PASMAG - 82 - Feb/Mar

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INSIDE

SEMA 2009 COVERAGE

USACi, dB DRAG & MECA FINALS

SCION TUNER CHAMP

FEB / MAR 2010 - $5.99

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CLOSE & PERS UP

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CLOSE & PERS UP

HIGH VOLT GE TEST REPORTS

PM40069655

R10760

Volume 11 Issue 11

TopTop secret secret location. location.

Undisclosed Undisclosed hangar. hangar.

This This is our is our latest latest collaboration collaboration with with Cartel Cartel Customs.

Customs.

Based Based on on thethe Release Release Series Series 6.06.0 xB,xB, thisthis project project carcar is is ® ® loaded loaded with with TRD TRDperformance performance parts parts to satisfy to satisfy anyany enthusiast. enthusiast.

Visit Visit your your local local Scion Scion dealership dealership or scion.com or scion.com to start to start your your very very own own xB xB project project car.car.

TRDTRD REAR REAR SWAY SWAY BARBAR

TRDTRD PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE TRDTRD 19”19” SHOCKS SHOCKS ALLOY ALLOY WHEELS WHEELS

TRDTRD HIGH HIGH PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE BRAKE BRAKE KITKIT

Provides Provides enhanced enhanced These Roll big Rollwith big these with these These race-inspired race-inspired performance performance and and TRD 19-inch, TRD 19-inch, 5-spoke 5-spoke shocks shocks enhance enhance your your xB’s xB’s Improves Improves fade resistance fade resistance 1 — 1—and pedal handling, handling, as well as as well as performance lightweight alloy alloy wheels wheels performance by helping by helping to to lightweight and pedal feel, enables feel, enables the ultimate upgrade upgrade for for shortshort a flatter, a flatter, moremore stable stable provide provide a firm, a fiwell-managed rm, well-managed the ultimate braking braking distances, distances, your your xB. xB. cornering cornering stance— stance— ride without ride without excessive excessive and ensures and ensures durability durability without without added added weight. weight.harshness. harshness. underunder the harshest the harshest conditions. conditions.

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TRDTRD QUICKSHIFTER QUICKSHIFTER Delivers Delivers up toup 35% to 35% fasterfaster shifting, shifting, plus plus a sportier, a sportier, moremore responsive responsive feel. feel.

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what what moves moves you you

1 1 Vehicle Vehicle is shown is shown with optional with optional equipment. equipment.

19” performance 19” performance tires are tires often are expected often expected to experience to experience greater greater tire wear tire than wearconventional than conventional tires. Tire tires.life Tire may lifebe may substantially be substantially less than less15,000 than 15,000 miles,miles, depending depending upon tires uponselected tires selected and driving and driving conditions. conditions.

When When installed installed by an by authorized an authorized ToyotaToyota or Scion or Scion dealer, dealer, TRD accessories TRD accessories are warranted are warranted for 12 for months 12 months or 12,000 or 12,000 miles miles from the from date theofdate installation of installation or for or thefor balance the balance of of the new thecar new warranty car warranty in force in at force the at date theofdate installation, of installation, whichever whichever is greater. is greater.

PleasePlease see trdusa.com see trdusa.com for complete for complete warranty warranty information. information. ©2010©2010 Scion,Scion, a marque a marque of Toyota of Toyota MotorMotor Sales,Sales, U.S.A.,U.S.A., Inc. AllInc. rights All rights reserved. reserved.

Scion,Scion, the Scion the Scion logo, and logo,xBand arexB trademarks are trademarks of Toyota of Toyota MotorMotor Corporation.

Corporation.

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contents volume 11 issue 11

events

on the cover

2009 Scion xB

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SEMA 2009 014 Las Vegas Convention Center | Las Vegas, NV MECA Finals 058 Tennessee State Fairgrounds | Nashville, TN Db Drag World Finals 106 Various Locations USACi World Finals 122 Tulsa Convention Center | Tulsa, OK Speed World Challenge: Finals 128 Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca | Monterey, CA Redline Time Attack: Finale 132 Auto Club Speedway | Fontana, CA

features

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High Altitude 038 2002 Nissan Altima Double Threat 046 2009 Nissan GT-R It Takes Two 050 2005 Scion tC

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New Breed 096 2004 Honda Accord Bass Box 102 2003 Hummer H2 Big Ballin’ 110 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser Big Time 116 2007 Chevy Suburban

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THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS TOO MUCH HORSEPOWER

we sell

everything!

WWW . H O RSE P O WER F RE A K S . C O M

AND MANY MORE

::: HORSEPOWERFREAKS INC 12905 NE AIRPORT WAY / PORTLAND, OR 97230 SALES@HORSEPOWERFREAKS.COM / 503.256.5600 OR 866.473.5600 :::

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contents volume 11 issue 11

power pages & test reports essentials 012 Editor’s Desk 044 Sound Advice 144 Model Calendar

powerpages 060 Escort Passport Qi45 062 Maxxsonics OEM Integration

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Maxxsonics OEM Integration

064

Sony Xplod XM-ZZR3301

Escort Passport Qi45

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test reports 064 Rockford Fosgate Punch Overload 068 Sony Xplod XM-ZZR3301 072 Alpine CDE-103BT 076 Zed Audio Leviathan 080 Arc Audio XXD-4080 084 Hertz HV-Series 086 Cerwin Vega MOBILE Stealth 440.4 090 Phoenix Gold “THE ONE”

TEch talk 124

Rockford Fosgate Punch Overload

072 Alpine CDE-103BT

068 076

Zed Audio Leviathan

Custom Subwoofer Installation

Test & Tune 134

Takeda Intake System

cover model 138

Natasha Yi

Arc Audio XXD-4080

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Hertz audison HSK 165XL

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Phoenix Gold “THE ONE”

Cerwin Vega MOBILE Stealth 440.4

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Performance Auto & Sound Magazine (ISSN # 1710-1573) is published six times a year plus four special editions. by Performance Auto & Sound Inc. 44 Prince Andrew Place, Toronto, ON, M3C 2H4, Canada.

Subscription Rates: (1 year) Canada: $14.99 CAD, USA: $24.99 USD (2 years) Canada: $23.99 CAD, USA: $32.99 USD (3 years) Canada: $29.99 CAD, USA: $39.99 USD Toll Free: 1 (888) 564-SUBS (7827) Email: subs@pasmag.com

President & Ceo Frank Spezzano Publishers Blake Breslin & Perry Breslin General Manager Tim Rutledge Editorial Editor-In-Chief Mark Pereira senior editor / online Director Dave Pankew Technical Editor Garry Springgay Design & Production CREATIVE Director Queue Gonzalez PRODUCTION / senior art DIRECTOR Patrick Dinglasan SENIOR art director Edward Shintani SENIOR ART DIRECTOR Patrick Beltijar Sales & Marketing Sales & Marketing Director Matthew Adolfo BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Erickson Obiacoro Senior Account MANAGER Shane Chattergoon Senior Account MANAGER JP Kongas ACCOUNT manager Arnold Adolfo GROUP ACCOUNTS manager Richard Robles Administration FINANCE MANAGER Michelle Forsyth Subscriptions Manager Carol Franceschinis Events / Model Director Randi Bentia Product Testing Done at Cogent Audio Labs - www.cogentaudiolabs.com Contributing Photographers & WRITERS John Jackson • RCH Designs • Jacob Leveton • Chioke Brown Eric Simpson • Bryan Fross (SoCalCustoms.com) • Somya Siva Josh Mackey (MackeyDesigns.com) • Greg Deese • Chris Manacop PureHotModels.com • ID Agency • Mark Weber • CaliPhotography George Dimitriadis • Chris Gregory • Steve Bitanga (SteveBitanga.com) Performance Auto & Sound Magazine welcomes unsolicited contributions including stories (typewritten), photos, club news, events etc.

(Forward to PAS, 44 Prince Andrew Place, Toronto, ON, M3C 2H4) Canadian Publications Mail Products Sales Agreement #40069655 PAP Registration #10760 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: ATTN: PAS Magazine 44 Prince Andrew Place Toronto, ON, Canada M3C 2H4 Email: circulation@pasmag.com

PAP Registration Number # 10760 Periodicals Postage Paid U.S.P.S. # 022-608 US Office of publication: 2424 Niagara Falls Blvd., Niagara Falls, NY, 14304.

US Postmaster send address corrections to: Performance Auto & Sound, Box 1082, Niagara Falls, NY, 14304.

Exclusive distribution by: Coast-to-Coast Newsstand Service Ltd. Occasionally, we make our subscriber list available to carefully screened companies whose products and services might be of interest to our readers. If you prefer to have your name removed from this list, please write to us at the address below and include your mailing label.

For any subscription inquiries, including change of address, call 1 (888) 564-SUBS.

Performance Auto & Sound

Phone: (416) 922-7526 Fax: (416) 964-1836 Toll Free: (866) 737-8805

SEMA Member

pas@pasmag.com • www.pasmag.com

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Publications Assistance Program and Canadian Magazine Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage towards our mailing and editorial costs.

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EDITOR’S DESK with Mark Pereira

FAST FORWARD hen it comes to understanding new technology, gadget savvy enthusiasts always tend to be well ahead of the pack. For many of us, accepting technology comes as second nature; it’s a universal language every tuner speaks fluently. For better or for worse, we are usually the first wave to embrace the latest technology (right after lame computer geeks).

I’m sure we can all fondly remember preparing for the ridiculous Y2K crisis that never came; even waiting in line to get our hands on the new PS3 or first-generation iPod the day it came out.

Believe it or not, we are now a decade deep into the new millennium of modern technology and still going strong.

Long before average luxury or sports cars came equipped with any form of multimedia system, hard drive, navigation, iPod connectivity or Bluetooth features, there were tuners out there rocking it first and often in far more complex installations. With the first decade of this century now in the record books, it’s time to look forward at the new automotive technologies and aftermarket trends leading the charge.

Obviously the automotive industry has undergone a number of big changes, as today’s vehicles are miles ahead in terms of offering impressive technology, gadgetry and features compared to those of just a few years ago. From performance parts to mobile electronics, the auto industry continues to embrace the innovative ideas and advanced technology developed by aftermarket manufacturers and aimed at enthusiast buyers first.

The large gap that existed between OEMs and aftermarket has quickly become a thing of the past. The number of partnerships between OEMs and aftermarket audio brands are only continuing to become more popular. You can already find many preferred aftermarket branded car audio (and multimedia) systems offered as factory options these days. Pretty much all factory-issued CD players are MP3-ready and WMA playback capable. Some high-end systems offer integrated hard drives granting access to large gigabyte file storage or databases of albums, artists and song titles.

Automakers are not in the car audio business… they design, engineer and build cars.

Therefore, it only makes sense they’d turn to

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mobile electronic experts like Alpine, Boston Acoustics, Clarion, Kicker, JBL, Pioneer and Rockford Fosgate just to name a few. These companies and many others, pride themselves on their industry leading reputations for developing innovative mobile technology.

Connectivity is the key, as even base model vehicles now offer the latest high tech toys.

Hands-free Bluetooth calling is the standard in most vehicles and becoming legally mandatory in several areas for valid safety reasons. Many user-friendly and very cost effective aftermarket products are available to easily upgrade any vehicle to the latest Bluetooth enabled devices.

The days of bulky and difficult to use hands-free car kits are a thing of the past, as these modern devices offer seamless OEM integration and more importantly safe, intuitive operation. As anticipated, hands-free and voice activated dialing will soon be the standard for drivers everywhere.

Once expensive add-ons like satellite radio or connections for iPod or “non-Pods” are now found standard on many vehicles. Companies like Peripheral by AAMP and Scosche were among the first to take the market by storm, as their latest offerings all aim to meet the growing consumer demand to make all cars increasingly high-tech.

At the beginning of the millennium in-car GPS navigation systems were exclusive to high-end vehicles (and a pricey option at that). Now, even entry-level vehicles have optional navigation light years ahead of the primitive models offered back then.

We’ve all quickly embraced and integrated the convenience of GPS navigation products into everyday life and can hardly recall the ‘good old days’ of traditional maps and incorrect or illegible hand written directions. Just think how different previous years of traveling would have been with one; no bulky maps, no getting lost, no searching for the nearest gas stations or starving until you spot a roadside restaurant! I wonder how many billions of liters of fuel and hours of time would have been saved if we just never got lost?

And if the dealer can’t offer these things to you, then the aftermarket is always ready to provide – often offering much better performance and even more features for significantly less money! The more integrated aftermarket navigation systems are full blown multimedia powerhouses, jammed

with every conceivable option and enabled to play any format you desire. Heck, some even offer hybrid models with pop-out nav systems to use in another car or take with you on the go.

The next logical expansion for navigation seems to be live traffic updates, allowing nav systems to recalculate routes in real-time when roads are congested or blocked; already available in many areas and quickly expanding. Looking even further ahead, the next big step seems to be fully functional mobile computing and high-speed internet. We can’t wait to see this technology go more mainstream, and you can bet the aftermarket industry is ready to lead the charge.

From multimedia and navigation to Bluetooth and iPod integration OEM manufacturers are clamoring to have their cars fully equipped from the dealer with every feature and more. But with more economically conscious consumers in today’s market, the choice seems clear. The always supportive aftermarket industry is more than content to fulfill the high demand for used car owners that need to get connected and want to update their current vehicles with OEM-style integration and high tech features.

As enthusiasts, our passionate thirst for custom in-car-entertainment is what helps advance current mainstream mobile technology. Our enthusiast community fuels future trends, and it’s about time we realize the important impact our car culture has on bringing new products and advanced technology to market.

JOIN PASNATION and post your blogs, videos and pictures at www.pasmag.com/pasnation

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A place where “Standard Equipment” is left on the drawing board

There’s nothing standard about it.

Lightning fast, powerful, aggressive, agile, atypical, beyond compare – it’s these qualities that inspired Lamborghini to choose Kenwood Multimedia Car Audio Products for the Murciélago. Kenwood’s advanced Navigation/Entertainment Systems feature legendary Kenwood audio performance, industry leader Garmin™ navigation, built-in Parrot Bluetooth® for hands-free cell phone operation and the fastest access to iPod®/iPhone® audio and video files.

Kenwood offers the performance, accuracy and style that Lamborghini respects. www.kenwoodusa.com

In Canada, visit www.kenwood.ca © 2009 Kenwood USA Corporation. All Rights Reserved. iPod ® /iPhone ® are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. registered in the United States and other countries. The Bluetooth ™ trademarks are owned by SIG, Inc.

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Text by Dave Pankew and Mark Pereira // Photos by Dave Pankew, Mark Pereira, John Jackson, Erickson Obiacoro, www.PureHotModels.com

2 1 et another SEMA is behind us as we once again find ourselves left sorting through the annual aftermath of photos, new products and press conferences etched into memory. There was speculation that attendance would take a hit this year, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. And even though some long-time exhibitors might have passed on the 2009 show, it allowed some manufacturers to step up to prime booth space and show off hundreds of new products. The level of SEMA vehicle builds this year was outstanding with many innovations at every turn. Our top notch Editorial team was there in full force scouring the show to find the best of what the tuning aftermarket had to offer.

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SEMA is a glamorous trade show featuring all kinds of flare - massive booths with jaw dropping show cars and beautiful spokesmodels stimulating the senses, so it’s critical that our expertly trained Editors see past the glam and evaluate aftermarket products. Highlights included the new AEM Wi-Fi O2 sensor and EGT kit that required no wiring to send the signals! Plus a host of new clutches out there including SPEC’s new carbon on carbon designs and ACT now offers twin plate clutches.

There were new wheels galore at SEMA ’09 with some highlights like the: outrageous Forgiato lineup, the slick TSW Zolder and the many hot rides we spotted wearing the latest Forgeline wheels.

In terms of SEMA builds, there were plenty on

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1. Up close with the Stillen R35 GT-R that won its class at the 2009 Targa Newfoundland race 2. Pete Colello was back in full efffect with his Scion Challenge xB which earned this issue’s cover 3. The 552hp V10 Lexus LF-A was on display in all its $375,000 glory

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on the show floor and outside on display that definitely made lasting impressions. We’ll let the pictures do most of the talking, but there were many highlights like AIT’s carbon fiber widebody GT-R (the first R35 of its kind in the world replacing all fenders). Then there was the BMI 4-rotor Mazda RX-8, which is campaigned in Redline Time Attack series by a husband and wife team. No one could pass up Ken Block’s insane tank-track equipped Subaru STi pulling a sleigh housing four race seats complete with harnesses.

GT Haus from Chicago hauled out the first widebody e92 M3 kit available on display. Many former cover cars and features were found at SEMA, including the Cusco G37 built by High End / Auto Concept Elite that has been completely redone in new green and gold paint in honor of its late owner.

Lexus and Scion dominated the show with several fine examples of new Lexus IS-C and the Scion Tuner Challenge cars displayed front and center for all to see.

The new Lexus LF-A was truly a show-stopper; a sleek supercar boasting a V10 with 552hp and loads of carbon fiber. Ford had a commanding presence at SEMA as well, with various turbocharged Taurus SHOs and ‘10 Mustangs on display but their arch nemesis Chevy threw down the trump card. A handful of Camaros occupied GM territory last year, but this year they multiplied. We stopped counting at 50! The hot Camaro coupe was every where and in outrageous states of tune, widebodied, supercharged, turbo’ed some of them were rolling on 26-inch wheels!

SEMA also provides a format for companies and promoters to make significant press announcements in front of the automotive world. Some industry news dropped this year but the bombshell had to come from Redline Time Attack. Our long-time Time Attack partner has announced a change of ownership, allowing Nik Malechikos to take the controls. The upcoming season promises to be more exciting with expanded coverage, 4 more competitors and integration with the cars and teams of top level motorsports. Formula D also held a jammed press conference, outlining the new cars, TV deals and their breakthrough into Asia. Rest assured, the Formula D boys deliver on their promises and 2010 will be another banner year for drifting.

Lastly, after 5pm it was time to party… for four days straight! If you know SEMA, you know that it’s a full 20 hour day marathon, everyday! Notable parties included not one, but two by Pro-Motion who do it up right, hiring over 20 hot go-go dancers to keep the party jumping till sunrise. Not to mention the crazy Sony Gran Turismo Awards party and the legendary Scion SEMA party which continues to be a real whose-who jam of the aftermarket industry... what a week!

From what we’ve seen, 2010 looks to be a very promising year and you can count on PASMAG to be there covering all the angles and delivering what you need.

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1. The Password:JDM R35 flaunted the latest in dry carbon fiber upgrades 2. ACT stepped up their line-up to include new twin-plate clutches 3. Shutt Auto earned a Global Media Award for their latest sport steering wheels and high quality accessories 4. Yes, that is a GReddy twin-turbo kit for the new Nissan 370Z on the wall, no official word on power numbers or release date yet, but expect it out in early part of 2010 16

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ARC Audio Inc 4719 Green Leaf Circle #4 Modesto, CA 95356

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ARCAUDIO.COM ARCAUDIO.COM 866.258.0288

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1. Troy Sumitomo from Five Axis Design does it again with this BoSoZuKu-inspired xB in the Scion Tuner Challenge 2. Nitto Tire unveiled a new drag radial, the NT-05R on this ‘Firebird’ to replace their popular R555 3. Eneos Oil had this murdered-out 360 Challenge Stradale next to a JDM Zele 370Z and an insane Continental GT! 4. EBC Brakes promoted their new Yellows 5. Your 2009 GM Design Award winner - Tjin Edition Chevy Camaro 6. Rotora stepped up their game with prime booth space and this drop-dead gorgeous R34 Nissan GT-R 7. TSW debuted their all-new Zolder wheel at SEMA 8. Rally Innovations brought out a pair of their tarmac-spec Mitsubishi Evos, visit www.rallyinnovations.com for more 9. DEI brought out their popular cooling products and new SPA Turbo line

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accelerate at the speed of

A premium speaker, the Energy Coax features a quickreacting woven glass fibre cone, Die-cast aluminum baskets and a titanium dome tweeter for crisp, bright highs. The patented Ribbed Elliptical Surround ensures sub-frequency response in a total package that makes for a memorable audio experience. Their style, performance and innovation will change your music.

coax series Diisttri Distributed ribu but ute ted by

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XX X XXX HFOUFD JOUM DPN t t DPOTVNFSFMFDUSPOJDT!HFOUFD JOUM DPN XX X HF HHFFOU OUFFDD JJOU OUFD OUM UM M DP DPPN N t

tt D DPO POTV POT TVNF NFSF FSFM SFFMF MFDUUSSPPOJ OJDT OJDT DT! !HHFO FOUUF UFD J UFD JOU OUM UMM DP DPN ® ENERGY is a registered trademark of Audio Products International, a Klipsch Group Company, used under license.

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1. BC Racing coilovers displayed their goods this boosted Genesis and Camaro on 26s! 2. K&N Filters Infiniti G35 debuts its third makeover, now as a powerful Time Attack machine 3. This uber hot GT Haus BMW M3 hails from the windy city of Chicago, IL and sports the very first E92 widebody kit! 4. The SAMCO Evo X showed off all of their silicone hoses in style 5. The classic Enkei RP01 design was shown in every color imaginable 6. The Haltech Platinum Plug’n’Play ECU is now on sale!

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1. The rotary maniacs at BMI Racing unleashed the world’s only known four-rotor Mazda RX-8 2. Pirelli drew big crowds around this widebody Camaro 3. AEM continues to innovate with this wireless wideband/EGT 4. We couldn’t help but stare as AIT Racing laid down a royal flush with this all-carbon widebody R35 5.

Pilot Automotive revealed the latest APC lighting and DC Sports products 6. The styling gurus at NRG Innovations kept it gangsta with more new wheels, hubs and carbon parts than we could ask for

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1. Sprint Booster won SEMA’s coveted “Best New Performance Street Product” award 2. Injen made short work of this Infiniti G37S with loads of new gear 3. This aFe intake system uses dynamic air scoops to deliver more power for the BMW 335 4. Chris Bergemann from HorsePowerFreaks.com can be our wingman anytime! 5. Endura-Tech earned some prime real estate with this soon to be featured Subaru STi 6. Red Line synthetic lubricants continues to be trusted by thousands of tuners worldwide 7. COBB Tuning’s Nissan R35 was barely recognizable at SEMA thanks to it’s recent facelift 8. Straight from Australia, Drift takes aim at North American tuners 9. The proven rear-mount STS Turbo system on this custom ZR2 Vette puts down gobs of power

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EXPERIENCE THE REINCARNATION

OF PRECISION POWER!

With our most advanced engineering to date, our 2010 line-up has everything you could possibly want. SQ, SPL, Ground Pounder, and even Pro Audio; products to suit every need. Power Class, Art Series, and Sedona are back, and even better than ever!

BE THE FIRST TO VIEW IT ALL

AT CES BOOTH #1209 IN NORTH HALL PRECISION POWER . MONTEBELLO . CALIFORNIA . USA

www.precisionpower.com

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1. UK-based Vibe Audio unleashed a crazy install inside of this Mazda RX-8 2. RAYS goes racing with the Letterman Rahal BMW M3 in ALMS taking center stage in the Beltonics/Escort booth 3. Arc Audio continues to impress with the hot new products and even hotter cars like this Shelby Mustang GT500 4. The Classic Ford GT40 replica at the GoPro booth brought attention to their sport camera, now with HD resolution 5. Celebrity tuner Will Castro of Unique Autosports was on hand to meet and greet fans at the AAMP / Stinger booth 108

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1. The PureHotModels.com ladies were in high demand at our very own PAS Magazine booth 2. 3T Motorsport enlisted the many talents of the beautiful Jeri Lee 3. Tenzo R model Ashley Harris smiles for the lens 4. Model Jenny Chu keeping it real 5. 7 Elephants spokesmodel strikes a pose 6. PAS cover girl Jessica Burciaga making the Status Wheel line-up shine bright 7. Konig babe Vanessa Graw 8. Our dream girl Jessica Barton making Turbonetics look oh so good 9. Hottie Ashley Sarto wants you to buy Hankook Tires! 10. Import model babe Mercedes Terrell (right) alongside another cute Hawk Performance model 11. Falken hottie Eri Moriyama has our attention 12. The always stunning Corissa Furr was workin’ it for the cameras at the ATI booth 13. Models Nicolette Lacson (left) and Amaya Miu (right) were signing posters and really heating things up in the Eneos booth

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The Legend Redefined Redefined for 2010, the new Brutus B R Z, America’s number 1 Mono amplifiers feature our S u p e r D c l a s s TM a m p l i f i e r t o p o l o g y. B r u t u s B R Z a m p l i f i e r s a r e c o m p l e t e l y r e - e n g i n e e r e d w i t h m o r e p o w e r a n d a r e v o l u t i o n a r y H i f o n i c s h e a t s i n k d e s i g n . I n a d d i t i o n , ch e ck o u t o u r n e w 3000 watt competition amplifier the B R Z3000.1D Pro. Complementing the Brutus B R Z series is Zeus ZXi series to complete a sonically accurate soundstage. If that’s not enough, review the new ZXi60.4 + 1K for the ultimate combination o f o u r S u p e r D M o n o t e ch n o l o g y ( 1 0 0 0 w a t t s u b o u t ) a n d Z e u s A / B a m p f o r a h e a r t stopping 5 Channel design.

2010 Maxxsonics USA Inc.

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N ’ K C LO W

hen you see a project like this shine at SEMA, you have to give credit where credit is due. Tuner Pete Colello has definitely worked hard to earn his way to the top.

As the builder of the ultra-popular award-winning Celica, his project caught Toyota’s eye, and their executives know a talented guy like Colello can really get their brand noticed. When Scion put the word out about their annual Tuner Challenge contest, several top tuners entered with some real head turning Scion-based creations. Although Colello’s project faced serious competition, he and his Scion xB were able to edge out some very capable tuners to take home the coveted Scion Tuner Challenge trophy!

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D A O L N signs

s by RCH De nkew // Photo

Text by Dave Pa

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LOCK’N LOAD

Walking through the halls at SEMA, this blazing blue Scion stopped onlookers dead in their tracks. The candy paint was accented by the candy apple gold piping along with teal candy coated hard-parts all over the place. It was showcased with the other two Scion Tuner Challenge projects built by tuners Brandon Leung and Eneri Abillar. With that kind of competition, nothing came easy for Colello, but we wanted to take a look behind the build to see how it was done.

Colello was eager to tell us more about how he accomplished the makeover. First, the entire car was stripped down with all of the exterior ornamentation removed. The body was shaved to delete all door handles, antennas and wipers before the BRS Autodesign widebody kit was fitted to the car. The 9-piece kit had to be slightly modified by removing the foglights and then molding the side skirts and rear flared fenders. With the BRS kit installed, Colello turned to Seibon who supplied carbon fiber parts that were shot with teal candy paint. The list of Seibon gear includes the hood, hatch and OEM style rear deck spoiler. Colello took it one step further with carbon fiber mirrors, hatch trim and even the entire roof section. The final exterior touch included the teal headlight tint and smoked tails which truly stand out.

Under the Seibon lid lurked many aftermarket goodies including some big time boost. A Descendant turbo kit consisting of a turbo manifold, downpipe, harness and a BullsEye Power T04B Turbo give this beast plenty of power. Fuel system upgrades include RC Engineering 750cc injectors and a Descendant billet rail. All of the custom piping was powder coated in gold, as was the Mishimoto front mount with NX N-tercooler system vented by an S-Max blow-off valve. The Magnaflow exhaust system was also completely powder coated in candy gold. The overall engine bay is as clean as they get, with several gold and teal accents.

