We visited Al & Ed's Autosound in Ontario, California, for some expert advice about truck audio/video stimulation. The crew over at Al&Ed's, David, Dallas, Roger, and Josh, were very informative with suggestions pertaining to a low-budget system. Al & Ed's designer, fabricator and technician specialist, Darrin Sprayberry took us on a journey from beginning to end. He showed us how to build and install a budget-friendly, high-quality, window-shattering system. Part of our education was how to construct a large subwoofer enclosure that would house two JL Audio 10-inch subwoofers and two Alpine amplifiers. Darrin also instructed us about building a pair of kick panel speaker pods. According to Darrin, you don't have to break the bank in order to have your system sound like a high-dollar entertainment center, as long as you focus on speaker location and properly mounting them to produce their own individual sound.
The audio system was made up of an Alpine head unit with a seven-inch touch-screen display, DVD, iPod, Sirius radio, Bluetooth, steering wheel remote, and is rear camera-ready. The Alpine center channel speaker used two midbass drivers and a soft-dome tweeter mounted in a two-inch tall enclosure that fit in the dash. This delivered accurate sound for the multichannel sound system. A pair of JL 10-inch subwoofers delivered high-powered, crisp, clear, and thunderous bass that hits hard. To achieve that ever-important midrange sound, four Alpine 6-inch compact two-way coaxial speakers were installed. The system's power was generated by an Alpine theater amplifier, which delivered the Dolby digital surround sound. An Alpine V-Power amp produced plenty of horsepower to drive the two 10-inch subwoofers. The system was wired and linked together using Monster power cables.
To create incredible sound,...
To create incredible sound, it takes quality components and accessories, such as these products from Alpine, JL Audio, and Monster Cable.
After removing the rear seat...
After removing the rear seat from the '04 Chevy Silverado Crew Cab, Darrin and Josh took critical measurements for the rear subwoofer enclosure.
Darrin built the subwoofer...
Darrin built the subwoofer enclosure using 5/8-inch thick MDF (medium density fiberboard) that fit snuggly between the two shoulder brackets.
A pair of JL Audio 10-inch...
A pair of JL Audio 10-inch subwoofers were inserted into the enclosure ports. Two Alpine amplifiers were then installed to the upper portion of the box.
To ensure the box would look...
To ensure the box would look like it belonged in the Chevy and fit seamlessly into the cab panels, Darrin stretched and stapled speaker cloth to the rear cab corner interior panel, it was then coated with fiberglass laminating resin.
Darrin used 3/4-ounce fiberglass...
Darrin used 3/4-ounce fiberglass mat to add strength and durability to the cab corner panel.