Vehicle Goals
In car audio, most people want better bass, more volume, or improved overall sound. Our job is to understand each customer's goals and meet them. Sound quality (SQ) builds bring a new perspective to both home and car listening. Advanced DSP tuning lets us take things further, as seen at recent SQ events at Kicker HQ.
The purpose of this build is to use and demonstrate Kicker products, and bring Kicker back into the SQ scene. We'll be attending four local Midwest shows:
- Autosounds of Lincoln (IASCA) – July
- SQ @ the HQ (IASCA & MASQ) – May
- Mark Eldridge show (IASCA)
- SQ In The Heartland (IASCA, MASQ, EMMA) – September
Other events on our list include the “Diamond State SQ Shootout” in Conway, Arkansas (August), as well as larger shows in Colorado and (schedule permitting) Aggieland in Texas. If additional regional events come up, we plan to attend.
System Design
- Source Units:
- Upmixer: Riven SRP
- DSP: Arc Audio PS8 Pro
- Interconnects & Wiring:
- Sound Deadening: Stinger X, Blackhole Mat/Tiles, Gladen Aero Butyl/Extreme/Poly, Sound Shield SS-Contour Rings
- Alternator: Ohio Generator
- Battery: Odyssey
- Fusing/Terminals: Kicker BT4 x2, Jim’s Machineworx Distribution Blocks
- Lighting: Lucas Headlights, Heise Accent Lighting
- Enclosure Design: Bassahaulic Productions – Drew Jones
System Layout
- Amp 1: Kicker 51LX500.4
- Ch1 Left Front: Kicker SS Tweeter
- Ch2 Right Front: Kicker SS Tweeter
- Ch3 Left Front: Gladen GA 80 RS Midrange
- Ch4 Right Front: Gladen GA 80 RS Midrange
- Amp 2: Kicker 51LX1300.7
- Ch1/2 Left Front: Kicker SS-MB8 Midbass
- Ch3/4 Right Front: Kicker SS-MB8 Midbass
- Ch5 Center: Gladen GA 100 RS Midbass
- Ch6 Center: Kicker SS Tweeter
- Ch7 Front Sub: Kicker Comp R or Comp RT 10"
- Amp 3: Kicker 51LX500.4
- Ch1 Left Rear Door: Kicker SS Coax
- Ch2 Right Rear Door: Kicker SS Coax
- Ch3 Left Rear Deck: Kicker KS6904
- Ch4 Right Rear Deck: Kicker KS6904
- Amp 4: Kicker 51LX1250.1
- Ch1: Kicker Q-Class 12" or Comp Q 12"
- Accessories: Kicker Tent for events, Kicker chairs (2), Kicker floor mats, Power Station (1800watt)
Contacts
- Patrick Hinrichsen
- Owner, Sound Innovations – [email protected]
- William Hinrichsen
- Installer, Sound Innovations – [email protected]
- Anthony Rawlings
- Territory Rep, SFD Distribution – [email protected]
Build Progress
The front door SS-MB8 midbass brackets shown are the first revision, designed to angle 5° forward and 5° down. This directs energy into the footwell and away from the center console, which otherwise causes midbass nulls. These prototypes are printed at 10% infill for mockup and testing. Once finalized, brackets will be printed solid with brass inserts.
The SS-6.5’s are planned for the rear doors. The Gladen 4" is expected to be used for the center channel alongside a Kicker SS tweeter. The Gladen GA 80 RS fits factory locations and is a good match between the SS-MB8 and SS tweeters, covering 350–4500 Hz.
Additional Notes
- System uses Kicker wiring and accessories wherever possible.
- Sound deadening combines several brands for maximum coverage and effectiveness.
- System tuning will be focused on event-ready SQ but remain daily-driver friendly.