Build Log - Sound System Upgrade

[Aarvix]

Starting to re-think my plan to use high-level inputs off the stock amp.

Below are input RTA plots from the Helix.
Mids and highs seem to be manageable and I've gotten them pretty flat.
My biggest issue is the door woofers. They sound like absolute crap, hollow and muddy and I'm certain they're reaching their excursion limits at higher volumes.

I've tried summing the sub and door woofer channels to try and play my sub a bit higher, and things just sound even worse (likely phase and timing issues I don't know how to fix). So now I'm looking for a suitable replacement 6.5-7" woofer for my doors.

Door mid/high RTA

Door low RTA:

Sub RTA:

Center RTA:

 

[RedCal]

Did you run a phase check? I would try disconnect all but 2 woofers, test, then add another in and flipping the positive and negative on each as you go, that will correct any that are 180 degrees out of phase, anything more or less that that will require some serious DSP, the only one that I know of that corrects impulse response is Dirac

 

[Aarvix]

Running 1:1 inputs from the HK amp everything is phased correctly, I just don't like the crossover points.

When I try and sum subwoofer and door woofer channels is when I run into trouble. The guy I bought the helix from is also a tuner, and says the crossovers look to be 12db/octave, so I may need to reverse them at the input (before summing), then flip them back on the output (beck to the doors).

The helix allows phase adjustments in pretty fine increments, 11.5 degrees I think)

Gonna try then maybe tomorrow and will report results.

 

[Kelrog]

This is looking great. Love seeing Audio Frog components and the Helix DSP. One day I'll get around to putting my SI BM subs in my trunk but I don't have the time I used to.

 

[RSD Custom Cables]

I really like the tweeter pods. However I am using a Karma Allure tweeter. it is slightly bigger. Would you be willing to alter your design? Or possibley getting me the files from the design software so I could?

 

[GetStung915]

Center channel time.

The stock system uses a single 4" center channel speaker, but interestingly the dash is provisioned for a second speaker on the passenger side. I can only assume base audio system uses it instead of the LH side.

This opens the possibility of installing both a midrange and tweeter in the center dash, there's only one problem: the OEM grille only has holes for the driver side.

Time for some ultra-tedious drilling!

I found a bit slightly smaller than the molded holes and went to work. After drilling I deburred the back side of the holes, then hit the whole thing with a quick pass with the MAPP gas torch to smooth out the drill marks a burrs. Be very careful here, the grille WILL begin to warp, just press it against a flat surface until it cools and viola!

Back to Solidworks for some more 3D printed adapters.
GB40 adapter goes on the driver side, GB10 adapter on the passenger side. No drilling/cutting required, but I did fill the gaps with a little PSA-backed CCF and dynamat (no pic).

I also uploaded these to Thingiverse:
KIA Stinger Center Channel Speaker Adapters by Aarvix

The tweeters come with some slick mounting gadgets. I chose to use the backing plate with the spring to secure the GB10. Unfortunately it's not a very strong spring and makes.....spring noises....I guess.
Wrapped it with a little dynamat and no more noise.

Dude you're a beast

 

[Aarvix]

I really like the tweeter pods. However I am using a Karma Allure tweeter. it is slightly bigger. Would you be willing to alter your design? Or possibley getting me the files from the design software so I could?

Is this for personal use or something you're selling? (Just gotta ask based on your username).

Do you have a spec sheet for the tweeter?
I'm not sure how the model would react to going much larger before getting pissy, the features that create the contour can be finicky. It's certainly possibly buy you may have to blow away the surfacing elements and redo those.

 

[RSD Custom Cables]

Is this for personal use or something you're selling? (Just gotta ask based on your username).

Do you have a spec sheet for the tweeter?
I'm not sure how the model would react to going much larger before getting pissy, the features that create the contour can be finicky. It's certainly possibly buy you may have to blow away the surfacing elements and redo those.

It is for my car. I only do Audio cables. I have a 2021 Stinger GT. There is another member here that also has these tweeters that would be interested as well. I sent you a message. This is the link to the spec sheet. If you are not on Facebook I can email it to you. Just let me know in the DM. Facebook Groups
Thanks for getting back to me.

 

[Aarvix]

Wow, if those Allure speakers are as good as the specs indicate, they're going to sound amazing.

I can try and help you out, I'm not looking to make a buck off of DIY'ers, I just don't design commercial products for free, heh. I responded to your message on DIYMA, but that lock ring is problematic, is there an alternate installation method?

 

[RSD Custom Cables]

I sent a reply. The ring is not needed and press fit would work fine. Thanks so much for all your help.

 

[Aarvix]

Remix here: Kia Stinger Tweeter Pod for Karma Allure by Aarvix

A little tricky because of the larger flange diameter, but looks roughly the same. Also protrudes a bit more, but that's unavoidable due to the depth of the tweeter.

 

[RSD Custom Cables]

Looks awesome. Thank you so much for all your help. I will print it off as soon as I get a chance and keep you posted.

 

[byebyeSTI]

thanks for making me (us) the file for our karma drivers ! they came out awesome ..

 

[Aarvix]

Picked up some new toys, phase 2 coming soon....

 

[mfenske]

Oooh Stereo Integrity and Audiofrog!!!??? Well done @Aarvix

 

[Kelrog]

Love some SI

 

[byebyeSTI]

idjk if the tm-8's will be happy in the oem locations without some cut cut , true ib is where they will shine

 

[Aarvix]

@byebyeSTI you're right that the TM8's are an IB speaker, that's why I'll be installing them IB.

The TM8s are super shallow, even without any cutting they nearly fit in the stock subwoofer location (minus the stock sub enclosure). I will be 3D printing an adapter and cutting a larger hole in the floorpan.





For the GB25s, my plan is to 3D print small enclosures for the corner of the dash, shop towel mockup for reference.
Andy recommended this location for GB25s on the AF facebook group. The stinger midrange location is really bad, especially on the driver side, and I prefer on-axis sound, even if it does narrow the stage a bit.

 

[byebyeSTI]

looking good bud !

 

[Kelrog]

Please update once you have the TH8 enclosures printed, very interested.

Are the dot stickers to help with creating them?