The rollers were something that Colello was proud to integrate into the project. A set of TIS Modular wheels were added with a custom teal face and unique gold lip. The front wheel measures 20x10-inches and wears a stretched Falken FK452 255/35R20 tire. The rear is an impressive

MOTIVATIONkit consisting of a turbo ma.nFifuoeldl ,

o o wer T04B Turb o Descendant tunrb P e y E s ll u B a d injectors and a c c s s 0 e 5 7 rn g a n h , ri e e e ip ngin downp es include RC E system upgratdbillet rail. a Descendan

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10/12/09 10:25 AM

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In Canada contact GemSen Distribution at www.gemsen.com. U.S. Patent: #6,084,450

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OFFICE SPACE A custom 6-point cage was added to the mix; painted in matching candy teal paint with a pair of NX nitrous bottles hanging off the rear section. The interior panels were completely wrapped in rich, black suede with candy teal carbon fiber accents throughout. The custom dash now features a PYLE double DIN touchscreen in addition to 13 GlowShift gauges.

20x11-inches wearing a 285/30R20 Falken FK452 tire. Behind the teal spokes are a set of Wilwood Superlite6 brakes with 6-piston calipers and 2-piece 13-inch rotors on all four corners. The stance is achieved with an air ride system from Universal Air, which features a Viair compressor and a 4-gallon tank.

Inside Colello focused to push his project past the competition. He partnered with NRG who offering a load of new interior accessories including seats to bolster their product line. A set of NRG carbon fiber bucket seats were installed along with a pair of NRG 4-point seatbelt harnesses. The steering wheel was replaced with an NRG Gen2 quick release and a prototype deep dish carbon fiber steering wheel. A custom 6-point cage by Legacy Innovations was added to the mix; painted in matching candy teal paint with a pair of NX nitrous bottles hanging off the rear section. The interior panels were completely wrapped in rich, black suede with candy teal carbon fiber accents throughout. The custom dashboard now features a Pyle double DIN touchscreen in addition to 13 bright and accurate GlowShift gauges mounted up front and center!

WWW.PASMAG.COM – PERFORMANCE AUTO & SOUND

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10/12/09 10:26 AM

THE ES S E N T I A L S

Owner: Pete Colello Location: Harrisburg, PA Vehicle: 2009 Scion xB Engine

Toyota 2.4L inline-4

Exterior

BASF Custom “Teal Blue Pearl” Paint BRS Autodesign 9-Piece Widebody Kit (modi fied) 1 BRS Front Bumper 2 BRS Front Flares 2 BRS Side Skirts 2 BRS Rear Flares Seibon Carbon OEM-Style Hood Seibon Carbon OEM-Style Hatch Seibon Carbon OEM-Style Rear Spoiler Carbon Fiber Roof Carbon Fiber Mirrors Carbon Fiber Hatch Trim Piece Carbon Fiber Rear Water Squirter Tinted Headlights Tinted Tail Lights Tinted Reverse Light Tinted Mirror Turn Signals Shaved Door Handles Shaved Windsheild Wipers NRG Carbon Fiber Hood Lifts

ROLLERS

a ches and wears n -i 0 1 x 0 2 s n re a u rear is l meas The front wheeen FK452 255/35R20 tire. TheR20 Falken FK452 tire.

0 stretched Falk wearing a 285/3 s e h c in 11 x 0 2 impressive , Travis Myers, was someultimedia system e The audio and m ck. Known as th nted to really ro nd thing Colello wa wi his ound ens mounted ar guy with TV scre e roof in his prior th m fro ing ng ha shield and amps the bar high on t oject, he had se Toyota Celica pr h Pyle monitors, inc 7talling three his last build. Ins of Mobile Spec D screen, a ton a 13-inch Pyle LC the necessary plifiers, plus all ion speakers and am res this small Sc and wiring ensu power supplies d clear. is heard loud an llowing for e to thank the fo Colello would lik all his ing ct possible includ making this proje n Michael, en Gl r, to sors, Bob Druc supportive spon

nSayoc Hemrick, Cliff Va awn Mike “Crunchy” Manny Olivo, Sh l, ae ich andon M Pat , ah Kris Troutman, Br nn Ha ie Donn Baker, Jut Imes, gacy Le d, Gorden, Shawn ou Cl sh Deb Colello, Jo er, av Be ce ).

Vin Beaver, B (Myles & John Kustoms and DU er Ev 4 s, a lic ion at Ce Innov pping the it to Colello, as to o tw We have to hand in two features Having bagged is no easy task. student turned l ra er Architectu years, this form writing the rules ire is definitely re tuner-extraordina ce. We’re glad le and performan to of automotive sty of commitment lello’s high level e or to showcase Co m y an m d to and look forwar the tuner game e. projects to com

Performance

Descendant S.S. Turbo Manifold Descendant OBD2 DownPipe Descendant P-N-P Engine Wire Harness Descendant Custom Fuel Map Descendant Fuel Rail BullsEye Power T04B Turbo AEM F/I Controller RC Injector P-N-P 750cc Injectors Custom Aluminum Intercooler Tubing Mishimoto Front Mount Intercooler S-Max BOV Nitrous Express N-ter Cooler Sprayer Kit Magnaflow Exhaust Polished Valve Cover Shaved Engine Bay Battery / Fuse Box Relocated Wire Tuck Painted Oil Pan Painted Intake Manifold

Wheels and Tires

20 x 10-inch TIS Modular Wheels 20 x 11-inch TIS Modular Wheels Falken FK-452 (255/30/20) Falken FK-452 (285/30/20)

Suspension/ Brakes

Universal Air Kit 2 Universal Air Suspension Aero Sport 2 Universal Air Suspension Air House 1 4 Gallon Tank (Gold) 2 Viair 380c Compressor Wilwood Superlite6 Brake Kit 6 Piston Caliper 13-inch Rotors Stainless Steel Lines Wilwood Custom Big Brake Rear 6 Piston Caliper 13-inch Rotors Custom Stainless Steel Lines

Interior

NRG Racing Seats NRG 5-Point and 4-Point Racing Harnesses NRG Deep Dish Carbon Steering Wheel NRG Quick Release Kit Gen 2.0 NRG Carbon Fiber Shift Knob NRG Carbon Fiber Hand Brake Custom 6 Point Roll Gage GlowShift Gauges (x 13 gauges) Nitrous Express 1.4lb bottles (x 2) Nitrous Express 1.4lb Bottle Mounts (x 2) Custom Dash Shaved Pillars, and Headliner Completely Suede Wrapped Interior (perfo rated) Carbon Fiber Accents

Audio/ Video

7-inch Pyle Double Din TFT Touchscreen Head Unit (DVD/ CD/MP3) 3- 7-inch Pyle Monitors (m2, mounted from cage, mounted in the back of the center console) 13-inch Pyle Monitor (mount from Cage) 2 – 10-inch Mobile Spec Pro Ice Subwoofers Mobile Spec Amplifier ICE-11000D (moun Mobile Spec Amplifier ICE-450AB (moun ted from cage) 3 - Mobile Spec Pro Ice 5.25-inch Comp ted from cage) Mobile Spec Pro Ice 6.5-inch Speakers onents Mobile Spec 12-Farad Capacitor Mobile Spec Wiring and Accessories Mobile Spec Battery Kinetik 80 AMP Power Supply

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HighAltitude

Text by Dave Pa

nkew // Photo s by Somya Siv a

B

ack in 1993, the Fresh Prince of Bel Air was considered a hot TV show and MC Hammer still had a career. Clinton was scandal-free and well, the trouble with Iraq seemed all but over. Cars were migrating from boxy forms of transportation to more flowing and undulating curved designs. At that time, the Altima was born and became a roaring success for Nissan.

In the customizing world…not so much! Many Editors have never written about a tuned Altima but around here we get all kinds of different projects and can appreciate the work, skill and dedication behind the build of Nick Moy’s 2002 Altima (the first one we’ve ever featured). Moy is a resident of Woodbridge, NJ and claims to have fallen in love 38

with the lines of the 3rd generation Altima the day it came out.

“I bought the car as a daily driver,” says Moy. “I just wanted to put some upgraded wheels and sound system into the car, but it soon turned into an addiction. I wanted to be different by customizing a car you very rarely see at car shows and from there, the project got out of control.”

Under the hood, the engine upgrades include a custom K&N intake and a shot of “naws” from a Zex wet Nitrous system. The hot gas exits through a Stillen header and downpipe into an HKS Hi Power Titanium exhaust. Since automatics get no love (or street cred) from enthusiasts, Moy opted to make the full 5-speed swap done by Eshift.

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Design Tech started with a Pioneer AVIC D3 DVD, Nav headunit to send signals to Cadence gear. The lows are sent to a Cadence iA9 HC mono amp that drives a pair of Cadence ZRS 10-inch subs in the trunk. The Cadence iA7 4-channel amp runs four Cadence CVL-6K components complete with cross-overs and eight 2-inch silk dome tweeters.

The unique look of the car comes from the E-Racing 4-piece Urethane bodykit installed by Azevedo Motorsports, with an Active Tuning grille and SE-R lip as well. A pair of APR F1 carbon fiber mirrors are found on the doors while a window spoiler was added to the rear. The paint was definitely original, but also had some Nissan Motorsports roots. The custom 2-tone scheme is made up of Skyline R33 Grey Pearl (KN6) and Black Pearl (GV1) from an R34 GT-R. After the paint dried, the Altima was sent to Grafx in Linden, NJ where it received a 3-layer scheme giving some love to all the sponsors who’ve helped along the way.

The Altima also turns heads with its choice of wheels. A set of Sevas S7s with a 38mm offset were selected in 20x8.5-inches on all four corners

with Cooper Zeon 2XS tires. A Stillen big brake kit lurks behind the spokes, featuring a 13-inch rotor clamped by a 2-piston caliper with an 11.8-inch rotor in the rear all connected up with Goodridge stainless steel lines.

A set of K-Sport Kontrol coilovers were added for all the dampening and ride-height adjustments the car would need. The Suspension Techniques sway bars eliminate the roll while the Racingline end-links keep the sways in check. Some Racingline strut bars cinch the chassis together and many of the OE suspension parts are either chromed or polished.

Inside, Moy started almost from scratch by removing everything! Design Tech of Union, NJ redid everything in Bride fabric

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The Essentials

y Owner: Nick Mobr ge, NJ Location: Wood ssid tima Vehicle: 2002 Ni an Al

BODY MOVIN’

ENGINE

Nissan 2.5L QR25DE inline-4

The unique look of the car comes from the E-Racing Urethane bodykit installed by Azevedo Motorsports. The 4-piece kit consists of front and rear bumpers and matching sideskirts. The front end has been ramped up with an Active Tuning grille and SE-R lip spoiler as well. including the doors, pillars, floor mats, headliner, rear deck and even shift boots. The door panels are a custom CAD design that also feature carbon fiber accents in addition to a center console that has been redesigned in carbon fiber. The trunk carries the same theme with Bride fabric and carbon fiber trim rings around the subs and on the ATL fuel cell!

The sound system was also a serious undertaking. Design Tech started with a Pioneer AVIC D3 DVD Navigation unit that sends signals to an arsenal of Cadence gear. The lows are sent to a Cadence iA9 HC mono amp that drives a pair of Cadence ZRS 10-inch subs in the trunk. The Cadence iA7 4-channel amp runs four Cadence

CVL-6K components complete with cross-overs and eight 2-inch silk dome tweeters. The Kinetik HC1800 beast of a battery now resides in the trunk, linked up with a 0-gauge power lead.

“The car is never done,” says Moy. “I plan to continue to modify it and drive it until I am 50 years old!” He credits much of the car’s success to the partners on this project and hinted at the next phase of his creation. He tried valiantly to keep it a secret, but some sort of rear-wheel drive configuration is going to find its way onto the chassis soon. Just remember where you heard it first!

ICATIONS ENGINE MODIFke

Custom K&N inta aust HKS Hi-Power Titanium exh ZEX wet nitrous kit

SUSPENSION

K-Sport Kontrol coilovers Racingline end linkss Racingline strut bar ues sway bars Suspension Techniq suspension Polished and chromed

WHEELS & TIRES 20x8.5-inch

Sevas S7 wheels Cooper Zeon 2XS 245/35R20

EXTERIOR

ykit E-Racing Urethane bod orts Installed by Azevedo Motorsp e Active Tuning grill SE-R front lip APR F1 carbon fiber mirrors Window spoiler 6) and R34 Black Pearl Skyline R33 Grey Pearl (KN t (GV1) pain Grafx vinyl

INTERIOR

olstery Design Tech of Union, NJ uph BRIDE seats r mats, headliner, floo rs, BRIDE fabric: doors, tpilla boots rear deck and shifr cen console and trim Custom carbon fibe onter r trim rings around subs. fibe carb with ic fabr BRIDE

MEDIA AUDIO & MULTI head unit

Pioneer AVIC D3 amp Cadence iA9 HC mono sub s x2 Cadence ZRS 10-inchnel amp Cadence iA7 4-chan ponents x4 Cadence CVL-6K com Kinetik HC1800 battery

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09/12/09 2:47 PM

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Text by Garry Springgay

SOUNDADVICE Q: I have never written to a magazine before, but I’m very confused about a few things, so I hope you can help. I have an older Rockford Fosgate RFX9420 head unit driving a Boston Acoustics GTA-504 amplifier. The problem is, the head unit puts out 8 volts, and the amp is only rated to handle 5 volts. I’m worried, because the guy at the store told me I could wreck my amp, because the Rockford head unit has too much voltage for the amps inputs.

JMD - via Email

A: Well JMD, first off, let me assure you that you are not going to hurt anything by using that Rockford Fosgate head unit with your Boston Acoustics amplifier. While it has the ability to produce 8 volts of output signal, the actual amount of output voltage produced is entirely dependent on two factors.

The first, and hopefully the most obvious, is how high you have the volume turned up. The second factor is the actual level of the music recorded on your CD. When music is recorded, the engineer will adjust the average level (or loudness) of the music to a point that he or she feels is appropriate. In all cases, the levels are seldom close to the loudest possible levels the CD is capable of, because music is dynamic, and if you recorded it so the average level was almost maxed out, then every bit of the music that is louder than the average level would be clipped or distorted, and the recording would sound horrible. But, some kinds of music are recorded “hotter” than others, for example the levels on most Rap and Hip-Hop recordings are 5 to 10dB higher than the average levels on most Rock or Pop CD’s. This makes those “hot” recordings quite a bit louder when played back, but the additional volume comes with greater levels of distortion as well.

The difference between the maximum level and the average level on any given recording is called “crest factor”. Very high quality audiophile recordings can have as much as 20 or 30dB of crest factor. This is done so that even the highest dynamic peak in the music never reaches the clipping point. The trade off is a very low average level, which translates to a “quiet” recording.

Getting back to your 8 volt head unit, the 8 volts can only happen when the volume is maxed, AND the level of the signal on the CD is also maxed. This seldom occurs for any length of time, ever. Even if you listen to “hot” recordings, they will still have about 6dB or so of crest factor. So, if the average level of the music on your CD is at -6dB from max, even if the volume knob is wide open, you’ll still only get about 4 volts out of that head unit.

This is why high output voltage capabilities are so crucial to high performance systems, because even the really high voltage equipment still only usually gets to deliver a fraction of its potential.

Q: Hi there, I enjo y a music lover, so the magazine a lot! I’m into cool cars and I’m also this is like the per are awesome too ! Keep up the good fect magazine for me. Plus, the ba bes about sound volum work. I am writin g how many dB’s are e. I know sound is rated in dB’s bu to ask a question t I’m confused as good. What is a dB fiers? If amps ma to exa ctly, and how is ke the music louder dB’s too instead , I would think the it related to ampliof watts? It’s all y sh ou ld be rated in really confusing Confused in Cochr . Help! ane - via Email

A:

Thanks for the kind wor enjoy the magazine, and just ds, we are all glad you wait till you see some of the stuff in store for our loya l read Okay, to answer your que ers in 2010! stion, the term dB is an abbreviation for “decibel”.

The decibel is a unit of measure used to quantify the pressure” of a sound. In the loudness or “sound field of audio, we have to deal with a huge range of because our ears can dete pressure difference, ct low pressures to sounds withsounds from extremely a sound pressure level as much as 5 million times greater! Because the range of pressure leve ls is a form of expression called so vast, we use exponential notation.

This form allows us to exp ress the difference in sound pressure between any To give you some basic info two levels in decibels. on how to think about decibels, most people con side a perceptible change in loud r 2 or 3dB as nes An increase of 10dB is gen s. erally considered to be a doubling of loudness.

For example, the differenc 10 watts is 10dB, or twice e between 1 watt and as twice as loud again, you’ll loud. If you want it need 100 watts. Another 10dB increase would requ ire 1000 watts. This

is because we perceive the loudness of things on a logarithmic scale, which mea for equal changes in volume ns the power required incr The difference between 10 ease logarithmically. or between 1000 watts and watts and 20 watts 200 amount, 3dB. You can see how 0 watts is the same related, but you can also prob watts and decibels are ably understand why we don’t rate amplifier power in decibels.

You asked, “how many dB’s are good?” Well that depends on a lot of things.

For conversation volume is arou example, an average nd puts out about 80dB. The PA 60dB. A lawn mower system at a rock concert can reach 120dB or more.

Mos ent noise levels of between t of our cars have ambi45 your music 30dB louder than and 65dB. If you want the cars noise floor, you’ll need a system capable of about 95dB. In practical terms, that level can be easi a head unit and a couple pair ly achieved by s wanted 10dB more volume of coaxials. Now, if you than you could get from a 20W x4 head unit, you’d nee 200Wx4 to gain just 10dB. d an amplifier with And really loud, approaching 120 if you wanted to get dB need over 6 thousand watts. concert levels, you’d So you tell me, how many dB’s are good?

Q: Hi, I am installin g 3 ten inch, MTX I have been told 4500, 225w, 4ohm the best way to ho , single voice coi l su ok would make them 1 ohm. So I’ve been them up is by parallel circuit, wh bs, just wondering ab ich looking for 1 ohm out the RMS. I’m no stable amps, I wa 4500’s is RMS or s t exactly sure if pea have to be to best k. I just wanted to know what the the 225w on the MTX run the subs.

RMS of the amp wo Thanks, John - via uld Email

A: Hello John, thanks for the question. If you connect all will be about 1.33 ohms, so 3 of those woofers in parallel, you are doing the right thin the theoretical impedance g problem with your system design is that whatever amp by looking for an amp capable of 1 ohm loads. The only lifier you choose will be pret operate at its optimum effic ty highly iency, When I design triple woofer nor will it sound as good as it would if you had an over stressed, and it won’t systems, I like to use dual 4-oh all higher impeda in series for an 8 ohm woo m voic e coil woofers, and wire each woo nce load. fer. fers coils rent draw, amp heating, and Then I parallel all 3 woofers, and get a 2.7 ohm load, which is much better from sound quality standpoint. But a currating of the MTX4500 woo fers is 225 watts continuous if you already have the three 4 ohm woofers, the pow er according to the MTX website a woofer system capable of handling about 675 watts. .

This mea ns you ’ll have I would suggest an amplifier spec at 1 ohm of about 500 with a CEA-2006 rated pow -600 watts. Good luck with er your system.

e me some advice hoping you can giv for an amp that g er every time. I’m kin cov loo to am er I cov so it , gazine, and I read edances always make more power run more than one amp. Who say I love the ma f ohm? t lower imp n’t need to Q: First, I want to ryone knows tha x power, and I wo so I can get a few thousand at a hal Eve r. fie pli am t way I can get ma ms Tha oh s.

4 at on buying an les n tts eve 0 wa or 50 t ms ou oh ab 0.5 at at ed ble amplifier rat will be sta h, od low impedance ng for 0.5 ohms is really toug makes a really go won’t blow up. And designi we expect ch whi that rt, you sho e d dea vinc OK a , con to e ton even TJ - Law because it’s very clos good enough, they may seen

e TJ. But you are

azin A: Glad you enjoy the magwith disappointment. Let

ght heading down a path frau you need to realize that t, me give you the facts! Firs 500 watts and 1000 watts the SPL difference between ”! To get this barely ible aud rely “ba or , is only 3dB e to make huge comproaudible difference, you hav s, amp heating, wiring and dem ent curr mises in the Dad used to say, you better considerations, etc. As my ’re gonna take is worth the you ting bea the make sure . get” na gon one you’re lower the impedance load The popular notion that the power it will make, is e mor the lifier amp you show an amplifier that’s rated at an buy you say s Let’ dead wrong. would have you believe law s Ohm s. ohm 4 into 500 watts ohms, and 2000 watts 2 into ts wat 0 100 uce it will prod ies marketing materials are into 1 ohm. And if the compan

. Well, generally speaking, a 1 ohm load is a good idea the way a mathematical k wor it isn’t. Amplifiers do not sible to actually design and formula does. While it’s pos one. Your first clue would build this amp, I’ve never seen amp fuse that costs about be a 500 watt amp with a 200 develop huge power To as much as a good used car! car amplifier you need a ton a levels at low impedances in input and output sections. the of current capacity in both t like an arc welder, and it The amplifier would be buil e the heat produced. You ipat diss would be very large to s, as far as I know, no one doe asked who builds this, and ment com r you to ect resp With and with good reason. e at 0.5 ohms, I think you hav about an amp being stable From an er”. pow e mor king “ma “stable” confused with stable basically means it amp designers perspective,

EMAIL YOUR AUDIO QUESTIONS TO OUR TECH EDITORS 44

not go BANG! I’ve an amplifier to protect at, and ally make less power at actu plenty of “stable” amps that because they have protecs, 1 ohm than they do at 2 ohm h them from drawing so muc tion circuitry inside to keep up. blow e rwis othe current they would le goofy “low impedI hope at some point this who can build our systems we and r, ove be ance craze” will allow higher efficiency, with more realistic loads that in on the cars electrical stra less , ssis smaller amp cha er to boot. These are all system, and sound much bett edance load. I strongly imp er high a benefits of running r system design, and run suggest you re-consider you load to your amps. You ohm 4 a er, bett a 2 ohm or even r ears. you will so and car will thank me,

soundadvice@pasmag.com

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E L B U O D t a e r h t s by Greg nkew // Photo

Text by Dave Pa

Deese

ricated widebody was fab a custom metal d, rte th. From sta oo sm car was shaved pes of car custom A and the entire T& doors at here are two ty bo m La ow ed up some motoriz e today. One is sh en ed sc fitt e ey th th on e, rs er n at th ize many the painting bega of course, go! In s the ladies. Then es pr im to ec and the other is you reLopez in a sp ial gy available today of technician Louis olo s hn nd ha tec e candy e th th th cases, wi luded six coats of single packwrapped up in a Blue. The paint inc all tal th e ien bo Th Or . ve ish ha fin n ally ca pable vehicle ar for a stunning a powerful and ca four coats of cle ve d as ha an n n ca ow u kn Yo ly e. ag t noticed. done by a man on to look hot to ge airbrushing was and Japanese but it also needs a stab en tak s egrated both GT-R ha s int m o sto wh ’ Cu se A es T& , nn isite int ‘Te Case in po Florida ng with the requ camps. In South fs on the car alo th oti bo m of on st ag be dr e th at having d the boys at loads of show an smoke graphics. uld now you have to have rollers, which co partment. In what de at th in int tion turned to the po ten ap At dis t s called no wa T did a A MH T& ey rolled with r than stock. e controversy, th sized much large be eels wh III ed s lud rie might cause som Se inc -R that t of their Dub scheme for the GT up to supply a se g yin ra full custom paint sp e th Before ate airbrushing. some very intric

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DOUBLE threat in a 21x9.5-inch front and a shocking 22x12.5inch in the rear! Only the best rubber would do for a machine this capable and T&A ended up with 255/35R21s up front with 315/25R22s in the back making this easily the largest tire we have seen put under the new GT-R! To achieve the right stance, T&A spent some time researching their options. They arrived at Cobb Tuning who has been tearing up time attack events with their Nissan R35. So on all four corners, they sleeved in a set of Cobb’s fully adjustable coilovers.

The brakes are color-matched but they After the heads were ported and polished by Rusty’s Head, are also the stock-equipped Brembo units because T&A Customs opted to install the GTRR 700 turbo upgrade 4-piston/15-inch all around are more than enough kit. They added some gear from HKS including twin SSQV and certainly nothing to scoff at. blow-off valves and one step colder plugs.

The attention turned to the go-fast goodies where the twin turbo 3.8L was going to get a shot in the arm.

After the heads were ported and polished by Rusty’s Head, T&A Customs opted to install the GTRR 700 turbo upgrade kit. They added some gear from HKS including twin SSQV blow-off valves and one step colder plugs.

No GT-R is complete without a step up in the exhaust department and they decided to go with Mine’s Ti system complemented by Mine’s downpipes.

With the majority of the work out of the way, the team turned their attention to the entertainment. When you have 700hp underneath the hood, you don’t mind having some luxuries and multimedia onboard. Well T&A added a lot! The dash has been fiberglassed to accommodate a Pioneer AVIC 900BT LCD unit to control the audio assault.

The wattage is provided by MMATS competition-grade gear. The lows are belted out from MMATS 2100.5 amp that feeds a pair of MMATS P3.0 10-inch subs firing towards the cabin. The subs are encased in fiberglass enclosures which are color matched to the exterior of the car. The amp racks are sunken flush with the trunk floor in the spare tire cavity.

MOTIVATION

MHT was called to supply a set of thup Series III wheelseiinr aDub 21x9.5-inch front d a shocking 22x12.5-an ch in the rear! Only thin e rubber would do for abest machine this capable and T&A ended up ith 255/35R21s up frow nt with 315/25R22s in the back making this easi e largest tire we halyvethse put under the new GT-Ren !

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T H E E S S E N T I A L S

OWNER: T&A CUSTOMS LOCATION: TAMPA, FL VEHICLE: 2009 NISSAN GT-R POWER: 700HP (EST.) ENGINE

Nissan 3.8L VR38DETT V6 Twin Turbo

ENGINE

Rusty’s Head Port and Polish GTRR 700 turbo upgrade kit HKS twin SSQV blow-off valves HKS plugs Mine’s Titanium exhaust system Mine’s downpipes.

WHEELS, TIRES, BRAKES

MHT Dub Series III wheels F: 21x9.5-inch R: 22x12.5-inch Pirelli P Zero tires F: 255/35R21 R: 315/25R22 Color-matched Brembos

SUSPENSION

Cobb Tuning coilovers

HOUSE OF BOOM The wattage is provided by MMATS competition-grade gear. The lows are belted out from MMATS 2100.5 amp that feeds a pair of MMATS P3.0 10-inch subs firing towards the cabin. The subs are encased in fiberglass enclosures which are color matched to the exterior of the car.

The other amp is a MMATS SQ4100 amp that drives the balance of the system and is composed of four MMATS 6.5-inch components. All of the components speakers are again sunk flush into the doors and the rear quarters in custom fiberglass housings colormatched with the exterior. The candy blue fiberglass was complimented by several panels recovered in blue suede.

The system is ignited with Stinger .44 batteries up front and in the trunk. The fuses, distribution blocks and wiring are from the trusted experts at Stinger and keep the system lit up and performing at its best!

Looks, sound, performance … this Nissan GT-R truly has it all. Now that it has been unleashed, it is out there doing some damage in sound quality competitions. We might suggest you not sleep on the T&A GT-R, because its 480 OEM ponies have been multiplied by well, a lot.

