Malden Client Visits Mobile Edge for Toyota Highlander Audio System

This Malden, Massachusetts, client has been following the Mobile Edge RSS news feed to explore options for his 2016 Toyota Highlander audio system upgrade. The client wanted excellent sound quality without giving up too much space in the vehicle. After reading about the sound system we installed in a 2016 Subaru Forester, he started to formulate a plan.

Long-distance Relationship

The client sent us an e-mail to discuss how we could implement a similar system in his Highlander. After a few e-mails and phone calls, we invited the client to the store to audition equipment and review installation locations. Normally, this is not a big deal, but this customer lives six hours away, near Boston. We coordinated the consultation with a planned installation time so he could complete the project in one trip.

Front Speaker Upgrade

Sound proofed, sealed, bolted in and foam ringed, the reference standard for speaker installations.

The Hertz Mille Pro tweeter was mounted in the dash location.

The only difference between this project and the Forester was the client’s choice of front speakers. He upgraded to the Hertz Mille Pro MPK165 components for the doors and dash. We created mounting adapters from expanded PVC and used hex head cap screws to secure the speakers. A set of Fast Rings acoustic coupling gaskets and HushMat sound-deadening dramatically enhance the performance of the woofers. We mounted the tweeters from the component set in the dash speaker location, using a set of adapters.

Audison Amp and Memphis Car Audio Subwoofer

The bent and welded metal bracket allows the amplifier to bolt in using factory mounting locations.

Another bracket was fabricated to securely mount the subwoofer under the seat.

Designed to fit small spaces, the Memphis subwoofer was a perfect choice for this build.

The amplifier is safely tucked under the seat, held securely by our steel bracket.

A remote bass knob for the Memphis subwoofer was mounted within reach of the driver’s seat.

Part of our success with these systems is to use the space under the front seats for equipment. We created one of our trademark steel amp racks for an Audison Prima AP4.9bit amplifier. We bent strips of 1-inch steel to make use of factory fastener locations, and welded together and painted the assembly so it will not rust. The AP4.9bit is a four-channel amplifier with an integrated DSP.

We mounted a Memphis Car Audio SA110SP Nanoboxx bass system under the other seat. This compact subwoofer solution includes a 10-inch woofer and a 150-watt amplifier in a single chassis. The subwoofer output on the AP4.9bit provides the signal for the SA110SP. This affords us the luxury of using DSP for the woofer as well.

Toyota Highlander Audio System Tuning and Delivery

Once we mounted and wired everything, we used our bit Tune to set up the levels, equalization and signal delay for each speaker in the system.

After spending two days exploring Pennsylvania while we worked, it was finally time for the client to hear the new Toyota Highlander audio system. He was thrilled with the performance and loved how we hid everything. He gave us a glowing review after getting home, commenting on how we were able to accommodate the distance and finishing with, “When we picked up my car, Bob gave us a demo and we really like the finished product. That 6-hour drive back home to Boston listening to great sounds was amazing. They really do a fantastic job. I will do it again for my next project.” We could not be happier than he enjoyed the experience.

If you are looking for a stealth upgrade to your sound system, get in touch with Mobile Edge in Lehighton. Even if you live hours away, we would be honored to help. Click the Contact Us button below for more information.