[agent orange]

Here's some shots of the new MB quartz system with the custom sub in the foot well and the Zapco amp - i'm running out to dinner but figured i'd share! it sounds insane - cost about 3500 with install - 5in MB fronts - with woofer and tweeter in one - 8in JB sub, and the zapco system. The hanging wire is the Ipod attachment which shows up on your face plate - no need to use buttons on ipod itself - very cool

<img src="http://www.smalldogstudios.com/lotus/stereo/1.jpg">

<img src="http://www.smalldogstudios.com/lotus/stereo/2.jpg">

<img src="http://www.smalldogstudios.com/lotus/stereo/3.jpg">

<img src="http://www.smalldogstudios.com/lotus/stereo/4.jpg">

<img src="http://www.smalldogstudios.com/lotus/stereo/5.jpg">

<img src="http://www.smalldogstudios.com/lotus/stereo/6.jpg">

<img src="http://www.smalldogstudios.com/lotus/stereo/7.jpg">

 

[agent.5]

What is the model number of the MB Quart that you use?

 

[DesignIt]

I love the MB Quart sound. I've had them in the last few cars I've owned and they are great. The only downside is in a highly reflective environment (e.g. a Miata with a hardtop on) the high frequency is a quite harsh without some major parametric equalizer work. Have you listened to your system with the Elise hardtop on?

My current plan for the Elise is to remove the stereo altogether unless I hear some valid arguments against it. Granted, I've only driven an Elise once, but I was suprised by the "hollow aluminum box" resonance that I heard. I'm just not willing to sacrifice the low weight of the Elise for the copious amount of vibration dampening material that I think would be needed to give a good sound environment.

John

 

[agent orange]

all good points - I work in the music business and would say that I am pretty picky about things sounding at least "decent" in any environment i listen to music in. I use 5,000 dollar speakers and the new studio we are building has 48,000 dollar speakers - but I must say I'm very happy with the over-all sound of these 2 MB speakers and the sub - it's fantastic for the most part and really not resonating at all in any bad ways. Mid's could be a bit clearer but whatever when im in the car i just want to crank some tunes and have fun

 

[LotusLust]

agent

i think the stock speakers are 4"? i assume you had o cut larger holes for the MBQ 5s?

have you eliminated the rear speakers from the system in preference for the dash 5s and the sub? is that a 4 channel amp with a couple channels bridged for the sub? i went with some alpine 4s in the dash and am not particularly happy with the sound of them...may swap out for some MB Quarts as i really like the sound of them. the alpines seem to lack clarity in the high freqs. i hope to have pix of the custom 8" Jl/Audio sub later this week.

 

[Randy Chase]

I think stock is 5"

 

[LotusLust]

hmmmmm i guess it would be easy enough to find out...i have a couple of them sitting in the trunk as we type

 

[agent orange]

stock i believe is 4 but htey made the 5's fit without any cutting - though they said it was a bitch

 

[LarryB]

agent- Am using MB Quarts in both my cars now. Wondering are the one's in your Elise 5.25"? Picked up some a/d/s 4" on the cheap. Might try going with MB Quarts again.

 

[Lotus F1]

5.25 Rears
4.0 Fronts

Sounds like you have an awesome system but man $3500.00 is just crazy!

 

[mact3333]

agent- Am using MB Quarts in both my cars now. Wondering are the one's in your Elise 5.25"? Picked up some a/d/s 4" on the cheap. Might try going with MB Quarts again.

Larry, you are a wise man...A/D/S is the way to go...still have never heard better speakers than 320i's from 80's with ADS amp.

 

[DesignIt]

Sounds like you have an awesome system but man $3500.00 is just crazy!

$3500 is the shallow end of the pool in high-end car audio. Things can get much more expensive without trying too hard.

John

 

[Z3convert]

Not trying to hi Jack the thread but...
I replaced my stock head unit with an Alpine CDA9833 unit. I am pretty satisfied with the change. I was not looking to spend a bundle and I would be satisfied with just clearer (maybe a little louder) music. I also feel the new unit is easier to use. All in all pretty good improvement for not adding an amp or not changing the speakers.

I would not classify myself as super handy and it was something that was fairly easy. I had a problem finding the right "always hot" wire, but it was not to hard to fix.

P.S. I also added the line out wires for my ipod. I have the wire coming out the small cubby hole below the lights and starter buttons. The wire fits between the screws (I did not even have to drill). The entire bill was $440.00 radio & wiring

 

[LotusLust]

i'm really curious to see if you think it much of an improvement. those stock blaupunkt speakers are real crap imho

 

[Z3convert]

IMHO unless you go with an amp and a sub I don't think your going to be blown away. With that said, if your desire is to keep it minimal but get a little clearer sound at the same med. high sound level (so you can hear it over the engine behind you) I am satisfied.

However, I reserve the right to try and change the speakers at a latter date cause you are right. They are not the greatest.

 

[LotusLust]

so far i am only dipping a toe in to the tune (no pun intended) of 2k. when that part is complete i wll post pix i may decide to go for even better speakers over my current choice. i am looking at that 5.25 up there and thinking...hmmm

 

[Z3convert]

Well I am sure yours sounds much better than mine. If you upgrade again let me know if you want to sell the speakers. I might be interested.

 

[Genjuro]

I've put a stereo into every car that I have had... until now. IMHO, The cost of high end automotive products is absurd these days. Truly, the best sound stage is not a moving metal platform... it's a room with a floating floor, sound insulated walls and a giant screen on the wall.

Sure, I'm going to replace the stock speakers one day, but not any time soon...