Alpine Audio - Trouble Shooting
by CAE, Dec 01, 2001
Q I have a 1981 Volvo 240GL series, which is a four door. Up until Father's Day, it had a stock AM/FM receiver that wasn't even stereo (lower dash location). I bought some speakers off a Web site, which proclaimed that it could identify my car speaker needs. I ended up with 4" Blaupunkts, but the OEM speakers were at least 5". These were to be installed in the front doors. I went to large chain store to see what they would say fit, but for this model they could not help.You got any ideas? I really would appreciate your help.PaulVia the Internet
A The 240 series Volvo is a unique application. The speaker is more or less a 5-inch, but it is extremely shallow to clear the window. Most 5-inch speakers are too deep, so a 4-inch is usually recommended. I have performed several installs in 240s using both 4- and 5-inch speakers. For the latter (preferable for sound quality) a custom mounting adapter must be fabricated to build up the recessed area where the speaker mounts. It should be fairly easy to figure out, but if you are not mechanically inclined, any professional installer should be able to handle the task.
Q My wife has a 1987 Acura Legend. The tape deck died and the sound from the radio is marginal. We have gone to a few audio places and asked about a replacement. It is hard to get an accurate answer which one fits best (that will still let you use the remote volume and preset station). The last person we asked said that none would adapt to that system. Should I consider have the old radio repaired? Any HELP will be appreciated.ThanksJack Wolf Via the Internet
A I am not aware of an interface adapter that will connect to Acura controls, but I would not worry much about losing the car's original remote volume and preset switches. Any time a factory head unit dies is a time for great celebration, because you now have an excellent reason to upgrade to aftermarket equipment. Also, almost all new head units are equipped with multifunction infrared remote controls that allow you access to much more than the original token features that the carmaker provided at great cost. Time to go shopping!
Please send questions to: Car Audio and Electronics, c/o Tech Panel, 774 S. Placentia Ave., Placentia, CA 92870 e-mail: techpanel@mcmullenargus.com
A As a LEAP user, I commend you on your goal of tackling one of the most industrial speaker enclosure design software packages available. LEAP gives me the most accurate results of a speaker's performance in real world conditions. Its incredible power is matched only by its industrial price tag. LEAP is available from LinearX at a price of $1195 for the Full Version and $395 for the Base Version.
I find LEAP to be well worth the money if you know how to use it, and even more valuable if you use the LMS analysis equipment that complements the program. Check it out at www.linearx.com.
If you are not sure if you can use LEAP, feel free to try out a simple box design program that we provide to our students. If you can use MobileDesign without any difficulty, then you may be ready for LEAP. If, however, you don't understand absolutely everything about MobileDesign just by looking at it, then you may want to consider one of the more "user friendly" software packages on the market. MobileDesign can be downloaded free of charge via the "Toronto" button at www.mobiledynamics.com/software.html.
Although the Soundstream Rubicon 702 is listed in the 1999 Car Audio and Electronics magazine directory edition as being, 1 ohm stable, I don't like to see any amplifier run that close to the "red line" unless it is a "mission specific" "arc welder" of an amplifier, destined for competition type usage. When any system or vehicle operating parameter shifts, there is an increased likelihood that an amplifier will simply "blow a gasket" (enough use of clichs for you?). You should consider reconfiguring your subs into a series-parallel arrangement that will be centered within your power band instead of at the edge.
If your regular shop is a Soundstream dealer and feels that your particular amp is faulty, that may be the case. Having a manufacturer that will replace a repeat failure with a new unit exemplifies both a quality manufacturer and a quality product. The best course of action is to see what happens with the new amplifier installed.
