Index

A
accessories:
   antenna boosters, 247-248
   battery savers and monitors, 240-241
   CD player cassette adapters, 244
   CD player FM transmitters, 244-245
   motorized antennas, 246-247
   power line capacitors, 238-240
   premium patch cables, 242-243
   premium speaker wire, 241-242
   sound deadening materials, 248-249
Accumat, 248-249
adapters (see also converters)
adapters:
   antenna, 150, 247
   cassette, 244
   common ground (see OEM integration adapters)
   factory steering wheel controls, 151
   floating ground (see OEM integration adapters)
Add-A-Circuit fuse holder, 15-16
AGC fuses and fuse holders, 166-168
alternator whine, 258-259
amplifiers:
   automatic turn-on wiring, 168-169
   boosting head units with four preamp outputs and four speaker outputs, 171-175
   boosting head units with no preamp outputs and four speaker outputs, 178-181
   boosting head units with no preamp outputs and two speaker outputs, 181-183
   boosting head units with two preamp outputs and four speaker outputs, 175-178
   boosting premium factory sound system head units, 184-189
   bridging, 67-68, 159-161
   built-in crossovers, 61
   connectors for power wiring, 170-171
   distribution blocks, 165-166
   fuses, 166-168
   ground connection, 169-170
   ground wiring, 162-171
   maximum power, 156-157
   mounting location, 161-162
   noise immunity considerations, 260
   oscillation with dvc subs, 82
   peak power, 156-157
   power per dollar, 158-161
   power rating methods, 156-157
   power required, 158
   power required for subs, 65-66
   power requirements for biamping, 210-211
   power wiring, 162-171
   premium factory sound systems, 184-189
   RMS power, 156-157
   setting gains, 189-190
   speaker wiring, 171
   two-ohm stable, 159
   wire gauge, 162-164
ANL fuses and fuse holders, 166-168
antenna boosters, 247-248
antennas:
   adapters, 150, 247
   connectors, factory, 150, 247
   installation, 146, 246-247
   motorized, 246
   windshield, 246
ATC fuses and fuse holders, 166-168
ATO fuses and fuse holders, 166-168
ATRAC (Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding), 126
Aura Bass Shakers, 119-120
auto reverse, cassette head units, 135
automatic turn-on wiring, amplifiers, 168-169
B
backstraps, 141
balanced line driver outputs, head units, 130
balanced signals, 255-256
banana plugs, 108-109
bandpass box:
   advantages of, 73-75
   box design software, 82-83
   construction, 104
   damping, enclosure, 111-112
   design example, 96-98
   one-note thump, 93
   port design example, 106-107
   port length, calculating, 105-106
   port tuning, 93-94
   ports, constructing, 105-106
   ports, multiple, 107-108
bass blockers, 114
bass blocking crossovers, 114-116
bass engines, 119-120
bass response goal, 92
bass shakers, 119-120
bass transducers, 119-120
battery monitors, 240-241
battery savers, 240-241
biamping:
   adjusting your system, 219-223
   advantages of, 206-208
   amplifiers for, 210-211
   choosing a crossover, 208-210
   configurations for head units with one set of preamp outputs, 215-219
   configurations for head units with two sets of preamp outputs, 211-215
   speakers for, 211
bibliography, 283-285
binding posts, 108-109
books, recommended, 280
Bose (see premium factory sound systems)
box design, 82-102
   bandpass box construction, 104
   bandpass design example, 96-98
   box assembly and bracing, 103-104
   box design charts, 85-91
   box materials, 102-103
   box shape, 102-103
   construction, 102-113
   damping, enclosure, 111-112
   finishing touches, 112-113
   future of, 98
   isobarik configurations, 99-102
   multiple drivers in one box, 98-102
   port design example, 106-107
   port length, calculating, 105-106
   port, when to use, 92
   ports, constructing, 105-106
   ports, multiple, 107-108
   sealed and ported design example, 94-96
   software, 82-83
   terminals, speaker, 108-109
bridging, 67-68, 159-161
C
cable ties, 18
cables (see patch cables)
capacitors, power line, 271-272
carpet, speaker, 112
cassette adapters, for portable CD players, 244
cassette features, head units, 135-137
cassette head units, 125-126
CD changer controls, head units, 129
CD changers:
   connecting, 234-235
   converters, 230
   disc naming, 231
   ESP (Electronic Shock Protection), 232