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EXTERIOR

Custom metal widebody Shaved exterior T&A Customs 6 stage candy blue 4 coats of clear Airbrushed by Tennesee

INTERIOR

Done by T&A Customs Blue Suede inserts Color-matched blue fiberglass dash and speaker panels

AUDIO / MULTIMEDIA

Pioneer AVIC 900BT LCD headunit Pioneer 7-inch screens in visors MMATS 2100.5 amp MMATS P3.0 10-inch subs x2 MMATS SQ4100 4-channel amp MMATS 6.5-inch components Stinger .44 batteries x2 Tsunami fuses and distribution blocks

DOUBLE threat

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REAL PASSION NEEDS ONLY THREE LETTERS

Wherever you are, wherever you’re going and everywhere in between, no company has more ways to delight your senses and engage your brain than JBL. Only JBL has the technology and the experience to bridge the worlds of consumer and professional sound.

We’ve been the worldwide authority in audio reproduction for more than 60 years.

And we will be in the future!

For more information on JBL® car audio products, contact us at 516.255.4JBL (4525) or visit www.jbl.com.

© 2009 Harman International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved. JBL is a trademark of Harman International Industries, Incorporated, registered in the United States and/or other countries.

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E K A IT T Photos by Jacob Leveton Text by Dave Pankew //

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o w t ES A

s much as you try and deny it, the traits of your parents will pop up sooner or later. For some, that isn’t always a good thing but in the case of Andrew and Michael Yurcich, this father and son team are bent on making their projects into something that really turns heads. This dedicated tuning duo are sure to attract twice the attention too, because they have each built a hyped up import with countless upgrades, especially their Scion tC. It goes without saying that none of this was easy, but since they had the dedication and the right partners in place, it was all possible.

The results speak for themselves, as the pair have won numerous HIN Best Scion, Two-door Mild and Scion Class awards! Both father and son have won the classic Scion Show Off award three times and

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won Best Scion at the Sadistic Car Show (their very first trophy). The Scion has never placed lower than 2nd anywhere it goes! The team won Best tC at the Scion Scary Farm show recently and bagged the Won Logo Scion event put on by M2 Motoring. “It was a great show put on by Mike Ma… Not just because we won Best of Show, Best Motor and Best tC either,” smiles Andrew.

The Scion project started with more power being extracted from the 2.4L mill. Integrated Performance in Gardena, CA stepped in to perform all of the engine mods, which started with a Turbonetics T3/T4 turbo kit. Consisting of a ball bearing turbo, cast manifold and their trademark Spearco intercooler, Raptor blow-off valve, Evolution wastegate, and comes with absolutely everything to make some solid power.

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IT TAKES two

When the Unichip computer was tuned, the final output numbers came down the pipe.

The car made 300whp at only 8psi making it double the factory horsepower! The factory clutch was upgraded to an ACT 6-puck along with an Unorthodox aluminum flywheel.

The outside of the car got a striking makeover with a full custom widebody and carbon fiber fender flares. A Krazy Kustomz front and rear bumper was added along with a Precision grille and TC Sportline spoilers at the hands of master techs at M1 Autobody and DTM Autobody.

Finally, the team drenched the project in Lamborghini yellow with black accents. The exterior was wrapped up with Hella HIDs and an AIT carbon fiber hood and rear diffuser.

The rollers needed to be on par with the rest of the project. Andrew selected 20x8.5-inch fronts with 20x10.5-inch rears from TIS Modular.

Lurking behind the gunmetal spokes are a set of Rotora 4-piston big brakes for unfading stopping power connected by Goodrich stainless lines. As for lowering, Andrew turned to H&R to supply a set of lowering springs to get the right stance. The bodyroll was eliminated with some Hotchkis sway bars.

The chassis was tightened up with AEM sway bars front and rear.

The car was taken to Audio Xcellence in City of Industry, CA where the entire interior was gutted. Using fiberglass, suede and plexiglas the entire interior was designed in preparation for the audio install. A set of Sparco Monza seats were added to the project in black suede with custom yellow stitching by JNL in Rosemead, CA. Everything was redesigned from the dash, to door panels, liners and outrageous rear hatch setup.

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d MOTIVATION ena, CA steppeith a rmance in Gard w

o hich started ring turbo, w , s Integrated Perf d o m

e in g n ll of the e f a ball-bea r, Raptor in to perform a3/T4 turbo kit. Consisting orc o intercoole Turbonetics T and their trademark Spea cast manifolde and Evolution wastegate. blow-off valv

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AUDIO ASSAULT Lining the former cargo space is now a set of four Sony Xplod XS-LD127P 12-inch subs. The subs are driven using four individual Sony Xplod XM-D9001GTR amps to each subwoofer. The mids and highs are reproduced with seven sets of Sony Xplod XS-HF167 6.5inch components spread throughout the cabin. In addition to the 6.5-inchers, two sets of Xplod XS-HF137 components, all driven by three Sony Xplod XM-1252GTR 2-channel amps

U.S. CUSTOMERS

Call 1-800-320-6609 or visit crutchfield.com/pas

Lining the former cargo space is now a quartet of sweet-sounding Sony Xplod XS-LD127P 12-inch subs. The subs are driven using four individual Sony Xplod XM-D9001GTR amps to each subwoofer. The mids and highs are reproduced with seven sets of Sony Xplod XS-HF167 6.5-inch components spread throughout the cabin. In addition to the 6.5-inchers, two sets of Xplod XSHF137 components, all driven by three Sony Xplod XM-1252GTR 2-channel amps. Everything is driven by the venerable double-DIN Sony Xplod XAV-W1 head unit, which features not only SACD, but the accompanying 5.1 surround sound as well! The XAV-W1 sports a 7-inch screen with a customiz-

able display and of course the head unit is satellite radio and iPod ready.

With this project complete, the father and son team have turned their attention and resources to the Lexus IS you see lurking in the background of our photo shoot. Both vehicles now serve active duty as rolling billboards to help promote their business www.HomageLTD.com, distinctive apparel produced to pay homage and donate to military charities such as the West Los Angeles Fisher House Foundation. With a good cause in mind and a lengthy list of mods already installed on the popular Lexus platform, we can’t wait to see what the Yurcich’s come up with next!

CANADIAN CUSTOMERS Call 1-800-310-9024 or visit crutchfieldcanada.com

Owner: Andrew and Michael Yurcich Location: Alhambra, CA ENGINE

Toyota 2.4L 2ZE-FE inline-4

ENGINE Modifications Turbonetics T3/T4 turbo kit Turbonetics manifold Spearco intercooler Turbonetics Raptor blow-off valve Turbonetics Evolution wastegate Unichip computer ACT 6-puck Unorthodox aluminum flywheel.

WHEELS, TIRES, BRAKES

h TIS Modular 20x8.5-inch & 20x10.5-inc & Vredestein Ultra Sessanta tires 255/25R20 285/20R20 Rotora 4-piston big brakes Goodrich stainless lines H&R lowering springs Hotchkis sway bars AEM sway bars

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Vehicle: 2005 Scion tC Power: 300whp @ 8psi AUDIO / MULTIMEDIA h subs x4

Sony Xplod XS-LD127P 12-inc Sony Xplod XM-D9001GTR amps x4 s x7 Sony Xplod XS-HF167 6.5-inch component s x2 Sony Xplod XS-HF137 5.25-inch componentx3 amps nnel Sony Xplod XM-1252GTR 2-cha Sony Xplod XAV-W1 headunit Sony XVM-B62 7-inch monitors x3 Kinetik HC1800s x3 .

Tsunami wiring, fuses and distribution blocks

SHOUTOUTS

s, Alsa Scion-Huntington Beach, Car Sponsorshiplar, paints, Sony Mobile, Vredestein, TIS Modu H&R, Turbonetics, Kinetik batteries, Meguiars, Armor, AEM, DC Sports, Rotora, Borla, Star Shield Sun Krazy Kustomz, AIT Racing, TC Sportline, Fit, Auto, Unorthodox Racing, NX, PI-Thon, Proy.com), Tsunami, M1 Autobody (www.m1autobod Audio ), DTM Autobody (www.dtmautobody.com (www.

Xcellence (www.audioxcellence.net), TWS e manc thewheelsupply.com), Integrated Perfor (www.integratedperformance.org/)

THE ESSENTIALS

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PO C O M P E T I TO R S

T LI G H T

, 5.7 LITER HEMI DGE MAGNUM RT YRE NT VEHICLE: 2005 DOAL CI LER: STEVE M OWNER AND INSTKSVILLE, TN. LOCATION: CLAR BEHIND THE BUILD: The goal put into place when the design and installation of the sound system first started was to achieve the best possible sound quality to compete in MECA shows, yet take up little or no cargo space. To achieve this, only the best audio equipment was to be chosen for this project. The head unit is a “Japan only” Panasonic CQ-TX5500W vacuum tube CD player also known as the “Bottlehead.” This CD player is considered by many to be one of the top 3 sound quality head units available.

AMPLIFIERS: The DC Reference amplifier is one of the most versatile amplifiers on the market today providing total control over your system with on-board equalizer, crossover, and time alignment for each channel. McIntyre chose two DC 1000.4, 4-channel amplifiers conservatively rated at 150 watts per channel to power the 4-way active system. The Zapco TP4 line driver was also used to boost the signal and convert it to a balanced signal with Zapco Symbilink cables.

SPEAKERS: The speakers used in the 3-way front stage are Morel. The tweeters are the Morel Supremo Piccolo, midrange is the Morel Hybrid Ovation 4 and the midbass are the Morel Supremo SW6.

The Morel speakers are some of the best sounding, well-built drivers available. The 12-inch subwoofers are Image Dynamics IDQ’s.

WIRING AND ACCESSORIES: Ixos speaker and power cable as well as power distribution products were used throughout the install.

Several layers of Raamat BXT sound dampening material cover all of the interior sheet metal surfaces to absorb all unwanted vibrations.

INSTALLATION: Custom aluminum brackets were fabricated to mount the head unit in the dash.

The OEM dash bezel was rebuilt using ABS plastic and fiberglass to flush the “Bottlehead” into the dash. After the fabrication work was completed Steve painted all of the dash pieces Dodge Bright Silver to match the exterior. Morel Supremo tweeters are mounted in A-pillar pods custom fabricated using birch and fiberglass. The tweeters were disassembled and dyed to match the pods and A-pillars.

The dash was also treated to improve sound quality with ¼-inch open-cell foam and suede wrapped.

The Morel Hybrid Ovation mids were mounted in the factory dash location. The OEM speaker grill was rebuilt to improve the aesthetics of the panel. The Morel Supremo SW6 woofers reside in the doors to handle the mid-bass duties. The door panels were heavily modified using MDF and fiberglass to help achieve great sound quality and an improved appearance. Each of the four doors has an oval 56

“Magnum” logo that is illuminated with green cold cathode tubes when the door is opened.

To mount the amplifiers in the rear cargo area McIntyre duplicated the size and shape of the OEM panels and fabricated an amplifier rack using MDF, birch and fiberglass that house the two Zapco DC Reference amplifiers. Striving to maintain a neat appearance, a custom cover was fabricated from aluminum to join the two amplifiers together, and then painted to match the exterior. The two DC 1000.4 amplifiers were renamed the DC 2000.8 after the modification. The Zapco “heatsink logo” was then applied to the amplifier cover. Protecting the amplifiers is a custom cut and polished piece of plexiglass with “Zapco” frosted in. The amp rack is illuminated with 36 green LED’s at the push of a button. Covering the spare tire well is a MDF cover with Zapco “heatsink logo” raised out in the color matched vinyl. Fabricating the amplifier rack in this

manner allowed all of the OEM safety equipment including the spare tire to be retained. The Magnum came with a storage compartment in each of the rear side panels. McIntyre used fiberglass and MDF to build pods that hold a 12-inch Image Dynamics IDQ subwoofer in each side panel. The panels were then wrapped in color matched vinyl. To help the woofers blend into the install color theme, the Image Dynamic logos were hand-painted gray and green.

Looking back on the design and build of this project all of the goals that were set have been met. Steve McIntyre’s Dodge Magnum RT has done extremely well competing on the MECA competition circuit winning over 100 trophies and awards including two MECA Modified Install World Championships, a MECA Modified SQL World Championship, two first place wins at Spring Break Nationals in Daytona Beach, and a Top 3 finish at Elite Summer Nationals.

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TENNESSEE STATE FAIRGROUNDS, NASHVILLE, TN

OCT 3-4, 2009

Text by Mark Pereira // Photos by Chris Gregory

ECA, the Mobile Electronics Competition Association club for car audio enthusiasts capped off the 2009 season at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds in Nashville during the World Finals Soundfest. With 110 vehicles in the sound-off contests, and 25 vehicles in the Show & Shine car and truck show, the event was filled with fun and games for members, friends, family and spectators. World Champions for the season earned their 6-foot trophies in 23 Sound Pressure League classes and 14 Sound Quality League classes. Car audio legend Alma Gates was the special guest and presented the awards early Sunday evening, adding her grace and spirit to the event.

Steve Cook (Team Audio X/Zapco) from Florence, AL was the big winner in the Sound Quality contest, earning his place on the Culbertson Cup which honors the best sounding vehicle at Finals. Kirk Proffitt (Team Schil Acoustics/XS Power/Zapco) from Huntsville, AL won his 5th SQ Title and the overall SQL Best of Show. Joe Zelano (Team Elite) from Spartanburg, SC won the Install Best of Show and the SQ2, 2-seat SQ awards. It was great to see forty-seven highly evolved vehicles competed in SQL, the most in MECA’s history!

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Eric Alexander (Team Livewire) from Canal Winchester, OH posted the highest scores in Sound Pressure and Drive-by SPL Parade, for the SPL Best of Show award. He 3-peated with the loudest Drive-by SPL Parade vehicle, earning his place, once again, on the Gates Cup, named for Alma and presented by her.

Paul Strouth (Team Outcast/Sundown) from Wise, VA earned the National Points Grand Champion award, and the SPL National Points Champion award with 448 points. Steve McIntyre (Team Zapco) from Clarksville, TN earned the SQL National Points Champion award with 315 points. Over 150 MECA competitors earned

State Champion certificates in SPL and SQL classes. Ranger Batson and Vince Smith tied for Show & Shine Best of Show title, with Ranger’s Subaru winning the tie-breaker. Team Oblivion earned the Show & Shine Club Participation trophy.

With 2009 now in the history books, the 2010 season is well underway with a tremendous buzz supercharging interest in MECA’s club and contests.

Full results and additional photos (including 2009 Miss MECA, Leah McGriff) are displayed at www.mecacaraudio.com and www.myspace.com/ meca_car_audio along with competitors and their vehicles.

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T R O ESC

r o t c e t e D r e s a L / r a d a R 5 4 i Passport Q ringgay Photos

Text by Garry Sp

by Manufacturer

ve used radar detectors in my cars and motorcycles for the last 15 years or so now, and I consider myself an experienced detector user. Over the years I’ve tried a lot of different brands, some worked very well, and others were more gimmicky and disappointing. One of the few brands of radar/laser protection that have never failed to impress me has been Escort. I have been using their excellent, but expensive Passport SRX remote mounted model in two of my vehicles, one of them equipped with the laser shifters as well. I drive through several radar sources every day on my way to and from the office, so I have a really good idea of what’s what. Here in the Phoenix area, we have a lot of Ka-band photo radar, and regular freeway traffic usually flows around 15 to 20mph over the posted limit, so just by keeping up with traffic, I can attest to the SRX saving me far more than what I paid for it over the last few years. It’s been a great addition to both my truck, and one of my more “at risk” motorcycles. About the only thing I didn’t like about the SRX’s was the amount of work involved in doing the installation.

When I heard that the folks at Escort wanted to send their newest, easy-to-install unit for me to check out, I was really stoked! Based on the award-winning windshield mounted Passport 8500 X50, the new ($499.95 US) Passport Qi45 is a high performance radar/laser detector. The package arrived a short time ago, and I immediately installed it into my vehicle, alongside my trusty Passport SRX, which was almost double the price (when I bought it 5 years ago).

I

Installation In terms of installing a remote mounted detector, it really doesn’t get much easier or simpler than this new Passport. There are three main components, the detection receiver, a very small but brilliantly executed dash mounted display

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In terms of installing a remote mounted detector, it really doesn’t get much easier or simpler than this new Passport. ” and control module, and a central interface module that the other two components connect to using simple RJ11 telephone style connectors. You mount the receiver, and run the wire to the central module, then mount the miniature display/controller, and run its wire back to the central module. Connect a power and ground wire, and that’s it, she’s done! A competent installer can put the new Qi45 into a typical vehicle in 45 minutes or less. At only 2” x 1”, the main display/control module is small enough to mount anywhere, like in the dashboard of a motorcycle, for example (but keep in mind the Qi45 module is not waterproof).

When you power up the unit, it runs a self diagnostic and confirms all components are operational. If you prefer a more discreet installation, you can choose to hide the controller, and replace it with a single LED indicator which is also included, and simply plugs into the control module. And in the interest of discretion, the Qi45 includes SmartShield VG2 Immunity, making the Qi45 virtually undetectable. For the ultimate in laser defense, you can add the Qi Shifter Pack, which are similar to the SRX’s

laser shifters I’ve come to love. These too are a simple install, simply plugging into the existing receiver after mounting.

Features and Controls The Passport Qi45 comes equipped with a wide range of very useful features, as well as some that are meant for expert use, and a couple that are just really cool. As with my current Escort products, one of the things I like about them is that they require almost zero input from me once they are initially set up. Installed correctly, the detectors power up and down with the vehicles ignition, and are equipped with the ability to automatically mute warnings and even dim the displays automatically to suit the lighting conditions. The display uses a matrix of 280 tiny individual LED’s which results in a very easy to read but space efficient display. You can also choose Dark Mode, where your only alert will be the audible signals.

Initially however, you should go through the controls and options to get things dialed in to your personal preferences. The Qi45 provides the capability to auto mute alerts after

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a couple of seconds to avoid annoying alarms from constant radar sources such as speed displays or X-band emissions from door openers, etc. There are three sensitivity settings, Auto, Highway, and Auto Nox, which can be used if you are certain that your local LEO’s no longer use the antiquated X-band radars. If you don’t have X-band speed traps, the Auto Nox setting is great, you can set the unit to completely ignore all X-band signals, which can significantly reduce false alarms in urban areas.

Of course the volume of the alerts is fully adjustable, and there is a mute button to silence the audio during an alert. Each type of alert uses a different kind of tone, so with a bit of use you’ll soon know the type of radar by the sound of the alert. And if that’s not enough, there are announcements with a pleasant female voice at the beginning of each alert such as “Ka-Band” or X-Band, as well as when selecting functions and setting preferences. This makes it very easy to keep your eyes on the road while making adjustments. Expert users can choose to display the ExpertMeter, which is an advanced display of a miniature spectrum analyzer. In ExpertMeter mode, you can view up to 8 simultaneous radar signals, and determine the band and strength of each one. There is also a SpecDisplay mode that shows you the specific frequency of the radar, but I’m not sure why I would need to know if it was 24.150GHz or 34.7GHz. Cool, sure, but… well, it’s cool.

Other cool capabilities include text message displaying of SWS (Safety Warning System) alerts that are becoming more popular in many urban areas. There are 60 messages currently allocated for the system, and are grouped into different sections such as Info/Convenience, Road Hazards, Weather Hazards, and Highway Construction. If you enable this feature and Safety Radar is used in your area, the Passport will display the safety message being broadcast on the LED display. Examples of these alerts are: “Road Closed Ahead/Follow Detour”, “Severe Weather Ahead” or “Police in Pursuit.”

Performance As a subjective, but nevertheless valid test, I installed the Qi45 beside my SRX, and added a third $400.00 windshield mounted detector from another company. The SRX and the Qi45 receivers were both mounted in the lower grille area of my truck, about 26” off the ground.

The windshield detector was about 48” off the ground, so theoretically it should have improved range. I drove around the Valley of the Sun on a mix of surface streets and highways, and recorded the performance of the three detectors.

What I found confirmed my faith in the Escort products. In every case, the Qi45 or the SRX was the first to sound an alert. I found the SRX a bit less sensitive to X-band signals, and just about equal in sensitivity to K and Ka-band signals. In several cases, even though it had a height advantage, the windshield mounted detector was several hundred feet slower to respond than the Escorts. Warnings from the Qi45 were very clear, and although the technology

is very similar, for whatever reason the display seemed easier to read at a glance than my SRX’s display. On Laser alerts, all three detectors were about identical in response time, and because Laser is always a threat, all the warnings were at maximum alert levels.

Bottom Line Here in Arizona photo radar systems are being installed at more locations every day, usually promoted as safe driving incentives, but if we’re being honest, more often used to add to the city coiffeurs. This means that anyone driving in an urban environment should have some protection against these devices. As with my older SRX, and the other Escort branded detectors I have used over the years, the level of protection provided is excellent, as are the ease of use and installation. If a very high performance, yet unobtrusive and affordable, complete radar/laser protection product appeals to you, I can highly recommend the Passport Qi45, this thing rocks!

ESCORT www.escortradar.com

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S C I N O S X MAX ion t a r g e t n I OEM ringgay Photos

Text by Garry Sp

by Manufacturer

veryone knows the famous brand names from Maxxsonics, names like Hifonics, MB Quart, Crunch, and Autotek. But what you may not know is that recently Maxxsonics released a series of OEM integration products to assist in getting all those famous brands hooked up to whatever you may have in the dash. Rather than duplicate a bunch of products and just put a different name on each one, they simply branded all of the new pieces Maxxsonics OEM Integration, so we thought we’d have a brief look at the new offerings, and find out what’s what...

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MX-1 Premium High to Low Level Converter $149.99 The MX-1 is much more than a commonplace high to low level adapter. Sure, it can convert your speaker drive level signals to RCA levels, but it also includes very useful features to provide much needed control and filtering in these situations. With onboard subwoofer low pass filtering, plus a subsonic filter, a parametric EQ, independent adjustable input and output levels for the full range and subwoofer channels, even front and rear high pass filters, this piece has pretty much everything you need to get the system connected, adjusted and tuned. If you’re the type who like to tweak the bass levels frequently, the MX-1 also includes a remote mounted level control, which also has a clip indicator on it, and connects via an RJ-45 cable.

The MX-1 will accept inputs from virtually any type of amplifier from 4 to 400 watts. The input level is adjustable, and a handy three color (green-yellow-red) clipping indicator helps get the optimum settings dialed in without any guesswork.

If your OEM system doesn’t have a subwoofer output, the MX-1 will sum the front and rear channels and create a subwoofer output

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If your OEM system doesn’t have a subwoofer output, the MX-1 will sum the front and rear channels and create a subwoofer output signal automatically.” signal automatically. To prevent over driving your midrange speakers with excessive low frequencies, there are separate high pass filters for the front and rear channels. Each of these filters can be adjusted between 15 and 200Hz, and have -12dB per octave slopes. The output voltage for your amps RCA inputs can be set between 4 and 9 volts, which makes the MX-1 compatible with virtually any amplifier, and provides a high voltage signal for maximum noise immunity. If you are working with a car that has no amplifier turn on lead, the MX-1 has you covered there too, as it can be turned on with audio signal, or a traditional 12V trigger, and it provides a 12V output for your amplifiers. There is also a balanced line driver DIN connection that will connect to a mono amplifier with the Maxxsonics BLD input.

The MX-1 comes in a chrome metal housing, and measures approximately 7”x5”x1.5”.

output channels, and the associated subwoofer controls found on the larger and more expensive MX-1. But, just like its big brother, the MX-2 will accept inputs from amplifiers from 4 to 400 watts, and it can turn on by signal sensing, and also provide a 12V trigger for aftermarket amplifiers. It also has fully adjustable input and output levels, as well as independent high pass filtering for the front and rear channels. Output voltage is adjustable from 4 to 9 volts of signal, perfect for the amps of your choice.

MX-2 Deluxe High to Low Level Converter $119.99 Need a good high to low convertor with fewer whistles and bells than that of the MX-1? No problem, for you there’s the MX-2! Measuring just 5”x4”x1.5”, the main differences are a lack of subwoofer input and

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S MX-4 Add-A-Sub $99.99

MX-3 Bass Controller $119.99 Designed to enhance bass reproduction by processing low frequency information and adding additional harmonics to the output, the MX-3 Bass Enhancer is just the thing for restoring bass in old or highly compressed recordings. Connections are simple, a left and right input, and a matching pair of outputs. The MX-3 goes in the signal path between your source unit and subwoofer amplifier, and like the other MX series products, has adjustable input and output level controls. Getting the levels adjusted is made simpler with a three color clipping indicator that works the same way as the indicator on the MX-1. Once the input and output levels are adjusted, you can set up the amount of boost you want, as well as the frequency range of the boost, and the bandwidth that will

A typical application for the MX-4 would be an OEM system where all you want to do is add a subwoofer amplifier and woofer system, but get the signal from the factory system.”

receive the additional output. The frequency range can be dialed in anywhere between 30 and 100Hz, and so you don’t accidentally send your woofers into low Earth orbit, there is a -24dB/Oct subsonic filter that can be adjusted between 15 and 35Hz. To get the tuning just right, there is also a -24dB low pass filter, with a range of adjustment from 35-250Hz. To make sure you tweakers are happy, the MX-3 also comes with a wired remote level control equipped with clipping indicators. If you listen to a lot of compressed music files, or music that simply wasn’t recorded with much bottom end, you’ll appreciate the enhancement the MX-3 can bring to your system.

The last product in the new Maxxsonics MX series is the MX-4 Add-A-Sub device. A typical application for the MX-4 would be an OEM system where all you want to do is add a subwoofer amplifier and woofer system, but get the signal from the factory system. The MX-4 will convert the factory amplified signal down to an RCA level, and with full adjustable input and output levels you can adjust the output signal level from 4 to 9 volts, making it compatible with any subwoofer amp. It will also provide a remote turn on lead for the amp if one doesn’t exist by using a signal sensing circuit that turns the amplifier on as soon as signal is present on the inputs. The MX-4 makes adding a subwoofer to an OEM system no more complicated than adding one to an aftermarket system.

MAXXSONICS www.maxxsonics.com

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ROCKFORD FOSGATE Punch Overload Text by Garry Springgay // Photos by Manufacturer

The Rockford Fosgate PS300-12 Punch Overload is a thoughtfully designed product, obviously from the minds of engineers who have some experience with automotive subwoofer systems.”

friend of mine who is a musician and something of an audiophile dropped in last weekend to show me his new high zoot luxury car, and play me the “famous brand” stereo system. I was eager to hear the system, because I’d read about it, but never had an opportunity to listen to one with well recorded, familiar music. I loaded in a few of my favorite discs and spent about 20 minutes listening. He was thrilled, but I came away completely unimpressed. He was very surprised that I was so critical of his system, especially considering he had just paid about 4 grand for the ‘upgraded option.” It didn’t sound bad, it just didn’t sound real, particularly in the low end. There was some sort of woofer contraption in a very small plastic box tucked away where it fit, certainly not where it needed to be to hear it. Anyway, he winced when I said the bass was anemic, and said he had to agree it didn’t have the authority of the woofers in his custom home system. A long conversation followed, and a solution to the problem was quickly found... Read on.

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Once you have experienced true sub bass in a car, I can’t think of a single person who wouldn’t want to have it in their ride every day. Rich, deep bass that you can feel as much as hear, bass that enhances the musical experience and helps replicate the original event. This type of bass doesn’t have to be so loud that it vibrates parts off the car, it merely needs to be capable of keeping up with the levels of output from the rest of the system.

Many car audio enthusiasts and installers are intimidated by the variables involved in designing a truly good performing subwoofer system for a car. And truth be told, it does take a good deal of experience, knowledge, and technical ability.

Or, you can leave all that to the pros, and simply by a plug and play subwoofer system, where all the guesswork has been done for you. And that’s precisely what the folks at Rockford Fosgate have done with their PS300-12 “Punch Overload” Powered Subwoofer System. I recently had a chance to test one of these solution driven products in the lab, and I came away quite impressed.

