Thinking about Hybrid Audio

[fuzzyping 0]

It seems I'm in a constant state of evolution with my system. Currently I have a modest SQ system, in so much as it sounds good to me. I've made certain compromises in order to keep a mostly stock environment, as well as my preference for listening to my iPod (versus CDs). My current setup:

Front Stage:

Alpine IDA-X001

AudioControl EQL

Sundown Audio SAX-100.4

JBL P650C 2-way components

Sub:

Sundown Audio SAX-100.2

2 @ SoundSplinter RL-i8 (sealed)

I play a wide range of music but have a preference for alternative/punk/dance. I had purchased a set of Seas CA18RLYs last year, but they won't fit my stock 4Runner door panels. While I'm satisfied with the JBLs, I can't help but wonder "what if". The mids are in the stock location and I've moved the tweeters to holes in the kick panel, pointing towards the center at 45-degrees. The imaging is much improved but I know there are better speakers out there.

I've been browsing the Hybrid Audio site and noticed that the 4" Legatia mids should fit (depth-wise) in the door location. I don't see the mounting depth specifications listed anywhere for the Clarus 5" mids, those would be a nice option as well. Would these speakers be wasted on a vehicle/installation like mine? Can someone provide me the depth on those Clarus 5" speakers? Any recommendations or suggestions would be welcome.

Thanks,

-fp

Edited May 1, 2008 by fuzzyping

[audio-neon 34]

do you have room to use trim rings to give you more depth?

[fuzzyping 0]

do you have room to use trim rings to give you more depth?

No, I think there's only 5mm or so clearance to the inside of the panel. Why do you ask?

[audio-neon 34]

do you have room to use trim rings to give you more depth?

No, I think there's only 5mm or so clearance to the inside of the panel. Why do you ask?

I was just trying to figure out how much depth clearance you had.

[MKader17 332]

do you have room to use trim rings to give you more depth?

No, I think there's only 5mm or so clearance to the inside of the panel. Why do you ask?

I think he is trying to see if you could fit a baffle or more baffle to compensate for the depth of the Seas. Ex: When me and a friend did an install with Seas on a Maxima we were able to fit a 2 inch thick baffle to compensate for the depth of the speaker

[///M5 2,833]

Oh and would that Seas smoke that JBL.

If you do the 4" Legatia, you still are going to need a larger driver if you want midbass. Not enough cone area for the lows with it otherwise. If you can't fit a midbass in the doors you could do kicks, but I prefer the mid in the kick and the midbass in the doors.

Do you have any pics of your doors mounting locations?

[fuzzyping 0]

Do you have any pics of your doors mounting locations?

It might look deep but it's not. The window track comes down right behind it. The stock location already has a baffle of sorts. Here is my door:

And here's a pic from another guy's 4Runner, showing the location of the track. As you can see, the door is very shallow.

[///M5 2,833]

toyoter really screwed that up. So the driver is mounted to the plastic door card? boo.

How do you feel about kicks?

[fuzzyping 0]

toyoter really screwed that up. So the driver is mounted to the plastic door card? boo.

How do you feel about kicks?

I'd like to avoid glassing. If I go that route I'll probably go whole-hog like this guy. If that happens, this thread is unnecessary since I'll just use the Seas.

[///M5 2,833]

So then what exactly is the depth you have to play with?

[fuzzyping 0]

So then what exactly is the depth you have to play with?

Here are the numbers I found last year (total =~ 82mm).

[///M5 2,833]

So why don't the CArly's work?

[fuzzyping 0]

So why don't the CArly's work?

If memory serves, the baskets are too wide for the door opening, even without the plastic baffle. I'll check again tonight and post my findings.

[fuzzyping 0]

I just found this photo of another 4Runner door that reminded me it came with a cardboard baffle thingy around the cone. I might have enough room after all. Yay, I get to play in my woodshop tonight!

P.S. Back to the topic at hand for a moment, what do you think about the Hybrid Audio mids I mentioned? Are they appropriate for me, or complete overkill?

[///M5 2,833]

Not quite sure I understand. Are you just going to use the CA's as midbasses if you get the HA mids?

[fuzzyping 0]

Not quite sure I understand. Are you just going to use the CA's as midbasses if you get the HA mids?

Not at all. I'm just trying to stay somewhat on topic, as the original post was about Hybrid Audio components (in the Hybrid Audio forum). Don't want to piss anyone off by diverting this into a build log about Seas.

If I can fit the Seas in my door, great! But if I can't, I'm curious about the Hybrid Audio mids. How they'll fit in the doors, if they're a good fit for my existing system, etc.

[fuzzyping 0]

Alright, I've done some research and here's what I've found. From the door panel to the window track, is 3 1/4". Theoretically, this would leave me 1/4" for magnet clearance of the track and surround clearance from the grill. Considering the CA18RLY coil has a linear coil travel of 10mm (max 20mm), this already effectively rules it out. Compound that with the fact that the door panel has a curvature towards the lower-right corner, and the basket ring is 1 1/2" wider than the grill face (which tapers toward the door from there), and it's an impossible fit.

My choices are:

1. Stick with the JBL P650Cs. They're not perfect, but they're good and they fit.
   
2. Modify the door panel. I don't know if I have the time or expertise for this. I'm handy in my wood shop, but fiberglass/resin/filler is a whole other beast.
   
3. Purchase a different set of mids, possibly Hybrid Audio.
   

[fuzzyping 0]

Any opinions?