Car Audio

Premium Stereo Upgrade for Lake City Ford F-250 Pickup Truck

June 11, 2021 By JOey Knapp

A previous client from here in Lake City brought his 2015 Ford F-250 pickup truck to Pinnacle Autosound for a stereo system upgrade. We’d worked on the client’s boat in the past, and he was very happy with the enhancements we installed. He wanted the stereo in the Ford to play louder, sound clearer and, of course, deliver much better bass response. After inspecting the vehicle and talking to the client about his listening preferences, our team put together a premium audio upgrade that would deliver on all his expectations.

Ford F-250 Pickup Truck Stereo Upgrade

We used our laser to cut the ABS adapters for the Morel tweeters to mount in the factory location.

The rear doors got upgraded with the Morel coaxials.

The speaker adapter plates were reinforced with sound deadener.

The Morel Virtus speakers were a huge upgrade over the stock speakers.

The front doors were retained their great stock look, but sound much better.

We started the project by removing the stock speakers to make way for new drivers from Morel. Our team used a set of ABS plastic adapters to mount the 6.5-inch woofers from a Virtus 602 component set in the OE speaker location in the front doors. The adapters are lined with sound deadening to make them more rigid. We mounted the tweeters from the Virtus 602 set in the stock locations at the top of the sail panels, and we made ABS brackets to hold the tweeters in place behind the grilles.

For rear speakers, we used a set of Morel Tempo Ultra Integra 602 two-way coaxial speakers in the doors. While the door trim panels were off, we treated the inner and outer door skins with sound deadening to make the interior of the vehicle quieter.

JL Audio Subwoofers Add Impact and Warmth

Our Thunder Laser was used to create the acrylic trim plate.

LED lighting and chrome trim was used to accent the bottom of the enclosure.

Different layers of trim were used to accent the front of the enclosure

We were able to squeeze all of the electronics on the back wall.

The next step in upgrading the stereo in this pickup truck was to construct a custom enclosure for a pair of 13.5-inch JL Audio 13TW5 subwoofers. The enclosure fits under the rear seats with the subs pointed down at the floor. We added a custom trim piece to the face of the enclosure with a panel that bears Ford’s Platinum logo. We used our CNC laser to etch the logo into a sheet of cast acrylic. The trim is wrapped in gray vinyl, and the rest of the enclosure is finished in a gray carpet that matches the interior of the vehicle. Blue LED lighting under the enclosure and behind the accent piece gives the whole thing some extra style.

The subwoofers are powered by a JL Audio RD1000/1 monoblock amplifier that’s mounted to the back wall of the truck. A four-channel Morel MPS 4.400 amplifier that’s mounted beside the sub amp provides power for the front and rear speakers. The amplifiers, passive crossovers for the front speakers and the system’s signal processor are affixed to a carpeted panel to keep things tidy.

We used a PAC AmpPRO interface to connect the new audio equipment to the factory radio. This interface extracts the audio signal that’s normally fed to the factory-installed amplifier and provides a full-bandwidth, processing-free signal that we used to upgrade the sound system in this truck. The preamp outputs of the PAC interface are connected to a JL Audio TwK-88 digital signal processor.

Signal Processing Improves Car Audio System Accuracy

The TwK-88 processor handles frequency filtering for the sub and speakers in the truck. We also used it to equalize the output of each speaker to deliver a smooth and natural response that’s free from peaks and valleys. Finally, we set the signal delays and output level adjustments so that the system would create a very realistic soundstage that spans the width of the dash.

We upgraded the TwK-88 with a JL DRC-205 remote level control, which we mounted on the dash to the left of the steering column. We created a trim ring for the remote with our computer-controlled laser to identify the functions of the adjustments.

North Florida’s Best Car Audio Upgrades

With the audio system installation complete and the processor and level controls on the amplifiers dialed-in, it was time for the client to return to pick up his F-250. He was thrilled with the sound of the upgraded stereo in his truck and loved that everything was integrated so nicely.

If you are interested in upgrading the audio system in your vehicle, drop by Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City and speak with one of our Product Specialists. If you can’t come by the store, give us a call or send us an email using our online contact form.

Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate T1650 Euro-Fit Coaxial Speakers

April 27, 2021 By BestCarAudio.com

If you want a fantastic bang-for-your-buck speaker upgrade for your car or truck, check out the Rockford Fosgate T1650 Euro-Fit speaker set. Using many of the same technologies found in the popular Power Series T1 components, these speakers optimize every dimension to deliver impressive efficiency and great bass output while delivering crystal-clear sound.