   features, 230-232
   FM modulator, 227-228, 231
   for aftermarket head units with CD changer controls, 229
   for head units without CD changer controls, 226-229
   for head units without CD changer controls, 230
   installation, 232-235
   mounting, 234
   mounting angle, 231
   mounting location, 232-234
   performance, 230-232
   shuffle play, 232
   track programming, 231
   with integral amplifier, 228-229
   zero-bit detect, 232
CD changers (see also head units, CD changer built-in)
CD features, head units, 137-139
CD head units, 125-126
characteristic impedance, of patch cables, 243
chokes, power line, 272
Chrysler head units, 122-123, 142-144
Chrysler/Infinity (see premium factory sound systems)
circuit breakers, power wiring, 167
claw tool, 24
clipping, 207-208
component speakers (see separates)
computer programs for box design, 82-83
connectors:
   crimp, 11-12
   power wiring, 170-171
   Scotchlok, 12-14
   wire nuts, 14
converters (see also adapters)
converters, CD changer, 230
copper shielding tape, 275-276
crimp connectors, 11-12
crimper/stripper, 19
crossovers:
   capacitors for tweeters, 39-40
   cutoff frequency for subs, 64
   filter slope for subs, 63
   for biamping, 208-210
   noise immunity considerations, 260
   passive, 203
   preamp-level, 202-204
   purpose, 202
   setting frequency, 219-220
   slope, 204-206, 208-209
   speaker-level, 202-204
   tri-way, 58-59
current, water analogy for, 163
D
damping factor, 171
damping, enclosure, 111-112
dashboard controls, factory, 151
Delco/Bose (see premium factory sound systems)
differential signals, 255-256
DIN head units, 122-124, 144-145
DIN removal tool, 26
distortion, 266-267
distribution blocks, power wiring, 165-166
diversity tuning, 132
Dolby noise reduction, 135
double DIN head units, 122-123
dual voice coil speakers, 80-82
Dynamat, 248-249
E
efficiency (see sensitivity, speakers)
EMR sniffers, 273-275
equalizer boosters, 194
equalizers:
   bands, number needed, 192-194
   connecting, 194-195
   noise immunity considerations, 260
   parametric, 192-194
   setting by ear, 195-196
   setting by RTA, 196-199
ESP (Electronic Shock Protection), 137-138
F
factory look, 3
Faraday's law, 256
ffb, 77
fiberglass damping, 111-112
filters, power line, 270-273
FM boosters, 247-248
FM modulator CD changers, 227-228
FM selectivity, 135, 248
FM sensitivity, 134, 248
FM transmitters, for portable CD players, 244-245
foam speaker baffles, 44
fob, 79, 84
Ford Premium Sound (see premium factory sound systems)
Ford/JBL (see premium factory sound systems)
free-air subwoofers, 72-73
Front Image Enhancer, 129
fs (see T/S parameters)
fuse taps:
   for AGC fuse blocks, 15
   for ATO/ATC fuse blocks, 15-16
   for MINI fuse blocks, 16
   installation tips, 17-18
   lead-wire fuse, 15
fuses, power wiring, 166-168
G
galvanized bodies, grounding to, 170
GM head units, 122-123, 142-144
ground, definition, 31
ground impedance, common, 257-258
ground loop isolators, 257, 269-270
ground loops, 256-257
grounding:
   to galvanized bodies, 170
   noise considerations, 264-266
H
head units:
   antenna mounting, 146
   auto reverse, cassette, 135
   backstraps, 141
   balanced line driver outputs, 130
   cassette, 125-126
   cassette features, 135-137
   cassette frequency response, 136
   CD, 125-126
   CD changer built-in, 137-138
   CD changer controls, 129, 229
   CD features, 137-139
   chassis-grounded speaker wiring, 149-150
   common-grounded speaker wiring, 149-150
   Chrysler, 122-123
   depth, mounting, 124
   detachable face, 128-129
   DIN, 122-123
   diversity tuning, 132
   Dolby noise reduction, 135
   double DIN, 122-123
   electrical wiring, 146-150
   ESP (Electronic Shock Protection), 137-138
   features, 127-139
   FM selectivity, 135
   FM sensitivity, 134
   Front Image Enhancer, 129
   GM, 122-123
   high-power, 131
   ID-Logic, 132
   installation, 139-150
   ISO-DIN, 122-123
   ISO-DIN-J, 122-123
   MASK, 128
   mechanical mounting, 139-146
   MiniDisc, 125-126
   mounting kits, 139-141
   mounting methods, 122-123
   noise immunity considerations, 259
   OEM integration adapters, 148-154
   performance, 127-139
   preamp output voltage, 130
   preamp outputs, 130
   premium factory sound systems, 149, 151-154
   radio features, 132-135
