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anyone know where i can find a good disc, or have access to some tracks that are of HIGH quality?? I am looking at setting up my kickpanels next week, and need to find a good set of tracks that can show left, center, and right. I would use just plain music, but i believe that this would make it a TON easier.

Thanks in advance!!

X2

 
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I normally just use regular music. Why try to tune you system for something you wont be listening to. Ginf out what works for your music and stick with that. Different frequencies, different wavelengths, different staging.

 
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www.partsexpress.com has tons of cds like that.

 
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get the USACi or IASCA test disc

I have the USACi 2 cahnnel and 5.1 channel reference discs right now, and I notice a phenomanl difference between tracks depending on what teh track is to be used to test... in example, the staging track cahnged my stage height dramatically, raised it up quite a bit compared to the other song

 
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Why? Because those CDs are designed to put images precisely where they are SUPPOSED to be. That way, in isolation, it's easiest to hear and determine if the image is properly located and adjust the kick accordingly. Take any song you like to listen to - how do you know where the images of each instrument is supposed to be and how easy is it to hear with everything else going on?? I'd say nearly impossible. But, a nice imaging track takes one instrument at a time, places it right where it should be and allows you to determine if it's spot on. The IASCA cd will even provide you with an imaging map. An actually piece of paper in the liner notes that shows you visually where everything should be.

Do not underestimate the importance of imaging your kick panels correctly. Take weeks to do it if that's what it takes. Of course you should use some of your own music to make sure everything is right, but set it up with imaging tracks designed to do just that.

The thing to consider most about using regular music is this, everything will sound better when properly imaged. You don't know if your music is properly imaged, unless you are sure of where everything should be, unless you've heard a track that is properly imaged in your car, you have no idea what the proper imaging sounds like, therefore you cannot tell whether or not its right. In other words, it may sound "good" to you, but maybe it could sound better - you wouldn't know that yet.

 
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also, you can't just put kick panels in a car and expect your imaging and staging to be exact. you will need some form of equalization, networking, time alignment, etc. what other equipment do you have?

 
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As far as other equipment, nothing as of yet just a older clarion HU, and a set of SPX-107R's in the kicks and SPX-17MB in the doors. I am in the process of doing a COMPLETE alpine setup. I am putting SPX-107R's in the kickpanel, the SPX-17MB in the doors, 1 SPX-107R + tweet in a center channel location (removed the cup holder with a dremel tool, and am in the process of building a enclosure to house that) I have already put 1 layer a Cascade VB-2HD on both front doors, 2 layers on the transmission tunnel, 1 more layer in the kick area, and finished off with a layer of VB-3 on the complete floor. Next will be 2 layers of VB-2HD in the rear, 1 layer on the rear doors, and 2-3 layers af VB-2MAX in the trunk. For the rear surrounds I am building enclousers on the 2 rear A-Pillars for another set of SPX-107R's. It will all be powered by Alpine's 5.1 amp. The last peice of my stereo will be 2 12 inch X series subs with about 500-1,000 watts going to them. Then I will continue to work on the ICE with a 7 inch touch screen Xenerac and a in-car computer with a keyboard that will slide out when the glove box is opened. Of course I am by no means rich, but i figured about 1,000-1,500 more dollars and I will have all the pieces bought.

 
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I'm going to be interested to see how that center channel turns out.

Are you going to be running a PXA-H701?

For you pod builders, how do you test your pods for imaging before selecting a position? do you make the enclosures and then position them, mark the position somehow, then put it together? I need to get kicks, but I was thinking about starting off with a set of q-forms and then making my own when I'm more ready for it

 
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Real easy way of doing it using plumbers strapping. Then I usually stuff either polyfill around the speaker, or just a bunch of towels. It will help deaden the back waves from crashing into the front waves. I have been working with fiberglass since 1998, but just really recently decided to get the best front stage possible for my VIC. I used to just angle the speakers so they hit about ear high on each side (driver to pass, and pass to driver) It made a pretty good front stage, then again I was young and wanted it all done QUICK. But as far as the center channel, it should turn out pretty sweet. I can get pretty good volume out of that area along with Excellent depth. The only bad thing is that the enclosure cannot be part of the center console. If it was, i could never get it back in the car (over the parking brake and gear shifter) so I am forced to make a box and secure it to the car somehow then use 1/2 MDF and build a frame in the hole i cut out and then attach it to console. For all of you that would be attaching fiberglass, wood, or plastic on plastic, check out http://urethanesupply.com/Merchant2/...Store_Code=URE They sell material such as plastic welders, and flexible or rigid plastic body fillers. I have tried in the past using either kittyhair or bondo to attach stuff to plastic and that is usually a NO GO. The momment the part flexes, SNAP it cracks or peels away. With the flexible filler, you can take and bend and move whatever part you attach to the plastic and IT WILL NOT BREAK OR PEEL. Excellent stuff. As always Honda uses PP plastic, so using the filler prep is a must to make the fillers adhere to the plastic.

 
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Sorry for not answering the actual question directed towards me (got rambling on about the center channel) Probably but i will stick with the MRA-D550 for the time being.

 
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how are you planning to set up your sound stage with rear speakers?

 
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The same way that a person sets up their home theatre. Thats what those speakers will be used for, rear surrounds. The amp I mentioned is a 5.1 amp. I plan on building a MOBILE home theatre.

 
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Mega Hurtz, where did you buy the UASCi test disc?? I have looked on the net, and cannot find a place that sells it.

 
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i gotcha, didn't realize you were going that route.

 
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I can get a copy of pink noise test disc and sinesweeps. if you have a rta or know how to tune a car with a dmm? Either way I can send you a copy. Let me know.

 
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I must say ex 03, sweet ride. I especially like the new Solobaric 18 you got there!! Nice sub. I used to have a all Kicker setup, but their new speakers do not do the company justice, so i kinda fell out-of love with them. I have read and heard GREAT tyings about Alpine, and like the fact that i can get eveything from the source unit down to the speakers and not have to switch brands, no I do not have a RTA and by DMM, do you mean Digital MultiMeter?? thats the only DMM i know of I owuld love those disc's, but still looking for a imaging disc. The kickpanels NEED to be done before I get married on the 18, if not, its going to be a LONG ride to New Orleans hehehehehehhehe

 
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I got it at a USACi show... i can probably get you a copy if you want to pay me in advance

 
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the 5.1 disc is totally what you want though

 
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wow your the first to say 18- its actually the 12" but thanks alot I appreciate it. Im in the process of revamping everything the sub is being cramed on the driver side and the amp rack will be motorized so I can get to the spare so, lots of work. I will make copies tonight and you can pm me with an address to mail to. I have always used pinknoise generator and a rta to make everything flat for soundq's but I dont know if you mean just for listening pleasure or what so. Either way let me know, thats the 7thgen love we have here!!!!