5.1 Center channel speaker install

[66mgb]

Anyone have experience installing a center channel speaker into a G50?

The thought of cutting a hole in the dash makes my you know what pucker up....

[audtatious]

Nice sig



I know Clariion used to make a center channel that clipped to the back of the rearview mirror. Not sure what else may be out for 5.1 that would not require dash work.

[elwesso]

I wonder if you could install it where the factory clock is...?? That might be kinda slick...

[VJ1]

This concept ran through my mind a couple of times, I'm glad you brought it up. I had a 90 300ZX with the center speaker. If one could be found, I may fit in place of the ash tray. From memory, the dimensions are quite similar.May be a better route than cutting the dash. BTW, it was a Bose speaker.Vandi.

[hannibal]

Alpine makes a center channel speaker that fits in a DIN slot and one that surface mounts on the dash (cheesy looking IMO). Clarion makes a half DIN sized speaker.

A custom flush mounted speakers would be awesome if theres room and a grille/fabric to make it look finished.

Heres a few speakers mentioned on MP3Car.com recently...http://www.mp3car.com/vbulleti...87391

Remember, in a 5.1 setup, the center plays most of the on screen sound, so try to find a quality speaker. Preferably, it should be the same as your front channel speakers.

[PoorManQ45]

I've heard the Alpine DIN mounted center.

It is pure garbage.

First things first. Have you changed out your stock Blows, oops, i mean boes speakers for aftermarket 6.5s? This will require an adapter.

Second, replace the rear 6x9s with afermarket 6x9s or 6.5s via an adapter.

Third, there is no use for 5.1 in a car. LOL

Seriously though, third, you'll have to learn how to use fiberglass. Find an area in the dash that has open space under it(don't think there are any), and cut a slot in it. Put you MDF ring in place. Then glass it in

[Jeff Williams]

I have thought of re-wiring the A-pillar speakers to a center channel. Maybe get some full-range speaker that fits in that area. I have not torn into the little bugger to see if there is room or not.

I don't think the 1992 had those. Maybe you could fab something up that looks like the 94-96 A-pillars.

[66mgb]

Bingo - I picked up a set of '94 A-pillars and recovered them in the '92 brown leather from my original.

Suprisingly, there is quite allot of room in the pillar cover.

I really wanted to use the tweeters in the A-pillars with a crossover to go with the Infinity door speakers.

I'm looking at using the center vent to the right of the clock. For the center location.

The other conundrum I'm having is that the head unit has a toslink (optical) output, and I'm interested in using this connection to get to the trunk mounted amps.

I'm having trouble finding a d/a converter to install between the head unit and the amp. Anyone have an idea?

BTW - Poor man, I disagree with your opinion. You really need to hear Dark Side of the Moon in DTS. There are several other DTS encoded compilations that bear closer inspection.

As with most things, in the end, it's all about what you want to achieve and how much you are willing to work or pay to make it happen.

[PoorManQ45]

BTW - Poor man, I disagree with your opinion. You really need to hear Dark Side of the Moon in DTS. There are several other DTS encoded compilations that bear closer inspection.

I've heard it! There is no use for that in a car.

I'd prefer a high quality two channel version of that song versus the DTS "remastered" aka, made up, version

All they did was used pro logic. Then encoded it in DTS to allow "discrete" channels.

[pdqwrx]

Here is a link for a DA Converter that will work with 12 Volts.... http://www.apogeedigital.com/s...nidac

I used Apogee products years ago when I used to compete in car audio competitions. It's good stuff, not cheap but good. I couldn't find a current company that made a actual 5.1 processor that would take digital in. 5.1 has not taken off as everybody had hoped.I have a Rockford Fosgate Dolby Pro Logic II processor that I am not using that works better then average for a analog device. That would probably be your best bet. I will let it go for $200.00 shipped

As for a center, if you are going to go to the trouble and expense of a outboard D/A converter then you would want to make sure that all three front speakers are the same model and size so they have the same "Voice". It will be a challenge to get a good 6" speaker in the dash or center console area and still retain even a moderately stock appearance.

it's too bad that you are stuck on 5.1 because if you do the math, the path length difference form right to left at the kick panel location is pretty close. That means that the Q should sound (Image and stage) pretty good with a couple of decent "Beamy" speakers mounted in some well designed custom kick panels. That is my plan, I will be using a pair of Boston Acoustics new SPZ60's in custom kick panels with probably a pair of McIntosh amps to run the system with a custom sub array in the rear deck. Hopefully it will sound great and hopefully yours will too.

Good Luck Scott

[66mgb]

Thanks for the info!

I see that it accepts optical in, but does it have analog 5.1 out?

I also found something that might work. The Alpine PXA-H701.http://www.alpine-usa.com/en/p...tab=F

Upon closer inspection, I'm considering relocating the climate control to the ashtray position - if it will fit, and installing a single din sized speaker array ala Alpine SBS-05DC.

I'm not sure, but the climate control might be too deep to fit in the ashtray location.
Modified by 66mgb at 10:05 AM 12/17/2006