Muskokaman

I'm inching closer to taking possession of my cousin's '05 Explorer Limited. It's a low mileage ride (only about 42km right now) in mint condition. I want to build this properly and have about a 3K budget for it year one. Before I delve into recommendations about components, amps and subs (I'll save that for another post a few weeks down the road), I want to build a solid foundation for my ride.

I'm kinda toying with keeping the factory head unit as it has a 6 disc changer in-dash. I've never built a system off a factory head before, and am wondering what the implications are? I know some fantastic show cars have been built using this approach. Arc Audio's current show car (profiled on Arc"s website and in PAS's recent mag) used this approach, to apparently considerable dynamic success. What do I have to consider? If I want to do some serious tuning of the sound, do I want an external EQ or some other type of processor? I'm not tied to using the factory unit, but if I need to swap, would prefer to replace it with a DIN and a half or double DIN unit, whatever is the direct retrofit size. If I go this route, any recommendations?

Second question. I want to spend some $ building the proper audiophile environment within the SUV. I'm thinking of Dynamatting the floor, doors and firewall of the truck with Dynamat or some other material. What is the best material to use? Dynamat has a great name and it is what is in the doors of my current truck now, but are there other alternatives? Particularly,is there something available in southern or central ontario (or online) that represents better value? I'm going to do most panels in the SUV before I even start to build the system.

Forgive the long winded post. Any and all thoughts welcome

galuple

If you're going to dynamat, might I suggest Raammat? It's avalible online from a fellow in California who sells it in 62 sq. ft. rolls. It's slightly thinner, but much cheaper, even if you get the Dynamat at dealer cost.

His site is at raamaudio.com/

only problem is that he doesn't really ship to Canada so I had to have him ship to Washington state where I picked it up and got harassed by the Canadian border guards...

fozzz

iTrader: (1)

You can use your factory source with no problems. There are lots of factory interface units that have all the tweek ability you need for SQ. Sound deadening is always a good idea and will really help your SQ.

What are you looking to do with the truck. Compete? SQ has different meanings for different people.