///M5

If I get off my arse, I am going to pull the analyzer out and measure the truck. I always like to tune by ear first and then see what I might have missed...

--sorry for all the posts, but the server wouldn't upload it after I typed up that novel....

All this doesn't mean that I don't like the deck, in fact quite the opposite. At least all the things that frustrate me I can get around. The sound quality is definetely a big step up from the high-end JVC in my car, the functionality is sweet even though I'd love 3-5 bands of full time parametric as well, the look of the unit is nice nothing overstated or tacky and generally looks great in the dash, and it does pretty much everything I need it to and for $330 that otherwise is not even close to possible. The L/R eq is worth its weight in gold and makes this the best buy per buck to me. Nothing else is even close.

The 880. I have likes and dislikes about it. First I love the capability for the price. The operation takes a bit to get used to as it seems backwards, but once you figure out the menu structure it is okay. Unlike others I don't seem to have a noise problem. There is some engine noise, but it is barely audible with an empty track playing at near full tilt and only possible to hear under heavy acceleration with nothing on from a standstill until about 2000 rpms. I might track this down later. I have found the eq to be responsive, I just wish I could shut off the stupid preset ones. I will never use the -superbass/natural/vocal- and arbitrarily you can select one occasionally when making changes which can be detrimental to things especially at high listening levels. There are other features I wish I could turn off and make unselectable as well. I have found no use for the BBE or BMX sound fields, they just seem to deteriorate the sound. The Reverse mode is stupid and got shut off instantly. The volume control moves WAY to slow, the remote is much better though. That and no mute button on the hu frustrates me as well. I have to reach for the remote before I answer my phone -- and CB unlike elders in FL, it doesn't affect my driving. Lastly, the voltage levels coming out of the RCA's don't quite reach spec.

In summary, for the money I have into the system at less than $1450 I consider it a steal. Most systems that are more than double the price don't have anywhere near the accuracy and pleasantness that my truck does. I dig it! I still owe it some more listening time and will post my thoughts after it has seen the gamut of music, but at least I know I will be smiling throughout most of it.

The SS Rli8 is impressive. Mine is only getting a meager 200w (still breaking it in) and it still delivers in just a .4cuft box. It is sealed and downfiring, but with a minor amount of eq (less than 2db adjustments) I can seem to tune it in and blend it flawlessly with the CA's. Right now, I have her crossed at 63Hz but the sub is still transparent when raised to 80hz but that is uneccessary because of the output of the CA's. I am sure at some time next year, I will up the power running to the mids and probably add another 8 at that time. The truck is wired and ready for it, but for budgetary reasons I went with a single at this time.

As many of you know, my plans changed a bit lately when the Eclipse HU died. Instead I ordered an 880PRS. I have been driving around for about a week now and feel that my tuning is at least in the ballpark. Here is a mini-review. Considering I am running a whopping 27w to my mids, I am SHOCKED at the midbass output. It isn't chest destroying but definetely has real attack and presence. Unlike my Excel mids in my car, the CA18rnx seem to be extremely tuning friendly. I have had them playing from a high cut of 2k all the way up to 5k with a settled sweet spot of 3.15 or 4kHz. Currently they are at 4k and will probably stay there for a while. The upper end of the CA is better than the lower end of the LPG tweeter. The midrange is smooth and clear and I generally really like the sound. The LPG tweet however, I might not purchase again. Perhaps I shouldn't complain since they are sitting so far off axis, but I purchased them exactly for their off axis response. This is the first vehicle in a long time that my tweets either haven't been on the sails or in the kicks which could really be the problem. They seem to be a little flat and dry, but accuracy does not seem to be a problem. Comparing them with the Scanspeak/Alpine D2904's that are in my car just isn't fair. The 2904's spank them in everyway possible. Again to reiterate, I do think that the mounting location has a lot to do with this and I do like the way they sound, I just expected more. Perhaps a bit more TA would help as well. At least there is absolutely no ear fatigue.

That would be great, but her last name is Varadarajulu so if so she will be an exotic hotty. More likely a frumpy hindi instead.

Beautiful here to and I have to go to the doc and get violated to figure out what I am allergic to.

The underside of it has non-slip stuff on the bottom, does a decent job by itself, I guess you could add some bar clamps if you really wanted to make sure it wasn't going anywhere. http://www.festoolusa.com is the answer for your 2nd Q That video gave me wood.

and it really goes over the TOP

A little over the top...

Ramos you made me wet.

You should have seen the kitchen before I tore out two walls and redid the whole thing. That is some friggin' work.

Chit my photo opp with the Stanley cup requires that I drive 4 hours in the next three days and I don't think I have time to.

Most likely the only crossover that will help outside the passive would be to HP the mids so that the bass doesn't overwhelm them. If you add two 12db crossovers together you get a 24db which will further cut out those low freq's that can overdrive your components.

Looks good, can't wait to see the grill.

Nice looking.

TOP

Since I have no drafting software, here is a real chitty sketch (I can hardly write more or less draw) of my first attempt at an outdoor speaker. These are going next to a hottub as a gift for a friend of mine. The pyramid is an attempt to make the speaker much more omnidirectional, I am porting a Dayton DC160 with a little ND20 for a cheap set in case the weather gets the better of them. The speakers baffle is an inch up the box to keep the weather off. The real question is how crappy will these sound?

Oh right, its KU that I was thinking of not Southern. I periodically drive by all of the above though, Wichita too. Hell of a drive...

I've got leftovers and would share if you were here.

I bought an edge guide for my router, but would really rather use that.

KSU in KC?