   RDS (Radio Data System), 133-134
   remote control, 130
   RMS power, 130
   shuffle play, 138
   sizes, 122-123
   soft-touch controls, 137
   theft deterrents, 128-129
   Thummer remote control, 130-131
   universal, 122-123
   wiring harness adapters, 147-148
   zero-bit detect, 139
high-level to low-level converters (see line output converters)
I
ID-Logic, 132
imaging:
   achieving good, 36
   definition, 34-35
induced noise, 252
interconnects, 242-243
in-dash receivers (see head units)
isobarik:
   configuration, 99-102
   driver mounting, 110-111
ISO-DIN head units, 122-123, 145-146
ISO-DIN-J head units, 122-123
K
kick-panel pods, 53-54
L
lead-wire fuse, 15
line drivers, 261
line drop (see voltage drop)
line noise, 258-259
line output converters, 179
line output converters, premium factory sound systems, 62, 186
LOC (see line output converters)
M
magazines, recommended, 280-281
mail-order suppliers, 279
MASK, 128
MAXI fuses and fuse holders, 166-168
maximum power amplifier rating, 156-157
MDF (medium-density fiberboard), 102-103
MEGA fuses and fuse holders, 166-168
metal cutting tips, 49
MiniDisc, 125-126
multimeters, 26-28
   using, 28
multipath, 132
multitesters (see multimeters)
muting plugs, 268
MVC (master volume control), 261-263
N
noise:
   alternator whine, 258-259
   amplifiers, buying, 260
   balanced signals, 255-256
   cable routing, 264
   capacitors, 271-272
   chokes, 272
   common ground impedance, 257-258
   crossovers, buying, 260
   differential signals, 255-256
   electronic suppressors, 273
   equalizers, buying, 260
   equipment placement, 262-264
   Faraday's law, 256
   filters, power line, 270-273
   ground loop isolators, 257, 269-270
   ground loops, 256-257
   grounding, 264-266
   head units, buying, 259
   high preamp levels, 253-254
   high-power systems, 254-255
   induced, 252
   line, 258-259
   line drivers, 261
   MVC (master volume control), 261-263
   patch cables, 260-261
   power supply, 258-259
   shielding tape, 275-276
   shorting plugs, 268
   signal-to-noise ratio, 252-253
   sniffers, 273-275
   sources, identifying, 268-269
   system level adjustment, 266-267
   thermal, 252
   troubleshooting, 276-277
   twisted-pair cabling, 256
noise, road (see road noise)
nutdrivers, 20
O
OEM integration adapters, 148-154
offset screwdriver, 19
Ohm's law, 163
oxygen-free copper, in patch cables, 243
P
paint pen, 25
parallel wiring, 66-69
parametric equalizers, 192-194
patch cables, 242-243
   noise immunity considerations, 260-261
   remote turn-on wire, 243
   routing to reduce noise, 264
   twisted-pair, 256
patch cords, 242-243
peak power amplifier rating, 156-157
pink noise, 197
ported box:
   advantages of, 73-74
   box design software, 82-83
   damping, enclosure, 111-112
   design example, 94-96
   port length, calculating, 105-106
   port tuning, 93-94
   ports, constructing, 105-106
   ports, multiple, 107-108
   when to use a port, 92
ports:
   constructing, 105-106
   length equation, 105-106
   multiple, 107-108
ports (see also ported box, bandpass box)
power line capacitors, 238-240
   ESL (equivalent series inductance), 239
   ESR (equivalent series resistance), 239
   installation, 240
   precharging, 240
   temperature rating, 239
power line filters, 270-273
power supply noise, 258-259
power, water analogy for, 163
preamp output voltage, head units, 130
preamp outputs, head units, 130
premium factory sound systems, 149, 151-154
   basics, 152-153, 184-185
   boosting, 184-189
   bypassing factory amps, 185-186
   line output converters for, 186
   speakers, 185
Q
Qts (see T/S parameters)
quick splice connectors (see Scotchlok connectors)
R
radios (see head units)
RBDS (see RDS)
RDS (Radio Data System), 133-134
rear fill, 36
receivers (see head units)
references (see bibliography)
relay for more current drive, 169
remote control, head units, 130
remote turn-on wiring, amplifiers (see also patch cables, remote turn-on wire), 168-169
resistance, water analogy for, 163
RMS power:
   amplifier rating, 156-157
   head units, 130
road noise, 196
road noise (see also sound-deadening materials)
road noise masking, 196
RTA (real time analyzer), 196-199
S
Scotchlok connectors, 12-14, 148
sealed box:
   advantages of, 72-74
   box design software, 82-83
   damping, enclosure, 111-112
