Angie L. from Morristown brought her 2008 VW Beetle to us for an audio upgrade. After a quick consultation to determine exactly what she wanted, we were able to recommend a system that would deliver the goods. Achieving great sound in a convertible requires good audio components throughout the chain, so nothing from the original factory system would be retained.
We started with a Sony MEX-GS620BT radio. The 620BT allows Angie to stream her music wirelessly from her smartphone and offers excellent sound processing to dial in just what we were looking for. The signal from the GS620 is fed into a five-channel Memphis Audio MXA850.5M amplifier. This amplifier delivers much cleaner, better sound when the system is turned up with the vehicle’s top down. We used high-quality OFC (Oxygen-Free Copper) wires from Stinger electronics throughout.
We installed a full complement of new speakers and a subwoofer. Starting upfront, we installed Focal Integration series ISS165 components into the factory locations. As you can see in the photos, we had to fabricate custom plates to fit the 6.5” speakers into the front doors properly. Unlike most shops that use wood, which quickly deteriorates over time, we use plastics and composites, which will never deteriorate in the door.
We also use gaskets on both the speaker and adapter plate to provide a proper seal between the panels and speakers.
We used the same process, sans the adapter plate, in the rear for the Focal ISS165. Of course, music contains low frequencies – a DD Audio 500 series 10” subwoofer in a ported enclosure takes care of filling the cabin with enjoyable bass that Angie can hear and feel while driving.
When it’s time to get better sound in your vehicle, come visit the experts here at Sweet Sounds in Mankato or contact us by e-mail.
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