered unit. The Alpine psu-300MTG. Not only is it compact and lightweight (compared to a sub and a dedicated box) but it also gives the ability to amplify the OE channels up to 4 channels (45 watts each). Perfect for me as I don't have to give up trunk space for amp and processor board and didn't have to do any significant wiring of channels.

I also wanted to make the system clean and clear as much as possible so I went with a DSR-1 paired with the DFo2 T harness. With valuable help from M6G Forum members i was able to modify the DFo2 harness by swapping over the remote turn on from the Alpine harness onto the DFo2. I was then able to use the DFo2 to the DSR-1 and create a low level RCA to the Alpine, amplify the signal and return it back into the OE channels. So the result is a clean and clear signal, amplified and using OE wiring.

The two most complicated parts of the build were the harness and then taking the rear deck trim rings and swapping them over to the new aftermarket speakers.

I had planned on dropping the car off to an audio shop to do the "tune" of the system, but after watching videos I took the plunge and bought a UMIK-1 microphone, paid $20 for the EDU CAR app (for pink noise) and was actually able to tune the system myself. I set the filters (I hate that the audio world calls them crossovers) digitally, timed it (the DSR-1 makes that very easy) and then did a few tweaks on the various channels to get as close to the "Harman" curve as I could get.

The result is a system that's now strong enough to play music over the sound of the exhaust (especially at cruising). No bulky sub boxes or wires running everywhere or amp/processor boards in the back.

The only two things I don't like about the entire system is that for some music, the 8" subwoofer is less than mind blowing and what little weight it adds would be better in the right rear. However, both are acceptable tradeoffs given the tidiness of the system and the minimal weight.

Here is my final measurement on the REW.

Many thanks to:

@OF5.0
@MegaG
@HextallS550

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[OF5.0]

I am glad that this turned out well for you. It’s not easy, but patience pays off.

 

[Angrey]

 

[Angrey]

 

[Angrey]

This was pre tune (default DSR-1 settings). I know videos of audio performance are tough to communicate clearly all that's going on but the system sounds so much better in every way. Very VERY clean and clear with more punch. Speakers aren't struggling at higher volumes and no distortion at anything I've tried so far. WIth the volume high enough, the snare drums are ear piercing.

 

[Angrey]

So some feedback for anyone who does the Alpine under dash subwoofer:

The installation of the harness and wiring is pretty straight forward. I'll leave it up to you how you want to connect sub power and make it look clean (I have a trunk battery relocation, so my routing went to the sill and back rather than punching through the grommet on the firewall).

The most difficult part is the brackets and fastening the unit under the dash.

I ditched the OE screws and approach. It involves screwing through holes in brackets on the unit into threaded bungs on brackets you install (2 from the glove box and a triangular bracket to the rear). That makes for a very VERY difficult install as you're trying to fit and balance the heavy unit while getting a series of openings to line up and get a tiny screw started (that has a smooth phillips head on it). Instead, I chose to turn that into a post/stud by routing screws through the backside so that the unit holes simply line up over posts, then a washer or two and a nut and away you go. MUCH easier.

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