Disc Changer: Massaged into...
Disc Changer: Massaged into the armrest is a Kenwood C907 10-disc changer with custom mounting and trim panel. Installer Cesar Meneses took the time to bevel the edges and use one piece of vinyl for a clean, integrated look.
For improved imaging a center channel consisting of a pair of JBL 3.5-inch speakers were installed in the front storage tray. Center channel imaging is processed through a Kenwood 5.1 sound processor.
Rear door locations were fitted with JBL P7532 2-way 5" x 7" speakers. The fact that the installers didn't get crazy with custom installation antics in the front half of this installation doesn't mean they didn't pay attention to the details. Cascade damping material was thoroughly applied to the doors and floor to ensure a solid blow with each punchy note. Factory locations aside, the mounting for each speaker was carefully sealed and tuned for maximum effectiveness. All were wired with Phoenix Gold products.
Headrest Monitors: Driver...
Headrest Monitors: Driver and passenger headrest are host to Audiovox LCM 5600 monitors. The monitors have built in IR headphone transmitters so rear passengers can enjoy their own video and audio source.
On The Tip
A picture tells a thousand words. So rather than trying to talk people into product, Thompson is relying on the product to speak for itself. By offering people a demo and showing them the goods in all their glory, Thompson hopes this picture will sell a thousand products. That's why the rear cargo area of his demo vehicle is live. You can tell somebody your product is the greatest ten different ways before they start to listen. But throw your goods in action, highlighted by a grand installation, and the sell is simple.
Starting from the bare belly of the SUV, the steel panels were treated with Cascade damping material and a foundation was built to route the complex network of wires and cables. Phoenix Gold speaker wire, power cable and RCA were carefully pre-routed and labelled to eliminate the chance of wires getting crossed, so to speak. C-pillars were also removed and pre-wired for the JBL C608 GTi components speakers that were to be massaged into place.
PS2: Beneath the passenger's...
PS2: Beneath the passenger's seat is a Sony PlayStation 2 with custom, vinyl covered trim. The PS2 can be viewed over a selected monitor through an Alpine switcher.
Designed to create a stage from outside the vehicle, the C608s face rearward, pushing sound waves out the back hatch for spectators to enjoy. This is part of the plan to let the product sell itself. If spectators are impressed by what they see, and hear, a sales pitch is superfluous.
Custom pillar panels had to be fabricated to house the big 6.5" driver and dome tweeter combo. Not only did they have to fit, they had to be solid. A combination of MDF wood and fiberglass were used to create the custom shape and enclose the speakers for tuned output. The face of the pods were finished in gloss white Formica and the pods in vinyl. You'll find no seam in these pillars as a single piece of vinyl was used to cover the entire pillar and pod. A skill any upholsterer can appreciate.
Flanked by the custom pods is an awesome display of JBL subwoofer technology. Thompson wanted the woofers to project their power front and rear, but wasn't interested in a clear acrylic enclosure we see all too often. Instead, two of the three W12 GTi subs face cone-up, flanking a single one with its massive basket and magnet structure facing skyward.
JBL prides itself on the GTi line of speakers, but is especially proud of the high-end woofer line. To sell an eight-hundred-dollar woofer you'd better put it in a million-dollar enclosure. Cesar labored over the custom MDF wood and fiberglass enclosure to ensure it was perfectly symmetrical and finished with a deep, straight glaze.
Three-quarter-inch MDF was used on the bottom and sides of the enclosure while a thick fiberglass lay-up was formed for the top. You can bet the top had to be extremely rigid to support these heavy-hitting woofers. After the top was pulled it had to be sanded until Cesar's fingers bled, but it was well worth the smooth and consistent surface. Gel coating provides a deep finish consistent with the amp rack, processor display and component pods. Phoenix Gold speaker wire with male jack plugs are used to wire the woofers, and the center woofer plugs into female receptacles keenly installed in the enclosure. This added measure not only looks trick, it eliminates the problem of having to seal wire as it passes through the enclosure. No silicon blobs here.