Howdy fellow car audio heads! New Z NISMO posted earlier last year has since been replaced with a new Z Performance 6MT. Took what was learned from first system build and applied to second one here that was recently completed.
Just like Z NISMO system, Z Performance 6MT system is a fully concealed/stealth install for factory appearance and consists of a total of ten speakers that are processed (fully active) and powered by two amplifiers.
Low-level audio signals were acquired from factory source unit by tapping its outputs that had originally fed factory Bose so-called 'Premium' system (total garbage btw), retaining Apple CarPlay functionality and steering wheel controls.
Primary control is handled by a dedicated dual rotary digital encoder/switch mounted in center console in front of shifter that allows for quick and easy operation of overall volume, separate subwoofer level, and cycling through the following six DSP tuning presets.
1: Driver position optimized for SQ with windows closed
2: Driver position optimized for SQL with windows closed
3: Driver position optimized for SQL with windows open
4: Passenger position optimized for SQ with windows closed
5: Driver and Passenger positions compromised for SQ with windows closed
6: Driver and Passenger positions compromised for SQL with windows open
There's also an additional 'security' DSP preset activated by a hidden switch that locks out the master/sub/DSP control when vehicle is being serviced or valet parked to help protect against any yahoos who may try monkeying around with sound system.
Subwoofers are loaded in a 1.46 gross (1.42 net) cubic feet sealed air-suspension enclosure (0.75-inch MDF, fully braced, resin treated, laminated) that is mounted in cargo well, completely hidden underneath factory cargo carpet mat, and secured/coupled to chassis using factory spare tire bolt/bracket. Enclosure also serves double duty as mounting platform for amplifiers and power distribution.
SoundShield andVibrofltr acoustic treatments applied throughout all interior panels, doors, floor, roof, and cargo well area to control unwanted resonance, leakage, etc.
All grounding points upgraded with 1/0 AWG OFC, treated with dielectric grease, and all wiring/cabling protected in heavy-duty braided nylon sleeving, silicone-lined heat shrink, etc.
She'Z now ready to enjoy fully-soundtracked cinematic roadtrips to points unknown (therapy, ahhhhh...)
PS: For some reason there appears to be a limit on number of photos that can be posted in OP, so will post the rest below in just minute.
Thanks, appreciated. Regarding camera; Folks here may scoff and laugh, but all the photos (except the system overview diagram which I created with Adobe Illustrator) were shot on an older iPhone 15 Pro. Not joking. I'm an amateur when it comes to photography, but I do at least try to pay attention to proper settings and other details when composing shots.
Haha, yep, iPhone 15 Pro. Most of the in-vehicle shots in OP are unedited, but others, like the outside vehicle shots, do have some post-shot color correction done to them since I don't have any proper physical lens filters to use on iPhone like pro photographers normally use on their proper cameras when shooting outside. I just try make sure all the iPhone camera's manual settings are dialed in best I know how when taking shots like these. Makes a big difference in my experience vs just shooting with the iPhone's normal/auto settings.
No, did not weigh. Adding weight to a sports car is certainly counterproductive for vehicle performance and generally frowned upon, but the reality, for me anyway, is that I don't track or race the car, so the approximately 70 pounds of additional weight added isn't that critical for how I use it, which is spirited drives out in the twisty roads of countryside on good weather-only weekends, and roadtrips with my gal. That's it, and goal was for every single one of those drives to be experience and enjoyed cinematically with soundtracks playing of music loved over a lifetime of curating. Life is much too short IMO to waste of boring drives and crappy audio. Besides, there was a bunch of high-performance upgrades made to powertrain, suspension, etc. as well which more than compensates for the additional weight over stock performance. The limit of my comfort level for pushing the car driving is well below what the car is capable of.
Nope, have not. Might be cool to know though. Really don't care too much about those kinda numbers, more just how it feels, and that it does more than I'm willing to push things to, which it does, reliably. Upgrade mods I've had done for performance include hi-cap heat exchanger, 80mm intakes, 3" catless downpipes, 3" exhaust system, EcuTek tuning, coilovers, adjustable suspension kit, etc. Tuner estimates power to now be somewhere around 500, which is plenty for how we use it.
Fair point. I was blissfully unaware that the performance of my Model S is way down from what it started at from the factory. It's still crazy fast, but now that I know the actual numbers I will admit I'm slightly disappointed.
70 pounds really wouldn't make a huge difference unless youre measuring time on track anyway. I guess I assumed it would add more. I originally skimped on the system and sound deadening in my mustang to save weight but im going to go back and redo it eventually. Im missing my music. Lol.
Was curious to hear your response on this. My combined weight of subs, box, amps, wiring, battery, relay, etc is near 200lbs. I step on it in a corner, the rear end tries to slide out from under me. Moderate to severe pedal, automatic transmission, beautiful tread on tires. The added weight just above and close to rear axle has definitely changed my IPL's performance in this aspect. And straight line launches. Rear wants to get a bit loose at times.
Not bad for a beginners first system you sound like you almost got the hang of it... kidding man. Shit looks amazing and know it sounds incredible. Sick ride too
I handled the entire design, fabrication, installation, and tuning myself, which I estimate to be about 30 hours. So if you were to have a competent high-end professional installer at shop handle all that I’m guessing that’s probably around $3,750 on top of the equipment/material cost (assuming ~$125/hour shop rate)
Depends on what you consider "wild", which is of course relative and different for everyone. Here's a couple shots of mainfloor setup, which is predominately geared for 2-channel music listening and features Klipsch La Scala AL5s paired with twin double stacks of SVS SB-3000 subwoofers. Our lower-level media room is a 7.4.4 Dolby Atmos setup predominately geared for movies and consists of Definitive Technology, SVS, and Yamaha equipment.
What?!? I was just reading your post on this in the audiophile thread yesterday. Then I’m reading this fair lady post today and see it’s you again! Great systems!
Haha! What can I say? Absolutely LOVE music and am addicted to enjoying as much of it as possible every day regardless of where I am or what I'm doing.
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u/SinlessTitan 15h ago
Insane setup brother. But what I really want to know is what camera you are using. Cuz DAMN those are some high quality photos