Design and Features The Rockford Fosgate Punch Overload PS300-12

is a thoughtfully designed product, obviously from the minds of engineers who have some experience with automotive subwoofer systems. The product can be mounted in a variety of positions, and it’s designed to be easy to remove as well, with quick disconnect type connections for power and signal. And if you have ever had a woofer accidentally damaged because you were too cheap to buy a grille for it, you’ll be happy to learn that the PS300-12 woofer is always protected from errant golf clubs, ski poles or hockey sticks by a “loading plate” that covers the entire woofer, and lets the sound exit around the enclosures perimeter. The self powered subwoofer system consists of a nice looking, and fairly small rectangular shaped enclosure, measuring 15-1/4” x 11-1/4” x 22-3/8”, and houses a special 2 ohm 12-inch Punch woofer and amplifier. The Rockford logos are designed into the top plate and bottom panel, making one or the other visible regardless of how you mount it. The system comes with all the brackets and hardware you need to get it securely fastened down, which is critical for safety.

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Manufacturers Rated Power

Actual Measured Power @ 1.0% THD+N @ 12.6V Battery

Actual Measured Power @ 1.0% THD+N @ 14.4V Battery

300 x 1 @ 2 Ω

255 x 1 @ 2 Ω

319 x 1 @ 2 Ω

Signal to Noise Ratio referenced to 2V output.

(CEA-2006A) (1 watt @ 4 ohms) Signal to Noise Ratio referenced to full 4 ohm output.

-92.6dBA -115.4dBA

THD+N at rated 2 ohm power

0.075%

Maximum Efficiency at full 2 ohm power per ch.

67.2%

Idle Current Input Sensitivity

RCA High level Input Maximum Current @ full power, lowest rated impedance

0.9A 980mV->13V 6.5V - >40V 33.0A

Frequency Response (-3dB)

16Hz – 135Hz

Subsonic Filter /High Pass Crossover

Non Adjustable

Low Pass Crossover

Non Adjustable

Bass EQ boost

+13dB @ 36Hz

The Punch amplifier is integrated into the end panel, and even its connections and controls have been simplified. There is a single plug for the power, ground, and remote trigger, then a pair of RCA’s or high level signal Molex inputs, an optional remote level control, and a gain knob. And that’s it. All of the crossover filter and subsonic filter settings are preset for you.

Enclosure Of course the first thing I did when I unpacked the Overload system was take it apart. By unscrewing four large capscrews, I removed the top “loading plate” that is used in lieu of a grille, and then I removed the woofer. The enclosure itself

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has an internal volume of just over 1 cubic foot, and is manufactured from a material called “acrylonitrile butadiene styrene” or more commonly known as ABS. The interior of the enclosure is ribbed for both structural integrity as well as resonance reduction. To further reduce the possibility of cabinet resonances, the interior panels of the enclosure are covered with a high mass mat-type material that prevents resonances. On the “floor” of the enclosure is a slot type vent, which I tested to find that it “tunes” the air in the enclosure to resonate at 40Hz. The amplifiers mounting area is sealed off from the inside of the enclosure, and the amplifiers heatsink is mounted externally.

Woofer The woofer is a design that is proprietary to the Overload system, using fairly non-traditional parts when compared to a typical Punch woofer. The most obvious difference is the 12” driver uses a paper cone and dust cap instead of the more common, (and some would say less natural sounding) poly cones. Because the woofer isn’t really meant to be seen, the cosmetic treatment is fairly limited, which is fine. A stamped steel basket supports the large motor assembly, and the build quality of the woofer is excellent, as one expects from a Rockford Fosgate woofer.

There are other differences from a typical Punch woofer as well, such as the non-vented backplate, and basic push on spade type terminals. But where it counts, the woofer of the PS300-12 system is all business, with a 2.5” voice coil wound on a black anodized aluminum former, a double stacked magnet structure, and tinsel leads that are stitched to the spider for greater reliability.

Amplifier The amplifier section of the Overload system is rated at 300 watts into 2 ohms. The amp is a Class AB design, and is also a proprietary design specific to this application. As I was later to learn, the frequency response of the amp was designed specifically to work with the supplied woofer, in this specific cabinet. The amp uses a removable power connecting plug that accepts 8ga wire, and the RCA connectors are heavy duty looking panel mount types. Other than a gain control knob, there are no adjustments to be made, but you can purchase the optional PEQ remote control if you like to adjust things as you cruise.

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ROCKFORD FOSGATE Punch Overload Listening I connected the Punch Overload into my system, and played a couple dozen of my favorite subwoofer evaluation tracks. I have to say, I was expecting a relatively compromised system, simply because it’s quite small, the enclosure is plastic after all, and maybe I’m just used to having a lot more control and adjustability. But to my surprise, the system actually sounded excellent. The ABS enclosure was dead quiet, and I never heard one rattle or creak. This is actually a very good enclosure, and because it’s made of ABS instead of MDF, its lightweight and is immune to moisture problems. As it turns out, the amount of EQ built into the amplifier and the choice of crossover points, combined with the enclosure tuning, and this natural sounding paper cone woofer, all came together exceptionally well. Fast, detailed bass lines from the late great Jaco Pastorius were reproduced with very good clarity and definition. The system plays quite low too, as Don Dorsey’s pipe organ tracks showed. Of course it does give up a little bit of very low frequency output to a sealed system, but what it loses there it more than makes up for in increased output above about 30Hz. Rock and Rap music really make the Punch Overload system shine, and whether you listen to 50 Cent or Keith Urban, the system works very well. Kick drum notes were natural sounding with the batter strike and the resonance reproduced faithfully. I did occasionally wish for a bit more gain in the amplifier, as it seemed to take a fair bit more signal to drive the PS300-12 than my main amplifier. The system didn’t lack power by any means, it just needed more input signal than normal.

On The Bench Of course while I had things apart, I took the opportunity to measure the amplifiers performance, and I’m happy to report it exceeded all the published specs. The amp developed 319 watts, and distortion was very low at 0.07%.

The signal to noise ratio also measured very good at -92dBA referenced to 2V of output. Efficiency was decent too, with a full power efficiency of just over 67% at full 2 ohm power.

The Overload system isn’t likely to overload your charging system as it drew a maximum of 33.0 amperes of current at full power.

As I mentioned previously, the electronics in the amp have been massaged to suit this specific application, which is a benefit you don’t get on an amplifier that may have to drive everything from a pair of 4” coaxes to 15” woofers. The amp has a built-in preset EQ curve, as well as a subsonic filter, and a low pass crossover. Because the engineers knew exactly what woofer and enclosure would be used, they could simply design the right settings into the amp, and save everyone the hassle of trying to figure it out for themselves.

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Conclusion

The PS300-12 “Pun ch Overload” system is a great solution for authentic sub-bass anyone who wants performance but is rel uc tan t to either spend a lot trying to design som of time and money ething themselves, or if you simply need an otherwise decent to add a “real woofe sounding system. Wh r” to ile not cheap at $799 going to get a system .99, you know you are that works properly and you may end up to what it could cost saving money comp if you have to re-do ared things to get the perfo It’s a good looking an rmance you’re lookin d relatively small sys g for. tem tha t will fit in almost an the best part of it, as y application. But it should be, is the wa y it sou nd his OEM system wa s. My buddy now un s missing, but with derstands what a Rockford Fosgate his trunk, he’s now PS300-12 Overload bumpin’ with the be system in st of them.

www.rockfordfosgate.com

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Sony Xplod XM-ZZR3301 Text and Measurements by Garry Springgay // Photos by Manufacturer

ony has always been a leader in high-value car audio products.

This time we are going to have a look at one of their top-selling Xplod Series Class-D monoblock subwoofer amplifiers, the XMZZR3301. Rated at 330 watts into 4 ohms, and 600 watts into 2 ohms, the Sony XM-ZZR3301 sells for only $199.95, making it one of the best “watt per dollar” deals available!

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Features The Sony Xplod XM-ZZR3301 amplifier, moderately sized measures about 14” x 11” x 2.25”. Stepping away from the traditional rectangular shape, the amplifier brings a bit of style to the mix with the ends of the amplifier being somewhat V shaped, and the upper surface of the cast aluminum heatsink offering some molded-in-design elements that add a touch of class and uniqueness. In the middle of the top of the amp is a large illuminated bar which lights up in a bright blue color when the amp’s turned on.

All the connections and controls are along one side for ease of installation and adjustment. The connections for power and speakers are made via gold plated Phillips-head screw terminals. The power terminals will accept ring terminals that can be used with 4 or 8 gauge wire, and the amp is fused with a pair of 30A ATC style fuses.

Four speaker terminals (although it’s a single channel, additional terminals are provided to aid in 68

the parallel connection of woofers) will accept 10 gauge bare cable or 8 gauge with the appropriate ring terminals.

High level inputs are also provided if you want to provide signal to the amp from an existing amp or head unit speaker outputs, and these can be used as signal sensing inputs to turn the amp on when no dedicated 12 volt trigger is available. The high level inputs will accommodate amplifier power levels over 100 watts.

Control and adjustment features include what you’d expect; pots for gain, 6Hz-70Hz subsonic filter, +10dB of bass boost, and a 50Hz-300Hz crossover frequency adjustment.

In the interest of long term reliability, there are three different protection modes built into the Sony XM-ZZR3301, a thermal protection circuit first rolls back the power output as heat builds, allowing the music to continue, and a second mode eventually turns the amp off if the temperature becomes

The Sony XM-ZZR3301 is a very good amplifier for very little money... It’s everything a Class-D amp should be! There are very few amplifiers available that can deliver this much real power for under 200 bucks. If you are on a tight budget and like it loud, here’s your amp!”

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Rated at 330 watts into 4 ohms, and 600 watts lod into 2 ohms, the Sony Xply XM-ZZR3301 sells for on $199.95, making it one of the best “watt per dollar” deals available!” rt circuit protection mode entoo high. Additionally, a sho r become shorted to each othe gages if the speaker wires e quit e ther protection mod or to ground. I also found ano …read on. ning liste my by accident during Design l 01 revealed a basic but wel A peek inside the XM-ZZR33 all the es plac The double sided PCB constructed Class-D design. amps, op, IC’s trol con parts, like the small signal surface mount larger the all and rd, boa the one side of and associated circuitry on the ws d allo opposite side. This metho through-hole parts on the area for coping rific sac out with ller overall PCB to be made sma t demands, ty of copper for high curren per traces. And it has plen t delivery ren cur nt me bar is used to aug and a heavy copper buss tively rela is lf itse ply sup . The power to the power supply devices ance. The acit cap of 0μF 660 and toroid, robust, using a good quality size Fuji are made up of six TO220 ices dev ing tch swi ply sup power current um xim ma capable of handling the MOSFET’s and are easily demand of the amp. r N-Channel the output devices are fou On the output side of things, 0μF of is supplied via a total of 700 Fuji MOSFET’s and current to remove the r filte put out er ord ond e sec capacitance. There is a larg ign is clean des the audio. Overall, the Class-D switching hash from and very well made.

Listening asurements listen before I made any me Of course I had to give it a ted in my nec the Sony XM-ZZR3301 con of my own, so after getting g usin and z, crossover for about 80H reference system, I set the ion. luat eva the of tion my listening por a 2 ohm woofer load, began fine. nds sou 01 R33 -ZZ XM d Sony Xplo From a sonic standpoint, the am ss-D p at all... It’s everything a Cla I could not fault the sonics er for my woofer, 01 provided plenty of pow should be! The XM-ZZR33 to listen at. The ed to higher levels than I car and easily got the volume to dial the ity abil the I really liked having controls worked fine, and its effect. ove rem ly ical bas to ugh so as subsonic filter down low eno as you really g a sealed enclosure design, This is important when usin because f, ring out the really low stuf don’t need the amp to be filte build sealed enclosures! that’s one of the reasons we y XMof minor gripes with the Son ple cou a e However, I do hav p” sound “po inct dist a has r t, the amplifie ZZR3301’s performance. Firs while I’m told is a pet peeve of mine, and every time I turned it off. This ond issue was , it drives me nuts. The sec most people could care less my phone rang.

I was listening to the amp, found almost by accident. As took the call. and CD, I simply paused the Without reducing the volume, the amp on, butt play the , the instant I hit When I returned to listening but , tely edia imm t rese it it off, and went into protection. I turned

MAX FLAT RESPONSE

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TECHNICAL DATA The following power measurements were obtained using industry standard methods. (1kHZ @ 1.0% THD+N - Battery voltages shown +/- 0.2V)

Sony XMZZR3301 Amplifier

Sony XMafter a couple of go-rounds, I learned the zero from go to asked be to like not does ZZR3301 It needs tly. instan levels t outpu high fairly to t outpu gradual the signal to be introduced on a bit more . mode ction prote level, or it might snap into , bedeath of kiss the ly ssari Now, this isn’t nece m syste our want t won’ bly proba us of cause most ays. anyw nt insta an in LOUD to zero from to go ing at high But if you pause your music while listen , you levels high at e levels, and then try to resum It also y. ncras idiosy ular partic could experience this SPL style” “burp for e choic poor a makes the amp tion. idera cons any is that if , contesting On the Bench room Moving the Sony amp from the listening that note to ed pleas was I lab, to the electronics CEAshed publi its ded excee 01 ZR33 the XM-Z l to noise!

2006 specifications for power and signa as well! good Other measurements all came out the bass and wide, and The response curve is flat exactly work filters over cross boost, subsonic and with good very also was ency Effici as intended. load. The ohm 4 a with 90% g achin appro ers numb Class-D amp has very low THD+N at 1 watt for a to detail in tion atten the design, which is a tribute to tion. selec t onen comp and the amplifiers layout

MEASURED PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

Manufacturers Rated Power

Actual Measured Power @ 1.0% THD+N @ 12.6V Battery

Actual Measured Power @ 1.0% THD+N @ 14.4V Battery

330 x 1 @ 4 Ω

311 x 1 @ 4 Ω

408 x 1 @ 4 Ω

600x 1 @ 2 Ω

493 x 1 @ 2 Ω

641 x 1 @ 2 Ω

n/a x 1 @ 1 Ω

n/a x 1 @ 1 Ω

n/a x 1 @ 1 Ω

Signal to Noise Ratio referenced to 2V output.

(CEA-2006A) (1 watt @ 4 ohms) Signal to Noise Ratio referenced to full 4 ohm output.

-89.8dBA -115.9dBA

THD+N at rated 4 ohm power CEA-2006A rated 4 ohm Power (minimum power per channel developed over the entire intended audio bandwidth) Maximum Efficiency at full 2 ohm power per ch.

0.18%

Idle Current Input Sensitivity

RCA High level Input Maximum Current @ full power, lowest rated impedance

1.0A 356mV- 7.6V 3.7V - >20V 56.4A

Frequency Response (-3dB)

<10Hz – 315Hz

Subsonic Filter /High Pass Crossover

Bass EQ boost

6Hz – 70Hz 50Hz – 300Hz -12dB/oct +10dB @ 42Hz

Phase Adjustment (degrees of shift @ 100Hz)

None

Low Pass Crossover

357 watts 87.4%

Conclusion

ifier The Sony XM-ZZR3301 is a very good ampl amplifiers few very are There y. mone little very for power for available that can deliver this much real et and budg tight a on under 200 bucks. If you are , and good ds soun It amp. your like it loud, here’s I’m gear. of piece le reliab a be to it’s well made s to pop come it when icker nit-p a of bit a and fussy us protecnoise, and I’m not keen on the over-zealo deal big no is pop off tion circuits. But if the turnly simp or , unter enco t won’ r to you, and if you eithe me sche ction prote the of tion opera don’t mind the good choice needing an occasional reset, it’s a very and a great deal.

USA - www.xplodsony.com CAN - www.sonystyle.ca 70

SUBSONIC FILTER RESPONSE

BASS EQ

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Alpine T CDE-103B Text and Measurements by

Garry Springgay // Photos

by Manufacturer

get a chance every issue is that we able in the ts uc od pr ing iew rev of ne of the benefits as it becomes avail ine mething before or just to occasionally test so the case this time, because our contacts at Alpother ing t’s tch tha d wa An ter e. marketplac its to evaluate. Af their brand new head un chassis, we fiElectronics sent one of oth functionality directly in their head unit gle DIN sized sin eto brands incorporate Blu does the same. This is one of the first Alpine having to buy t ut tha tho ine wi , Alp gy an olo e techn nally get rate Bluetooth hands fre ilt-in Bluetooth, models to fully incorpo y… the CDE-103BT is an Alpine unit with bu all fin anything else. Yep, no adapters required!

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COOL FEATURES The Alpine CDE-103BT is a single DIN sized headunit that retails for the same $249.99 price in the USA and Canada. For that price, you get a full featured AM/FM/CD/MP3 player which also provides full speed connectivity of an iPod or iPhone with the optional KCE-433iV cable. The CDE-103BT meets Apple’s specifications for “Made for iPod” and “Works with iPhone” compatibility.

And if you’re like me and have thousands of songs on your iPod, you’ll especially appreciate Alpine’s “Quick Search” file search mode. This clever system splits your songs into six groups accessed via the preset buttons on the faceplate. This allows you to quickly jump to a section, rather than scroll through the entire alphabet to get to where you want to be. Another search mode is also handy, this one allows you to scroll through the various hierarchies such as Playlist, Artist, Album, Song, Podcast, Genre etc. Either way, it’s fairly painless to find the track you’re looking for.

The Alpine unit has a removable faceplate, and an easy to read, single line display with large

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white characters. Button colors can be set to red, orange, green or blue to match almost any interior lighting. Also on the front panel is a USB connection for those who prefer to carry their music on a USB drive, and for users of personal music players other than the iPod, there is also a 3.5mm Auxiliary input jack.

But what really sets this new model apart from last year’s Alpine head units is the CDE-103BT now comes with Parrot-powered Bluetooth functionality integrated right into the unit. And of course Alpine also includes the remote mount microphone, so there really is nothing else to buy. The setup of the Bluetooth system is pretty straightforward, and the CDE-103BT is compatible with most current Bluetooth enabled cell phones. You can import up to 1,000 numbers from your cell’s phone book, and even use voice dialing if your phone supports it.

CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS The most often used control on any head unit is the volume control, and I’m pleased to report that Alpine continues to use the best possible method for

this frequently used function, the rotary encoder, or “a knob”, as my buddy Jeff calls it. The next most often used buttons are usually track up and down, and the CDE-103BT gets high marks there too, with easy to locate large buttons for these functions.

In fact, all of the controls are thoughtfully placed, and the ergonomics of the Alpine CDE-103BT lend themselves to being easy to use without looking or only needing a quick glance.

As with most modern headunits, the Alpine CDE-103BT is equipped with a DSP based processor. This provides all sorts of control capability when it comes to getting your sound adjusted how you’d like it. Built into the innards of this model is a processor that provides a selection of tone control choices, as well as a defeatable, variable frequency high pass crossover. The rear RCA outputs can be converted to subwoofer outputs, and the level of those outputs can be varied either equally with the front outputs, or separately via a subwoofer volume control. And if you’re not planning to use the built-in four channel amplification, there is even a setting that allows you

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Offering the safetyeand convenience of tru ration, pe hands-free telephone, polu s great easy to use controlsfeatures with sounding audio and satisfy most enough flexibility toE-103BT should users, the Alpine CDular choice.” become a very pop ch reduces current to turn the amplifier off, whi t. Nice! hea consumption and chassis suit your needs, to d tune To get your system h offer a selection eac s trol con le the bass and treb 100, and 200Hz for of four frequencies; 60, 80, 5, 15, and 17.5kHz the bass section, and 10, 12. to that adjustition for the treble section. In add or the width of “Q” the ct ability, you can also sele provides, in 4 increeffect that the bass control really allows to you ments. Adjustability like this a specific region, and to tone down or accentuate simple bass or treble is much more useful than a , the DSP processor ure control. Another nice feat to be applied that st boo ive will not allow excess

volumes, so that’s would cause distortion at high ’s already taken that il simply another tuning deta internal high the g usin are care of for you. If you 60, 80, or 100Hz. pass filter, you can set it to end there. For the And the adjustability doesn’t system allows the Bluetooth settings, of course ming call, inco the of you to adjust the volume used for are rs ake spe ch as well as select whi incoming the e hav to ose cho can playback. You or speakers, either call played back on all the front speakers. of the front speakers, or both microphone can the Additionally, the volume of call clarity and e miz opti to be adjusted as well, k. minimize feedbac

LISTENING and USE very straightforward The Alpine CDE-103BT is with most CD headunits, to install and connect. As izontal mounting angle it is suggested that the hor t CD mistracking be kept under 35° to preven plugs in, and has the s problems. The main harnes just got your first if but es, usual selection of wir ’re a newbie to head pair of wire strippers, or you l to choose the correct unit installation, be carefu amp trigger and power blue output wire for your e output wires, and antenna. There are two blu , but under different rce sou both provide a 12 volt wire is for the power conditions. The solid blue s 12 volts when the antenna, and it only provide prevents the antenna unit is in tuner mode. This listening to a CD from being up when you are lack wire is the e/b blu or iPod, for example. The external amplian on turn to correct wire to use er whenever the unit fier, as it will provide pow mode. The RCA connecis turned on regardless of and recessed about tions are chassis mounted, ’t require additional don 0.75” so the cable shells ful when things help is ch whi in-dash clearance, I got the unit connected get tight behind the dash. began playing with the in my listening room, and connections and controls.

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Alpine CDE-103BT

The CD transport loads and plays CD’s or CD-R’s with a hundred or so MP3 tracks quite quickly, and using the USB input or hooking up my iPod worked great! I happened to have the optional cable for my iPod, and the connection is indeed fast and seamless. In terms of sonics, the Alpine CDE-103BT doesn’t leave much to be desired. Radio reception and the sound quality of the radio in both AM and FM modes was fine, as is generally the case with the Alpine tuners.

The unit has a natural, neutral sound to it, without adding any unwanted noise. Highs were detailed and articulate, and in general, the Alpine unit sounded excellent, regardless of the source.

The controls were easy to find and use, and didn’t require endless referencing of the owner’s manual. If you are familiar with typical Alpine operational nomenclature, you may not even need the manual. I appreciated the functionality provided by the subwoofer level control, and the various tone settings should be adequate for all but the most serious tweakers.

ON THE BENCH As usual, after my listening was completed, I moved the unit to the electronics lab and connected it to my Audio Precision analyzer. The Alpine CDE-103BT either easily met or exceeded all of it’s published specifications! Frequency response was virtually ruler flat on both the RCA outputs as well as the amplified section. Signal to noise was very good too, as was stereo separation, and distortion levels.

The RCA outputs are good for about 2.3V, which is what you expect at this price point. The only specification that could have been a bit better was output impedance, but at just over 300 ohms, it’s still better than many units in this price range.

d excellent, The Alpine unit sounde urce... The regardless of the soet or exceeded all m ly si ea er th ei T 3B 10 CDEations! of it’s published specific CATIONS

MEASURED SPECIFI

Amplifier

X4 @ 4 ohms) 19.3 watts/ch nnel (all channels driven, cha per er Pow A 006 A-2 CE -79.7dBA output /1W @ 4 ohms) Amplified A Wtd S/N Ratio (ref to 2V 0.05% Hz 1k ms oh 4 @ /1W 2V @ THD+N 20Hz – 20kHz B) Frequency Response (-3.0d

PREAMP SECTION ge Max Usable Output Volta l output voltage A Wtd S/N Ratio ref to ful Output Impedance .0dB) Frequency Response (-3

2.3Vrms -84.0dBA 319 ohms 20Hz – 20kHz

Conclusion

, if you for the last year or so. But units with built-in Bluetooth ing sell n se bee e tho ll hav We y r. ma pte Others ks for their Bluetooth ada d to have shell out big buc use Ofe. you ine piec at Alp gre an ted this wan etooth game with entered the integrated Blu use controls, days are over, as Alpine has phone operation, easy to tele free dshan true of e ienc ven ine con fering the safety and satisfy most users, the Alp s with enough flexibility to ture fea and io aud ng ndi plus great sou e a very popular choice.

CDE-103BT should becom

USA - www.alpine-usa.com com CAN - www.alpine-canada.

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o i d u A D ZE N A H T A I V LE nufacturer

gay // Photos by Ma

ents by Garry Spring

Text and Measurem

here may be some of you readers who are not very familiar with the name ZED Audio. Well, you may be much more familiar with it than you thought! ZED Audio began back in 1983, when pro audio engineer and hobbyist Steven Mantz decided to pull up roots from his home in South Africa and move to the United States to start a company specializing in the design and manufacturing of high quality audio amplifiers. Since then, ZED Audio has been responsible for some of the finest 12V equipment available, including the now legendary, original Hifonics amps (hence the connection to the unusual Greek names) as well as some really great gear for a few other companies who no longer exist.

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The ZED amplifiers for mobile use are the culmination of over 25 years of experience in the manufacture and design of audio amplifiers. The philosophies ZED Audio uses to design and build their products don’t always follow industry conventional wisdom or accepted beliefs. However, I have yet to audition one of Mr. Mantz’s products that sonically disappoint. For example, ZED Audio recommends load impedances at 4 ohms or higher, although the amps I have tested will drive 2 ohms loads quite well. They also suggest that there is little “sonic magic” in cables, a position with which I wholeheartedly agree. Anyway, while I may not completely agree with everything ZED, there is something to be said for an original thinker who’s willing to go against the grain and build such impressive high quality gear. For those of you who are familiar with the brand, you’ll be happy to know that there are new compact high efficiency models in the works, and we’re going to take a look at the largest of them, the new $695.00 Leviathan, here and now.

think the latest ZED amp was misnamed, because it’s really not all that huge in size. Measuring 17.5 inches long, 9.75 inches wide and just 2.25 inches tall, the 6 channel Leviathan isn’t much bigger than a lot of 4 channel designs. What is quite different though, is that this is a highly efficient full-range Class D design, and all 6 of the channels are rated for either 150 watts into 4 ohms, or 250 watts into 2 ohms. Now that’s a lot of power in a relatively compact chassis! And when you think about it, there are very few quality amplifiers available with this much power for anywhere near 600 bucks.

It’s a good looking amplifier, with a clear acrylic top panel that shows off the technology and build quality

ZED Audio has been responsible for some of the finest 12V e... equipment availabl This is a highly efficient full-range Class D design, and all 6 of the channels are rated for either 150 watts into 4 ohms, or 250 watts into 2 ohms.

Now that’s a lot of ly power in a relative compact chassis!”

Features According to my dictionary, Leviathan means “huge or gargantuan.” Well, at first glance you may 76

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inside. The heat sink is a classically deep finned design with horizontal fins runni ng longitudinally, and is finished in rich looki ng, dark gray brushed aluminum.

The RCA connections are high-zoot (bitch in’) gold plated panel mounts. Power and speaker connections are fairly stand ard, with the typical gold plated set screw type terminals that will accept 4 gauge power and 8 gauge speaker cables.

Designed to be configurable for virtua lly any system requirement, the ampl ifier has a dizzying array of possible confi gurations and settings, thanks to some thoughtful engineering in the front end.

For example, instead of using 2 separate amplifiers for a 4 channel system with subwoofers, the Leviathan allows you to drive the entire system with a single chassis. And thanks to dedicated crossover functions, you don’t lose any of the signa l control you would normally have with a separate sub amp. But there are many other configurations as well, for example you could drive 3 woofers by bridging the 6 channels, or you could use the ampl ifier to drive a 3-way 2 channel system, with active crossovers on all outputs. The six inputs can be driven by 3 pairs of RCA’s or you can use a traditional 4 channel input configuration and set a switch to drive the channels 5 & 6 with the available signa l.

