[par4tom]

Speaker Alignment and aim - (Which direction to point the darn speakers!!!)

In the old days of car audio, there was a lot of trial and error with trying to achieve accurate sound reproduction. Mostly it was error...

Since then, several national champion competitors have spilled the beans with regards to how they achieved more consistent winning results.

I simply followed their leads...

In my truck, as a I've already mentioned, I used a set of CDT Audio drivers for the kick pods. A 6 1/2" mid and a 2" tweeter.

When it comes to which direction to aim the drivers, there is a very simple trick to follow that will help you achieve almost perfect results every time, while still being able to "trick" your mind into thinking the sound is coming from over the top of the dash.

To start this alignment process, have a friend outside the drivers side of the truck while you sit in the drivers seat. Have them look through the side glass and put a piece of blue tape directly opposite the opening of your ear. Again, sit in your truck. Have your buddy stand right outside and look through the glass, then stick a piece of tape directly opposite the opening of your left ear.

After this is done, take a tape measure from the piece of blue tape, measure 7 inches directly towards the front of the truck and then down 1 1/2 inches from that point and place a piece of blue tape at this forward aiming point.

This second piece of blue tape is going to be the exact point where you will be aiming the passenger side speakers.

Once you are done with the drivers side sitting position, go to the passenger side and repeat the same process you just completed.

You should now have two pieces of tape to aim your speakers at...one on each window.

Is this going to magically make your system sound amazing? Of course not! But it is going to give you the absolute best physical chance of achieving a good, stable and high front sound stage and that is the best that we can hope for in this imperfect environment.

Here is a picture of the tape on my window...it's a bit hard to see and is hiding part of the steering wheel. Anyway, I think you get the idea...