What Size Are My 6.5-inch Speakers?

You’d think that cars and trucks that use “6.5-inch” speakers would all be the same, right? The reality is, some OE speakers in this class are closer to 6 inches in diameter, while others are closer to 7. Rockford’s Power Series coaxial speaker offerings include three size solutions to optimize the upgrade in your vehicle. The T16 models are 6-inch speakers and fit in cut-outs with a 5.04-inch diameter. At the other end of the scale are the T1675 speakers, which are a 6.75-inch set and require a 5.68-inch cut-out. In the middle, we have the T1650 speakers that we’ll focus on for this spotlight. These two-way drivers mount in a 5.51-inch cut-out, have an outer diameter of exactly 6.5-inches and require 2.5 inches of mounting depth.

Rockford T1650 Features

The T1650 speakers are based around a custom-tooled, stamp-cast aluminum frame. Rockford Fosgate optimizes the rigidity of the design by including curved elements in both the vertical and lateral axis. Of note, there are four cooling vents near the magnet to let hot air escape from the outside of the voice coil and prevent air from pressurizing under the spider as the cone travels forward and rearward from rest. Also worthy of mentioning is the die-cut foam gasket on the rear of the mounting flange that helps to seal the speakers against the mounting surface. Not many companies include these gaskets, especially at a price point under $150 USD.

In terms of moving parts, the speakers use a carbon fiber-filled polypropylene woofer cone that’s suspended by a Santoprene rubber surround at the top and a long-lasting poly-cotton spider at the base. Rockford’s Vertical Attach Surround Technique (VAST) optimizes cone area by minimizing the width of the surround. Of course, the design team used its Klippel test equipment during the development process to ensure that these speakers operate linearly to minimize distortion.

At the base of the cone is a 1.1-inch diameter, high-temperature aluminum voice coil former with a winding that presents a 4-ohm load for the amplifier. Spade terminals in 0.25- and 0.205-inch sizes are provided for electrical connections.

One of the features that separate this speaker’s design from most competing products is how the tweeter is mounted. In most 6.5-inch speakers, the tweeter is mounted on a post that extends forward from the T-yoke through the center of the woofer cone. While this works fine, it sacrifices some cone area and reduces the efficiency of the driver. Rockford chose to mount the tweeter on a bridge that extends from the lower edge of the basket. The tweeter is angled upward to allow the installer to optimize the delivery of the highest-frequency information to the listener.

The tweeter itself is a 1-inch aluminum-dome design that has been treated to prevent unwanted diaphragm resonance. Importantly, Rockford Fosgate has integrated a 12 dB/octave tweeter filter network into the speaker to ensure a smooth transition with the woofer.

Going back to the basket design, these speakers feature Rockford’s FlexFit 2 mounting solution. Rather than being riddled with holes, the driver mounting lip includes eight holes and eight slots that make them compatible with a variety of vehicles to save your installer time and hassle. Last and certainly not least, Rockford includes a set of perforated steel mesh grilles with the speakers for custom installations.

Let’s Look at the T1650’s Specifications

While design features are cool, how all those components come together is crucial to recreating your music with accuracy and exuberance. Rockford Fosgate rates the T1650 to handle 75 watts of power continuously and 150 watts maximum. The drivers have a Qts spec of 0.74, indicating that they are designed for installations in an infinite baffle application like the door or rear parcel shelf of a vehicle. This Q factor also indicates that the speakers will reproduce bass without the unwanted distortion that would be found from drivers with Qts values above 0.8. With that said, the compliance (Vas) specification is low enough that an enclosure with an internal volume of 0.5 cubic foot or larger won’t result in unwanted resonance in the midbass region (100-200 Hz).

Finally, the Xmax specification, which describes how far the woofer cone can move forward or rearward from rest, is an impressive 5 mm. This spec is more excursion than on some high-end component woofers in this size range. The transducer design team at Rockford Fosgate knows what they’re doing.

