sound system install, help!!!!!
Discussion
Hi all,
looking to put a good sound system in my 88 turbo, i need help with the wiring of sound systems as i aim to put in amps, subs etc.... i am looking for information on things such as connecting two amps, how do you connect the rca`s? etc..... A link to a site that will show diagrams etc....
thanks
Pauli
looking to put a good sound system in my 88 turbo, i need help with the wiring of sound systems as i aim to put in amps, subs etc.... i am looking for information on things such as connecting two amps, how do you connect the rca`s? etc..... A link to a site that will show diagrams etc....
thanks
Pauli
Not really sure what you are looking to install but connecting 2 or more amps should be pretty easy. Are you going to be using a crossover? You might want to look into buying an amp that will run more than 2 channels. Ask away I used to compete in sound contests years ago and for some small reason I have held on to the information.
hi,
here is a list of the components i would like to put in.
Qx series component speakers
i have two 6" in the rear, two 4" in the front plus 4 tweeters.
http://qxseries.com/compspkrs.htm
10" single voice coil infinity perfect sub
2600 watt shark V16 amp
4/3/2 channel which is 2 ohm stable, this is the amp i wish to run the components on.
1000 watt shark V9 amp, this is the amp to run the sub.
plus the power cap and fuse`s etc......
what i am not sure about is things such as, you feed power from the battery to the power cap which then goes to the amp, now as i am putting in two amps do i take a power supply from the power cap directly to both amps, or is this done in another way? And then the rca`s, does the rca that comes from my head unit for the sub go directly to the 1000w amp? or is this put through the 2600w amp and linked to the other amp via an rca?
A simple diagram showing which lead would go to which amp etc... would be a great help to me, i have tried to look through the net to find some information on this, plus searched the shops for a mag or two, but can`t really find anything of much use to me.
thankyou
Pauli
here is a list of the components i would like to put in.
Qx series component speakers
i have two 6" in the rear, two 4" in the front plus 4 tweeters.
http://qxseries.com/compspkrs.htm
10" single voice coil infinity perfect sub
2600 watt shark V16 amp
4/3/2 channel which is 2 ohm stable, this is the amp i wish to run the components on.
1000 watt shark V9 amp, this is the amp to run the sub.
plus the power cap and fuse`s etc......
what i am not sure about is things such as, you feed power from the battery to the power cap which then goes to the amp, now as i am putting in two amps do i take a power supply from the power cap directly to both amps, or is this done in another way? And then the rca`s, does the rca that comes from my head unit for the sub go directly to the 1000w amp? or is this put through the 2600w amp and linked to the other amp via an rca?
A simple diagram showing which lead would go to which amp etc... would be a great help to me, i have tried to look through the net to find some information on this, plus searched the shops for a mag or two, but can`t really find anything of much use to me.
thankyou
Pauli
You should be able to use a distribution power block to feed the amps off of the power cap.
You asked about how the RCA's are connected. I would say if your head unit is capable of doing the crossover work then yes plug it directly into the sum amp. This meaning if your head can say that only 120hz and below goes to the amp Then for the other RCA's coming out of the head unit (Fronts & Rears) plug those directly into the other Amp. Make sure you adjust your gain controls on the amps correctly (look online to find out the best way for that it should be pretty easy). If you are going to run a power distribution block for power you might want to buy an extra one for the all the grounds for the amps. Other than that you should be pretty much set except for hooking up the speaker wires and the power/ground for each amp. By the way where are you planning on putting your Amps? I'm in the process of picking up for 1st Esprit (88 Turbo). And where are you going to be placing your sub? I have heard good things from taking a 6" Bazooka tube and replacing the woofer with a better model and placing it right in front of the passenger seat.
You asked about how the RCA's are connected. I would say if your head unit is capable of doing the crossover work then yes plug it directly into the sum amp. This meaning if your head can say that only 120hz and below goes to the amp Then for the other RCA's coming out of the head unit (Fronts & Rears) plug those directly into the other Amp. Make sure you adjust your gain controls on the amps correctly (look online to find out the best way for that it should be pretty easy). If you are going to run a power distribution block for power you might want to buy an extra one for the all the grounds for the amps. Other than that you should be pretty much set except for hooking up the speaker wires and the power/ground for each amp. By the way where are you planning on putting your Amps? I'm in the process of picking up for 1st Esprit (88 Turbo). And where are you going to be placing your sub? I have heard good things from taking a 6" Bazooka tube and replacing the woofer with a better model and placing it right in front of the passenger seat.
hi,
the head unit i have is an alpine CDA-7995 which is the model that has no internal amp.
i shall be placing the amps in the boot as over this winter i plan to make a surround from carbon fibre to place it all on display neatly, but don`t know a lot about sound systems, uptill now it has just been the old cut and join the wire and a bit of insulation tape, hence not done any work with amps.
