Afternoon, Everyone -

I've read with a lot of interest about all the mods many members do on their cars. For me, the first thing that had to be upgraded was the audio system. I know, I know, the sound of the engine itself is a symphony! But, I really enjoy good music and like to hear clean, clear, accurate music in my ride.

To that end, I drove a newly purchased 2012 Turbo S from the dealer to home on Friday, then to the audio specialist on Saturday. She had all of 90 miles on her when she drove into the bay on Saturday to begin dismantling and prep for the system.

All in all, we used Alpine for the head unit, Focal FPS amps (1.500, 4.260, 2.260), Focal speakers (Utopia No.7 in front, K2 165 KRX2 in back, three Utopia 21 WX subs in custom box), and a Audison Bit One.

There are many details to the install that I am more than happy to share if you have questions, including the car audio shop that did such a magnificent job. Here are a few shots of the install for those that enjoy this type of thing as much as I do.

Apologies for the bad phone camera pics!

 

A few more pics...

 

Guess I need to take a few pics of the outside of the car and update my avatar, huh?

 

That's a sweet installation and great choice.

 

Congrat on the new ride!! Nice install. I was wondering if you have the audio steering wheel control option? If so, was your installer able to get the steering wheel controls to work with your Alpine head unit? At the moment, only NAV TV is the only manufacture that makes a steering wheel module for the 997 but cost is $700 which is crazy. It should not cost $$$$ for a few relays. I'm hoping someone has found a way around it as a fraction of the price.

 

Turbo S comes with the paddle shift wheel, therefore no audio controls unless you spec an option wheel and go back to the buttons...

 

need to update the sound system on the engine as well. clean job

 

Thanks, 512bb!

tlis300, I did not spec the car with the wheel controls so I was not able to take advantage of wheel control of the system. It would be great, though.

cayenne_ksa, you are SO correct! Got your message also and will reply.

Have a great evening, everyone...

Mike

 

May need to get a roof rack now!!! LOL. J/K. Looks good and I'm sure it sounds sick!

 

Looks nicely done, I'm sure it sounds nutz.

Ken

 

looks very nice and clean. Can you describe the improvements to us audiophiles?

 

Absolutely!

(First, I wasn't clear in my original post. This install took over three weeks to complete. I didn't want anyone to think that all of this was done in a day or two)

With the stock systems in our cars, compared to more audiophile-quality systems, we lack low base and clean highs. What is in between also lacks clarity and texture. There used to be a saying in aftermarket car audio: "No highs? No lows? Must be Bose." Bose makes an acceptable system for the money if you aren't worried about getting the detail.

The Focal speakers provide you with excellent frequency extension into the higher ranges. If you listen to classical, the upper ranges of violins have an incredible texture to them and any triangles that are used are clearly heard and detailed with bell-like quality. If blues is your thing, the beauty and clarity of a well-played Stratocaster rings very true, and a really well-played Les Paul has its trademark edge and growl.

In addition, the largest of the Focal No.7 speakers (three way components) provides an incredible mid-bass power. A good kick drum's effect (my opinion only) extends above what is typically considered a subwoofer's range. The 6.5" driver in the component complement is powerful. To the point that when I shut off the subwoofers I am surprised at the amount of bass response. A kick drum not only has a strong rumble in the lower ranges, but a powerful hit in the mid-bass area.

I am not a fan of waffling, loose bass, so larger subwoofers that are popular when listening to more modern types of music are not attractive to me. The combination of the three 8" subs provides PLENTY of bass response while remaining very tight and powerful. I enjoy the sound of really cleanly recorded jazz trios and quartets, and this system reproduces the full range of instruments cleanly, with power and finesse.

Lastly, the staging by the front components is amazing. The installers mounted the tweeters in the A pillar to bring the stage up for driver and passenger, and they succeeded. If you shut off the fill from the rear speakers, you are presented with a very obvious stage that allows you to place the instruments as they were intended.

As part of the install, the shop placed a good amount of sound-deadening material in the doors and ****pit area. It serves very well in reducing the noise floor of the car while driving.

I'm not saying this system rivals a good quality home system, but it certainly provides a listener with far more information and detail than the stock system.

Hope that helps.

Mike

 

Hahaha. Yes, I've successfully reduced the cargo area. My wife joked that I'm probably going to work this into a way to say that I now need a truck.

: )

I do like Jeeps.

M

 

wow that LOOKS amazing!

 

Did you pick the interior color combo knowing the speaker box would match?

That custom box with silver trim looks really awesome against the red interior.

I know watts aren't everything but what's your new setup compared to stock? Stock is like 235w right?