Upgrade the Speakers in Your Car or Truck Today

If you’re shopping for a 6.5-inch speaker set to upgrade your car audio system, drop by your local authorized Rockford Fosgate retailer and ask for a demonstration of the T1650 set. Their unique combination of features will undoubtedly prove to be impressive. You can find a Rockford Fosgate dealer near you by visiting the dealer locator on their website. You can keep up with the newest product releases from Rockford by liking their Facebook page and following their Instagram feed. They also offer informative and entertaining videos on their YouTube channel.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Pinnacle Autosound

1895 SW Main Blvd

Lake City, Florida 32025

United States (US)

Phone: 386-269-0060
Email: sales@pinnacleautosound.com

Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate R2-750X5

April 20, 2021 By BestCarAudio.com

In the spring of 2020, Rockford Fosgate launched the latest generation of its Prime Series amplifiers. While the focus of this spotlight is on the full-range Class-D five-channel R2-750X5, it’s worth noting the R2 series also includes a two-channel, two four-channel and four monoblock models. Equipped with features and technologies that have trickled down from the Punch and Power series, these compact yet powerful amplifiers are ready to bring your music to life.

The Basics – Features and Ratings

Rockford leads the car audio industry with power specifications you can trust. The four main channels are rated to produce 50 watts of power into 4-ohm loads and 100 watts into 2 ohms. The front channels can be bridged to provide 200 watts into a pair of 4-ohm speakers. The subwoofer channel is rated for 200 watts at 4 ohms and 350 watts at 2 ohms. In total, that’s 750 watts – just like it says in the model number. Signal-to-noise specifications are -80 dB for the main channels and -75 dB for rear, and just like the power ratings, these numbers are fully compliant with the CTA-2006 testing standard.

If you look at Rockford’s website, you’ll see another set of power ratings. Tested using their internal RATS (Rockford Automated Testing System) and verified by the Audio Graph PowerCube, these elevated numbers represent the real-world power production capabilities of the amp when playing music that’s dynamic instead of single-frequency test tones. The Dynamic Power numbers are 70 watts by four and 241 watts for the subwoofer at 4 ohms, and 114 watts by four and 426 watts by one at 2 ohms.

Rockford R2-750X5 — The Rockford Automated Testing System (RATS) is used to verify the continuous and dynamic power capabilities of amplifiers like the R2-750X5.

All of the electrical and signal connections are found on the front edge of the amp. Angled terminal blocks for four-AWG power and ground cables are next to the five eight-AWG speaker output connection blocks. The amp includes six RCA input jacks that will accept up to 4 volts of signal. Beside them are three jacks for the included speaker-level input pigtails. All of the inputs use balanced differential circuitry to help prevent noise from getting into the audio system. The high-level inputs will accept up to 12 volts, and an accompanying switch labeled Auto Remote Turn On will bring the amp to life when it detects that your factory radio has powered on. A three-position input selection switch allows the amp to feed all five channels from four or just two of the inputs to eliminate the need for Y-cables.

The controls have been placed along the top to make it easy for your installation technician to configure the amplifier. The front and rear channel pairs have dedicated sensitivity adjustments and crossover function and frequency controls. The filtering can be set to high- or low-pass modes, or bypassed. The crossovers are adjustable from 50 to 250 Hz and have a -12 dB/octave Butterworth response curve. The subwoofer channel shares the same low-pass filter frequency adjustment range as the main channels and adds an infrasonic filter that’s adjustable from 15 to 40 Hz. The last control is the Punch EQ adjustment that your installer can use to add up to 18 dB of boost at 45 Hz to the subwoofer channel. Rockford includes a remote level control so that you can adjust the subwoofer level from the front seat.

Rockford Technology Improves Performance

If you’ve been a fan of Rockford products for a while, then acronyms like MEHSA, P.O.W.E.R., C.L.E.A.N. and NOMAD should be nothing new to you. What is new is finding all of these features on a Prime Series amp.

The amp is based on a 1.9- by 6.8- by 11.2-inch cast aluminum heatsink that wicks heat away from the switching devices quickly and efficiently. Rockford calls this design MEHSA 4, which stands for Maximum Efficiency Heat Sink Application version 4. What this means to users is that the amp will keep making its rated power hour after hour, even with the volume cranked. Sure, the heatsink will get hot – but that’s its job. MOSFETS don’t like being hot. In fact, their maximum current capacity drops quickly as they heat up. A thermal design like MEHSA 4 extracts heat from the output devices to reduce distortion, improve efficiency and extend the life of the amplifier.

The R2-750X5 includes a power supply design called P.O.W.E.R. This lightly regulated configuration increases maximum power output capability as the charging system supply voltage increases. Speaking of which, this amp is designed to work with supply voltages from 9 to 16 volts.

In terms of protection, Rockford’s NOMAD (NOn-Multiplying Advanced Decision) circuitry monitors the amp and will mute the outputs if it detects a short circuit on a speaker connection or an over-temperature condition on the chassis.