   design example, 94-96
selectivity (see FM selectivity)
sensitivity, FM (see FM sensitivity)
sensitivity, speakers, 43, 76-77
separates (see also biamping), 52-53
series wiring, 66-69
shielding tape, 275-276
shorting plugs, 268
shuffle play, 138, 232
signal-to-noise ratio, 252-253
SnakeLight, 23
sniffers, noise, 273-275
SNR, 252-253
soft-touch controls, head units, 137
soldering, 10-11
   crimped connections, 170-171
   tips for, 11
soldering irons, 19
Sonotube, 103
soundproofing materials, 248-249
soundstage (see imaging)
sound-deadening materials, 248-249
speaker wire, 171, 241-242
speakers:
   adapters, 43-44
   chassis-grounded (see OEM integration adapters)
   choosing, 41-44
   choosing a location, 45-47
   common-grounded (see OEM integration adapters)
   cone material, 43
   foam baffles, 44
   for biamping, 211
   installing in door, 47-51
   kick-panel pods, 53-54
   parallel wiring, 66-69
   polarity, 51
   polarity tester, 51
   premium factory sound systems, 185
   sensitivity, 43
   separates (component speakers), 52-53
   series wiring, 66-69
speed clips, 51-52
staging (see imaging)
steering wheel controls, factory, 151
Stiffening capacitors (see power line capacitors)
subsonic filter, 64
Subwoofer Design Toolbox, 83, 279
subwoofers:
   adding to premium factory sound systems, 62
   amplified, 61-62
   bandpass box construction, 104
   bandpass design example, 96-98
   bandpass enclosure type, 73-75
   bass response goal, 92
   bass response potential, 76-80
   box assembly and bracing, 103-104
   box construction, 102-113
   box design, 82-102
   box design charts, 85-91
   box design software, 82-83
   box materials, 102-103
   choosing a driver, 75-82
   choosing an amplifier for, 65-66
   comparing bass potential, 77-80
   cone material, 80
   configurations, 56-62
   crossover considerations, 63-65
   damping, enclosure, 111-112
   dual voice coil, 80-82, 159
   enclosure types, 71-75
   finishing touches, 112-113
   free-air, 72-73
   installation, 113-119
   parallel wiring, 66-69
   port design example, 106-107
   port length, calculating, 105-106
   ported box enclosure type, 73-74
   ports, constructing, 105-106
   ports, multiple, 107-108
   power handling, 75-76
   Q-Customs enclosure, 71
   ready-made, 70
   sealed and ported design example, 94-96
   sealed box enclosure type, 72-74
   secret to tight bass with, 118-119
   securing, 116-117
   sensitivity, 76-77
   series wiring, 66-69
   Stealthbox enclosure, 70
   system adjustment procedure, 118-119
   terminals, speaker, 108-109
   transmission line enclosure type, 73-75
   trunk sonic isolation, 116
   when to use a port, 92
subwoofers (see also, bass transducers)
suppliers, mail-order, 279
T
T/S parameters:
   introduction to, 77-78
   Qts, high values, 79
terminals, speaker, 108-109
test CDs, 26-27
theft deterrents, head units, 128-129
thermal noise, 252
Thiele/Small parameters (see T/S parameters)
Thummer remote control, head units, 130-131
tie wraps (see cable ties)
tools:
   claw tool, 24
   crimper/stripper, 19
   DIN removal tool, 26
   multimeter, 26-28
   nutdrivers, 20
   offset screwdriver, 19
   paint pen, 25
   SnakeLight, 23
   soldering iron, 19
   test CDs, 26-27
   Torx drivers, 22
   utility hacksaw, 24
   utility knife, 25
   window clip remover, 25
Torx drivers, 22
transferability, when planning a system, 2
transmission line enclosure type, 73-75
tri-mode crossover (see tri-way crossover)
tri-way crossover, 58-59
troubleshooting noise problems, 276-277
tweeters:
   choosing, 37
   connecting, 39
   crossover caps, 39-40
   damage by clipping, 207-208
   dome, 37
   level matching, 40-41
   piezo, 37
   placing, 38-39
   surface mount, 36-37
twisted-pair cabling, 256
two-ohm stability, amplifiers, 159
U
universal head units, 122-123
upgradability, when planning a system, 3
upgrade solutions to common complaints, 5
utility hacksaw, 24
utility knife, 25
V
Vas (see T/S parameters)
vented box (see ported box)
Vof, 84
voltage drop, 162-164, 170
voltage, water analogy for, 163
W
window clip remover, 25
wire, speakers, 171, 241-242
wire gauge, amplifier wiring, 162-164
wire gauge, speaker wiring, 171
wire nuts, 14
wire ties (see cable ties)
wiring harness adapters, 147-148
X
Xmax, 76
Z
zero-bit detect, 139, 232