Here's the audio system in my Safari. Its a '94 AWD shorty. I've done lots of other upgrades to it as well, and I'm just now getting some of it posted on ASV. People seem to like lots of pictures, so I'll post a bunch. If it's too many, I trust somebody will edit for me.
First, here's my approach to audio. I love a "primo" audio system - quality and power combined, but do NOT want to compromise the overall versatility of the van. I didn't want the audio system to keep me from taking 8 passengers on a road trip. Or from removing the seats, sliding in a tarp, and loading up construction garbage for a trip to the dump. I also want the system to be heard, not seen - so a person would have no clue there is a kickin' sound system in the van unless I told them, or they heard it comin' down the street. Not to mention advertising to would-be thieves. So, it's not an extreme system, but it works for me.
Here's the components, then some pictures.
- Alpine IDA-X001 iPod Head unit
- 80 gig iPod
- JL Audio 300/2 Amp
- DynAudio 360 3-way speakers, 8"/3"/tweet
- JL Audio 500/1 Monoblock Amp
- JL Audio 10W7 subwoofer, sealed enclosure
- Security Compustar 2W8000 FM
I previously have had Alpine head units with lots of SQ features, like parametric equalizers, high voltage preouts, time correction, etc, which were great. But the slow iPod search speed was a nuisance. So I tried the IDA -X001 which has great iPod features, and convenient sound tuning functions. I like it a lot. This year they are adding IMPRINT to the IDA-X001, which will include time correction and equalizer features, so I may upgrade. My 80gig iPod sits permanently in the glove compartment, about 6,000 tunes, which along with satellite radio, keeps me rockin'. Full speed iPod controls are on the deck, so the iPod stays out of sight, and always charged.
Both amps are located underneath the front passenger seat. Had to remove the seat adjustment lever to make room, so seat is locked in farthest back position. Hey, I never sit there, and people always complain about foot room on that side anyway.
Also installed a PVC plate to the front and back for the seat base, to keep anyone from accidentally kicking the equipment, and also to hide it.
I do not use the factory speakers in the rear doors or pillars. I prefer the sound coming from the front, except for the sub. OEM speaker quality also does not compare either. So the 8" speakers are installed in the door, using custom panels that replace the plastic containers that come stock on the LT doors.
The 3" and tweeters are in the dash behind the OEM grilles. The 3" was adapted into the existing speaker location, and for the tweeters, a new opening was carved out with a Dremel, leaving the top of the grille intact. It's only visible looking directly down on the grille, otherwise, it looks like OEM.
Active crossovers are located underneath the drivers seat. Existing frame provides adequate protection from feet.
I built a sealed box for the sub, using 1" mdf - which together with the JL1-W7 is HEAVY. Using a sealed box gives punchier sound, and a smaller enclosure, both of which I prefer. Less effecient, but still plenty of thump for me. After trying different locations and orientations for the box, the best sound seemed to be having it on a pedestal, loading downward, located at the rear of the van. Turns out it fits behind the rear seat, and being grey carpet, and with the dark windows, it can hardly be seen from outside, or inside for that matter. The box underneath the sub contains the spare tire, which was necessary when I installed the roll pan and moved the hitch up behind the roll pan. Details in a different (future) post. Below photo with rear seat up.
Rear seat up.
This downward loading orientation also protects the speaker, which is inside the opening below.
Rear seat down.
View from inside.
Satellite radio antenna installed through the 3rd brake light on top.
Lil' blue flashing light (armed) for the security system located just above Alping head unit.
Electrical boxes for satelite radio and security system wedged between the doghouse and driver's side instrument cluster (photo taken during V8 swap).
This system makes driving the van a pleasure. And since recently doing a V8 swap of a RamJet 350, there now some background rumble competing with the audio system at times. Not a bad situation. Possible solution would be to use more muffler on the motor (what a shame that would be) or crank the volume on the stereo. I choose the latter.
Thank's for "listening".
Still need to take apart the side panel behind driver / passenger front seat to check for a factory amp or not.
Hey your wheels, did you change them again? It look different from last time but I am viewing from a remote session so it is slightly pixeled and dis-colored