JBL 660 GTi installation

[NCC1701]

Yesterday I had my JBL 660 GTi component speakers and JL Audio HD600/4 installed. Previously installed was my Kenwood 8120. It took much longer than their original estimate of two hours to complete the job. Very long day, waiting very nearly their entire work day to get it done.

The leather trim was stained (originally brown) to better match my car's black interior. Pods were fabricated for the tweeters with the waveguides.


The depth of the woofers was too great to allow mounting from the outside of the door ... would've had a conflict with the window mechanism. We used several rolls of Dynamat, to add to the Dynamat Speaker Kit previously installed. The JL Audio HD600/4 is installed under the passenger seat, while the JBL crossover is out of sight, WAY up inside the passenger side footwell cubby hole.
And, here's my 8120 installation ...


I had the rear USB connector extended into the glovebox to allow connection of a flash drive or USB HDD. GPS antenna is mounted on right hand side of dash near the windshield ... even though I requested it be mounted out of sight under the dash. I guess he missed that. The microphone is mounted above the rearview mirror. But, I don't foresee me using the Bluetooth.

Sound quality is very good, as expected. Although I have heard better sound systems, most of them were not in cars. The installer suggested an 8 or 10 inch sub might round out the sound. I'll think about it after I've had time to evaluate the system as is. My initial reaction is that it probably won't be necessary. I may tweek the bass a bit via the 8120's equalizer though.

At volume levels I can bear inside the car I hear zero distortion. But, I have to remember to keep the door pouches clear because at volume, items in them can begin to vibrate. Today at work, showing off, I opened both doors with the car facing away from myself and an observer. From 40 feet away, I cranked up Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon. It was awesome! Mind you, I am sure I couldn't handle that volume while sitting in the closed car. Distortion would be happening inside your ears at that level, even if the speakers were handling it with ease. Only two of four channels from the JL amp are being used.

The installer really, really wanted to leave the OEM sub and tweeters intact and functional, powered by the 8120. I went along with it, but I'm not sure about it. I tend to think they are (a) insignificant and (b) inferior to the components installed. Which means, at volume they'd accomplish what? The addition of some distortion which would otherwise be missing?

Overall, very pleased

[rexxxlo]

looks good


kping the tweeters close to the mid is a good idea and i like the pods very origonal

having another set running ill be a bad thing for soundstage and imaging there will be 2 sources for the direct sound waves before any of the reflections start to hit your ear and ill confuse the image not to mention if they are not the same tweeter they will have different sounds and at some frequency's they might compliment each-other and other frequency's they might degrade each-other due to phase and dispersion

just stick to one tweeter per side

[NCC1701]

Originally Posted by rexxxlo

looks good

Thanks!

kping the tweeters close to the mid is a good idea and i like the pods very origonal

having another set running ill be a bad thing for soundstage and imaging there will be 2 sources for the direct sound waves before any of the reflections start to hit your ear and ill confuse the image not to mention if they are not the same tweeter they will have different sounds and at some frequency's they might compliment each-other and other frequency's they might degrade each-other due to phase and dispersion

just stick to one tweeter per side

Understood. I wish there was an easy way to cut them in & out for an A/B comparison. Side note: during the installation, I had to drive to my house to pick up a forgotten cable for the 8120 and made the drive with no midrange at all, just the OEM tweeters and sub. It was interesting.

[Noodles]

Nice set up

[smartcar111]

Did you give any more thought into the subwoofer?

[NCC1701]

Originally Posted by smartcar111

Did you give any more thought into the subwoofer?

I had considered it, but not too much.
I'm not into RAP/Hip Hop (at all). With a bit of EQ the 660 GTis produce enough bass for my taste, better than some small subs I've heard. I would like to listen to someone's small installed sub (in a smart), that would really be a decider (GWB word).

I think spending the time/money of a set of reinforcing rears would be better spent. Unless, of course, I could easily do both AND find another location for my crossover. It currently resides in the cubby hole, which is the most common sub location.
-------
You have me re-considering. Again, I'd have to find a new home for my crossover, which is quite large as crossovers go, 12.25 x 7.88 x 2.06 inches.
It can't go under the seat, that's where my amp lives.

I have on order a set of test disks. They should be interesting, informative and helpful.

[smartcar111]

If you don't mind a sub in the back, you could look into one of these: Rockford Fosgate® - R300-10

[Noodles]

Check out where they put the crossovers and amps

iPad install in Mercedes Smart Car by Sounds Fast in Bend, Or - YouTube

iPad install in Mercedes Smart Car by Sounds Fast in Bend, Or - YouTube

[NCC1701]

I like the iPad, although I'd probably use a different tablet. Sure has been a lot of work done on that car. Some more to my liking than other.

The tailgate isn't an option with the cabrio. That's where the rails are stored when going totally topless.

[Noodles]

well crossovers and amp could be put behind both seats if you don't put them all the way back. Check out where mine is located and all it impedes for my amp is about 2in from full extention