Wide adjustment bandwidth crossovers allow you to select any frequency betw een 80Hz and 4kHz on channels 1 through 4, and another crossover setup for chan nels 5 & 6 provides a range of 40 to 240Hz, whic h is perfectly suited to woofers. To prote ct woofers from over excursion, there is also a variable frequency subsonic filter. You can also create a bandpass crossover with the simple flip of a switch! All of these cross overs are true 4th order (24dB/Oct) netw orks, and are fairly easy to understand and adjust, thanks to the logical layout used . The editorialized owner’s manual whic h was written by Steven Mantz himself, (you shou ld read it for the education factor if nothi ng else) shows at least 15 different configurat ions the amp can be utilized in!

Because this is a ZED amp, one autom atically expects above average sonic performance, and to that end, the Levia than uses high performance Burr-Brow n DAC’s in the front end.

Other unusual features of the Leviathan include individual clipping indicators for each of the six channels, and the name ZED lights up in bright blue surface moun t LED’s when the amp turns on. There is also a protection LED, as well as an end panel mounted power LED. Design Most of the previous five and six channel amplifiers I’ve seen have been relatively modest in terms of power output. This was primarily due to factors such as size and cost.

The ZED Audio Leviathan seems to have overcome these obstacles by implement ing their full range Class D design, and a cleve rly designed power supply.

The school of thought used in the Levia than (as well as the new 2 channel Krono s) is that the output section of any amplifier is simply a variable valve between the power supply and the speaker. Because of this, any power fluctuations in the supp ly will become apparent as distortion in the output. In a Class D amplifier, the outpu t is controlled by a PWM (Pulse Width Modu lated) system. The PWM amplifier utilize s a high frequency “carrier wave” which is modulated by the musical signal. This creates a series of variable width pulses, whic h in turn are amplified by the output secti on of the amplifier. This signal is sent throu gh carefully designed filters which remo ve the carrier wave and re-shape the output back to an analog waveform. To accomplish all this, you need very high quality parts that are capable of very high speed

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ZED Audio LEVIATHAN switching of high current. In the Leviathan, there are 12 power supply MOSFETS each capable of 110A of current, and a pair of 29A MOSFETS for each of the six channels.

To make sure none of those devices are ever starved for energy, there is 19,000µF of power supply capacitance, and 16,400µF of secondary capacitance. The final drive from the preamp stage to the amplification stage is done in the balanced domain to prevent noise. Also to that end, the ZED amplifiers all use a fully isolated power supply to prevent ground loops and reduce the possibility of alternator noise entering the system.

Listening As my Dad used to say, “the proof is in the pudding.” All the technology in the world isn’t worth a damn if it doesn’t sound good. Because this is the first ZED amp I’ve got my hands on in several years, and because it was a full range Class D design, I was really eager to get it hooked up in my reference system and listen to it. My reference system consists of a pair of high-end bookshelf type speakers, and a subwoofer system. Because of the unique attributes the Leviathan provided, I used channels 1 & 2 to drive my bookshelf system, and I used channels 3&4 and 5&6 bridged, each driving a 4 ohm woofer in a sealed enclosure.

I set the main speakers high pass crossover point to 80Hz, and the subwoofer channels were set to 80Hz low pass. The subsonic filter was set to 11Hz. After a quick gain matching of the sub channels, I sat down and began my listening with a true test for any amp running a full system, the Atlanta Symphony playing Introit and Kyrie from “Requiem Opus 48”. This track is an excellent test for how well an amplifier can reproduce complex choral voices and a full symphony orchestra at the same time. The Leviathan performed perfectly, and the result was a listening experience virtually indistinguishable from my studio reference amplifier. Needless to say, I was impressed! I moved on to more current but still difficult tunes like the soft passages and reverberance in the Cowboy Junkies “Trinity Sessions”. This recording was made with the band standing around a microphone in The Church of the Holy Trinity in Toronto, Canada. The recording captured the ambience of the room, and the ZED Audio Leviathan reproduced it with almost startling clarity! The process continued with me listening for any telltale signs of a Class D design, such as high frequency harshness, or added high frequency noise. I found nothing at all to complain about! In fact, the ZED Audio Leviathan sounds very much like my expensive studio reference amplifier in many respects. Which is to say, the ZED Audio amplifier is natural and realistic sounding, with plenty of power to handle dynamics and very quiet when it was supposed to be. All in all, the Zed Audio Leviathan is a really great sounding amplifier, regardless of topology.

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the layout of the PCB contributes to the overall excellent performance.

Of course the main benefit of a Class D amplifier is power efficiency, and in that regard, the ZED Audio design performs just as expected. Although no one generally quotes the efficiency of an amplifier at fractional power levels, the fact is, that’s where most of us use them. And that’s really where a design like this really shines, using about 50% less current than a traditional Class AB amp would draw at say, 10 watts per channel. As a result, the amp runs cooler, and places less of a demand on your cars charging system.

On the Bench After my listening had been completed, I connected the Leviathan to the brutally honest Cogent Audio Labs test bench, and ran my normal battery of tests and measurements. I’m happy to report the ZED Audio Leviathan exceeded its rated power at both 4 and 2 ohms, and frequency response was ruler flat from below 10Hz to over 20kHz. Signal to Noise was about average for an amplifier of this type, and crosstalk measured a very good -61dB. Distortion and noise were very low, below 0.1% at any frequency at 1 watt of power. The amplifier is well thought out, and

obtained using industry standard methods.

The following power measurements were shown +/- 0.2V) (1kHZ @ 1.0% THD+N - Battery voltages IFICATIONS MEASURED PERFORMANCE SPEC

Manufacturers Rated Power

Actual Measured Power @ 1.0% THD+N @ 14.4V Battery

150 x 6 @ 4 Ω 250 x 6 @ 2 Ω 500 x 3 @ 4 Ω

177 x 6 @ 4 Ω 275 x 6 @ 2 Ω 532 x 3 @ 4 Ω

output.

Signal to Noise Ratio referenced to 2V s) ohm 4 @ watt (1 (CEA-2006A) 4 ohm output.

Signal to Noise Ratio referenced to full Distortion at rated power Efficiency at 10W/Ch er per ch.

Maximum Efficiency at full 4 ohm pow Idle Current Input Sensitivity

Actual Measured Power @ 1.0% THD+N @ 12.6V Battery 145 x 6 @ 4 Ω 224 x 6 @ 2 Ω 439 x 3 @ 4 Ω

-68.1dBA -90.6dBA 0.017% 58.6% 70.2% 1.6A 286mV- 9.3V

s per Maximum Current @ full power 2 ohm Frequency Response (-3dB) High Pass Crossover

ch.

Low Pass Crossover Subsonic Filter Bass EQ boost

168A <10Hz – 34.7kHz 80Hz – 4kHz -24dB/Oct Linkwitz 80Hz – 4kHz -24dB/Oct Linkwitz And (Ch5&6) 40 – 240Hz -24dB/Oct Linkwitz 11Hz – 48Hz -24dB/Oct None -61.7dB @ 5kHz

Stereo Separation (Crosstalk)

Conclusion

ly because I’m this was a full range Class D amplifier, simp I’ll admit I was skeptical when I learned lly like the actua I that have only been a handful of these pretty particular about my music, and there had I not it, to ing listen after use beca list, Leviathan to that sound of. Well, I’m adding the Zed Audio Leviathan Audio Zed The think I would have been able to tell. known it was a Class D amplifier, I don’t SPL high to m syste any st almo drive to enough power sounds clean and natural, with more than has been designed by n sectio input le flexib very the and , levels! The Zed Audio amp is well made looking for a reathan a few car trunks in his day. If you are someone who has clearly been in more ops, and sounds devel it r is efficient, compact for the powe sonably priced, single chassis solution that Zed Audio Leviathan. great, you need look no further than the

www.zedaudiocorp.com

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ARC AUDIO XXD 4080 Text and Measurements by Garry Springgay // Photos by Manufacture

eems like every time you turn around these days, you hear the term “efficiency.” We’re living in an age of making everything we use more efficient, whether it’s a light bulb, a home appliance, or our cars. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that efficiency is a good thing, especially when it doesn’t come at the price of performance. If someone would have told me back in 1980, that one day I could buy a brand new car that has 400 horsepower and gets 25mpg, I would have thought they had a short circuit between the headphones. You might as well have tried to achieve time travel too! The technology available in 1980 simply wasn’t good enough. But here we are in 2010, and lo and behold, there are quite a few new cars that can do just that, or better!

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Well, efficiency is a good thing when it comes to car stereos too! And while most people are familiar with the full-power efficiency advantages that Class D amps have had in the past, this oft quoted spec is only a very small part of the efficiency equation.

What good does an amplifier that is 80% efficient at full power do when you are typically only using a small fraction of that power? What most folks don’t realize is that the vast majority of car audio enthusiasts, even those who tend to play their system a bit louder than anyone else, are seldom actually using more than 10 or 20 watts of power! And while a good Class D subwoofer amp may be 80% efficient at its full power of say 500 or 1,000 watts, it’s still only about 15-20% efficient at the volume levels it gets used at most of the time.

Here’s where the guys at Arc Audio come into the picture. Avid readers of the magazine may recall that Arc Audio had been producing some high efficiency Class G amplifiers for a couple of years now. Well, they have surpassed the efficiency even of Class G,

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with the all new XXD series of full range Class D amplifiers. And more importantly, these new amplifiers are exceptionally efficient at fractional power levels, which means they’ll draw less current, and generate less heat, all the time!

FEATURES To let me check it out for myself, Arc Audio sent over one of their brand new XXD 4080 4 channel models. The amplifier has a small footprint, measuring about 10.5” x 7” x 1.8” tall. The Arc Audio XXD 4080 is a good looking amplifier, it is covered in smooth surfaces, and rounded corners. There are no traditional “fins” on the heatsink, and the top of the amplifier is almost completely covered with a gloss black acrylic panel. In the center of the top panel, the Arc Audio logo lights up in a pale blue when the amp is powered on. Each end of the amplifier is populated with the usual connections and controls, power, speaker and a pair of 20A ATC fuses are found on one end, while panel mount style RCA

inputs, and all signal adjustments are found on the opposite end. I did note all of the wire connections use the same 2.5mm hex driver, so a single tool is all that’s required to make the connections.

Attention to little details like this simply make life in the install bay a bit happier, and I’d be remiss not to point out the Arc Audio teams efforts in that area. On the control side of things, there are fully independent crossovers for front and rear channels, with the high pass section having a range of adjustment from 65Hz to 250Hz, and the low pass filter range is a bit wider, in this case from 50 to 250Hz. Each set of channels also has a three position Bass Boost switch, labeled 0, +6, and +12dB. There is also a blue power-on LED on this same end panel.

Inside, there are built-in under and over voltage protection circuits, as well as protection for thermal and short circuit conditions.

LISTENING As usual, before I do any bench testing, I connect the amplifier to my reference system, and “take it for a spin.” In this case, I connected the front channels to my reference speaker system, and used the rear channels in bridged configuration to drive a 4 ohm subwoofer. After messing around with the crossover points and getting

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ARC AUDIO XXD 4080 the gain controls dialed in, I began this listening session with some jazz. “Jazz in the Pawnshop” is a brilliant recording, made live in a jazz club in Stockholm Sweden in 1976. The music is not only superbly played, but the ambience of the club is also evident in each of the tracks. It takes an amplifier with very good sonics to be able to replicate the atmosphere of that performance, and the XXD 4080 did it almost perfectly. The amp has very

good musicality, and I noticed a distinct lack of the stridence and hardness I have found in some other, less refined Class D designs.

Shifting musical gears, I played “Ride of the Valkyries” by the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. This recording was done in a large venue, and the sound is very balanced, with high energy strings brass and cymbals. Listening to the Arc Audio amplifier I could indeed perceive the space and height of the venue,

TECHNICAL DATA (1kHZ @ 1.0% obtained using industry standard methods.

The following power measurements were THD+N - Battery voltages shown +/- 0.2V) CIFICATIONS MEASURED PERFORMANCE SPE

Manufacturers Rated Power 80 x 4 @ 4 Ω 120 x 4 @ 2 Ω 200 x 2 @ 4 Ω

Measured Power Actual Measured Power Actual 1.0% THD+N @ @ 1.0% THD+N V Battery 14.4 @ y ter @ 12.6V Bat 57 x 4 @ 4 Ω 86 x 4 @ 2 Ω 176 x 2 @ 4 Ω

output.

Signal to Noise Ratio referenced to 2V s) ohm 4 @ watt (1 6A) -200 (CEA output.

Signal to Noise Ratio referenced to full THD+N at rated 4 ohm power power per channel CEA-2006A rated 4 ohm Power (minimum width) band o developed over the entire intended audi er per ch.

Maximum Efficiency at full 2 ohm pow Idle Current Input Sensitivity

st rated Maximum Current @ full power, lowe Frequency Response (-3dB)

227 x 2 @ 4 Ω -77.1dBA -94.9dBA >1.0% 65 watts @ 20Hz 71% 1.1A 196mV- 3.9V

impedance

High Pass Crossover Low Pass Crossover Bass EQ boost 82

76 x 4 @ 4 Ω 109 x 4 @ 2 Ω

42.3A 10Hz – 47kHz 50Hz – 250Hz -12dB/Oct 65Hz – 250Hz -12dB/Oct +6 / +12dB Level boost.

No specific frequency

and the brass was smooth and strong, but never biting. So far, I’m liking the sonics of this amp! The next track was “Perfect Love” which is my favorite from Marc Cohn’s self titled CD. Very well recorded acoustic guitar sounded real and natural, and the amp is good enough for me to distinguish Marc’s Taylor guitar from a Takamine.

Wanna rock? So does the XXD 4080! I’m a huge fan of classic rock music, and I have a large collection of fantastic stuff from The Who, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and many others. Regardless of what I played, the Arc Audio amp was up to the task, only complaining slightly when I really pusheo hard. After several hours of enjoyable listening, I came away quite impressed with the sonic performance of this diminutive amplifier, especially at the reasonable $320 0 U..) price point.

PERFORMANCE/BENCH MEASUREMENTS As usual, the next stop was the test bench, where I connected the amplifier to the various pieces of test gear and load bank. The testing was relatively uneventful and produced results that bespoke to what I had heard previously. Power is within an inaudible 0.4dB of the rated spec, and the S/N ratio, which has been a problem spec for many Class D designs, was very competitive at -77.1dBA at 2 volts.

I did note a couple of unusual features during testing that are worth mentioning here… not because they are good or bad, burebecause they’re different. The first unusual thing I noted was that when I put the amp in low pass mode, there was an automatic increase in output by about 6dB. I understand how this happens internally, but it’s usually compensated for, so the response remains flat. When I asked Brad at Arc Audio about it, he told me it was indeed intentional, because most people usually apply more gain on their subwoofer channels anyway, and this simply did it for them.

Of course you can still adjust the gain of the channels with the gain pot if you’re really anal about these things. The second thing I noticed was the “Bass Boost” switch is really simply just additional gain across the entire bandwidth of the low pass crossover, and it only operates when the amp is in low pass mode. Brad also confirmed that thio

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was as intended, and correctly pointed out that most remote level controls do exactly the same thing. My only concern is the overall amount of gain available when the channels are in low pass mode, you can almost drive this thing into clipping by breathing hard on the inputs!

One cool feature I didn’t know about until I did my measurements is an 18Hz subsonic filter that is automatically engaged when the amp is used in low pass mode. This simplt yet thoughtfulld integrated feature can prevent woofer damage, and reduce unnecessary current draw.

We began this review talking about efficiency, and fractional power efficiency in particular. Here’s where the XXD 4080 really shines. Where a conventional Class AB amplifier has an efficiency of about 10-15% at 10 watts of output, the XXD 4080 is over 63% efficient at 10 watts per channel! What does this mean in real world terms? Look at it like this, if the conventional amp drew 12 amps of current at 10 watts x 4, (very typical) the XXD 4080 only drew about 4.5A! Less load on your cars charging system, less voltage drop over the cables, and less energy lost to heat. It’s a win, win, win!

CANADA

Conclusion

we are going to have to listen to in If this amplifier is representative of what look bright indeed. With an affordable the future, I’m happy to report that things ncy gains like this, the days of the efficie price, very good sonics, and everyday And unlike lossy MP3’s, this techclassic Class AB amplifier may be numbered. quality and musical experiences nology doesn’t ask us to give up the sound can do this… Hmmm, I wonder our favorite recordings can provide. If we ht to time travel… if anyone at Arc Audio has given some thoug

www.arcaudio.com

CANADA

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Hertz HSK 165XL Text by Garry Springgay // Photos by Manufacturer

rom the municipality of Potenza Picena, Italy, the music lov at Elettromedia were kin ers enough to send me a pa d ir their Hi-Energy compon of ent speakers. If you don’t rec nize the Elettromedia na ogme they are the parent comp , such highly regarded bra any of Hertz and Audison. The nds as sp system they sent for my eaker is the top of the line pro perusal du their Hi-Energy series, an ct in at $699.00, oriented tow d priced ard value conscious audioph s I have enjoyed some pre iles. vio perience with Hertz louds us exand I’ve always come aw peakers, ally impressed, so I was ay generforward to playing with looking this “best of the series” system.

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Hardware and Components The speakers arrived in good condition thanks to a well-designed carton that holds everything securely in place, and in the interest of the planet, is 100% recyclable to boot! Included in the carton is pretty much everything you’ll need to install the system in a variety of applications, including four different types of tweeter mounting configurations.

Whether you need to flush mount or surface mount the tweeters, the included hardware will have you covered. The grilles for the 6.5-inch mids are a 3 piece design, there is a black ABS plate that mounts behind the driver, and is used to retain a black perforated metal cover. Or you can just use the silver colored “kick protector” grille for a different cosmetic look that mimics the tweeter, or for even more options, you can use both together. Seems like a lot of options for parts that generally get relegated to a box under the installers workbench. Does anyone use grilles anymore? The drivers used in this system are very well constructed pieces that would be at home in a good home system.

Woofer/Midranges Rated at 150 watts continuous, the 6.5inch midrange/woofer driver uses a cast aluminum basket that mounts in a 5.75-inch hole. The driver is 3 inches deep, and

has 4 mounting screws 90 degrees apart. Each component of the midrange is designed with high performance in mind. For example, in an effort to minimize rear wave interference, the basket uses three sturdy “spokes” instead of the usual four or more and has an aerodynamic shape to the spider landing. The basket also incorporates a vented bottom plate, and a radial venting system to improve heat dissipation. Other thoughtful performance enhancements include an oversize magnet structure and a 1.2-inch copper clad aluminum voice coil, wound on a low mass Kapton former.

The cone is also unusual in its design Hertz calls a V-cone. Constructed of pressed damped mesh fibers, it has a special shape said to improve off-axis dispersion and high frequency detail. The cone is attached to the basket via a 3.5-inch linear Nomex spider below, and on top by a butyl rubber surround. A deep V-shaped dustcap completes the V-cone design. The wire terminals are the usual push on spades and because they are very solidly mounted, won’t cause concerns of terminal breakage when connecting them.

Interestingly, the speakers require female spade connectors, but neither wire, nor any connectors came in my system. This can be a pain for the doit-yourselfer, who may not have these connectors in the home toolbox (but for 700 bucks, I at least expect connectors!).

PERFORMANCE AUTO & SOUND – WWW.PASMAG.COM

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Tweeters The tweeter used in the Hertz HSK 165XL system is also specialized for the application.

Utilizing a 1.1-inch Tetolon fiber dome, neodymium magnets, and a back damping chamber, the Hertz tweeter has an over surround waveguide type grille aperture, said to result in a “diffused off-axis dispersion.” The tweeter comes with about 8 inches of wire already soldered to the terminals.

Crossovers Crossover networks for the system are housed in nicely finished enclosures that have an easy to remove, but secure top cover.

Mounting screw locations are inside, for a more finished appearance when installed, and the crossover housings use a really nice tactile “rubber” sort of finish with a silver contrasting plastic. Inside, there are -12dB low pass and high pass filters for the mid and tweeter. The tweeters use a crossover point of about 2.5kHz, which is good to know if you intend to use the system in an all active crossover application. Iron core inductors are oriented to prevent magnetic crosstalk, and polyester capacitors are used in the tweeters filter. The resistors for tweeter attenuation and mid alignment are mounted high off the PCB for maximum cooling and reliability. Speaker and amp connection terminals are Phillips head screws with a captured square washer underneath.

Tweeter level control is accomplished by selecting one of three terminals, +2dB, 0dB or -2dB. Listening After a short break-in period, armed with a selection of my favorite CD’s, I sat down to listen to this high performance system in my dedicated listening room. Regular readers of my speaker evaluations will recall that I prefer to do my listening in a very quiet room with controlled acoustics, so my listening expe-

Conclusion

system, with an uncoma very excellent competent Generally speaking, this is tly. I liked the sonics of the l tonality when set up correc mon smoothness and natura eter twe s output, and sat on larly when I increased the Hertz components, particu cation, and doesn’t object plifi am handle high power axis to them. The system will to sound great. While not doesn’t need a lot of power e as to being played loud, but also heard systems costing twic around 700 bucks, I have e valu d goo an inexpensive system at a red side still con sound twice as good, so it’s for tem much that certainly didn’t sys r ake spe any of should evaluate the sound in my book! As always, you acks. n your hard-earned greenb dow yourself, before plunking

colored by all the variables riences and opinions are not a vehicle. With the system in encountered when listening the the tweeters connected to mounted in the baffles and l” erfu ond Diana Krall’s, “S’W 0dB positions, I began with e.” This is a very good Lov of k Loo e “Th from the CD l the speakers re-create track for evaluating how wel for getting a feel for the her fantastic vocals, and also first thing I noticed, was The e. recreation of a sound stag midrange sounded! The tim how warm and natural the was ing ord rec bience in the bre of her voice, and the am Dire Straits stellar “Brothers to ng tchi Swi . ent plainly evid e Across the River.” Again, in Arms” CD, I played “Rid oth warmth and natural the Hertz system had a smo the range definition! I thought timbre, and very good mid I so e, tast my polite side for tweeters were a bit on the end top the and ing, B sett increased the level to the +2d sizzle I expected from and ail det the of re mo then had s output is strong and Bas k.

Mark Knopfler’s guitar wor n and impressive clarity. smooth with good definitio about 3 hours, which I listened to the system for am enjoying myself, so the only happens when I really d pretty darn good to me. speakers obviously sounde k, Jazz, Classical, or Rap, Whether I played Pop, Roc roduced the music as rep the Hertz system simply can ask of a great speaker intended, which is all you tz proficient systems, the Her system. Unlike some less s ent stm adju e ton any HSK 165XL’s did not require res or when making large gen l sica mu ng tchi swi n whe get them rocking for a did I changes in volume. And ugh to not be able to speak while, at volumes high eno complaints at all. My over, and the system had no m was while the mids are only relatively minor criticis the tweeters to be fairly quite good off axis, I found subdued when I got bit diffused and more than a I’d suggest mounting . side the 30 to 45 degrees to axis as possible with the tweeters as high and onappreciate their high this system, to be able to fully Hertz confirmed this, end capabilities. A chat with the tweeters in the ing as they recommend mount possible for best as axis on cars A pillars, and as performance.

On The Bench e, I moved the system After my listening was don uency response freq ran into my speaker lab and curves. No big surplots as well as impedance just like it sounded, prises, the system measured of a bump down low nice and smooth, with a bit of the sound came h” which is where the “warmt fer resonance at woo a from. My system showed ll impedance rise sma r the ano just over 70Hz, and the resonance point of at about 1500Hz, no doubt . the tuned chamber tweeter

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Hertz 11.11 v3.indd 3

09/12/09 4:12 PM

E L I B O M A G E V CERWIN 40.4 Stealth 4 Text and Measurements by

Garry Springgay // Photos

by Manufacturer

he “dedicated to 12 volt” group of folks at Cerwin-Vega Mobile recently dropped off a new toy for me to have a look at. When the name Cerwin-Vega comes up, most of us think huge monster woofers, and multi kilowatt amplifiers, so what they brought me came as a surprise. The amplifier that company president and certified car nut Mike Morris handed me was, in a word, small. Not exactly what I expected from a company that has a reputation for being loud, proud and in your face.

T

Mr. Morris informed me that this was a new amplifier from their soon to be released Stealth Series of amplifiers, and would be joined in the lineup by a 220 watt, two channel model and a 500 watt monoblock. He went on to explain that while the company’s philosophy hasn’t changed, the expectations and requirements of the average customer have, and the Stealth Series of products are meant to fit the needs of the modern enthusiast by reducing size without compromising the performance.

To accomplish this, the Stealth amplifiers utilize the very latest in full range Class D technology. But, before the amps could be released, they had to undergo extensive and time consuming tweaking and listening tests before they were considered good enough to earn the Cerwin-Vega Mobile badge.

FEATURES The amplifier I got for evaluation is the new four channel Stealth 440.4, and it’s rated at 65 x 4 at 4 ohms, or 110 x 4 at 2 ohms. It has fully independent front and rear crossovers, and bridgeable stereo channels, so it could readily be used to drive a subwoofer system and a pair of components. Bridged power is rated at 220 watts at 4 ohms.

In a departure from their other products, this amplifier does indeed use full range Class D as its 86

topology. Because of the high power efficiency of the Class D design, the amplifier can have a much smaller heatsink for a given amount of power. And this amp is indeed small, measuring 10.5” long (including terminals) by 7” wide and only 1.75” tall.

On one end of the amplifier you’ll find the power and speaker connections. These are fully insulated set screw type designs, with 3.0 and 2.5mm hex head set screws. The power connectors will accommodate 4 gauge cables, and you can run up to 8 gauge speaker cables. A pair of 20A ATC style fuses plug into chassis mounted sockets. The other end of the amplifier is all about signal connection and control. The RCA connectors are rugged looking nickel plated panel mounts, and they’re color coded for quick Left/Right identification. Gain is adjusted using a single pot for each pair of channels. The crossover section is identical for front and rear channels, and includes separate pots for high pass and low pass, each with an adjustment range from 50 to 250Hz. Bass equalization is included for all four channels, with the “Vega Bass” control adjustable from 0 to +12dB of boost at 45Hz. A small blue power LED rounds out the features on this end of the amp. When he brought the amplifier to me, Mr. Morris mentioned that part of the “tweaking” process was ensuring that the gain

The new Stealth Series of products are meant to fit the needs of the modern enthusiast by reducing size without compromising the performance... As it turned out, I was right about the amp being very efficient! pots tracked evenly left to right at all positions, and that the crossover filters were indeed true 12dB Butterworth alignments.

LISTENING I connected the diminutive Stealth amp into my reference system, and drove my subwoofer with the rear channels and my reference speakers with

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11/12/09 11:03 AM

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the fronts. I like to use this test configuration on four channel amps because it will usually show any weaknesses in the amplifiers power supply. When an amp with a single power supply for all four channels is tested like this and asked to deliver high current to the woofer load, if its internal power supply isn’t stout enough it can cause audible distortion in the front channels when the bass hits. After getting the crossovers set to 50Hz high pass on the front channels, and 80Hz low pass on the bridged rears, I sat down to do some listening.

Given the small footprint and relatively light weight (it only weighs about 4.5 pounds) my expectations were only, shall we say, moderate. Beginning with an audiophile recording of some of Manhattan Transfers biggest hits, I was pleased with the musicality and natural sound produced by the Stealth 440.4. Some full range Class D amplifiers I have auditioned have tended to add a bit of “bite” or harshness to horn sections, and occasionally they tend to be a bit sibilant especially with female vocals, and cymbals. None of that was found in the Cerwin-Vega Mobile amp, which added some credence to Mr. Morris’ comments about the tweaking they’d done. Moving on to some rock tunes from Rush, Deep Purple, Pink Floyd and Supertramp, I noted the amps ability to produce tight, controlled bass while still providing a nice articulate top end from the front channels. Pushing the volume higher, I eventually reached the amplifiers limits, but at volume levels much greater than I had expected when I began testing.