What i shall be doing with the sub is, the small map holder that is between the seats, i have removed this and shall be making a small box for the sub which is ported. As the infinity perfect sub does not even need a box so is very usable. I will put some pic`s on my website once i have it done, as i know it is a pig to find something desent to fit in an Esprit.
pauli
the head unit i have is an alpine CDA-7995 which is the model that has no internal amp.
i shall be placing the amps in the boot as over this winter i plan to make a surround from carbon fibre to place it all on display neatly, but don`t know a lot about sound systems, uptill now it has just been the old cut and join the wire and a bit of insulation tape, hence not done any work with amps.
What i shall be doing with the sub is, the small map holder that is between the seats, i have removed this and shall be making a small box for the sub which is ported. As the infinity perfect sub does not even need a box so is very usable. I will put some pic`s on my website once i have it done, as i know it is a pig to find something desent to fit in an Esprit.
pauli
These head units are equipped with female RCA leads. Usually a send and return or front/rear send depending on how one wants to set it up.
On my Esprit I had the front dash speakers from the head unit. I used a 10' RCA male/male stereo cables to the amp located in the rear trunk to power the rear speakers in the firewall and the remote tweeters located behind and to the outside of the headrests.
On my Esprit I had the front dash speakers from the head unit. I used a 10' RCA male/male stereo cables to the amp located in the rear trunk to power the rear speakers in the firewall and the remote tweeters located behind and to the outside of the headrests.
hi, i may be putting in a full install for show purposes only as would be ponitless otherwise,,,anyway:-
in mine i am running the normal alpline door speakers and a 8" blapunkt sub in the foot and its amazing for the size as it uses a radiator system, the air comming from the sub goes round and pushes on a raditor which in turn moves, so in therory you have 2 x 8" in one box,,,,very good
has anyone installed a full install in a esprit ever?
in mine i am running the normal alpline door speakers and a 8" blapunkt sub in the foot and its amazing for the size as it uses a radiator system, the air comming from the sub goes round and pushes on a raditor which in turn moves, so in therory you have 2 x 8" in one box,,,,very good
has anyone installed a full install in a esprit ever?
I don't see why it couldn't be done. The problem I would see would be the Alt and could it handle the load of a couple of amps and Subs hitting low. It really takes a toll on your charging system. Regarding the Alpine head unti which leads does it have coming out (IE:Front, Rear & Sub?)
hi,
the head unit has as you say front/rear/ sub rca`s coming from it. As with regards to the charging of the system i was either going to look at upping the amps through the alternator (anyone done this one?), or the other option i was going to do was put in another battery on split charging.
How would you wire the rca`s to the amp by bridging, so as the amp that runs the sub woukld be bridged through the 1000w amp?
the head unit has as you say front/rear/ sub rca`s coming from it. As with regards to the charging of the system i was either going to look at upping the amps through the alternator (anyone done this one?), or the other option i was going to do was put in another battery on split charging.
How would you wire the rca`s to the amp by bridging, so as the amp that runs the sub woukld be bridged through the 1000w amp?
pauli said:
ground loop isolators?
found out this one, i see this plugs in between the amp and te head, do i have to put one of these between every rca (between amp and head)?
>> Edited by pauli on Monday 11th April 20:48
Yes, the shield of the RCA is also ground. So if you use the isolators to supress ground loop hum you must have isolated each RCA shield or you will most likely have problems if you remote the amp away from head unit. different ground potentials will more than likely cause hum.
I had elected not use a sub in my old Esprit due to space concerns. I have seen a few inventive solutions for a sub.
1) Tube type sub or what many refer to as a bazooka tube mounted on the floor in front of the seat and covered with leather to match the seat.
2) 8" sub in custom enclosure mounted between the seats with the map pocket removed.
3)transmission type sub mounted in the front compartment and ported through front footwell wall.
(no spare tire with this one)
How one uses the RCA outputs is how you want to set it up. I elected to amp only the rears and the fronts dash speakers run through the interneal head unit amp.
One can amp front and rears plus a seperate amp for a sub.
