Competitor: Wayne Watkins
Ride: '03 Acura RSX
Source: Eclipse 8053
Amps: JL Audio; 1000/1 for the subs, 300/2 for the doors, 300/4 for front mids and tweets and a second 300/4 for rear mids and tweets
Speakers: Focal K2 Power series
Wiring: JL Audio wires, interconnects, terminals and distribution
Sound damping: Four bulk packs of Dynamat and five packs of DynXorb pads used throughout the car
Batteries: Two Optima YellowTop batteries in the engine compartment
Security: A Viper alarm with six auxiliary channels controls many of the audio functions. The original purpose for the car was as a sound quality demo vehicle and daily driver. Many of the features such as the motorized port were originally designed to let customers hear the difference between a sealed and vented box-real time in a car, not in a sound room.
Performance/cosmetic: Neuspeed sport springs lower the car and (for now) Wings West body kit and wing jazz up the exterior. Wheels are 18" Alba Tempest (chrome) with Bridgestone RE050 pole position tires.
Insider info: As [my RSX] project evolved I couldn't resist the temptation to go all out with the install and push the sound quality and install as far as possible. After two years (Oct. 2003 to Oct. 2005) the car was finally done (I thought). I was so impressed with the sound that I wanted to take it to IASCA Finals just for fun. I had no expectations and really just wanted the opportunity to get the best ears in the car for valuable criticism and insight. I spent most of the weekend at Finals dragging people over to the car to critique the sound. I was amazed and shocked when I won Ultimate Pro in 2005. It was there that I met Ben Oh. Ben later contacted me about a new car audio competition format called Trifecta and informed me that a qualifying event would be held in Denver in July 2006 for a chance to be invited to Las Vegas. I made sure to be there. It's hard to believe that was only 14 months ago and I am preparing for a second Trifecta finals. The car is continuing to evolve and change and much of that has been spurred on by the input of the Trifecta judges. I can truly say that the car would not be where it is now if it weren't for Trifecta competition. I don't think that being the current expert champion has quite sunk in yet. Right now I'm focused on [SEMA in] Vegas.
Show Gallery
Competitor: John Marsh
Ride: 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GST
Source: Clarion 9255
Processor: Alpine PXA-H701, Alpine RUC-C701 controller
Amps: Diamond Audio D7152 (4)
Speakers: Hybrid Audio L631-3
Subwoofer(s): Prototype, Diamond Audio D610DVC (5)
Batteries: Stinger batteries (2)
Wiring: Stinger Wire and accessories
Sound damping: Dynamat
Insider info: Complete dash reconstruction for optimal placement of front stage speakers; custom center console for the relocation of various vehicle and audio functions; welded steel amprack with color-matched amplifiers; reconstructed rear seat area for batteries, processor, fuse distribution and nitrous.
What's next: The further evolution of sound quality within the car, some minor cosmetic enhancements, as well as (potentially) new equipment in the trunk area.