Hi Listers interested in the above.
I've never been one of the "Bass Boyz" thumping around with their amps set
to "11" (see Spinal Tap, the Movie for clarification), but in the early
90's, sound engineers learned that CD's can carry lots more low end than
previously mixed in. Today, almost everything "modern" runs down the hertz
range far below what ANY 4 or even 5 inch speaker is designed to handle.
Turning up the volume, even with the bass turned down, will simply "clip
the amp" as the speakers try - and fail - to play the low tones.
This problem is restricted mostly to source material like CD's and even
pre-recorded tapes because FM is still "compressed" somewhat to limit
dynamic response (why Jazz and classical never sound the same on the radio).
There are really two options, besides ignoring the "noise" and listening to
the exhaust instead. First, explain the problem to an audio tech who will
prescribe some form of coil or capacitor arrangement to "eliminate" the low
bass COMPLETELY. Poor alternative.
Option 2. Get bigger speakers, dammit, and don;t even BEGIN to think that a
"in deck" amplifier can do anything like what it's supposed to do "according
to the specs" (ie: 120 watts "total power" etc. It's mostly BS). But where
to put speakers.
Option 1. You need to cut, but outboard sides of the cabin (speaker
protruding into the fender to body gap) will accommodate a 6 inch combo
speaker very nicely. You will need to protect it somehow from the water
that is "supposed to" drain from the scuttle into this area - there are
shields designed for this specifically. From this setup, with a 30w Alpine
amp (or similar) you will get "modern" sound quality for a total investment
of about $75 for speakers and $150 for an amp.
Option 2. Build a "box" in the rear for 6x9's. These speakers do more than
6 inches, especially in the bass dept. they will need more power (bass is
what takes power) but will sound far clearer, and the treble will be fired
RIGHT AT YOUR HEAD!!!
To do this (I did in my TR6 and with a Denon 40 x 4 amp set to 80 x 2) I
could thump the Chili Peppers or Kravitz, or Zeppelin. I could even hear
piano concerti at 70 mph over, yes, MONZA's - even worn out ones. Get some
MDF from Home Depot or equivalent. Make a piece that rests against the rear
deck at the top (wide as possible) and angles foreword to just conceal the
differential hump. Build small, triangular shaped sides to seal the "box"
from the front. Make a similar piece in the middle to separate the
channels. Because the rear deck is curved, you will also need to make a
"moon shaped" piece for here.
Now, the stealth part.... cover said enclosure in a thin black cloth,
having mounted the speakers from behind so there are no grilles visible
and no convenient way to remove them while in the car. If you follow the
directions, you will get a 1/2 depth parcel shelf but still be able to put a
small duffel bag, etc. You will also get fantastic sound (you may also want
to cut a "port" hole on each side depending on the speaker type.
Finally, when you park the car with the top down (it is always down,
right?) simply allow the flap of the boot cover to drop straight down. It
will follow the box shape and look like there is absolutely nothing
there!!!! Sadly, the ruse will be discovered if you thump music from your
car in traffic everywhere (even crooks are ;t that dumb, sadly). You do not
need to cut your rear panel up (bonus), simply remove it.
Dave T
Winnipeg
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