Also depends on if the sub has a passive crossover or not. Sub amps, many times have an electronic active crossover which is the more accurate method. But hey we are talking about a car which has a fair amount of road noise. While music is important I used to drive my car with the stereo off half the time anyways so I did not go the full on to the max system. To each their own and I see nothing wrong with a great sound system in an Esprit.
hi,
thanks for the replys so far on this, i am starting to get me head around this subject a bit now.
My next question on this would be to do with the remote turn on that comes from the head to the amp, i am instaling 2 amps, so do i take a split from this wire and connect direct to both amps?
thanks
pauli
thanks for the replys so far on this, i am starting to get me head around this subject a bit now.
My next question on this would be to do with the remote turn on that comes from the head to the amp, i am instaling 2 amps, so do i take a split from this wire and connect direct to both amps?
thanks
pauli
hi again
just come back from having a full boot install in the misses supra (gorgeous and LOUD), and been chatting to the guys in the shop and they suggest (not seeing the car) but use 2 x 12" pioneer flat subs, these things are about 4" deep and only need a 0.5 cubic ft box of any shape, behind the seat me thinks
just come back from having a full boot install in the misses supra (gorgeous and LOUD), and been chatting to the guys in the shop and they suggest (not seeing the car) but use 2 x 12" pioneer flat subs, these things are about 4" deep and only need a 0.5 cubic ft box of any shape, behind the seat me thinks
If you don't mind chopping up random pieces of mdf, then there's plenty of space up under the dash, behind the glovebove for an 8 or even 10" sub in a small box. You'll need to point it down towards your passenger's feet and chuck serious watts at it (because the enclosure will be so small) but it's definately do-able. Just time consuming and awkward, unless you remove the dash.....?
You might be better off using a relay on the blue output of the head unit if you're planning on switching on more than two items (amplifiers).
You might be better off using a relay on the blue output of the head unit if you're planning on switching on more than two items (amplifiers).
I had a full install in the hatchback /rear of my previous motor, a 300ZX, very showy etc. But all I've done with my Esprit is to put in a good head unit, an Alpine, and Focal speakers, front and rear. The sound - depth and clarity sounds amazing. Have a look on Owners Page on the LEW site, under Stevens Esprit, Geoff Hyman Esprit Turbo SE. To be honest I don't see the need for too loud a system as you have to turn it up very high to drown the loudness of the engine behind you, and do you really want to drown out the engine as you do need to hear it in case anything goes wrong. With 2 amps going etc. your car could blow up and you wouldn't know!!! Goodness are the maxpower boys buying the Esprits now. LOL.
Geoff.
Geoff.
karluk asked?
If you look at the LEW web site there is an article about fitting a small 7" diameter powered sub. There are also a couple of articles about other entertainment system upgrades.
When you are planning out your install make sure that you do an electrical power budget if you plan on a high power audio system. My car had a pretty wimpy 35 amp alternator as original equipment. That was just enough to drive the basic Lotus electricals like the 3 cooling fans, heater fan, rear window defrost, air conditioning, headlights, windshield wipers, etc. Sum up all of the car component current draws, your new head unit and the amplifiers. Then make sure that your alternator can supply sufficient current to do the job. If it can't you'll have to upgrade it.
I am in the process of doing a full install in my '77 S1 G-car right now. I am using an Alpine 9833 CD/AM/FM head unit, MB Quart 2-way PCD216 (6.5") speakers in the doors, MB Quart 2-way PCD213 (5.25") speakers in the rear and a pair of JL Audio 8W04 subs. The speakers are powered by a pair JL audio amps; A JL 300/4 for the component speakers and a JL 250/1 for the subs. It should be about like sitting in my old 60's stereo egg sound chair when I'm finished...Except that the chair stays stationary in my living room.
I have built custom enclosures for the subs out of fiberglass. They are bonded in to the body underneath the fuel tanks.
I have recently done an engine rebuild on the old 907. I thought that since I had the engine out I would take a look at the fuel tanks as it would be very easy with the engine out. At the same time I was looking over the body for speaker locations to see if it would be possible to install a decent stereo.
Anyhow while I had the tanks out I decided that the space below the tanks was the best place for a pair of sub enclosures. It is right behind the seats and unused for anything else. Once I got started things just kind of got out of hand. One thing lead to another and pretty soon I was spending more on the new stereo than I did on the engine rebuild parts!