The general sonic performance of the amp was good, with a level of transparency generally uncommon to the topology. I drove the amp pretty hard on all kinds of music for a couple of hours and the heatsink was barely warm to the touch, indicating the amp did indeed have exceptional efficiency. My only minor niggle was the incredibly bright blue power LED. It’s so bright, it’s almost distracting, but that will be of no consequence when the amp is in your trunk!

ENT RANGE CROSSOVER ADJUSTM

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E L I B O M A G E V N I W CER Stealth 440.4 ds.

TECHNICAL DATA g industry standard metho rements were obtained usin The following power measu V) tery voltages shown +/- 0.2 (1kHZ @ 1.0% THD+N - Bat NCE SPECIFICATIONS MEASURED PERFORMA

Manufacturers Rated Power

Actual Measured Power @ 1.0% THD+N @ 12.6V Battery

65 x 4 @ 4 Ω 110 x 4 @ 2 Ω 220 x 2 @ 4 Ω

Actual Measured Power @ 1.0% THD+N @ 14.4V Battery

57 x 4 @ 4 Ω 85 x 4 @ 2 Ω 171 x 2 @ 4 Ω

erenced to 2V output.

Signal to Noise Ratio ref ohms) (CEA-2006A) (1 watt @ 4 erenced to full output.

Signal to Noise Ratio ref er THD+N at rated 4 ohm pow per channel Power (minimum power CEA-2006A rated 4 ohm ) idth dw intended audio ban developed over the entire 2 ohm power per ch.

Maximum Efficiency at full Idle Current Input Sensitivity nce power, lowest rated impeda Maximum Current @ full dB) Frequency Response (-3 High Pass Crossover Low Pass Crossover Bass EQ boost

76 x 4 @ 4 Ω 111 x 4 @ 2 Ω 222 x 2 @ 4 Ω -78.5dBA -97.3dBA 0.04%

67 watts @ 20Hz 71% 1.2A 198mV- 4.3V 43.2A 10Hz – 47kHz 50Hz – 250Hz -12dB/Oct 50Hz – 250Hz -12dB/Oct Bass EQ boost

CROSSTALK

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BASS EQ

Conclusion

PERFORMANCE/BENCH MEASUREMENTS After the listening was concluded, the amp was moved into the electronics lab and its performance data carefully measured. The amplifier either met or exceeded all of the specifications provided in the owner’s manual.

As it turned out, I was right about the amp being very efficient. Where a conventional 4 channel Class AB amplifier will struggle to be even 25% efficient at 10 watts of power per channel, the Stealth 440.4 was a very impressive 62%! And full power efficiency was good

Cerwin Vega 11.11 v2.indd 4

too, at 78% when driven into 4 ohms. The amp is quiet too, with a signal to noise ratio of over -78dBA at 2 volts of output, or over 97dBA referenced to full power.

Frequency response was flat as well, within 1.0dB from 20Hz to over 20kHz. And just for giggles I checked on the left to right gain tracking as well as the crossover slopes Mr. Morris had mentioned… they had indeed paid attention to it. The difference between left and right channels was within an inaudible 0.5dB at any gain setting, and the crossovers were indeed true -12dB/Oct filters.

arded the CerwinThere was a time when I reg of “brute-force” type Vega Mobile products as sort place with a lot of a of gear, which definitely has of this new Stealth ent adv enthusiasts. But with the are capable they ven pro has y series, the compan tech, good sounding of turning out some really high been thinking about a products as well. If you’ve can be hidden away small footprint amplifier that and sounds good, ent, easily, draws very little curr and check out ler, dea ile Mob find a Cerwin-Vega rs. these new Stealth amplifie

.com

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11/12/09 11:06 AM

PHOENIX GOLD “THE ONE” Text and Measurements by Garry Springgay // Photos by Manufacturer

n late September of 2009, the Phoenix Gold car audio brand was acquired

by AAMP of America. Phoenix Gold was founded in 1988 as a designer and manufacturer of audio cables and accessories for home and car use. As the market for quality mobile amplifiers expanded in 1990, Phoenix Gold developed some now legendary amplifiers, and rose to unprecedented levels of success. By the end of that decade, the company enjoyed an excellent reputation based on the quality and performance of its products. They were known for their “special edition” amplifiers, which were only available in limited quantities.

Time passed, and the focus of the parent company turned to home audio and custom home installation products, and the car audio products languished.

I

With the acquisition of the brand by AAMP of America, there are solid plans in place to restore the brand to its previous high end status and stature.

To accomplish this, a dedicated team of highly experienced people are focused on the Phoenix Gold car audio line, and one of the results of that focus is sitting here in front of me right now.

On my bench is an all new, flagship power amplifier known simply as “The One”. The Class D monoblock monster amp I received is still in final development, but if this fully functioning prototype is any indication, people are going to be talking about Phoenix Gold a lot!

Measuring 36” long, 11” wide, and 3” tall, and weighing in at almost 50 pounds, the amp reminds me of some of the other limited edition trunk busting Phoenix Gold amps of 20 years ago.

Except that there was never one with this kind of jaw dropping power!

Final power ratings are still being worked out, but I can tell you that this is easily one of the most powerful amplifiers I’ve measured in a long time.

FEATURES: “The One” is designed to be a high-end, limited edition, competition oriented amplifier, and also the most powerful Phoenix Gold amplifier ever built. And, 90

, you need them all for ground. And believe me in pete com you If ls! goa e ands of this beast. it achieves all of thos to handle the current dem you in with d igne des was amp other connection the SPL wars, this A remote-on lead is the only d to operate igne des ply sup er pow a g mind. Usin on this end of the amp. voltages, (16 volts) plifier is for signal at higher than normal supply The opposite end of the am purpose in mind, find the usual ’ll you re “The One” is built with one input and control. The unts of power to ents, with gain, stm adju and s delivering mind-numbing amo trol selection of con s! coil e voic m war very be to able frequency -24dB a bunch of soon variable bass boost, a vari extruded is er plifi am the of ssis low pass crossover The cha subsonic filter, adjustable eived was rec I pe toty pro the and a variable phase , and aluminum (also with -24dB slopes) dized brushed aluano k blac amplifier, nice a the in of de hed finis control. On the undersi er cosmetics, much air over the flow to d use minum. I can’t speak to oth is a 60mm box fan elopdev in ly ear too was ple like you’d need it, because my sam output sections’ filtering. And logos. My or ging bad l fina any e switch to allow the ment to hav there is also a Master/Slave l packaging or fina ude incl not did nsters together! mo also sample connection of two of these on those either. nt me com ’t can I and a pair of so ts l, inpu nua a ma You have the usual RCA completely dedial set of RCA ition add an One end of the amplifier is and s, paralleled output e ssiv ma the of g din fee and slave amplifier. Dual cated to the care outputs specifically for the than less no are re The . tion sec found on this power supply speaker connections are also and three itive pos for e thre s, inal six 1/0 term

PERFORMANCE AUTO & SOUND – WWW.PASMAG.COM

Phoenix Gold 11.11.indd 2

09/12/09 4:28 PM

TECHNICAL DATA g industry standard rements were obtained usin The following power measu +/- 0.2V) +N - Battery voltages shown methods. (1kHZ @ 1.0% THD NS NCE SPECIFICATIO MEASURED PERFORMA

Manufacturers Rated Power e Not available at press tim e Not available at press tim e tim Not available at press

r Actual Measured Powe @ 1.0% THD+N @ 12.6V Battery 1734 x 1 @ 4 Ω 3246 x 1 @ 2 Ω 5768 x 1 @ 1 Ω

ept 10 gauge wire. end of the amp, and will acc ion, and a remote level LED’s for power and protect the features on the out control connection round p. control end of the am TECHNICAL: “The One”, and even I took the bottom cover off at was a prototype, though the amp I was looking any of the usual out with it looked finished inside, the prototype of t par n ofte s kluges and jumper n PCB’s basically divided process. There are two mai output sections, and the into the power supply and per for the traces. boards use thick 3 ounce cop mounted parts, while ace Daughter boards use surf rance through-hole the main PCB’s carry low tole ply uses a total of thirtycomponents. The power sup Ts, each capable of six IRF 1405 power MOSFE

r Actual Measured Powe N D+ TH % @ 1.0 @ 14.4V Battery

r Actual Measured Powe N D+ @ 1.0% TH @ 16.0V Battery

2245 x 1 @ 4 Ω 4201 x 1 @ 2 Ω 7602 x 1 @ 1 Ω

2793 x 1 @ 4 Ω 5266 x 1 @ 2 Ω 9419 x 1 @ 1 Ω

e most This is easily oneeorsf th I’ve powerful amplifi e... P eople m ti g n lo a in d re u s a e m talking about are going to be lo Phoenix Gold a t! current. Output devices switching over 70 amps of 40F’s, and there are 24N FDA are excellent Fairchild ! No wonder this amp no less than thirty-two of them is 3 feet long! (plural, because The power supply toroids rgy from seventeen ene there are 6 of them!) draw ply the output sup and , 3300µF 20V capacitors V caps to 200 F 00µ 188 r -fou sections’ twenty

reserve of 43,200uF. create a secondary energy l sorted, although The layout seems fairly wel les that provide the the heavy-duty 8 gauge cab ctly over the output output signal are routed dire rade the signal deg devices. Normally, this will this much power with but to noise performance, be a problem. The fan on tap, that’s not going to sorted, and cooling could be a bit better

SPONSE

SUBSONIC FILTER RE MAX FLAT RESPONSE

ENT RANGE CROSSOVER ADJUSTM

Phoenix Gold 11.11.indd 3

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09/12/09 4:28 PM

The waiT is over AsiA’s top performer is now AvAilAble in north AmericA The mosT advanced remoTe sTarT / alarm Technology available TFT lcd Full color TransmiTTer wiTh easy To use scroll down menus excepTional TelecommunicaTions provide The very besT range and immediaTe response Time

PHOENIX GOLD “THE ONE” Signal to Noise Ratio referenced to 2V output.

(CEA-2006A) (1 watt @ 4 ohms) Signal to Noise Ratio referenced to full output.

THD+N at rated power Maximum Efficiency at full 2 ohm power per ch.

Idle Current Input Sensitivity Maximum Current @ full power, lowest rated impedance Frequency Response (-3dB) Subsonic Filter Low Pass Crossover Bass EQ boost Phase Adjustment (degrees of shift @ 20Hz)

-55.0dBA -88.7dBA n/a 87.3% 6.0A 202mV- 5.7V 709A 12Hz – 250Hz 10-50Hz @ -24dB/Oct 35Hz – 250Hz @ -24dB/Oct +10.5dB @ 35Hz 96°

number one in perFormance, reliabiliTy, and cusTomer saTisFacTion

tion models. My it probably will be in produc in the underside air sample has to try to suck ” of clearance 1/8 ut abo of the amp, with only on carpet, ed unt mo it’s if to the floor, and air. I suppose it’s not going to draw much spacers would be an mounting the amp on ½” easy fix however.

LISTENING the main purpose Okay, let’s get real here… to listen to music of this amplifier is not really ning volumes us at the normal 90-110db liste is designed to play amp reviewer types use. This excuses for that. no es mak it extremely loud, and listenable amplifier, But sonically, it’s still a very woofers to dissipate providing you have enough that can be generated the huge amounts of power me. Or, you can just by simply turning up the volu my approach. was ch whi be very, very careful, r as a daily lifie amp this with In terms of living

sible, you are going driver, while it’s certainly pos l system to handle trica to need a beefed up elec type of amp simply this that s the current demand output alternator, must have. I’d suggest a high current batteries at and a matched pair of high sical signals certainly minimum. While normal mu test tones do, it is ent do not draw the huge curr for 500-600 amp look to amp still possible for this it at all. king wor ’re you if bursts of current CH PERFORMANCE/BEN MEASUREMENTS le, I simply conWithout final specs availab ch and ran the ben test my to nected the amp design, in addition to numbers. To be fair to the tests, I also measured the usual 12.6V and 14.4V a big part of the is power at 16.0V since that power to spare, has g thin design. And man, this power into a 4 re mo kes ma It ! at any impedance ers do at 1 ohm, and ohm load than most amplifi

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Phoenix Gold 11.11.indd 4

09/12/09 4:29 PM

The One is built with one purpose in mind, delivering mind-numbing amounts of power to a bunch of soon to be very warm voice coils... Maximum power at 1 ohm at 16 volts was a ridiculous 9,419 watts! it’s because of amplifiers like this that I had to spend 20 grand on an 900 ampere power supply and 16 kilowatt load bank. Maximum power at 1 ohm at 16 volts was a ridiculous 9,419 watts!

If you do the math, that means the amps output to the speaker load was over 90 amperes, and over 90 volts. Be careful kids, this thing can hurt you if you’re not careful! And, if you haven’t figured it out yet, wiring your woofers with 16 gauge cable isn’t gonna cut it this time!

All of the controls and functions performed as intended, and the crossovers and subsonic filters worked as advertised. The bass boost is a little unusual, with a low “Q” curve that allows a significant amount of boost across a fairly wide band of frequencies. As I expected, signal to noise wasn’t exactly spectacular, but really, with an amp like this, who cares?

Slamming sound demands slamming power – and sometimes that means mounting an auxiliary battery into an impossibly tight spot.

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Conclusion “The One” is made for those of us who simply want enormous amounts of power, whether you are a serious SPL competitor or you simply want to be the loudest guy in your town. This level of performance doesn’t come cheap however, as this amp will set you back a cool $5999.99, and that’s before you buy the charging system upgrades and heavy duty cables. But, if this prototype is any indication of where the new Phoenix Gold is heading, car audio enthusiasts could be in for some very interesting times. With promises of several “surprise products” coming from Phoenix Gold in early 2010, I’m definitely going to be keeping my eye on what’s going on over there!

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An age old theory describes the human ear struggling to hear the difference between amplifiers of equivalent power. Anyone believing this myth has obviously not auditioned Soundstream Reference amplifiers.

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IN CANADA CONTACT

AutoMobility TEL: 514-745-8030 / TOLL FREE: 1-888-55-START (7-8278) Distribution

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SOUNDSTREAM TECHNOLOGIES . MONTEBELLO . CALIFORNIA . USA

www.soundstream.com

12/11/2009 4:54:05 PM

A pair of Garrett GT-25s were plumbed in

by Evolution Racewerks who made everything from scratch. Go figure, there are no offthe-shelf parts for this car. An AEM dry filter hauls in the air and the fuel is mixed in with a Precision Turbo 444cc injectors regulated by an AEM FPR fed by a Walbro 190 lph pump.

The air is chilled with a Yonaka intercooler and is vented by a Turbo XS BOV while the exhaust gases are channelled through an AC Autotechnic exhaust with a dual titanium tip.

The engine is managed by AEM’s FIC module and was tuned by Church Automotive.

Running on 5psi of boost, the V6 churns out an estimated 400whp on a high compression motor. Those figures are without the NX direct port system that Sunny installed. Since the car was not designed to put down this kind of high horse power jam, Sunny added a ClutchMasters Stage II clutch.

Since the power of a twin turbo system was more than enough for a front wheel drive car, Sunny was also after a project that could carve corners. The attention turned to the suspension where D2 adjustable coilovers were fitted to the project. A set of Progress sways bars were added to reduce roll and a DC Sports strut bar ties the chassis up. A set of Ingalls camber arms were added to achieve the right stance.

A proper connection to the ground was vital,

so Sunny opted for a set of BFGoodrich g-Force KDWs wrapped around PIAA Super Rozza staggered wheels with 19x8.5 inch fronts and 19x9.5-inch rears in super black. The stopping power came in the form of a Wilwood big brake kit that had to be customized to fit since there was no application for an Accord.

From the exterior, the car is difficult to identify as an Accord. An AIT Racing body kit was added that consists of a front and rear bumper and sideskirts, but the AIT treatment didn’t stop there.

Sunny installed an AIT Racing carbon fiber hood, carbon fiber roof and roof spoiler. A Grillcraft upper and lower grille was added to give the front end a more aggressive look along with DEPO HID headlights and rear LED tails.

The doors were also fitted with a Verticals Doors kit before M1 Autobody shot the whole project in House of Kolors candy black cherry paint.

Sunny wanted the cabin to be a place that showed off his style but at the same time was functional. The entire interior was recovered in full Katzin two-tone leather and suede.

An Ignited Performance switch panel was added in addition to an engine

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Metro

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stry, CA. A load of me Image in City of Indu re Xt by of re ca n ke ta ries headunit. s The sound and video wa Soundstream VIR 5000-se a th wi g tin ar st d lle ta re ins Soundstream products we

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Metro Auto offers courses in the installation of auto sound, auto security and cellular components and in enclosure design & custom fabrication.

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HOMESTUDY PROGRAMS AVAILABLE WWW.METROHOMESTUDY.COM 22/07/09 10/12/09 5:05 4:11 PM

“Sunny” Suravarapu Owner: Suneil of Industry, CA Location: City nd a Accord Ho 04 20 : Vehicle ENGINE

Honda 3.2L V6

TIONS ENGINE MODIFICA on fibre/titanium

Neuspeed short shifter Clifford alarm system pedals Hayame carbon fibre tches / buttons Ignited Performance swi

AC Autotechnic carb tip exhaust regulator AEM FIC, fuel filter and fuel rs filte dry AEM system Evolution Racewerks turbo Garrett Turbo GT-25 x2 Hose Techniques hoses Innovative motor mounts sensors NGK spark plugs and O2syst em Nitrous Express nitrousfuel injectors cc Precision Turbo 440 hoses Russell Performance braided Turbo XS BOV p Walbro 190 LPH fuel pumrcoo ler Yonaka Motorsports inte 30 ies AMSOIL Signature Ser Oil0W100% Synthetic Motor

ENT ENGINE MANAGEM tune for 5psi Church Automotive of boost

SUSPENSION

Motivation

A pair of Garrett GT-25s were plumbed in by Evolution Racewerks who made everyth ing from scratch. Go figure, there are no off-the -shelf parts for this car. An AEM dry filter hauls in the air and the fuel is mixed in with a Precision Turbo 444 cc injectors regulated by an AEM FPR fed by a 190 lph pump.

DC Sports front sway barrs D2 Racing Sport coilove(provided by Progress rear sway bar Corsport) kit Ingalls front and rear camber

BRAKES WHEELS, TIRES,stag gered wheels

PIAA Super Rozza super black (19x8.5-inch 19x9.5-inch) BFGoodirch g-Force T/A KDW e kit Wilwood custom big brakcros s drilled Autoaccessorystore.com rotors

EXTERIOR

Auto body Paint and body work by M1 kit y bod ing Rac AIT diffuser AIT Racing carbon fibre rear AIT Racing carbon fibre roof vented hood AIT Racing carbon fibre CorSport window deflectors Autoaccessorystore.com carbon fibre door pillars headlights DEPO JDM black housing DEPO rear LED taillights rt Grillcraft upper front inse k cherry House of Kolors candy blac Ignited Performance HIDs Vertical Doors kit

INTERIOR

Katzkin 2-tone full interior o timer, AC Autotechnic gauges, turb and fan controller er ATI dash mount gauge hold Beltronics RX75 Plus Beltronics Vector FX1

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The Essentials

switch. An ATI triple gauge pod was custom molded into the dash by Nexson at V6p.net with AC Autotechnic gauges: oil pressure, AFR and boost to keep tabs on the twin turbo Honda.

The sound and video was taken care of by Xtreme Image in City of Industry, CA. A load of rockin’ Soundstream products were installed starting with a Soundstream VIR 5000-series headunit. The bass lines are belted out of a pair of Soundstream Tarantula 10-inch subs in custom suede and fiberglass/painted enclosure and a total of three Tarantula amps.

Soundstream Tarantula components speakers were placed throughout the cabin to handle the mids and highs. A pair of 7-inch Soundstream LCD screens have been placed in the trunk to relay video and entertainment. All of the wiring, fuses and distribution blocks are by Tsunami and the whole system is lit up by an Optima Red Top battery.

Sunny’s one-of-a-kind Accord (which he dubbed “KWKEMRT” on his license plate due to his Indian heritage) has been around for a long while, displayed and winning at many HINs, SEMAs and even Nisei week. We have to hand it to Sunny for being original and continuing to reinvent his project until he got inked in our magazine.

DIA AUDIO & MULTIME eo in City of

Xtreme Image Ster Industry, CA Soundstream Productsa Soundstream Tarantul 10-inch subs x2 itors x2 Soundstream 7-inch mon s x3 Soundstream Tarantulaa amp ponent Soundstream Tarantul Com speakers dunit Soundstream VIR 5000 hea essor Soundstream Digital proction Tsunami Battery distribu Tsunami fuse blocks inals Tsunami Battery term battery Tsunami Competition r wire Tsunami RCA / speake Metra dash kit

SPONSORS

AEM AIT Racing Autoaccessorystore.com Auto Tech Interiors AMSOIL Beltronics BFGoodrich Church Automotive Testing Clutch Masters CorSport DC Sports DEPO D2 Racing sports Edelbrock Evolution Racewerks Garrett by Honeywell Grillcraft Hose Techniques House of Kolors Ignited Performance Innovative Mounts Katzkin Leather Meguiar’s M1 Auto body Neuspeed Nexson @ V6p.net NGK Nitrous Express Optima Batteries PIAA Precision Turbo Russell Performance Tsunami Thermo-Tec Tsunami Xtreme Image Vertical Doors Walbro Yonaka Motorsports

PERFORMANCE AUTO & SOUND – WWW.PASMAG.COM

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x o b s s a b s by John nkew // Photo

Text by Dave Pa

Jackson

and future ess consumers goal was to impr e Th led proee wh e master is th with this four rom student to dents at events stu owcase sh ly nt c at Acousti t more importa mantra repeated motional tool, bu s to nt m de Hu stu is eir th like tential of th Edge, and projects the skills and po st ple sim e th nals. f of that. From industry professio the build mer H2 are proo rate audio more criteria for bo few ela a to re ow we -h e er Th following t of wiring know rs ou empowe were diligent ab c Edge Institute elf and students its no modito concepts, Acousti le d litt An the impossible.

The team wanted . ild es bu lin to ide s nt gu lue. e de th their stu showtain its resale va by that in rolling e vehicle to main e th liv to rs on cto ati ing fic tru yth ins the e ever fore you. to be able to tak e Hummer H2 be They also wanted r Hummer cases such as th we ne d a te in lec r se he s initially sily and put it eit ea t ou The Hummer wa otorization m gh e l enou as a display. Th big and powerfu on a rolling cart or be combecause it was to d r ha ile free, the wires c Edge show tra le sti ub ou tro Ac be e th to d ul d ha to ha events all, it had to soun try to enthusiast ted and most of os gh y tel ple around the coun ss! . Well, liver pounding ba for presentations amazing and de and high schools to find out just ts ge ge y Ed c inl sti rta that it ce spoke with Acou e W that and the fact system coned im shed all this. The stic Edge crew cla w they accompli ho noticed! The Acou fit together at st th he s erglass section s by far the toug fib wa ht er eig m of m ts Hu e sis th te. by students to da build preformed

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PERFORMANCE AUTO & SOUND â&#x20AC;&#x201C; WWW.PASMAG.COM

Acoustic Edge Hummer 11.11 v3.indd 2

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like a puzzle to properly allow the motorization to work. The top section houses six woofers, which moves into the back seat section and stops just behind the front seats. The rear fill speakers flip up and out the back from their housings. These speaker positions are what make it sound really great from the outside.

The subwoofer section and amp rack start moving at the same time and when the subwoofer section clears the midranges, they flip up and out. All of this is done using only 1 actuator (featuring a 1,500 lb unit with 24-inches of travel). The system is now over 4 years old and still works flawlessly, so the original design has proven itself durable and rock solid.

Acoustic Edge selected all of the audio equipment from Memphis Car Audio, known for the brandsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; popular sound fidelity and reliability.

After four years of showing it off, this 152dBmeasured system has yet to even blow a woofer, making it a true testament to both the equipment and the installers.

The team started with a Soundstream VIR7100N DVD Navigation unit feeding Soundstream LCD screens in the headrests and doors. All of the signals are directed to a Memphis Car Audio EQP4 for tuning. The basslines are driven by six Memphis Car Audio 16-MCD500 mono amps, feeding half a dozen Memphis Car Audio 15-MS104 10-inch subwoofers in an elaborate vented enclosure. The highs and mids are handled by four Memphis Car Audio 16-MCA150 amps driving a trio of 15-MSYNC6 component sets and a pair of 15-MSYNC8 as rear fill. The entire system is wired with Memphis Car Audio gear including power, speaker, fuses and distribution blocks with five Optima Yellow Top batteries juicing it all.

T AUDIO ASSAsUeLction and amp rack startcmleoavrsing

rs oofer sectionis done -w The sub-woofe b u s e th n e h e and w All of this avel). at the same tismthen, they flip up and out. 4 nches of tr the midrange ctuator, 1500 lb unit with 2 -i using only 1 a

g odilue. g er tion omnd

just m congether

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The Essentials

ic Edge Owner: Acoustto n, TX us Ho n: Locatio H2 Vehicle: 2003 Hummer ENGINE

10-inch DUB Big Homie 8-lug 24x/35 R24 Pirelli Scorpion Zero 305

MEDIA AUDIO & MULTIfer rack

Motorized subwoo Motorized amp rack akers Motorized rear-fill spe0N DVD headunit Soundstream VIR-710LCD screens Soundstream VHR78 equalizer Memphis Audio EQP4 D500 mono amps x6 Memphis Audio 16-MC104 10-inch subwoofers x6 Memphis Audio 15-MS A150 amps x4 Memphis Audio 16-MCYNC6 components x6 Memphis Audio 15-MS YNC8 rear fill x2 Memphis Audio 15-MS fuses and distribution blocks Memphis Audio wiring,eries x5 Optima Yellow Top batt

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HOUSE OF BOOM The basslines are driven by six Memphis 16-MCD500 mono amps, feeding a half dozen Memphis Audio 15-MS104 10-inch subwoofers in an elaborate vented enclosure. The highs and mids are handled by a four Memphis 16-MCA150 amps driving a trio of the Memphis Audio 15-MSYNC6 component sets and a pair of 15-MSYNC8 as rear fill.

Acoustic Edge wants to give credit where itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s due. The overall concept and look when choosing colors and LED lights was the duty of Damon Hill. The man who engineered the acoustic, mechanical and structural properties was Engineer, Roger Hill. The Project Manager responsible for ordering all materials and keeping the project on schedule was John Burgess. Former Acoustic Edge student,

Robert Hohenstein was the Lead Installer of the project and worked with fellow installers Joshua Davis and Will Crow. Finally, current student Dominic Seymore helped with the install during his free time away from his business DS2 Auto Sound. Acoustic Edge would also like to thank Memphis Car Audio (John Linn) and Soundstream for their continued support and knowledge which made this project a reality.

PERFORMANCE AUTO & SOUND â&#x20AC;&#x201C; WWW.PASMAG.COM

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08/12/09 5:20 PM

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Canadas Team Rip Rock..Ex t2 World Champs

Canadas Team All-T American Champ ech Jessica Street Street North

Text by George Dimitriadis Jamie Floyd and Jorgen // Photos by George Dimitriadis, Lawaetz

he weekend of October 2, 2009 marked the 12th Annual dB Drag Rac ing World Finals.

