A client from Slatington dropped into Mobile Edge in Lehighton for some help with his 2011 Grand Cherokee audio system. Having purchased the truck in “previously enjoyed” condition, the client wasn’t thrilled with the performance of the aftermarket head unit that had been installed. We started looking at new head units, including some with Apple CarPlay. The discussion quickly shifted to include talk of a subwoofer upgrade. It was time for the client to listen to our Ford F-150 demo truck.
The DSP Experience
The Grand Cherokee system was a mirror image of our demo truck system.
The system in our F-150 is fairly simple, but it demonstrates the benefits of a properly tuned DSP processor magnificently. The client was awestruck at how much clearer the sound was and how focused the soundstage became. The decision was made to replicate the system in the Grand Cherokee.
Pioneer CarPlay Head Unit
The client liked the idea of having CarPlay available to make using his iPhone easier and safer while driving. The Pioneer AVH-4201NEX would also provide integration with the factory-installed backup sensors and camera, as well as be able to display vehicle information like tire pressure, speed and more, thanks to an ADS Maestro RR interface.
System Amplification and Processing
We suggested the Hertz HCP 5D amplifier to drive the system and an Audison bit Ten processor to set up the equalization, signal delay and level matching for each of the five outputs. Being able to tune the frequency response and arrival time of each speaker is the key to making the system sound as amazing as our demo truck. The Hertz amplifier can produce 65 watts from each of the four front channels and 300 watts from the subwoofer channel. We added the optional HRC remote control so the client can adjust the subwoofer level from the driver’s seat.
As part of the system goal to minimize intrusion into the storage area of the vehicle, we removed the factory subwoofer enclosure from behind the passenger side trim panel in the hatch and created a steel mounting rack for the amp and processor. The rack mounts to the factory locations from the sub enclosure and holds everything securely. We wired the system with Audison Connection power wire and interconnect cables.
Audison Front Speaker Upgrade
The client liked the way the Prima speakers sounded in our F-150, so we used the same APK 165 6.5-inch component set in the Jeep. Our team created a set of mounting adapters out of expanded PVC plastic to mount the speakers and wrapped them in Hushmat. The 6.5-inch woofer fits nicely into the stock door location, and the Audison tweeters are mounted in the factory sail panel tweeter pod.
Compact Subwoofer Solution
Small size and big sound, five words that sum up the subwoofer system.
We mounted a 12-inch Hertz DS300.3 12-inch subwoofer in a sealed Bbox enclosure to provide good, clean bass for the system. The sub includes a grill to protect it from objects stored in the rear of the truck. If the client needs to carry something large, the subwoofer enclosure can be removed easily by disconnecting the wires from the amp.
Grand Cherokee Audio System Tuning
With all of the equipment installed, the last step was to tune the bit Ten processor. We mounted our bit Tune hardware in the driver’s seat and began the process of measuring the output of each speaker. The bit Tune provides us with appropriate information to flatten the frequency response from each driver and configure a signal delay so that the sound from the left speakers (which are much closer) arrives at the listening position at the same time as that of the right speakers. We also ensure that the levels of the left and right speakers are the same at the driver’s seat.
System Delivery
The client returned to Mobile Edge to pick up his truck after two days of work. We gave him a tour of the Grand Cherokee audio system and he was impressed with how integrated everything looked. He hopped in the driver’s seat for a listen and was immediately blown away. It sounded even better than he had hoped! If you are looking for an amazing audio system for your car, truck or SUV, drop by and talk to our team. If you have any questions, give us a call or send us an E-MAIL using the button below.
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