Perhaps the coolest technical feature in the R2-750X5 is the C.L.E.A.N. (Calibrated Level Eliminates Audible Noise) circuit. C.L.E.A.N. monitors the input and output connections for distortion. On the input side, the circuit monitors the signal from your radio for distortion so your installer can identify the maximum usable volume setting. On the output side, the monitoring LEDs turn red when the amp starts to clip the output signal.

Upgrade Your Car Audio System with Rockford Fosgate

If you are shopping for a high-performance multichannel amplifier to upgrade your car audio system, visit your local authorized Rockford Fosgate dealer and ask about the Prime Series R2-750X5. You can find a shop near you using the Dealer Locator on the Rockford website. For more information about Rockford products, be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or their YouTube Channel.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate Prime Series Subwoofer Enclosures

April 20, 2021 By BestCarAudio.com

Since the ’80s, Rockford Fosgate has had a reputation for delivering big bass for car audio fanatics. Its most recent subwoofer solutions are the Prime Series R2-2X10 and R2-2X12 loaded enclosures. Equipped with a pair of 10- or 12-inch subwoofers, these ready-to-rock subwoofers solutions are a great way to improve the extension and impact of your car stereo system.

Prime Series Subwoofer Enclosures

The R2-2X10 and R2-2X12 are wedge-type enclosures that include two subwoofers in an acoustic suspension (sealed) design. Each enclosure is constructed from 5/8-inch thick MDF to deliver solid bass without adding a huge amount of weight to your vehicle.

The R2-2X10 measures 30.12 inches in width, 12.2 inches in height and is 12.11 inches deep at the bottom. It features a pair of Prime Series R2D2-10 10-inch subwoofers that are wired to produce a 2-ohm load for the amplifier of your choice. The total weight for the R2-2X10 is about 36 pounds. The R2-2X12 is a little larger at 34.06 inches wide, 14.37 inches tall and has a depth of 12.51 inches at the bottom. This enclosure is home to a pair of R2D2-12 subs, which are also wired to a 2-ohm load. The dual-12 enclosure weighs about 43 pounds.

Prime Subwoofer Enclosure — The wedge-shaped design of the new Prime enclosures lets them fit up snugly against the rear seat in a sedan or coupe to optimize storage space in the vehicle.

Each enclosure is wrapped in a high-density durable black carpet for a neat and tidy look that won’t become frayed and ratty over time. There’s a high-current, spring-loaded terminal cup on the left side panel of each enclosure. The terminals can accept 12-AWG speaker cables for efficient power delivery while making it easy to remove the enclosure from your vehicle if the cargo space is needed.

Prime R2 Subwoofers

The R2 Series subwoofers used in the R2-2X10 and R2-2X12 enclosures are based on four-spoke stamped steel frames. The spokes are curved to increase rigidity in what Rockford refers to as its StampCast design. Eight ridges are pressed into the bottom of the stamping to form vents between the motor assembly top plate and the basket. These vents allow hot air to escape from the outside of the black-anodized, 2-inch aluminum voice coil former and eliminate the chance of air under the linear spider from being compressed or rarefied as the cone moves rearward or forward. The extended T-yoke at the bottom of the subwoofer has a large vent to let hot air escape from inside the voice coil and prevent pressure under the inverted polypropylene dust cap. The four 16-AWG tinsel leads of these dual-voice-coil subwoofers are embedded into the spider to eliminate the chance of noise at high excursion levels.

The woofer cones are made from mica-injected polypropylene for an excellent balance of rigidity, damping and thermal stability. An adhesive-bonded foam surround locates the outer edge of the cone in the center of the basket. The basket mounting surface and magnet are adorned with custom-molded PVC trim rings for a clean, classy look.

The Prime R2 subwoofers are rated to handle 250 watts of continuous power with a 500-watt maximum power rating. All models have a specified Xmax of 6.5 mm (0.256 inch) in each direction calculated at the point where the sub reaches 10% total harmonic distortion. All the dimensions and specifications provided by Rockford are compliant with the ANSI/CEA-2031 Mobile Loudspeaker Standard. Likewise, Rockford uses Klippel transducer measurement equipment to optimize its designs for low-distortion, high-output operation.

