Albrightsville Dodge Challenger Audio System Upgrade

Not long ago, a client from Albrightsville dropped into Mobile Edge to discuss upgrading the audio system in his 2018 Dodge Challenger. The client loves the car and its powerful 392-cubic-inch V8, but felt that the factory stereo simply wasn’t up to the performance level that he expected from such a unique vehicle. After talking to the client about how he listens to his music and having a look at the vehicle, our team put together a proposal that would offer the clarity, volume capability and bass performance that the car should have come with from the factory. The client loved the plan and gave us the go-ahead to schedule the installation.

Memphis Car Audio System Amplifier

Our upgrades would provide enjoyable audio to rival the mighty Hemi sound.

The metal amplifier rack was precisely cut and welded to secure the amplifiers.

Our amplifier mounting solution was to attach them to the underside of the rear deck.

Flipping down the overhead pocket reveals the Audison controller.

With the pocket closed, the overhead area looks stock.

The audio system upgrade would be based around a Memphis Car Audio PRXA700.5 five-channel amplifier. This particular amp produces up to 50 watts from each of the four main channels and a solid 400 watts for a dedicated subwoofer. We used an Audison bit Ten D DSP interface and a USS4 Universal Speaker Simulator to connect the new amp to the factory sound system. We mounted the amp and the processor to one of our trademark steel amp racks. In this muscle car, the amp rack sits up under the rear parcel shelf to keep it out of the way.

We added an Audison DRC controller to the processor to give the client an easy way to adjust the system from the front seat. The controller is mounted in the overhead storage compartment and is completely invisible when the access cover is closed.

Audison Speaker Upgrade

The adapters were mounted and we began the sound deadening process.

Plastic adapters were fabricated to install the speakers.

Plenty of Hushmat sound deadner was used to help tame any resonances.

The client wanted a set of speakers that would offer more detail as well as more output. After auditioning several options in our showroom, he chose a set of Audison Voce AV K6 components. The AV K6 includes a set of 6.5-inch woofers with cotton-fiber pressed-paper cones and Triple-Wave butyl rubber surrounds. The tweeters feature a Tetolon soft dome design and a neodymium magnet for excellent efficiency.

We mounted the woofers in the factory door locations using PVC plastic mounting adapter plates. Some shops use less expensive plates made out of wood, but they are prone to damage and warping when they get wet, even if they’re painted. We always make our adapters out of plastic to ensure the system will function flawlessly for the life of the vehicle. We added several sheets of Hushmat sound deadening material to each door to help keep the vehicle quiet and improve the perceived performance of the sound system. The tweeters from the AV K6 set are installed in the factory dash speaker locations on another set of plastic adapters.

The two front channels of the amp are connected to the tweeters while the rear channels drive the woofers in the doors. This fully active configuration gives us complete control over the output level and arrival time of each speaker in the system, relative to the listening position.

Dodge Challenger Subwoofer System

The Hertz subwoofer gave the client just the right amount of bass.

The part of the system that clients find to be the most fun is the subwoofer upgrade. For this Challenger, we used a single Hertz ES250D 10-inch Energy Series subwoofer in a Bbox enclosure. The system fits nicely into the back corner of the trunk and can be removed easily if the client ever needs to carry a lot of cargo.

Sound System Calibration

With all the gear installed, the last step in this installation was to use our Audison bit Tune to set up the DSP in the bit Ten D processor. The bit Tune uses a microphone to measure the frequency and phase response of the system at several locations around the driver’s seat, then automatically calculates proper equalization, signal delay and output level settings for each of the five speakers in the system. Once configured, the system creates an amazingly realistic soundstage that spans the width of the windshield. It’s an experience similar to enjoying a high-end home audio system.

The client agreed that the audio upgrade we performed to his Challenger was amazing. He could pick out individual instruments across the soundstage, and the overall tonal balance was realistic and natural. All in all, he was thrilled! If you are interested in upgrading the sound system in your car, drop by our store or click the button below to schedule a consultation.