TC's "61derful" - A 61 Short Fleet Show and Competition Sound Build

[Captainfab]

Yes I did see the booster bracket with hydraulic clutch. I remembered you made a purchase from me. Thanks for the compliments.

Originally Posted by par4tom

Thanks Captain... I hope you noticed your brake booster bracket on one of the pics...a nice product and very well done by you...much appreciated!

[Low Elco]

Originally Posted by par4tom

There really is no comparison anymore. While the earlier generation Alpines were great units, the latest generation of headunits with DSP allows you 1/3 octave equalization for 6 channels, variable crossover points, superior high quality d/a converters that are more musical than the old generation of d/a converters. Plus...this head unit has a microphone and pink noise generator that will solve all of the in-cabin acoustical problems including time alignments.

I never thought I would see the day that you could get all of this in a head unit. Plug in the mic...tape it to the headrest and in about 45 seconds the entire spectrum is swept flat including time alignment...

If you're not into all of this to this level...then the older Alpine units are still some of the best ever made. Especially the F1 series...

I've been into this for a while. Current truck has an Audison Bit Ten, stock HU, JL 360/4, JL 1000 for the sub, focal separates in the front, focal coax in the back doors, and 2 infinity DVC 10's. Less than happy, particularly with the midrange. Every time I've installed my own stuff, it's been good. EVery time I've paid, it's not gone well. Anyway, I'm considering a new HU. Thanks for the advice.

[par4tom]

The Audison Bit 10 is a piece I have not messed with before, however when I was still with Zapco we had come out with the DSP-6...so I am familiar somewhat with what the digital processors can do with a Tos-Link Input. I know a lot of guys like the Audison Product. Correct me if I am wrong but I think it also processes a stock headunit signal like the JL Audio Clean Sweep?

Pioneer has two HU's out right now with the DSP processors built in. In addition, they supposedly had done a ton of work on the DA Converter section in their headunits to ensure absolute sonic nirvana. I can't speak to that part but I did notice that a LARGE number of national competitors were all using the Pioneer head units.

I had hoped to use my old Zapco DAII Converter, but honestly the Pioneer unit I have (and I have the entry level DSP HU and not the PRS 99) has way more than I would ever need and way more than the Zapco could ever match.

In fact, its pretty amazing how much processing they can put into a head unit these days. Makes me feel old!

JL Audio - great company, great products. Innovative power supplies on their amps and sound good!
Focal - The name speaks for itself and I have done a couple of systems with their speakers. Very nice...I prefer the soft dome tweeters instead of the metal ones.

As far as midrange/midbass. That is always the trickiest part. It will make or break your system. I had an older Acura Legend with the German Made Diamond Audio Hex series in my competition car...I was never blown away by the performance. I had them in the kickpods but they were never great.
Kind of hollow...

You might want to take a look at the link here to Glass Wolf's page...he does a better job of describing what needs to happen to get great mid-bass and mid-range. And its not necessarily throwing more money at it...

Let me know how your system progresses...looks like good stuff! I really enjoyed your build thread! Nice to see the family involved...

[Low Elco]

Thanks for the props! I've had trucks before with waaaaay less than I've got in this one that tickled me pink. IDK. My son's s10 with a box I built, $25 swap meet speakers and $225 worth of Black Friday Hifonics amp and Kicker subs sounds better tham mine does... He has my old Alpine HU, though. I'm almost pissed enough to tear into it, we'll see. Very much enjoying your audio contributions.

[par4tom]

Thanks Elco...I enjoyed your posts on your truck and appreciate the comments.

Look forward to following more of your work...
Tom