This weekend also marked a milestone for me; my 10th World Finals attendance. The first three were as a World Finals fina list with my team and the latter seven have been with Performance Auto & Sound Magazine; the ONLY publica tion to stand the test of time and support the sport to this day on a National and International level.

Finals this year was run sim ultaneously on three separate continents and location s; Hamburg Germany, Tulsa Oklahoma and Brazil. For the past 9 years I’ve attended world finals on North Americ an soil and this year I thought I’d branch out. With that bein g said we booked a flight for good ol’ Hamburg German y. Thanks to the efforts of Detlef Hagel who is the Hea d of dB Drag in Germany we arranged to have the publica tion in attendance and to see first hand what World Finals is all about overseas.

Over the last nine years I’ve had a chance to experience finals through the eyes of competitors and spectators and I can tell you that the competitors on the other side of the Atlantic have the same hunger, passion and drive to compet e. The weekend of finals was a long one and I do em phasize LONG. With no less than 12hr days from Friday-Sunday, each day was filled with A LOT of Red Bul l and fast food runs. This weekend I had a chance to see the intensity and drive from all competitors whethe r they were from Germany, Belgium, Austria, Italy or Gre ece just to name a few countries. Of course you can say I’m somewhat partial to a certain group of com petitors; lets just say it’s a “Greek thing”.

The weekend was filled with a host of things to do from checking out vendor alle y and seeing some of

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Brazils Head Judges Psy

Detlef Hagel along with all

Shocker resenting

of Hamburg Germany Rep

PERFORMANCE AUTO & SOUND – WWW.PASMAG.COM

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the coolest gear to hearing some of the craziest demo don’t know what you’re mis vehicles ever built. sing until you see them up close and in person. On Nor In Hamburg there was an Astr th American soil Soundstrea o van demoing some of m sponsored the competitor par Kickers finest gear with a tota ty which was the place to l of 24 12inch woofers and be for competitors and particip not one but TWO WARHORSE ants alike. amplifiers. Now if that’s not On the competition front the enough power to blow you re was an unprecedentaway then ed quadruple run to determ I don’t know what is. On the ine the Street Max European other side of the pond you Champion. Both competitor had Tommy “King of Bass” s in the finale belted out an McKinnie demoing his Isuz u incredible 165.7db in the pick up all weekend long in first run, they then had five the Incriminator Audio booth. minutes to charge and get For those that don’t know, Tom ready for the second tie my was the previous Bass breaking run which once aga Race 159.9 World Champion. in resulted in a 165.7db Of course he has since tie. Once again an addition hung up his crown and is sitti al five minutes where given ng back enjoying his retireto charge and get ready at ment, or at least that’s wha which point they once aga t he’s told everyone! in belted out an astonishing Along with the companies 165.7db. This sort of thing mentioned above Finals is is unh eard of and had every sing made possible with the help le person in the arena on and support of many oththeir feet and by the compet ers. In Hamburg you had ALP ition lanes. With the fourth INE, Ground Zero, Kicker, run about to take place peo Cactus Sounds, ZAPCO and ple where wondering wha SPL Dynamics to name t was going to happen. Tha a few. In Tulsa there was Kin t being said Team Ground etik, dB Drive, Digital DeZero – VS Audio once aga signs and Memphis to nam in belted out a 165.7db the e a few, while in Brazil the n re came time for Cactus Sou was Shocker, Banda, Taramp nds to run and after three s and Hinor to name a few pre viou s runs he was able to squ that came out and represe eeze out an incredible nted.

165.8db clinching the win Now you know the old saying and thus going on to win his all work and no play 5th World Championship. is not a good thing, so taking care of the fun aspect on In the Extreme 2 category Hamburg soil was the com there was a fierce battle petitor party on Friday nigh t; between Team SGK of Ger full of Germany’s finest lage many and Team Rip Rock r along with the Sexy Car from Canada. In the end, Washes that were taken plac twins from Canada won e all weekend. Having only the ir first ever World Champions seen these car washes in pho hip with an incredible tos it’s safe to say that you 180.8db. Speaking of extr eme classes and the

Sexy Car Wash

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Street A World Champs Tea

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Team Crossfire Represe

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Vasilis Georgoulias read

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of Michael “Big This year was also the year r eve t firs the e coming in second r am Afte bec . d Oki” Mueller in bass race 180db club, Team Lou .2 in Ex180 with r he won the rier yea bar last ls the fina ak place at the world Europeans to bre ays been the alw the 150-159.9 in has s hip clas ons mpi boy Cha big ld coveted Wor treme 1. The of tle bat the was year the pleasure of bass race category. I’ve had Extreme 5+ class and this r. cke Sho m Tea Hal icle in person and I hearing and seeing this veh titans with Craig Butler and on out ing com Hal s put up big numwith doe Team Greece can tell you that not only These two battled it out oing dem ked .1. wic 181 nds ig’s sou Cra also to bers in the lanes, it top with a 181.6 a battle of titans The Super Street category had to crazy metal tunes. defending it was time once rs yea last with s clas 1-2 With the weekend at an end in the SS J. M& ils Dev dB with white north. t out again to head back to the grea champs Team TVE battling it in res figu SPL h World Finals of 10t my eard I can honestly say that Both teams produced unh ed out etch ils ever had.

Dev I’ve t dB bes end the the of in attendance was one the upper 169s but .9. All Street making 169 in of re lved sco a invo e with ryon .7 eve 169 Congrats to TVE’s score of le batt ard to est forw I look the bigg Finals happen worldwide and classes were hard fought but m dly Tea frien own a ’ t ece Jus e.

Gre seeing what 2010 has in stor raged in Street A which saw hip ons mpi Cha rn! ld retu Wor the the for piece of advice… lookout Powermusic – Psichas take competitor Team Bass Race 140-149.9batt ing a new World Record ling it out with a shattering 159.5 sett Rokakis-Kalamiotis ller Mue Oki in the process.

Big l hae Mic mp nting ...

King of Bass on Display

dB Drag World Finals 11.11 v4.indd 4

Bass Race World Cha -159.9 run and his Championship 150

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pson

s by Eric Sim nkew // Photo

Text by Dave Pa

ild a gizing began to bu ters and the strate ar al qu nu ad an he e th usiast some necks at pes of car enth that would snap le uld hic wo ve pig here are two ty a ine t gu onics Show. The who likes to go fas e Consumer Electr in the scene, one re car with all of th Su a . er, fly k uis loo Cr to FJ s ta nt yo wa To o 08 wh e 20 k for. a on as d be er an winning onics could ev space that Cartr stab at both but d a e an FJ al tak ck pe at th ap bla d few ar there’s a as your stand ry different truck started out rs races are two ve e ke ing Th ar m nn wi ke d -li an on s show roof and carto cks, one style ite tru wh to y es irk m qu co e it th ck en with ey would sti animals. But wh big! m decided that th dscape – going and tails. The tea at much more th th dominates the lan a wi ild Pioneer to bu ck theme but go for bla e e th tim e th m wi ent offca it When ild upon the inher ucts and ey would also bu owcase their prod Th sh it. to of much le it e hic ak ve m o dem ed to their of the FJ and ier line, they turn ad characteristics ro out by d rte , sta sa Ro ey a Th their upscale Prem . Based in Sant on any terrain. ics ble on pa rtr ca Ca e er or m rtn long-time pa to Pioneer’s in close proximity CA the shop was

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ct supplied the proje hue Racing who na Do g tin ac to nt rs co rear fende , flared front and with a Baja hood n was lifted with sio en sp su e y kit. Th form a wide-bod turing coilovers Chaos system, fea the help of a Total ks. Everything lin let shocks and bil ss pa by ple tri d an etal paint to d in sinister gunm was powder-coate the steep hills, To haul the FJ up s a perfect finish. gnaflow stainles bump with a Ma the power got a e. ak N Typhoon int exhaust and a K& ls, which rned to the whee tu n tio The atten sion. A set of es pr im an e to mak were guaranteed we ls re bead-lock whee 17x8-inch OMF

PERFORMANCE AUTO & SOUND – WWW.PASMAG.COM

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T AUDIO ASSAUL

00SPL power 2 1 D r ie m re P r The Pionee om fiberglass rea t s u c o t in t e s amps were f the cargo a o e id s r e h it er e n enclosures o aquarium window into the inn with the same amp. The subs are Pioneer’s workings of the 3001-D4 12-inch subs and Pro Series TS-Wext to the power amps in an would reside n mimics the FJ Cruiser dash. ricated for a stom tray was fab enclosure that removed and a cu etik HC2400!

Kin hed outers. d of monster? A e th gleaming polis monster. What kin was made on th ck ra added in black wi 17 ss 5x gla 2. er x1 fib 34 d an on F wn MD do nd p nd m co cla A se ent for a seco The bead-locks are ready engine compartm R mudders that other side of the y inch Goodyear MT ad was re Visually, the truck rted Kinetik HC2400. for any obstacle. d Pioneer team sta from the es ns se e th the Cartronics an on en ult Th rted sa sta as e ey th Th t t. bu to roll audio produc ning. ing selections for er m was only begin ak ne m ste Pio sy e ia fiv for ed of im ht ed ult aig ist m was headed str plifiers that cons le am e hic th ve l th e ne wi th an “Knowing s are in 2-ch nted the S units. The A900 e build, we wa th PR r ier pillar te af nt em g Pr fro in e th dg . nning IASCA ju , Dan Berry mode and are ru !” states builder rs AD ive DE dr ss ise ba no idr m interio rior components, the the entire inte s. nt ed ne ov po m m re co e lar “W ever y and the rear pil dash. I mean wired one per including the ” g. ’in at The D1200s are m na Dy . re fo be e ec aximum wattage single pi s subwoofer for m metal skin wa w t ne e ee th sh se e ca tir ow en The mat “We wanted to sh e layers of Dyna t crowding the covered in thre s or do e amplifiers withou th d an tch ha e th apart the ile Extreme, wh . “We then took ers to prevent ace.” says Berry lay sp l o tal tw amps in ins d 00 re A9 ve at were co three of the cks of Dynam ing gate and sunk s. A total of 14 pa ing ge en sw hin ev e it th k er on too aft s stres mat’ed again minum rack. We e truck was Dyna amps e into a custom alu th off tes pla e were used and th rther by pulling th fu d. p lai s ste e , wa on g las rin all of the wi y under Plexig ds of casing the circuitr olved having loa ow inv e sh d as amps r an ph g we rin po wi The laid down.

The D1200SPL ge speaker wire inated by LEDs.” either au m -g on illu s 12 re M su HP clo er en ing Sting 0-gauge head stom fiberglass M cu HP o int er t ing se St re m is we me aquariu The Power wire A second run of area with the sa Farad capacitor. side of the cargo n the amp. The tio of bu s tri into a Stinger 30 ing dis rk e into the inner wo oval heads to th M ow HP nd wi er -D4 12ing St er e 0-gaug Series TS-W3001 4-gauge Sting are Pioneer’s Pro are in turn fed by bs ps ps in su am am r e Th we m s. po fro ck e blo stom-made side next to th . The RCAs are cu sh. The inch subs and re da er uis Cr t FJ en HPM power wire e m re that mimics th e exact measure th su to clo en ds ed to lea an od -c M2 Stinger HP thed and color ise. Driving re was then smoo extra length or no su no clo g en nin ea m d require mp alternator the vehicle. a Mechman 225A match the rest of ry was all of the juice is tte ba ck sto e Th power wire. feeding 0-gauge

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PERFORMANCE AUTO & SOUND – WWW.PASMAG.COM

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and painted d e p p a r w m o t The cus lay all of p is d o t t u o s e tray slid ouch of t e h t t a r a e g ’s Pioneer n... In the o t t u b d e t n u o a dash m VD-W7900 7-inch LCD ioneer A rglass enclosure.

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osen nts made d from the rear The speakers ch rear C-pillar mou gle was measure an d an ce tan dis nted into custom e ou Th m ty. flush mount re ali a we qu for s d e nt un so RS rear compone housing was mad 0P ss 52 gla -C er ’ TS fib a er s, ne re mounted an ‘FJ 5.25-inch Pio In the front door id-bass drivers we oured to shape. m nt h co inc d 5er an 6. ne ss RS Pio gla from fiber k 5.25-inch Pioneer TS-C720P g part was to sin m grills. After the proper e most challengin th y, and billet aluminu all urs were spent on Fin ho lit. ss ck tle ba un d Co an w. las vie xig e th Ple structing logo was cut into Pillars without ob . it eakers into the Aging and imaging sta te ra cu TS-C520PRS sp This motorized un ac tray in the dash. kers to provide ea ies sp or e apped ss es ce wr th ac m of e t sto th placemen vers. The cu ovation with er Cartronics inn six passive crosso oth all the d an of s an All wa dio n. ra up tto xt bu HD Ne sh mounted ule, GEX-P10 the touch of a da : XM Traffic mod at er Hne ar DE ge Pio ’s a ier er es em ne us Pr ho y all of Pio with a Pioneer d slides out to displa it up front along in a color-matche and painted tray neer AVIC-Z2 un Pio e th 7-inch LCD sits by 00 79 ted W tra Des AV ch or er . e ne ds ar Pio po ies a accessor in fiberglass the rear console monitors also sit ess the sound. In e neer AVD-W7900 Pio P800PRS to proc al ilt. For Pioneer, th ion bu dit ing ad be s, ll re. In the door d the cts like this sti an oje pr rry e Be r se Fo to t s. ea er fiberglass enclosu inds of consum d function, it is gr m e an th m on for this d of of an nd br ct A true ble putting a proje sion to keep the tion the pride of make an impres en , m ple to t sim no s s, wa ht e objectiv the bragging rig , it was all about team at Cartronics er. Bravo! magnitude togeth

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THE ESSENTIALS

OWNER: PIONEER ELECTR LOCATION: SAN DIEGO, CA ONICS VEHICLE: 2008 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER WHEELS & TIRES

OMF 17x8-inch bead-lock wheels Goodyear MTR 34x12.5x17-inch mudders

EXTERIOR Donahue Racing Baja hood Donahue Racing widebody Total Chaos lift kit & suspension

AUDIO & MULTIMEDIA

Pioneer Premier A900 2-channel amps x3 Pioneer Premier D1200SPL mono amps x2 Pioneer Pro Series TS-W3001-D4 12-inc h subs x2 Pioneer Premier TS-C520PRS 5.25-inch rear components x2 Pioneer Premier TS-C720PRS 6.5-inch mids in doors Pioneer Premier TS-C520PRS speakers in A-Pillars Pioneer XM Traffic module Pioneer GEX-P10 HD radio Pioneer passive crossovers x6 Pioneer AVIC-Z2 LCD Pioneer Premier DEH-P800PRS Pioneer 7-inch LCD AVD-W7900 x5 Triple Dynamat application Stinger HPM 12 gauge speaker wire Stinger HPM 0-gauge power wire Stinger distribution blocks Stinger 30 Farad capacitor Stinger HPM2 custom RCAs Mechman 225Amp alternator Kinetik HC2400 batteries x2

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11/12/09 10:45 AM

G I BTIME // Photos Text by Dave Pankew

n rolling large and othing is better tha wheel of a custom in charge behind the n. You might not tow luxury SUV around itely go fast, but you can defin want to get anywhere p culPo . r entourage with you in style and bring you alade Esc ac to believe the Cadill ture might lead you re the t tha e for be ’ SUVs, but is the epitome of ballin evy Ch the – wn cro t wore the was another player tha en be s ha r ge en ass ve 7-p Suburban. This massi t! It didn’t s if you can believe tha 30 the ce sin d un aro late the iliar shape until start taking a more fam ls, the tai de the kick it about 1960s. If you want to it gets all so n, rba bu skinned Su Escalade is just a reze. al that started the cra the credit as the origin

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ics.com)

w.vibrantphotograph

by Chioke Brown (ww

s after rs of Danville, VA wa Owner Herbert Walte ving Ha l. bil the Suburban fit an SUV and the 2007 gle Ea an th wi ng import thi previously done the and w after some comfort no s wa he i Talon TS und to focus this build aro space. His idea was g kin tal t tem. We’re not jus a custom sound sys res, su clo en d nte bass from ve copious amounts of rise me so ing gg ba worthy of but a refined sound ards. ous Sound Quality aw ating the subwoofer cre to me ca it n he “W to t a lot of time trying en sp I enclosure I wanted, ing ch tou h d to entrust wit figure out who I wante ows “I attended many sh rs. lte Wa d my truck,” sai t Bu s. ion lat tal ins t differen and had seen tons of

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nothing really caught my eye until I saw a few Kyle Buckner Designs vehicles at an event. Buckner’s attention to detail is amazing, unlike anything I have ever seen. There was no doubt as to who I’d trust and I ended up with an install even better than I had expected.”

Kyle Buckner (www.kylebucknerdesigns.com) is a talented installer who has been responsible for a number of mind blowing installs and has even been entrusted by JL Audio to build some of their top notch demo vehicles. But before the Suburban went to Kyle Buckner Designs in Danville, VA it received a bit of a makeover.

First up were some new rims and we’re not talking about some run-of-the-mill 22s you find on everyday Suburbans. Oh no! Walters opted for a monster set of Asanti AF131 wheels in a shocking 26x10-inch size. The massive rollers were wrapped in Kumho Ecsta STX 305/30R26 V-speed rated tires

AUDIO ASSAULT

The sub amps are pair of JL Audio 500.1 monos Driving JL Audio W3V3 12-inch subs in a sealed enclosure. The mids and highs are delegated to a JL Audio 300.4 4-channel pushing signals to two pairs of MB Quart 6.5-inch reference components.

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all around. The lower stance was achieved with McGaughy’s lowering spindles and shock mounts and the exterior also received Eagle Eye Euro HIDs, a T-Rex grille and the body panels were color-matched by Harvey’s Collision Center in Chatham, VA. Inside, several pieces were completely redesigned but engineered to retain OEM-like style and quality at the same time. The car was taken to Buckners father’s shop, Sounds

JL Audio Suburban 11.11.indd 4

Unlimited in Danville, VA where it would be transformed. The seats were pulled and reupholstered with a distinctive alligator print insert and the headliner and door cards were upgraded to suede material. The audio and multimedia assault then began and Buckner describes the entire experience best.

“I have been doing custom car audio installations for about six years now and I absolutely love it. When I start a car audio installation,

13/10/09 AM 07/12/09 10:09 4:20 PM

OFFICE SPACE

The car was taken to , Buckner’s father’s shop ille, nv Da Sounds Unlimited in VA where it would be were transformed. The seats with pulled and reupholstered and an alligator print insert rds the headliner and door ca were done in suede. at the shop for days, I hardly ever sleep. I’ll stay of energy drinks. The working straight, going off Suburban last few days of this project to meet the deadline.”

I worked a solid 38 hours Pioneer AVHis The head unit selected a lth of JL Audio wea the ate P6800DVD to orchestr amps are a pair of JL and MB Quart gear. The sub io W3V3 12-inch subs Audio 500.1 driving JL Aud mids and highs are in a sealed enclosure. The .4 4-channel pushing delegated to a JL Audio 300 rt 6.5-inch reference Qua MB signals to two pairs of nects, fuses and 0ga components. All of the intercon as well providing clean power leads are by JL Audio 17-inch flip down rear sound and power. A single drest monitors provide monitor and four 9-inch hea Playstation and DVD oard onb ample screens for the . video capabilities ber one art school in “I’m now attending the num “I’m majoring in Sculpthe nation,” says Buckner. just about anything ture and find myself enjoying gs from furniture thin y enjo along the lines of art. I res, and drawings that design, wall murals, sculptu I love designing things involve creativity because and bringing ideas to life.” rly falls under that We think this Suburban clea Buckner couldn’t e aus category of rolling art bec be more right.

The Essentials

t Walters Owner: Herberill e, VA nv Da n: tio ca Lo y ev Ch 07 20 : le Vehic Suburban WHEELS & TIRES inch Asanti AF131 26x10-

Kumho Ecsta STX 305/30R26

INTERIOR

Alligator seat inserts r cars Suede: headliner & doo

DIA AUDIO / MULTIME DVD

Pioneer AVH-P6800 x2 JL Audio 500.1 mono subs x2 JL Audio W3V3 12-inchnel amps JL Audio 300.4 4-chan rence components MB Quart 6.5-inch refes JL Audio wiring & fuse monitor 17-inch flip down rear s x4 9-inch headrest monitor Playstation

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ROLLIN’ DEEP

Walters opted for these monster Asanti AF131 wheels in a shocking 26x10-inch size. The massive rollers were cloaked in Kumho Ecsta STX 305/30R26 V-speed rated tires all around.

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WORLD FINALS Text by Mark Pereira // Photos by USACi

OCTOBER 3, 2009 TULSA CONVENTION CENTER TULSA, OK

he United States Autosound Competition International (USACi) Finals event invaded Tulsa, OK with some of the loudest cars on earth. Dedicated USACi car audio competitors came together from far and wide to compete in various classes ranging from pure raw volume to sound quality. Competition events included USACI SQ, Outlaw SPL, Street Beat, Local Competitor classes, dB Drag Racing and Bass Race.

In addition, the thousands in attendance enjoyed the nonstop entertainment on stage including the always popular Kinetik Audio Swimsuit Competition and Slick Chix Oil Wrestling presented by Kinetik Audio. Supportive sponsors and vendors include Kinetik Audio, Soundstream, Cactus Sounds, Memphis Audio, JBL, Pioneer Electronics, BatCap, dB Drive, Digital Designs, XS Power, Incriminator Audio, Merlon Audio, and Metra Audio. For full results visit www.usaci.org

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g

n i n i a r t l a c i n Mobile tech

G N I Z E E U Q S IN SOME

! ! !

M BOO saya ff J.P. Alexis, Ma xis Photos by Cli xt by Cliff J.P. Ale

tor Torres

M. Alexis and Vic

Te

W

ith many sports and compact cars today the task of creating high quality aftermarket sound can be difficult. One of the biggest problems is trying to capture high quality low frequencies without losing the already limited space in these type of cars. Who says you can’t have both “room and boom.” This article will provide instruction on how to create and integrate a custom fiberglass enclosure for a subwoofer in a popular compact car (2006 Scion tC in this project). The skills shown here were learned through Mobile Technical Training. This type of project is intended for someone with basic wrapping/fiberglass knowledge. Enjoy!

before

Materials • 3M Fiberglass/All Purpose • Resin • Fiberglass Matte • MEKP( hardener) • 3M Painters Tape • 3/4-inch MDF Wood

• Black Speaker Box Carpet • Lightweight Filler (BONDO) • 3M Adhesive Spray • Jigsaw • Respirator/ mask • Gloves

Hardware: Kicker 10-inch CompVR Subwoofer 1

Step 1

after

124

Prep the entire area (interior/exterior) of the trunk where you want to fiberglass.

Using painter’s tape, tape past area you wish to fiberglass. Using plastic in conjunction, can add extra protection for the interior of your car. Using ¾-inch MDF and a jigsaw, carefully cut out a base for the custom enclosure.

PERFORMANCE AUTO & SOUND – WWW.PASMAG.COM

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ng

!

3 2

Step 3

Allow a final curing over night. If needed, a heat gun may be used to speed up curing time.

Remember to use extra caution when using a heat gun!

4

Step 2

Mix the resin and MEKP with a ratio of 100 to 2 (resin to MEKP). If mixed correctly, working time should be 25 minutes. Break up fiber matte into pieces of approx. 5x5 inches with varying thickness.

One coat of just resin is to be applied to tape and MDF followed by 3-4 layers of fiber matte. Allow curing between each layer of fiber matte applied.

Be sure to use proper eye, hand and breathing protection in this step.

5

Step 4

Remove base and back of the enclosure. Due to fiberglass curing, it may take excessive force to remove it, so feel free to really pull on it. If you followed the proper prepping (taping) instructions in step one correctly, no damage should occur to the vehicle interior. Simply remove excess tape off the backing of the fiberglass.

6

Step 6

Using the jigsaw and ¾-inch MDF, create a mounting ring according to your hardware specifications (for us, it was a 9 ¼-inch diameter for the 10-inch Kicker subwoofer) and use a 4x2-inch piece of wood to create the desired angle and height for the hardware.

Step 5

Trim off any excess fiberglass that is outside of your desired shape with a jigsaw. Be sure to use proper eye and breathing protection.

7

8

Step 7

Spray adhesive on the edges of the fiberglass backing and base areas. Using black carpet as forming material, stretch it for the desired shape.

To maintain shape, simply staple the carpet to the MDF base as well as mounting the ring on the inner ring side (see picture).

Step 8

Apply 2-3 coats of resin to the forming material. Use the same guidelines as in step 2. Allow it all to fully cure.

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g in in a r t l a ic n h c e t e il Mob 9

Step 9

Apply 1 layer of fiber matte to the forming material. Using the same guidelines as Step 2 and 8. Allow it to fully cure.

12

10

Step 10

Cut out a hole for the speaker/subwoofer and remove all the wood used to hold its shape during curing. Only the mounting ring should be left.

11

Step 11

Apply one layer of fiber matte inside enclosure. This is most important in areas where resin may not have penetrated through to other side of the forming material.

13

Step 12

Sand the enclosure down to a nice smooth and dull finish. We plan to wrap it in black carpet, so 40-80 grit sanding is sufficient. If your final wrapping is less forgiving, 200-400 grit should be used.

MTT Tech 11.11 v3.indd 4

Step 13

Apply a layer of lightweight filler (aka Bondo) to smooth out any light imperfections. The apply and sand the lightweight filler in sections. The filler is much easier to work with when semi-dry.

09/12/09 4:38 PM

g

15 14

Step 15

Install and enjoy!

step 14

Using 3M adhesive, (highest strength recommended, medium strength pictured) spray the entire enclosure and back of the carpet with 2 coats. Allow it to become tacky. Using proper wrapping techniques, stretch the carpet over the custom built enclosure. Cut out a hole for the speaker, then just wire and mount the speaker.

source

MTT Tech 11.11 v3.indd 5

mobile technical training 460 US Highway 46 West South Hackendack, NJ (201) 329-9000 www.mobiletechtraining.com

09/12/09 4:39 PM

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, CA

Oct 11, 2009

Text by Dave Pankew // Photos by Mark Weber

GT

Finals

lmost as soon as the start lights flickered off to begin the 2009 World Challenge GT Finale, the yellow flags came out and the pace car was deployed, so that workers could remove Dino Crescentini’s No. 4 StopTech/GMG Porsche 911 GT3 from the sand in Turn Three. On the ensuing lap five restart, second-starting James Sofronas in the No. 14 StopTech/ GMG Porsche 911 GT3 was sandwiched between the No. 10 Applied Computer Solutions/Sun Microsystems Ford Mustang GT of Davis and the No. 3 Applied Computer Solutions Ford Mustang Cobra of Boris Said. Sofronas was not keen on spending any more time between the teammates, and made his move to the inside of Davis in Turn Two to take the lead on lap six. The pass earned Sofronas the AutoWeek Move of the Race Award.

From there, Sofronas, of Newport Beach, CA, never looked back capturing his second SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Championship Presented by Toyo Tires win of the season, taking the checkered flag at the Applied Computer Solutions Monterey Sports Car Championship Presented by Bondurant. Sofronas’ victory handed the SPEED World Challenge GT Manufacturers’ Championship Presented by RACER Magazine to Porsche.

Randy Pobst, of Gainesville, GA, and Eric Curran, of Easthampton, MA, completed the podium at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Finishing fourth, Brandon Davis, of Huntington Beach, CA, claimed his first World Challenge GT Championship.

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2010 schedule Date Venue

With

Mar. 26 - 28 April 16 - 18 May 21 - 23 July 2-4 July 17 - 18 Aug. 6-8 Sept.