Amazing Bass Brings Your Music to Life

Based on some quick calculations, the R2-2X10 appears to have a net internal volume of just under 1.7 cubic feet and, as such, delivers an F3 frequency around 58 Hz with a total system Q of 0.68. The larger R2-2X12 has an internal volume of approximately 2.3 cubic feet and an F3 of about 53.5 Hz, and a reasonable system Q of 0.875. As such, when combined with the typical cabin gain found in most vehicles, either of these subwoofer solutions will deliver excellent output well into the infrasonic region while cranking out amazing impact in the upper bass frequencies. The low-Q designs will ensure that your bass is solid and musical without significant resonance and distortion so that every genre of music sounds realistic and enjoyable.

If you’re shopping for an amplifier to work with either of these enclosures, the 500-watt Prime R2-500X1 is the answer. For a little more clarity and definition, the P500X2 from the Punch series is a good option.

Upgrade Your Car Stereo with a Rockford Prime Series Subwoofer Enclosure

With so many generic subwoofer enclosures on the market, it’s hard to know which is the right solution for the subwoofers you have in mind. Rockford Fosgate has taken the guesswork out of adding amazing bass to your vehicle with the new Prime R2-2X10 and R2-2X12 loaded subwoofer enclosures. Drop by your local authorized Rockford Fosgate dealer to check them out. You can learn more about Rockford’s complete line of passive and powered subwoofer enclosures on their website, and be sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for updates on their latest product releases.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Pinnacle Autosound

1895 SW Main Blvd

Lake City, Florida 32025

United States (US)

Phone: 386-269-0060
Email: sales@pinnacleautosound.com

Lake City Hyundai Santa Fe Gets CarPlay Radio Upgrade

October 28, 2020 By JOey Knapp Leave a Comment

A client from Lake City recently contacted us at Pinnacle Autosound about upgrading his daughter’s Hyundai Santa Fe with an Apple CarPlay radio and a backup camera. We offer a number of radios that feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. We hand pick radios from the top brands, Kenwood and Sony, for their excellent CarPlay options. After discussing different radio options with the client we settled on the Kenwood DDX5707S.

Safe and Handsfree Phone Access

The Kenwood DDX5707S offers many features that bring the technology in this first generation Santa Fe to the 2020’s. Most importantly the DDX5707S offers Apple CarPlay that gives the user handsfree control of their smartphone for safer driving. The client’s daughter will now be able to safely listen to music, navigate using numerous navigation apps, and even text with both hands on the steering wheel! Our technicians mounted the microphone above the rearview mirror, so it was sure to provide clear sound quality for those on phone calls with the client.

Backup Safety by Echomaster

To further enhance the safety of the vehicle the client requested the addition of an Echomaster backup camera. We exclusively sell Echomaster cameras because of their outstanding quality and value. Echomaster not only offers clients to the aftermarket segment but also to OEM manufacturers. We mounted the camera over the license plate, a location we determined would be perfect for the Santa Fe. The camera was adjusted to give the driver a rear view that includes a bit of the bumper to help judge closeness to objects while backing up.

CarPlay Available at Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City

If you are interested in adding Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to your vehicle, give us a call or email. To see Apple CarPlay in person, stop by our store. Make sure to check out our Echomaster backup camera display, too!

2019 Camaro Bass Package for Lake Butler Client

January 10, 2020 By JOey Knapp Leave a Comment

A client from Lake Butler stopped by Pinnacle Autosound to inquire about adding some bass to his granddaughter’s new Camaro. The grandfather said his granddaughter was happy enough with her Bose system, but the system was lacking in bass output. We had an appointment cancel just before he stopped by, so we were able to work him in that afternoon.

Interfacing the Factory Radio

The factory radio was retained in this Camaro.

The JL Audio interface was designed to for high power factory systems.

This Camaro came with a wimpy factory subwoofer. To interface with the new JBL bass package, we enlisted the help of a JL Audio LOC 22. The LOC 22 is designed to take the high power output of a factory amplifier and created a signal that the JBL system can use. It is important to have a good understanding of the systems being interfaced with, using a wrong adapter could result in premature failure.

All-in-one JBL Bass Package

The JBL package features a heavy grille to protect the subwoofer.

The client still had plenty of trunk space left.

The remote level control provides easy access to control the bass output.

To provide the client’s granddaughter with more bass output we chose the JBL BassPro system. This system features a sturdily built enclosure that houses a ported 12″ subwoofer and a optimally matched onboard amplifier. The subwoofer is protected by two heavy steel bars. The compact package yields quite a bit of space with a small footprint. To provide the driver with the ability to blend in just the right amount of bass, we added a remote subwoofer level control knob just belofw the dashboard.

