Box Building

Please send questions to: Car Audio and Electronics, c/o Tech Panel 774 S. Placentia Ave., Placentia, CA 92870 e-mail: techpanel@mcmullenargus.com

Q I'm looking for any program that I can get my hands on for box building. I hope you can help, and if you can, I know several people that are very interested in having this information. I have been looking for L.E.A.P.(I think that is what I was told to look for) or maybe Box Pro 6.0, or something along those lines. PLEASE HELP.RonVia the Internet

Sorry I missed adding your question to last month's column where I covered the same topic for several readers. This is the time when I hope that all readers keep their old copies of Car Audio and Electronics magazine. Look it up in last month's issue, and if you need more info, drop me a line. [Or check out our special feature on p. 72. -Ed.]

Q I have been working on installing a system in my 2001 Chevy Blazer 2-door with the Bose sound system. I just need more low end. I have an MTX Thunder 6500d amp and a Kicker 12" L7 Solo-Baric subwoofer along with a box I built from 3/4" MDF using the blueprints from Kicker's Web site. The box is 3.25 cu.ft. with a slotted port. I'm planning on running the factory head unit (just for now) and Bose speakers and want to know the best way to install this system. You think this would sound all right for a while?

I was told my speakers would not work if I upgraded the head unit because the speakers have built-in amps. Is this true? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Keep up the good work!Jamie, Detroit, MIVia the Internet

There are adapters available from several manufacturers such as Soundgate, Pacific Accessory and Precision Interface that allow the interconnection of Bose to other products. I would recommend these devices for people who want to keep the factory head unit while adding speakers and amplifiers, but I always make them aware that the weak link will still be the factory equipment that remains in the vehicle.

I've never been a fan of sticking with factory installed original equipment, which will explain why my suggestions would focus around "going real" instead of keeping mediocre equipment. Factory equipment, regardless of what famous audio brand is on the faceplate, was intended for average people who want sound that is better than regular factory stereo equipment. These "designer" systems don't come close to what you can get from your local installation specialist for the same dollar value. If you like your tunes at an "average" level, then stick with what came in the car, but if you read Car Audio and Electronics, you are interested in high performance sound and therefore original equipment is not an option.

Your MTX, like almost any other aftermarket amplifier will immediately make your Bose system (or any other factory system) seriously unbalanced. The bass you can get from a single Kicker L7 with the MTX Thunder 6500d will be excessively loud when connected to your anemic Bose system. You could turn down the gain control on the MTX to balance the system, but that would be a real waste of good power. It would be a bit like taking half of the spark plugs out of your engine because your tires aren't good enough and trying to live with the lack of performance.

By replacing your head unit and speakers and adding any decent 4 channel amplifier, your existing MTX/Kicker equipment will balance much better, allowing you to play your system louder and getting some real enjoyment out of your ride. Don't hold back!