08 STi full custom install

[slade1274]

Here is my understated installation focused on retaining as much of the stock appearance and functionality of my 2008 STi while providing sound quality that can impress critical audiophiles. It was done to the finish quality that is the demo vehicle and showpiece for my installation business in the Atlanta area.

I am a dealer for Hertz/Audison, so much of the equipment is theirs with the exception of the subwoofers in order to meet my installation goals.

Head unit: Pioneer DEH-P4100DVD
Sound Processor: Audison BitOne.1
Amplifier: Audison 5.1K five channel
Tweeters: Hertz ML280
Midbass: Hertz ML1600
Subwoofers: Stereo Integrity BM
Sound deadener: SDS (sound deadener showdown)

I did choose to loose the spare tire on this install after much deliberation. I concluded that as most of my driving is in town, the use of the cargo space was second priority to the performance of the audio system. The hatch floor was raised by less than an inch, allowing full use of the cargo hooks.

The head unit was replaced with a double din DVD unit with great iPod control. I purchased the JDM bezel to fit the aftermarket unit flush for a factory look. The control unit in the lower cubby is fixed via a “floating mount” and is for the digital signal processor that allows for individual driver equalization and time alignment to help adjust the system for all the reflections and location compromises in a vehicle installation.



The tweeters use the original sails that are modified for the larger format tweeter using fiberglass and body filler. They are finished in an ultrasuede to match the stock armrest.





Again, the goal of the hatch was to retain the stock hatch functionality, so it is impressive to think I have 2 12” subwoofers in there….




By removing the panel cover, you reveal the subwoofer enclosure, welded steel amp/processor rack, and decorative LED edge lit plexiglass.




The visual design goals are a complete success as is the retained functionality. As far as how it sounds, I decided to enter a sanctioned MECA sound competition for the trained ears to judge. What better one to enter than the 2010 ECN up in Spartanburg, SC! I am pleased to say that my class was the largest at the show with 6 entries; and the system did take first place honors in said class.

Feel free to contact for a look and listen!

[importracer]

looks good hows it sound

[keevo54]

sh!t looks damn good

[slade1274]

looks good hows it sound

Outstanding IMHO with my listening tastes..... I'm not a boomer, so it's dialed in and tight.

[ATK_Designs]

Nice install. I like Hertz. I have a set of HSK-165 comp going into my girl's DD.

[DynamicSound]

Looks good. We did a set-up with JL Audio that looks very similiar to that. I always like the look of Audison amps and the subs you choose do a good job retaining the clean look.

[slade1274]

Thanks so much for the feedback- you guys do great work. Even with my cost advantage due to my low overhead it can be difficult for an independent to compete with the established brick and mortar shops out there simply because of consumer awareness; so I truly appreciate the kind words regarding my quality of work. I love the Hertz/Audison line as they have been described by some as the JL of Europe; with the Italian flair and attention to detail. I mean a Z06, Shelby GT500, or Viper is nice.... but compared to the marques of Ferrari, Alpha Romeo, Lamborghini, and Maserati.... Kinda like apples and oranges in comparison of audio and automotive engineering, but y'all can see where I'm coming from.

As an audiophile first and foremost, I feel the tremendous breadth of line they offer coupled with performance that equals or surpasses the competition at each price point really puts them in the forefront of the industry. The 5.1K amp that is being used is such a great piece; combining multiple topologies in a single chassis for ultimate performance in an active setup. Tweeters, the most efficient and often most difficult to "control", get class A biased power, the midbass get 3X the power in solid class A/B, and the subwoofer gets a whopping 1050+ watts in the most efficient class D design. No other company offers such a thought out offering in a single chassis to power a complete system with the optimum profile for EACH driver. I really like the JL HD line for size/power ratio, but you do compromise sound quality by using class D for the full range of frequencies. It all comes down to what you are trying to accomplish with your individual build.

[DynamicSound]

I agree, you can't really go wrong with Italian quality. JL is by far one of the top mainstream brands, but just like other mainstream brands, they do not compare to the higher end brands like Hertz/Audison.

[Kasper]

That is a very clean design. i really do like the way that that is laid out. Its not over the top and get it does the job very well. I hope ya keep it up. Im actually thinking of doing the same design but only doing it with maybe one sub is my mazda. i havent decided what im going to go with at the moment. but im looking for something with a good clean sound and have just alittle bit of bump to it. its really hard to make the radio look clean cause of the din and a half design and the rest of the dash looking as big as it does! but i do agree. your design is one of the cleanest ive seen in a good while. congrats. whats the DB on those?

[slade1274]

These are not made for DB performance. They do very well with giving me all I need inside the cabin, but they can't be heard much outside; even with the windows down. I would recommend a single 10 or 12" in a ported box; that should give you all you will need plus some in the bump department. As far as the dash, a custom bezel can be done out of ABS and resin filler to turn the 1.5 din to a factory looking flush mount single din.