Audio Build Journal | HELIX | FOCAL | SoundShield

[Grady60]

Sooo freakin' worth it!

I'm definitely doing that... I'll save money by keeping the rest of it stock, but those 6.5" door pods are definitely gonna happen. Not only should it sound much better, but you've resolved the "dust catcher" problem as well!

I've hated those cubbies since I first got in my MKV - it's such a tease. "Oh, look here... you could put something here. Maybe some really thin driving gloves? While you figure that out I'm going to collect dust and lint that will be nearly impossible to vacuum out of me." ?

You need a computer keyboard vacuum.
Yes, its a thing.?

Sponsored

 

[digicidal]

You need a computer keyboard vacuum.
Yes, its a thing.?

I actually do have a Datavac - but sadly it's always at my office when I'm cleaning my car. Guess I'll have to invest in another once supplies stabilize. That flexible suction brush would work well. Still doesn't explain what the hell you'd put in those useless cubbies... can't even hold my gloves without them falling out. Chopsticks? Hair net? Loose cigarettes?

Still can't come up with a use that makes 4" drivers a good compromise.

 

[Akashugly]

Those 6.5 speakers are a must! I wish to have that done too!! @METAL any chance we can buy those door cut outs for the 6.5's? I don't think the fabricators in my location can be trusted to do that.

 

[METAL]

Those 6.5 speakers are a must! I wish to have that done too!! @METAL any chance we can buy those door cut outs for the 6.5's? I don't think the fabricators in my location can be trusted to do that.

IDK these were done to my oem door panels while they had the car. You should reach out to them but wouldn't shipping just make it way too much?

 

[METAL]

Car is dropped off at the shop for Stage 3 of the build.

"We will be replacing the mObridge amp with two HELIX amps. The HELIX P SIX will provide 120w rms @4-ohms to each of the 6 Focal speakers; tweeter, woofers, and rear fill. The HELIX P TWO will provide 280w rms @4-ohms to each of the two Focal subs. We will be using the HELIX SDMI25 to convert the MOST25 signal to the P SIX via TOSLINK and the P SIX will then send processed signals to the P TWO via TOSLINK as well. Keeping the whole system digital."

I will have the car back Friday evening.

 

[Sam B]

Can’t wait to hear your thoughts w results

 

[METAL]

System Install (Stage 3)

Vehicle: 2021 GR Supra Premium 3.0
Shop: Handcrafted Auto Marine & Offroad
Location: Chandler, Arizona
Cost: $5,022.46
Time: 9.5 hours
Shop Rate: $110hr
Completion Date: 12/6/21

Equipment Installed:
HELIX SDMI25
HELIX P SIX DSP MK2
HELIX P TWO
HELIX HEC BT HD
HELIX URC.3
HELIX SRC

Plan:
Stack mount both amps in factory location.
Flush mount install controllers below climate control.
URC.3 to control:
-HEC BT HD volume
-Sub volume
-Tune Presets
SRC to be unassigned for now.
Delete center channel.
Utilize installed FOCAL speakers from Stage 1:
-Front tweeters at 120w rms/4ohm each.
-Front mids at 120w rms/4ohm each.
-Rear mids at 120w rms/4ohm each, tuned for "rear fill."
-Rear firing dual 8" subs at 280w rms/4ohm each.

 

[METAL]

Can’t wait to hear your thoughts w results

The sound is incredible. I've never heard clarity like this before. There are sounds that I never knew existed in songs. I had the shop toggle the SPDIF switch in the P TWO on Thursday to bypass all external controls, utilizing only the tuning from the P SIX. The subs have so much detail and precision now over the 32bit TOSLINK connection.

 

[Thill444]

Very impressive setup. If I thought I might keep this car more than 2 years I would do the same. I just know me

 

[ccuz2844]

Day 1, 2, 3, 4 Update 10/4/21-10/7/21

The other side of the 6.5 speakers - did they cut thru the plastic??? I had a shop do the same install….

 

[METAL]

The other side of the 6.5 speakers - did they cut thru the plastic??? I had a shop do the same install….

Yes they trimmed the opening to fit the speaker.

 

[METAL]

Now that everything is in proper working fashion and I am satisfied with where my X'overs, slopes, and delay's are set I started playing with my EQ using my RTA to hit "Target Curves."

I input all my data from the mobile tools RTA app into an excel sheet for easier comparison.

For reference here is a recommend target curve from Audiofrog.

This is how my base target curved looked before doing any RTA work.

I wasn't a fan of how the Audiofrog curve sounded so I made my own target curve. The dips in the chart are not on purpose but how the cabin in the supra responds without boosting the EQ(which is a big no no to do). The sub bass is intense and the mid bass hits hard vibrating the door panels.

I created a 2nd Target Curve that I will be testing shortly to see if I can get a pinch more treble up top and deepen the vocals a bit too.

 

[METAL]

I have attached my .txt files for the 2nd Target Curve if anyone wants to upload and try them in their RTA.

Use the 76dB-Right-Target-Curve.txt file for your right speakers.
Use the 79dB-Left-Target-Curve.txt file for your left speakers.
Use the 82dB-Final-Target-Curve.txt file for when you sum the Right and Left channels.

The files are editable so you can fine tune the balance of your center image. You can do so by playing with the dB's on the right speakers. I found lowering the right speakers by -2.5dB's helped but I will be trying -3dB's next. The files have already been adjusted to accommodate this.

 

[Sam B]

Awesome stuff. Cant wait till I get to this point myself.

 

[Grady60]

How do you like the Audiofrogs? I’m thinking about those if I decide to upgrade the speakers in my GR86

Sponsored