Camaro Bass Upgrade Success

After just under two hours of work we had the Camaro bass system installed and tuned. The JBL bass package provided more than enough bass to add some much needed excitement to the factory Bose system. The grandfather was happy with the work we did and knew his granddaughter would enjoy driving her car even more now! Give us a call or contact us today if you are interested in learning more about bass upgrades for your vehicle.

Apple CarPlay Enhances Safety for Lake City Honda Civic Owner

February 26, 2019 By JOey Knapp Leave a Comment

Recently we were contacted via email by a mother looking to upgrade the radio in her daughter’s Honda Civic. In our email we outlined different radio options for the Civic. To enhance the safety of the daughter’s driving we suggested a Sony radio with Apple CarPlay for the Honda Civic. The mother liked the idea of the handsfree control of the radio so we set up an appointment for the installation.

Honda Civic CarPlay Radio

Many different audio apps can be streamed to the radio now.

Apple Maps, Google Maps or Waze can be used with Apple CarPlay.

Safe use of the smartphone while driving is now available in this Honda.

The generation of Honda Civic the client owns requires a fairly large dash kit for installation. We have used a number of different kits over the years and now use the one pictured in the photos. It offers the best paint match and positioning of the radio. Our technicians installed the radio using the kit and mounted the handsfree microphone and routed the USB cable to the lower console. The Sony radio works great with Apple CarPlay. The client’s daughter can now use navigation, audio streaming and handsfree texting, all from her phone and all without taking her hands off the steering wheel.

Infinity Speaker Upgrade

As with any radio installation after the radio is mounted and wired up we go through and setup all of the radio adjustments. We typically set the clock, save local radio presets and turn off any demo mode settings. While we were checking the sound of the radio and speakers we noticed that the front door speakers sounded like they were in bad shape. We let the client know and she requested we upgrade them while we were working on the car. After removing the door panels we found that the foam surrounds that support the speaker cone were disintegrating. We replaced both front speakers with new Infinity speakers. The Infinity speakers made a big improvement in sound for the front of the Civic.

Backup Camera

One of the options we presented the mother with was a backup camera. The Sony radio can accept a backup camera and will automatically display the output of the camera on the screen when the car is put into reverse. The mother declined the camera for the initial installation but is interested in one for a future upgrade. For more information on Apple CarPlay and how to get it in your vehicle, call or contact us here.

Macclenny Client Comes to Pinnacle for Ford F-150 Audio Upgrade

October 25, 2018 By JOey Knapp Leave a Comment

A long-time client of ours recently referred one of his co-workers to us. When the client stopped by, we talked with him about his Ford F-150 audio system and the changes he wanted to make. He previously had an audio system installed by another shop and wasn’t happy with the performance of the system. We gave the client a few different options and price points, highlighting the improvements for each step. We were thrilled when the client decided to go with the best of our proposals.

F-150 Audio Integration

The client had the factory radio in his truck and was happy with how it worked and the aesthetics of the unit. We advised him that with the help of a JL Audio FiX 86 processor he could utilize the factory radio as his source unit. The JL Audio processor removes and time delay and flattens out the response of the factory radio. This gives us a perfectly clean signal to start with, much like if he used an aftermarket radio. We were able to easily find the factory wire colors using our Mitchell1 software subscription.

A Second JL Audio Processor

In-between the time we had the client scheduled to drop his F-150 off and his initial deposit he asked about any additional audio upgrades that were possible for his system. We felt comfortable that we had maximized his budget for the speakers, amplifiers and subwoofers. The one thing we didn’t originally quote him for, however, was a DSP (digital signal processor). We feel that any amplified system can benefit from a DSP. In a system like the one we were building for the client the DSP would allow us to run the front speakers fully active, meaning each speaker would have its own amplifier channel. This gives us much more flexibility in adjusting the sound and let’s us digitally compensate for the different locations of the speakers in the truck.

Since we were already using a JL Audio integration processor, it made perfect sense to go to JL Audio for the DSP as well. We used the JL AudioTwK 88. A benefit of the TwK processor is that it allows the use of the JL Audio DRC-200. The DRC-200 is dual knob control that allows the client to adjust the subwoofer level and system volume from one convenient spot.

