Hello Everyone!

[Bigpete123 1]

Hi, I just wanted to introduce myself. I heard about this forum from Denim, who is also a member over at MBworld.org.

I drive a 1990 Mercedes 300ce (same coupe model that denim drives). Check out the pics at the bottom of this post.

I am currently installing and planning my new system which includes the following components:

Head Unit: Nakamichi CD-400

Front Speakers: Focal Polyglass 165 V3E slim 3-way components

Rear Speakers: Focal Polyglass 100 V-slim 2-way components (4" mid)

Subwoofer: Infinity Kappa Perfect 10 VQ (installed via infinite baffle)

Amp #1: JL Audio 500/5 (for subwoofer and fronts via bi-amp)

Amp #2: JL Audio e2150 2 channel amp (for rear fill only)

Equalizer: Audiocontrol EQS 6-channel trunk-mount EQ

Sound deadening: Damplifier Pro & Second Skin Overkill

I also have an Omnifi installed... this is mostly just for my friends, as I prefer the SQ of CD's... especially since I love my Nak HU.

Some of the more challenging parts of my installation are as follows:

-sealing trunk for IB sub (not too hard because it's already pretty well-sealed... The gas tank is mounted inside the trunk behind the rear seats, so Mercedes sealed it off pretty well already)

-Cutting a 10" hole in the rear metal dash for the IB sub (I have already done this... it took some serious cahones for me!)

-Installing the Damplifier Pro. I'm currently in this phase of the project. It is a huge PITA, as most of you probably already know!!

-Fabricating custom door pods for the 6" speakers. For those familiar with Denim's setup, I want to do something very similar. Only, mine will only have one speaker in each door, rather that 2 speakers and 2 crossovers in each. I've never used fiberglass before, so there will most likely be major trial and error...

-Fabricating custom enclosures for the rear speakers... Since I had to seal off the trunk, that meant I had to seal off the OEM speaker holes in the rear dash. So I'm gonna need to fabricate something.

Well, any advice you guys have is much appreciated!! I look forward to learning tons and maybe even helping others learn a few things too!

-Peter

Edited May 24, 2006 by Bigpete123

[dennisp 0]

Looks like you have a great SQ install going there.

What city do you live in? Looks gorgeous.

[Bigpete123 1]

Looks like you have a great SQ install going there.

What city do you live in? Looks gorgeous.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I live in Seattle. When the weather is nice, there is no place I would rather be in the world!

Regarding the install, a wise person once told me to do my due diligence and research everything- that good components alone do not make a system sound good. So I sure hope it turns out alright!

I have access to a spectrum analyzer, so I should be able to get the frequencies set pretty well. I'm just worried about whether I will be able to create a good sound stage... We'll see!

[dennisp 0]

Seattle is awesome...when it's not raining all the damn time

I was born there, love visiting from time to time, the fresh air is a nice change from SoCal.

Good luck with the install.

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

bigpete!!

>> love your euro headlights, and I really love the AMG wheels,

as for your IB install, talk to Tirefryr, (ryan) he has done some excellent with trunk intalls and he has a similar install in his daily driver with and ID sub.

Oh yeah we want pix!!

[flakko 1]

woot another semi OG benz owner! do you have a gas tank between the trunk and cabin as well?

[azbass 0]

i know 5 different ways to say hello but no ways to say goodbye.

sweet ride. very very nice stance you have going. can i have your wheels? hehe

[Bigpete123 1]

Yeah, I have the dreaded gas tank in the trunk. But it makes for a relatively easy IB installation since it's fairly well-sealed from the cabin for safety reasons. But you have to cut a huge-ass hole in the rear deck... which means you throw that whole safety thing out the window. Oh well!

Thanks guys. I'll post up some pics when I have things that are worthy of posting. So far, the damplifier isn't too exciting to look at...

[Bigpete123 1]

oh and by the way, my wheels aren't real AMG's. They're very accurate replica's (minus the AMG stamps). Saved myself a couple of G's on the fakes!

[flakko 1]

Yeah, I have the dreaded gas tank in the trunk.  But it makes for a relatively easy IB installation since it's fairly well-sealed from the cabin for safety reasons.  But you have to cut a huge-ass hole in the rear deck... which means you throw that whole safety thing out the window.  Oh well!

Thanks guys.  I'll post up some pics when I have things that are worthy of posting.  So far, the damplifier isn't too exciting to look at...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

LOL cut a hole? o_O i just took the first aid kit out of mine

[Eldorado 0]

Looks like someone wanted the hood ordament.

Any system pics ?

[mrray13 30]

welcome!

i just did dash speakers and a h/u in a 92 mb 190e...there is some funky wiring going on in there..lol...and what's with the console mounted fader?

anyway, nice to have ya here!!

wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[///M5 2,833]

Welcome onboard! Only rec'd I might give is you could save yourself some headache and trouble by eliminating the rear fill altogether. If you spend your time with the front stage the rear won't really add anything. I have just the mids of my stock components connected to the rears of my hu thinking since I have a four door I could appease rear seat riders but most of my friends still prefer if I leave them off and they hear just the fronts. Others can't even tell. A few do find it strange, but eff em.

Otherwise, great car, great equipment and can't wait to see your install. I did my first glass work on my M as well. It is a learning experience, but I am just about to start glass install job #2.

[Acidburn 10]

omghi2u!!1

[Bigpete123 1]

Yeah, I hear you about the rear fill. I already have all of the equipment, so I figure I might as well put it in the car... Cuz I'll lose money trying to sell that stuff on ebay.

I'm concerned about setting up a good stage in the front... With the 6" speakers in the doors and the 4" speakers and the tweeters in the dash, I am a little worried it will sound wierd. And with the door speakers, I don't really have room to aim them like you would aim kicks. So my hope is that the mid-bass won't be directional enough to matter much. Oh well, we'll see!!

Thanks for the kind words. I'll keep you guys posted on my progress... i'm going very slowly, though!

Peter

[ANeonRider 3]

With a mid that has good off-axis response, aiming isn't as much of a concern. Unfortunately, with my experience, Focal drivers are more of an on-axis driver, and aiming will yield better results.

Glad to see more high quality systems/intentions joining up!

[Penny 0]

[JimJ 11]

Glad to see more high quality systems/intentions joining up!

Very glad

[iagrdshaka 0]

Welcome to the forum