I've been out in the shop tonight fabricating a new wedge shaped enclosure that will accomodate the new head unit. The original part wasn't big enough. It was wide enough but it didn't allow adequate room behind for the depth of the new Alpine head unit. This weekend I'll be making the new mounting panels for the door speakers.
I am mounting the amps in the rear bay above the left side fuel tank. I already have the wiring installed. I pulled all of the cables while the engine was out. I also upgraded to a Bosch 85 amp alternator. It was pretty much of a bolt-in. One thing that I did with the alternator was to get a pulley for it that lines up with the water pump pulley. This required a 2-row pulley on the alternator and then positioning the water pump pulley to align with the 2nd row on the alternator. The new alternator is larger which required me to make a new slotted adjusting bracket and a new air cleaner plenum. This allows the alternator to be used to adjust the water pump belt tension and makes changing the belt a snap.
I wanted to use a Memphis Belle amplifier instead of the 2 JLs but I didn't want to put the effort into fitting an even larger alternator. The Memphis Belle is about 2-feet long and only about 6" or 8" wide. As a result it would fit perfectly just below the rear lift back latch if mounted on its side. That amp is very powerful and distortion free. However it draws something like 80 amps all by itself. As a result I went with the JLs as they had plenty of power and would work with the alternator that I was installing.
Keep us posted on your progress.
Regards,
Ron Schramm
'77 S1
name said:
has anyone installed a full install in a esprit ever?
If you look at the LEW web site there is an article about fitting a small 7" diameter powered sub. There are also a couple of articles about other entertainment system upgrades.
When you are planning out your install make sure that you do an electrical power budget if you plan on a high power audio system. My car had a pretty wimpy 35 amp alternator as original equipment. That was just enough to drive the basic Lotus electricals like the 3 cooling fans, heater fan, rear window defrost, air conditioning, headlights, windshield wipers, etc. Sum up all of the car component current draws, your new head unit and the amplifiers. Then make sure that your alternator can supply sufficient current to do the job. If it can't you'll have to upgrade it.
I am in the process of doing a full install in my '77 S1 G-car right now. I am using an Alpine 9833 CD/AM/FM head unit, MB Quart 2-way PCD216 (6.5") speakers in the doors, MB Quart 2-way PCD213 (5.25") speakers in the rear and a pair of JL Audio 8W04 subs. The speakers are powered by a pair JL audio amps; A JL 300/4 for the component speakers and a JL 250/1 for the subs. It should be about like sitting in my old 60's stereo egg sound chair when I'm finished...Except that the chair stays stationary in my living room.
I have built custom enclosures for the subs out of fiberglass. They are bonded in to the body underneath the fuel tanks.
I have recently done an engine rebuild on the old 907. I thought that since I had the engine out I would take a look at the fuel tanks as it would be very easy with the engine out. At the same time I was looking over the body for speaker locations to see if it would be possible to install a decent stereo.
Anyhow while I had the tanks out I decided that the space below the tanks was the best place for a pair of sub enclosures. It is right behind the seats and unused for anything else. Once I got started things just kind of got out of hand. One thing lead to another and pretty soon I was spending more on the new stereo than I did on the engine rebuild parts!
I've been out in the shop tonight fabricating a new wedge shaped enclosure that will accomodate the new head unit. The original part wasn't big enough. It was wide enough but it didn't allow adequate room behind for the depth of the new Alpine head unit. This weekend I'll be making the new mounting panels for the door speakers.
I am mounting the amps in the rear bay above the left side fuel tank. I already have the wiring installed. I pulled all of the cables while the engine was out. I also upgraded to a Bosch 85 amp alternator. It was pretty much of a bolt-in. One thing that I did with the alternator was to get a pulley for it that lines up with the water pump pulley. This required a 2-row pulley on the alternator and then positioning the water pump pulley to align with the 2nd row on the alternator. The new alternator is larger which required me to make a new slotted adjusting bracket and a new air cleaner plenum. This allows the alternator to be used to adjust the water pump belt tension and makes changing the belt a snap.
I wanted to use a Memphis Belle amplifier instead of the 2 JLs but I didn't want to put the effort into fitting an even larger alternator. The Memphis Belle is about 2-feet long and only about 6" or 8" wide. As a result it would fit perfectly just below the rear lift back latch if mounted on its side. That amp is very powerful and distortion free. However it draws something like 80 amps all by itself. As a result I went with the JLs as they had plenty of power and would work with the alternator that I was installing.
Keep us posted on your progress.
Regards,
Ron Schramm
'77 S1
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