JL Audio Amplifiers

One of the goals of this F-150 audio upgrade was increased clarity and volume. That means power, and lots of it. Because we would be mounting the amplifiers behind the rear seat, we needed amps with a small footprint. Consequently, the JL Audio xD amplifiers were the perfect choice. The speakers in the truck would be powered by a XD600/6v2. We configured the amplifier to provide the tweeters and woofers in the front of the truck with 75 watts to each driver. The rear doors were powered by the remaining two channels of 75 watts per side. The subwoofer system was to be comprised of 4 10″ subwoofers. To make sure they had the recommended power we chose a XD1000/1v2. This amp would give each subwoofer the rated 250 watts.

Front Speaker Upgrade

The Focal tweeters were mounted in the factory spot and black soundproofing was used to seal them to the opening.

The installed tweeters retained a factory look.

The factory pillars already had trick-looking grilles that were perfect for our tweeter upgrade.

The front doors were treated with sound deadening material to reduce resonances.

The Focal speakers in the front were installed with custom-fabricated adapter plates.

The Focal speakers were a huge upgrade.

In keeping with the client’s wishes, the doors remained stock-looking.

The front speaker upgrade consisted of the Focal PS165v1 component speakers. These speakers were chosen for their realistic audio reproduction and fit in the F-150 doors. The small size of the tweeter allowed our technicians to install them in the factory location in the pillar. The 6.5″ woofer was installed in the door location. A custom composite adapter plate was fabricated to adapt the round speaker to the factory 6×9″ speaker hole. To reduce any resonances in the doors plenty of sound deadener was used. The final step before installing the door cards back on the truck was to add a set of foam rings around the woofers. These rings help the output of the woofer couple to the cabin of the truck and prevent any sound from being trapped between the door card and the door.

Rear Speaker Upgrade

The wiring for the rear speakers was soldered and neatly secured.

The rear speakers were installed with foam rings to maximize their output.

The upgrades to the rear doors left them looking stock but sounding much better.

The rear doors received a bit more simple upgrade from the front. In the rear we installed a set of Focal Performance 6.5″ coaxial speakers. These speakers are the same series as the front speakers, so we knew they would tonally blend. Similarly, we used the same methods to install the rear speakers as we did the front. Again, the final step was the addition of the foam rings to help seal the speakers.

Subwoofer Upgrade

Braces were added to the enclosure to enhance its rigidity.

A thin layer of body filler was used to smooth the transitions on the enclosure.

1/4′ dowels were used to center and secure the vinyl insert.

The openings on the top plate were cut so the JL Audio woofers would sit flush.

The enclosure gave the client the most possible bass under his rear seat.

Careful measurements were taken to ensure the enclosure fit the underseat area properly.

The previous F-150 subwoofer system the client had installed was lacking in musicality and didn’t quite have as much audio output as he wanted. One of the key parts of this F-150 audio system was the bass upgrade. After taking some careful measurements under the rear seat we came up with a plan for maximizing the bass output within his budget. Our plan was to use 4 JL Audio 10TW1 subwoofers in a custom-fabricated sealed enclosure. The enclosure was built with three braces, equally spaced, to help reduce any bass loss due to panel flexing.

To help make this system look as good as we knew it would sound we added a bit of extra detail to the cosmetics of the enclosure. The corners of the enclosure were formed to precisely follow the contours of the edge of the seat. To keep the enclosure looking good for years to come, the outer edge was covered in black carpet. For a custom look we fabricated a vinyl covered insert for the top of the enclosure. This insert helps to flush in the woofers as well as giving the overall enclosure a cleaner look.

Final Tuning and Delivery

We used a digital laser measuring device to determine the distance to each speaker.

The final overall response curve of the system met our target goals.

With all the gear installed it was time to setup the integration processor and tune the DSP. We started the process by calibrating the JL Audio FiX 88. Once the signal was clean it was time to adjust the sensitivity controls on the amplifiers.

With the sensitivity controls properly adjusted we moved on to the DSP settings. We provided the client with 2 different tunes for the system. The two tunes can be selected by pressing the center knob on the DRC-200. The first tune was a sound quality tune optimized for the driver’s seat. For this tune we set the crossover points, signal delay and individual equalizers for each speaker. The result was an audio experience that placed all the soundstage up on the dash and presented the listener with accurately placed instruments and artists across the dashboard. The second tune was for when the client would be driving with other passengers in the truck. For this tune the crossovers were set and global equalizer adjustments were made. This tune ensured each seat in the truck shared a similar listening experience.

After all the work was done we finally got to listen to the F-150 audio upgrades. They sounded fantastic! We were overjoyed when delivering the truck to the client because we knew how pleased he would be with his new audio system. Thanks to our improvements, the client’s drive to work every day will be much more enjoyable.
If you are interested in an audio upgrade for your vehicle, stop by Pinnacle Autosound, contact us online or call us today!

