Learn: Home » 2002 Mustang Custom Sound System Install
Connections
Making the connections with the right kind of cable is key to getting max performance out of the system. Warren started at the battery with 1/0 gauge StreetWires PowerStream wire. 1/0 gauge is thick cable, but the heavier the cable, the better the power flow. Protection is provided by a 200 amp fuse in the engine compartment. The 1/0 cable runs to the distribution block located between the sub boxes and splits off into two 4 gauge PowerStream cables routed to each amp, with a third cable providing power to the head, XM tuner, fans and lighting. 60 amp AGU fuses provide protection in the distribution block. To ensure steady power flow, a one-farad capacitor is installed out of sight behind the amps. StreetWires Zero Noise 6 patch cables run from the Alpine head to the amps, and UltraCable speaker wire is used to connect the component speaker sets and sub boxes.
Set-up
Crossover settings for the system were made at the amps. The subs are crossed over at 100 Hz low pass, and the component sets are dialed in at 100 Hz high pass. As Warren says: "It sounds smooth that way."
To get the best possible performance out of the Polk MOMO components, Warren did some clever tweaks. The components' crossovers have a Selectable Tweeter Output Level feature. For the front speakers, this is set to "0 dB," and in the back, to "-6 dB." Also, the "mid-range extension" switch on the front crossovers is set to "on." This allows more high frequencies to flow to the front woofers. The end result is a better imaging in the front end, since there are more high frequencies there.
If you've checked out the photos of the vehicle, you may wonder where the XM antenna is. Although XM doesn't recommend it, Warren placed it on the back deck between the speakers. No problems with reception yet!
How's it sound?
The system's sound is as precise as the fit of the installation. The Alpine's Digital Time Correction circuits, in conjunction with the placement of the tweeters in the Polk MOMO components, gives an accurate stereo image in the front seats, with a nice high sound stage that puts the sound of vocals and instruments right in front of the listening position. The Solo-Barics cover the low end with solid authority; the crossover settings provide a smooth transition into the midrange. The overall sound is clean, precise and polished.
When you open the pages of many car audio magazines or go to a car show you'll see ever more exotic and outlandish systems. Warren's system reminds us that it's not necessary to go to extremes to hear extremely good sound. This 5.0 features great audio performance and fine craftsmanship in a system that doesn't go over the top, but leaves no doubt that seriously good sound is to be found within. Keep your eyes open for his super-smooth looking Mustang in future issues of 5.0 Mustang and keep an eye open online at 50mustangandsuperfords.com.
Making the connections with the right kind of cable is key to getting max performance out of the system. Warren started at the battery with 1/0 gauge StreetWires PowerStream wire. 1/0 gauge is thick cable, but the heavier the cable, the better the power flow. Protection is provided by a 200 amp fuse in the engine compartment. The 1/0 cable runs to the distribution block located between the sub boxes and splits off into two 4 gauge PowerStream cables routed to each amp, with a third cable providing power to the head, XM tuner, fans and lighting. 60 amp AGU fuses provide protection in the distribution block. To ensure steady power flow, a one-farad capacitor is installed out of sight behind the amps. StreetWires Zero Noise 6 patch cables run from the Alpine head to the amps, and UltraCable speaker wire is used to connect the component speaker sets and sub boxes.
Set-up
Crossover settings for the system were made at the amps. The subs are crossed over at 100 Hz low pass, and the component sets are dialed in at 100 Hz high pass. As Warren says: "It sounds smooth that way."
To get the best possible performance out of the Polk MOMO components, Warren did some clever tweaks. The components' crossovers have a Selectable Tweeter Output Level feature. For the front speakers, this is set to "0 dB," and in the back, to "-6 dB." Also, the "mid-range extension" switch on the front crossovers is set to "on." This allows more high frequencies to flow to the front woofers. The end result is a better imaging in the front end, since there are more high frequencies there.
If you've checked out the photos of the vehicle, you may wonder where the XM antenna is. Although XM doesn't recommend it, Warren placed it on the back deck between the speakers. No problems with reception yet!
How's it sound?
The system's sound is as precise as the fit of the installation. The Alpine's Digital Time Correction circuits, in conjunction with the placement of the tweeters in the Polk MOMO components, gives an accurate stereo image in the front seats, with a nice high sound stage that puts the sound of vocals and instruments right in front of the listening position. The Solo-Barics cover the low end with solid authority; the crossover settings provide a smooth transition into the midrange. The overall sound is clean, precise and polished.
When you open the pages of many car audio magazines or go to a car show you'll see ever more exotic and outlandish systems. Warren's system reminds us that it's not necessary to go to extremes to hear extremely good sound. This 5.0 features great audio performance and fine craftsmanship in a system that doesn't go over the top, but leaves no doubt that seriously good sound is to be found within. Keep your eyes open for his super-smooth looking Mustang in future issues of 5.0 Mustang and keep an eye open online at 50mustangandsuperfords.com.