Toyota Corolla Audio System Upgrade for Lake City Client

September 10, 2018 By JOey Knapp Leave a Comment

A client recently brought her Toyota to us here at Pinnacle Autosound for a Corolla audio and technology upgrade. She wanted a safer way to interact with her phone while driving and also needed new speakers. We put together a plan for her car and started to work.

Apple CarPlay Radio Upgrade

Apple CarPlay was the star of this Corolla audio upgrade.

The USB port gives the client easy access for plugging in her phone.

The microphone makes sure the client’s conversation are easily heard.

To assist with the client’s driving safety a Sony touch screen radio with Apple CarPlay was installed. This will allow the client to have handsfree control over many functions of her phone. Some of the new features she will gain are: on-screen navigation, speech-to-text messaging, and numerous audio streaming sources. The Sony radio is Bluetooth enabled, so the client can make and receive handsfree calls while driving. Our technicians mounted the microphone for the radio at the top corner of the windshield, for maximum performance. Plugging in her phone to the radio was made easier by a remote USB port that was installed in her console.

Corolla Audio Upgrade by JL Audio

To address the problem of the anemic sounding front door speakers our techs installed a set of JL Audio C1 coaxial speakers in the factory locations. The JL Audio speakers, paired with the new Sony radio, give the client much more output, clarity and response. If she ever decides to add an amplifier to the system, the JL C1 speakers can also handle a bit of power, too!

Backup Camera for Additional Safety

To securely mount the camera the trim panel was removed from the car.

The wiring enters the trunk through a hole protected with a plastic grommet.

The camera wiring was neatly secured to the factory wires.

Once we finished our work on the factory loom it looked completely stock.

Backing up is much safer thanks to the addition of the backup camera.

The final step in the upgrades on this Toyota Corolla was the addition of a backup camera. The camera was mounted just above the license plate on a plastic trim panel. The camera was secured to the plastic with stainless steel bolts to ensure a lifetime of use. The wiring for the camera was neatly routed with the factory wiring. To maintain a factory look in the trunk, the tape on the OEM wire loom was cut and our wires were inserted. Then the OEM wire loom was re-taped, leaving it looking like we were never there. The backup safety system also includes guidelines to help the client judge when she is getting too close to an object.

Audio & Technology from Pinnacle Autosound

If you have a car, truck, boat, golf cart or side-by-side that needs an audio or technology upgrade come see or contact us at Pinnacle Autosound. We offer a wide range of products to fit anyone’s budget. Topped with our award-winning installations, our solutions can’t be beat!

Why We Use Mitchell1 ProDemand Software

September 6, 2018 By JOey Knapp Leave a Comment

The team at Pinnacle Autosound constantly strives to learn as much as possible about the cars we work on. As everyone knows, though, new cars and new technology are arriving at a blinding pace. In order to help us stay on top of all the latest advances in car technology we subscribe to the Mitchell1 ProDemand software.

Mitchell1 ProDemand Wiring Schematics

The area of the ProDemand software we use most are the comprehensive wiring guides. These provide us with an accurate and complete look at the wiring in today’s cars. We do not want to roll the dice on a Google search of vehicle wiring when searching for a particular circuit. With the numerous sensors and computers in modern cars, one wrong wire choice could be costly and disastrous. The Mitchell1 ProDemand software, along with our Fluke test equipment, allow us to make the right choices when interacting with vehicle wiring.

Vehicle Assembly and Parts

Another valuable part of the ProDemand package is the exploded vehicle diagrams. These diagrams reveal the clips and fasteners that secure the interior and exterior vehicle panels. Our technicians have a great feel for the pressure required to remove normal clips, but sometimes that isn’t enough. Many new cars use clips that snap in extremely tight. It can be hard to differentiate the pull of the clip or a screw or bolt. That is where the software comes in handy. A few clicks result in our techs having access to detailed diagrams of the vehicle parts.

We Strive To Be Our Best

Our goal at Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City, Florida is to always do our best. Sometimes doing our best requires the use of specific tools, such as the Mitchell1 ProDemand software. While the software subscription isn’t cheap, we feel it is an important investment. This is just one of the ways that Pinnacle Autosound brings a new level of professionalism to car audio in North Florida. If you are ready to upgrade an aspect of your audio, safety or driving experience, call or contact us today!