10 - 12

IRL

Streets of St. Petersburg * // St. Petersburg, Fla Streets of Long Beach // Long Beach, Calif.

Mosport International Raceway * // Bowmanville, Ont. (Canada) Watkins Glen International // Watkins Glen, N.Y Streets of Toronto // Toronto, Ont. (Canada) Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course * // Lexington, Ohio Virginia International Raceway * // Alton, Va.

IRL

Touring Car

Headliner

Pierre Kleinubing, of Coconut Creek, FL, led Sunday’s Applied Computer Solutions Monterey Sports Car Championships Presented by Bondurant from start-to-finish and captured his fifth SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Presented by Toyo Tires Championship.

Teammate Peter Cunningham, of Milwaukee, WI, and James Clay, of Blacksburg, VA, completed the podium at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

Kleinubing started his No. 42 Acura/RealTime/ Red Line Acura TSX on the pole, and knew he had to win if he was to have a chance to secure

IRL IRL IRL Headliner

* - Doubleheader One more date to complete the 2010 SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge schedule will be announced shortly. Go to www.world-challenge.com for more news on the series.

Speed World Challenge 11.11 v4.indd 3

the Drivers’ Championship and the Manufacturers’ Championship Presented by RACER Magazine for Acura. He did just that, taking the lead on the standing start and leading every lap to secure his second win of 2009, the 29th of his career.

Kleinubing tied Cunningham and Michael Galati in securing his fifth World Challenge Championship - all of Kleinubing’s have come in the Touring Car class while Cunningham and Galati have won in multiple categories. Kleinubing finished with 973 points to Jason Saini’s 960 while defending Champion Cunningham finished third, with 921.

09/12/09 9:47 AM

Auto Club Speedway, Fontana, CA

Series FinalE ound #8, the series finale of the 2009 Redline Time Attack Series was held at the famed Auto Club Speedway on the high speed ROVAL configuration. This configuration features two very different parts. The first part utilizes the entire front straight away, part of the back straightaway, and the high banked turns #1 & #2 of the NASCAR oval. This provided some of the highest top speeds we have seen all season with top Unlimited cars reaching north of 180mph. To contradict that, the rest of the course is comprised of flat, low, and mid-speed corners so as you can imagine, setting up a car to perform well on both of these very different parts of the track is a nightmare.

This event had one of the largest showings of competitors all year long. Being that this was the final event of the season virtually every top team from the East and West coast showed up for a battle that

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Text by Mike Bonanni // Pho

would be sure to excite the fans. Sierra Sierra was out for blood after having a taste of victory earlier in the week beating out FXMD’s seemingly un-beatable NSX at the 2009 Super Lap Battle Finals. AMS Performance has already locked in the 2009 Unlimited AWD points championship but you wouldn’t know it as they pulled out all of the tricks to get another win. Brian Lock and the GoTo Racing/Dell Equallogic R35 GTR, a new addition to the goliath Unlimited AWD class, sure turned some heads as it screamed down the front straight as well. Like his team-mates AMS Performance, Ryan Gates and the Gates311. com Evo X had already secured the Modified AWD points champion, but following in the footsteps of his title sponsor, AMS, he also showed no mercy, but he would have a stacked field with every top team in Modified AWD on his heels. JC Meynet, James Elterman, Sharif Abdelbaset, and even Deiter Heinz in

the C-Spec Tuning Evo (formerly MFQ Motorsports) showed up to have a go at Gates and his blazing fast Evo X. The Street West championship was interrupted by the 2009 Street Class East champions as they came out to mix it up on the left coast in a chance to win the 2009 Yokohama Shootout. GT Motoring, Turn In Concepts, and Windspeed Racing put up their best against Jeremy Toye, Manly Kao, and many of the other West Coast Street Class powerhouses. The Stock Class also saw a number of new faces and some familiar ones. Robert Fuller was out in a new 370Z to battle AE Performance’s 370Z in Stock RWD while Matt Dennison would try and fend off Thomas Smith in Stock AWD. The Unlimited Class has gotten out of control fast this season and with the go for broke attitude that the final race of the season gives the teams, everyone was glued to the track when the heavy

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Redline Time Attack 11.11.indd 2

08/12/09 9:31 AM

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hitters went out for battle. Just a few days prior to this event, Sierra Sierra pulled a major upset over FXMD at the Super Lap Battle finals and with the new R35 GTR from GoTo Racing and 2009 Unlimited AWD Champions AMS Performance out there as well, nobody knew what to expect. It was an unbelievably close battle as FXMD battled transmission issues with their NSX all day long, but they pulled it together at the last second to set a blazing 1:36.103 lap time which was good enough for the overall win, Unlimited RWD win, and a new track record for a production car. Just one tenth of a second behind FXMD driver Billy Johnson was an impressive showing by Paul Gerrard in the AMS Performance Mitsubishi Evo X with a time of 1:36.230 taking the Unlimited AWD Class win. Taking second in Unlimited AWD would be David Empringham in the Sierra Sierra Evo with a 1:38.028 with Brian Lock in the new GoTo Racing/Dell Equallogic R35 GTR rounding out the podium with a 1:38.677. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no surprise that Chris Rado and the World Racing Scion tC pulled off another win in the Unlimited FWD class, but what is always surprising is how quickly he runs with his front wheel drive car. Rado set yet another front wheel drive track record with a 1:39.381 nearly five seconds ahead of Katsuyuki Hiranaka in the Team 5Zigen Honda who took 2nd place in Unlimited FWD with a 1:44.693. Rounding out the Unlimited FWD podium was Jason Saini with a 1:46.558.

The Modified Class has shown us some of the biggest rivalries all season long and every major hitter from the East and West coast was in attendance.

Continuing an impressively dominating season Ryan Gates and the Gates311.com/AMS/K&N Evo X once again came out on top taking the Overall Modified and Modified AWD class with a 1:43.497 lap time.

Mike Cronin Jr. and Fontana Nissan have been hard at work amping up their R35 GTR and it showed this weekend as they took home 2nd in Modified AWD with a lap time of 1:44.730. The battle for third was a heated one with 3rd through 5th place finishing within a second of each other, but coming out on top was Sharif Abdelbaset and the Forged Performance R35 GTR with a 1:44.943 lap time rounding out the Modified AWD podium. The Modified RWD class saw a few new teams come out with a vengeance in the later part of the season.

One of those teams is AQ Motorsports and their S2000 piloted by JC Meynet who is no stranger to the top step of the podium and this weekend would provide JC with another win, but this time in the Modified RWD class. JC piloted the S2000 to a 1:45.462 just barely edging out last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Auto Club Speedway Modified RWD winner Matt Andrews who drove his Nitto Tires Mazda Miata to a 1:45.541. Richard Taylor and the AE Performance/ Hankook/JIC/Etnies Porsche GT2 would finish off the Modified RWD podium with a 1:48.381. Ross Miller and the PTuning Scion tC came into this events as the favorites for Modified FWD, however

Redline Time Attack 11.11.indd 3

engine and transmission issues kept them back considerably leaving them in 3rd place with a time of 2:11.543, a time nowhere near what the car is capable of. John Lindeman would take the 2nd step on the Modified FWD podium with a 2:02.176 while top honors would go to Tom Liang with his 1:58.991 lap time.

The Street Class West series is always competitive and this weekend was no different, especially with all three Street Class East champions in attendance. Proving that the West is the best, Jeremy Toye in the Reese Tuning Evo once again blew the doors off of the rest of the street class running a 1:47.678 taking the Overall Street and Street AWD class win. Stephen Ruiz and the StopTech Mitsubishi Evo X once again took the middle spot on the podium with a 1:49.050 less than one tenth of a second ahead of Russ Warr in the M1FD/TuningTech/Octane Report Evo with a 1:49.144. 2009 Street AWD East Champions Tony Weisenhahn and the East Coast dominating Subaru WRX would have to settle for a very close 4th place finish with a 1:49.290. The Street RWD class saw the return of Round #2 winner Jeremy Croiset in his MCS Motorsports/Berk Tech/KW Toyota MR2 and he would once again claim victory in Street RWD with a 1:50.692 edging out the supercharged S2000 of Robert Choo who claimed 2nd with a 1:51.617.

Third place went to Jeff Tyler in the HP Autowerks BMW 335i with an impressive 1:52.811. Street RWD East Champion Gregory Haye and the GT Motoring Honda S2000 suffered engine failure in practice. Clint Boisdeau came on strong in the last half of the Street FWD West season and claimed himself another victory running a 1:56.884 in his FocusSport Ford Focus. Taking 2nd place in Street FWD was Chris Stout with a 1:57.440 followed by Jason Nathan with a 1:59.349 for third.

The Stock Class competitors showed up in the masses again for this event but nobody could

08/12/09 9:32 AM

catch the Tuning Tech/Robispec/Mil.Spec Evo of Matt Dennison who turned in a lap time of 1:53.241 claiming the Overall Stock and Stock AWD title. Thomas Smith and the Zenkei Motorsports/Crawford/Duratech/Motul Subaru STi was hot on his heels in 2nd place with a 1:53.884 with Jon Drenas rounding out the Stock AWD podium with a 1:55.173. Stock RWD was a battle of the 370Zs with Paul Dentice and the AE Performance/ Hankook/JIC/Etnies 370Z once again taking the top spot on the podium with a 1:55.534. A new addition to the series was the blue and orange Pizza Factory/Robispec 370Z driven by Robert Fuller barely missing the top spot on the podium with a 1:55.670. Coming in 3rd in Stock RWD was Jim Tway with a 1:56.201. Stock FWD would have an impressive showing by Dez Ballard for the top spot on the podium in the ABF Performance/ Gruppe-S MINI Cooper with a 1:59.595, the only Stock FWD car under the two minute mark. Coming in 2nd in Stock FWD was Eric Emmerson with a 2:03.404 followed by Adrian Torres for third with a 2:07.742.

The Drift Class once again saw some recognizable names from the Formula Drift series coming out to play. Taking top honors again was Rhys Millen in the Red Bull/Hyundai/Toyo/RMR Hyundai Genesis Coupe with a blazing fast 1:48.004. Following behind with a 1:54.025 was the Mazdatrix/Exedy/ Turbonetics Mazda RX7 of Kyle Mohan in 2nd while the HPS/Baker/Driftspeed 240SX of Henry Schelley took 3rd with a 1:57.497.

As if that wasn’t enough, this event also hosted the widely popular Super Session wheel to wheel battle between top Unlimited and Modified Class teams! Taking the green flag for this race was the FXMD NSX, Sierra Sierra Evo, GoTo Racing R35, Fontana Nissan R35, AQ Motorsports S2000, Takata Time Attack STi, and Forged Performance R35. The battles on the track were epic but Billy

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Johnson in the FXMD/Cricket NSX would take the checkered flag for the Unlimited Class cars followed by Sierra Sierra in 2nd, GoTo Racing in 3rd, and Fontana Nissan in 4th. Taking the checkered flag for the Modified group was JC Meynet and the AQ Motorsports S2000 followed by Forged Performance and Takata Time Attack.

Another special feature for this event was the Yokohama Tire Street Class East vs. West Shootout. The competition pitted the Street Class East and Street Class West champions against each other in a chance to win a 2-Day Jim Russell Racing School! In Street AWD it was Jeremy Toye in the Reese Tuning/Robispec Evo vs. Tony Weisenhahn in the Turn In Concepts WRX. Both cars were reportedly not running at 100% with Weisenhahn’s car running with a cracked radiator and split hose. Toye’s car had to be pushed to the line and they were black flagged on the first lap due to mechanical issues. Weisenhahn would go on the claim victory in the match up. For Street RWD it would have been Manly Kao in the Buddy Club/TrackHQ/APR/Toyo Lotus Elise vs. Gregory Haye in the GT Motoring/Challenge/Bridgestone Honda S2000. Unfortunately Haye’s S2000 lost a motor in practice handing the win by default to Kao. It seems Street FWD was the only class with a healthy match between Clint Boisdeau and the FocusSport Ford Focus and Doug Wind in the Windspeed/Forced Performance/Continental Tire Dodge Neon SRT-4. Boisdeau put up a good fight with a 1:56.4, but it was Wind who clenched the victory with a 1:52.5.

Overall, 2009 proved to be an exciting year and with the big announcement of investors joining the Redline Time Attack series next year we can only imagine what’s to come in 2010! Congratulations to all of the 2009 champions! See you at Buttonwillow Raceway March 26th-27th for Round #1 of the 2010 Redline Time Attack season!

09/12/09 10:05 AM

TAKEDA SHORT RAM INTAKE VEHICLE 2009 ACURA TL & TL SH ENGINE V6 3.5L & V6 3.7L Text by Dave Pankew Photos by takedausa.com

here is nothing better than picking up a new mod for your car that will unlock more power. The benefit of installing an air intake system is that not only will your car be quicker but also sound better as well. Opening up the air passageways will give any car a more throaty growl at all RPMs and if you aren’t stomping on the throttle all the time, the fuel economy is better too.

However, at the same time, not every intake performs as advertised because some intakes produce more power by sacrificing filtration allowing dirt into your engine.

We turned to the pros at Takeda USA who know intakes so well, it is all they do. They recently released a new intake for the 2009 Acura TL and ’08-’09 Honda Accord both with the 3.5L V6 mill. Replacing the bulky and inefficient factory intake, the Takeda Retain Short Ram air intake increases air volume and improves air velocity. What this means to you is increased horsepower, torque and improved throttle response.

All Takeda air intakes use the new Pro Dry S filter from aFe, which uses a progressive synthetic media that requires no oil to recharge for maximum convenience and filtration. Made from polished aluminum tube, the 1-piece design is clear-coated for a long lasting shine. The kit comes with Pro Dry S performance air filter, Urethane couplers, clamps and all hardware necessary for a simple installation.

The install on the Acura TL went smooth and netted some outstanding numbers on the rollers. The final result was a whopping 14whp and 14lb-ft of torque proving that factory air-box is really choking your engine. The Takeda unit outflows the factory box by 70-percent and gives the potent V6 more power and a more aggressive tone. The unit it backed by a 2-year warranty too, so this intake is a solid choice. Be sure to visit Takeda’s website at www.takedausa.com to check out the applications they have for your car.

T

1

STEP 1

Complete Stock intake. Please disconnect battery terminals before installation. Do not attempt to install kit if vehicle is not cold

2

STEP 2

Remove all driver side plastic engine covers.

3

whfptorque 14 14 lb-ft o

STEP 3

Loosen clamp on throttle body using 10mm socket or wrench.

With pliers pull crank case line away from tube.

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4

STEP 4

With 8mm socket or wrench loosen the 4 screws holding in upper half of air box and remove.

5

STEP 5

Remove battery out of vehicle.

6

STEP 6

A) With 10mm socket or wrench loosen bolt on stock bottom air box and remove.

B) Remove factory coupling.

7

STEP 7

Remove crank case line attached with throttle body coolant line. Have a towel or rag handy to catch any leaking coolant. Use pliers to remove both lines. Save small clamps for later install.

8

STEP 8

Replace throttle body coolant line with 5/16â&#x20AC;? hose provided and secure with clamps used from step 8.

CAUTION Coolant will leak from line when removing!

WWW.PASMAG.COM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PERFORMANCE AUTO & SOUND

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TAKEDA SHORT RAM INTAKE INSTALL

RX-8 PCM Programming Upgrades Available!

9

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STEP 9

Remove MAF sensor from stock air box. Install into new tube and secure using provided M4 screws.

11

STEP 10

Install isolation mount to factory mounting insert next to battery tray.

12

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STEP 12 STEP 11

Attach filter adaptor to housing and secure using M6 button head screws provided. Tighten using 4mm allen key

Install air filter and tighten using 5/16” nut driver.

Attach 05-00612 coupling with clamps to adaptor and tighten.

Attach rubber trim to side of housing to prevent contact with battery

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Takeda 11.11_v3.indd 4

14

STEP 13

STEP 14

3.7L engine, install tube with 05-00636 coupling and #48 clamp and #52 clamp. Do not tighten

Note:Tube may need to be positioned to fit cut out on factory engine cover.

3.5L engine, install tube with 05-01028 coupling and two #48 clamps. Do not tighten.

Install housing into vehicle and position tab to isolation mount from step 11.

03/12/09 5:06 PM

asons om e r 5 s.c to buy from

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STEP 15

Install provided 5/8” hose to tube and engine. Using provided clamp tighten on engine side only.

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Tighten all clamps using 5/16” nut driver. Re-install battery and connect battery terminals. Re-install driver side plastic covers from step 3.

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03/12/09 5:09 PM

natasha

yi

Text by Mark Pereira • Hair & Makeup by Vale rie JC (www.iconimage Photos by Steve Bitanga .net) (www.babeblvd.com, www.stevebitanga.com )

atasha Yi certainly gets noticed, as this ultra hot babe was first discovered by Playboy maga zine, who scouted Natasha during her sen ior year of high school ! Her steamy appearance in the famous “adult magazine” quickly launched the career of this memo rable mixed Asian-American model to all new heigh ts.

Natasha is a genuine , down-to-earth cutie wh o certainly likes to have fun. She’s even held super cool gigs over the yea rs, including a stint as a Barker Beauty on The Price is Right with OG host Bob Barker. Natasha’s kill er curves have also spawned a “virtual modeling” career of sorts, as she ’s starred in a video game called Scarlett Angel and ha s been featured in animated form on a few other video game titles as well as a comic strip based on her own life. What more can we say? Natasha rocks!

Let’s roll out the PAS Model Quiz and learn a little more about Ms. Natas ha Yi.

N

Where are you origin ally from?

Well, I was originally born in Boston, MA but lived in Connecticut, Califo rnia and Colorado gro wing up as a kid. As an adult , I’ve lived in Los An geles, San Francisco and New York, but these days I’m back on the West Coast. I live in Southern Califo rnia now!

How did you get yo ur start in modelin g, was your first gig with Playboy?

Yes, that was my firs t professional mode ling job.

Playboy first scoute d me during my sen ior year in high school and my career took off from there.

What’s the best pa rt of being a mode l?

You get a lot of free stuff (laughs).

Do you have a mode ling secret weapon kind of like Derek Zooland er’s blue steel?

You bet! My statue of liberty poss... pe ople go nuts for it! Not sure you’re ready to see it just yet.

Describe yourself in three few words.

Genuine, honest and silly.

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natasha yi far? rable model highlights so What are your most memo on uty Bea ker to work as a Bar I was the first Asian model ls rcia me com ny ma booked The Price is Right! Also, I’ve even have my own comic and major ad campaigns and star in my very own video strip based on my life. I also where I fight villains as a game called Scarlet Angel, er also been animated as oth I’ve and freelance mercenary staPlay and x Xbo games for characters in several video and ortunity to be on the cover opp the had I’ve , Plus . tion the und aro jor publications featured in a number of ma iles). (sm one this g udin world incl y film roles, where else ma You’ve had several TV and ? we have seen you before playing characters in music You may have also seen me co, Janelle Monae, Mariah videos for Panic at the Dis also the host of Octane TV Carey and The Urgency. I was of vision shows such as Rules and have appeared on tele had I’ve VIP. and e Wif rter l, Sta Engagement, Jimmy Kimme as Thunder h suc s film e indi l era sev lead or starring roles in t, A Woman is a Woman, and Over Reno, Die Slow Kill Fas seen me in movies such as Elevations. You may have also dle to the Grave, and Rush Hell Ride, The Run Down, Cra ed king on an comedy film call Hour 2. Right now, I’m wor sure Be .

Ego r Alte ed call vie mo Speed Dating and another iOnline.com for updates. to check out www.NatashaY s about being a model?

Tell us your likes or dislike about y, but the one thing I hate I don’t want to be a cry bab can’t s girl why and erst und ’t don modeling are catty girls. I r instead of judging each just be happy for one anothe ed by another person’s acother’s looks or being obsess it clear, that I don’t think in ke ma complishments. I want to that ul.” I’m just me and found my mind, “Wow, I’m beautif rior exte her ks thin an wom ul a sometimes the more beautif de. insi the on es om is the more ugly she bec secret?

What is your best beauty is only a secret when nobody ret sec a Don’t you understand ers PAS have seven-billion read knows about it? You guys at be er long no will it then ret, a month! If I tell you my sec will have to kill you (winks). a secret. Plus, if I tell you, I great shape?

How do you keep in such ends.… lately, I’m like dep lly rea ime My fitness reg s for an hour, hit the weight a yo-yo. One week I’ll run s ute min 20 r abs for anothe for 20 minutes, workout my ror mir the in look I’ll . sibly can and eat as healthy as I pos abs!” my at look w, “Wo , say and by the end of the week e breakfast a few times, hav Then the next week I’ll eat , cks sna er oth and kies coo a few lunches, eat a ton of box of then end the night with a have a big old dinner and Popsicles (laughs).

THE ESSENTIALS 140

surements: 34C / 24 / 34 of the Zodiac: Aries Mea h fun Birth date: March 25 Sign s: Making out …it’s so muc n-on Tur MA on, etown: Bost Nationality: Korean Hom rrr!

Grrr c… traffi Pet Peeves: LA Turn-offs: Bad hygiene

PERFORMANCE AUTO & SOUND – WWW.PASMAG.COM

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elf? e most about yours What trait do you lik ky luc I’m one of those My amazing energy! t get tired. I think I ge n’t ca t jus people that t jus I’m .. ht. nig a sleep about 5-6 hours of not tired. ? like about yourself What trait do you dis e fac I er ng e biggest da My “clutziness!” Th ce on d an ts jec ob small is myself. I trip on ost a serious spill. I alm in a while, I’ll take g an vin lea o, ag ys a few da broke my tailbone ok Lo . y.. arb ne me ot u sp acting gig, so if yo out! (laughs) fulfilled fantasy?

What is your top un women eting two gorgeous me t ou I fantasize ab their th wi n tio mo th bo ey at a cocktail party. Th hear n ca I m upstairs where hands to follow the y am ste t, we t, ho the r shower running. Ou the hit s clothe

to this DING! My fantasies floor and... JUST KID u yo nk tha t bu , ed fill point have been ful for asking (winks). zed possession?

What’s your most pri dogs s too much. My little on ssi sse I’m not into po the me ng bri t tha home are the things in my greatest joy. a guy?

How do you seduce to a football game!… ts ke tic Easy, get them ry time girls!

Seriously it works eve rds? out outs or last wo Do you have any sh zy cra d an fun the to t ou I’d like to give a shout ry. ust ind rt po e and in the im staff at PAS Magazin so l fee me g kin ma ys for I’ll always love you gu M.com to thank DogHouseF like I’d o, Als l. cia spe place st nie fun port … the for the continuous sup to visit t ge for n’t do d an …

I like to visit online. Oh . See you there! me at NatashaYi.com

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0 1 0 2 y r a u r b e F

I Y a h s a t Na 01 MONDAY 02 TUESDAY

03 WEDNESDAY 04 THURSDAY 05 FRIDAY 06 SATURDAY 07 SUNDAY 08 MONDAY 09 TUESDAY 10 WEDNESDAY 11 THURSDAY 12 FRIDAY 13 SATURDAY 14 SUNDAY 15 MONDAY 16 TUESDAY 17 WEDNESDAY

.net) rie JC (www.iconimage tevebitanga.com) Hair & Makeup by Vale abeblvd.com, www.s w.b (ww nga Bita ve Photos by Ste

18 THURSDAY 19 FRIDAY 20 SATURDAY 21 SUNDAY 22 MONDAY 23 TUESDAY 24 WEDNESDAY 25 THURSDAY 26 FRIDAY 27 SATURDAY 28 SUNDAY

E RBlIK T S IR A ack with oss Gl : SH NI FI

Machine Face , 20x9, 20x10.5 17x8, 18x8, 19x8

Konig Calendar 11.11.indd 1

07/12/09 9:47 AM

AD

INDEX 7 Elephants ............................................142

Kyowa Wheels / Wheels Fire ..........121

Advanced Automotive Concepts . ...21

Lamin-X .....................................................114

Acoustic Edge . .......................................39

Lanzar / Soundaround ........................117

AIT Racing . ............................................ 118

Massive Audio . ......................................83

American Bass ....................................... 67

FLI Audio ...................................................89

Arc Audio . .................................................. 17

Metro Auto Electronics ......................99

ARP / Motovicity ....................................15

McGard . .....................................................41

BC Racing ................................................. 53

Mobile Technical Training ............... 127

Cadence Sound ...................................... 59

OBX Racing ............................................ 147

Carlisle Events ......................................141

Odyssey Batteries ................................93

Chaser Aerodynamics . .......................34

Omega Research / Excalibur Security ......71

Clutchmasters .....................................129

Oxygen Audio .......................................... 87

Crutchfield . ............................................. 54

PasswordJDM ......................................132

Direct Auto Import ................................10

Performance World Car Show . .......94

Easy Car .................................................... 92

Phoenix Gold ........................................... 23

EncryptR ................................................. 147

Precision Power .................................... 25

Energy .........................................................19

Powerbass . ...........................................105

Exedy ...........................................................27

Racing Beat ...........................................136

Fidanza ...................................................... 35

Roca Wear ...................................................4

FLI Audio ....................................................57

Rockford Fosgate ................................. 55

Grip Tuning .............................................126

Scat Crankshafts . .............................. 131

Glowshift Gauges ...............................109

SCION . ..........................................................2

Heat Wave Inc ........................................98

Scosche .................................................... 45

Hifonics / Maxxsonics . ...................... 29

Sony ..........................................................148

HKS / JRP . ....................................................2

Soundstream ...........................................97

Horesepower Freaks .............................. 7

Speed Depot . .........................................115

Incriminator Audio . ..............................81

Takeda ........................................................ 11

Installer Institute . .................................9

Traklite / Wheels Fire .........................113

JBL ...............................................................49

Turbo Kits ............................................... 137

JGY Customs .........................................145

Turbosmart . ..........................................133

JL Audio . .................................................... 33

Turn In Concepts ..................................40

JVC .............................................................146

Unitronic ...................................................43

Kenwood . ..................................................13

Universal Technical Institute . .........37

Kinetik ...............................................79, 111

VIP Modular ..........................................139

Knukonceptz.com ............................... 101

XXR Wheels / Wheels Fire ..................75

Kumho Tires ...............................................3

ZED Audio Corp ........................................10

VISIT US

O NLINE AT PASMAG.COM Ad Index 11.11.indd 1

11/12/09 3:45 PM

JVC 11.10.pdf 1 11/16/2009 3:24:20 PM

Vehicle with JVC headunit.

HANDS-FREE. STRESS-FREE. Vehicle without JVC headunit.

Vehicle without JVC headunit.

JVC Bluetooth Enabled Headunits With Bluetooth features like an external echo-cancelling microphone, voice-dialing, phonebook access profile and wireless streaming audio, along with features such as variable colour illumination, dual USB ports, 2-way iPod and iPhone control, DVD playback and Navigation with text-to-speech, you'll be happy you decided to go with a JVC headunit. JVC Bluetooth enabled models let you keep your eyes on the road, and since it's the law in many places, keep your money in your wallet. Oh yeah...and it might just help save your life.

iPod is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc. The Bluetooth work mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by JVC is under license.

Not all headunit models compatible with all iPod and iPhone models. Please refer to manual, or contact authorized retailer for specific iPod compatibility.

www.jvc.ca

mobile.jvc.com

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MENT KIT • Eliminates tearing of sub-frame when running larger than stock sway bars • Includes 24mm sway bar for improved road handling • Applications for Civic, Integra, RSX • Optional 32mm sway bar for race applications is also available • Optional anodized colors of black, blue, red, and full polished

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• Requires no break in period or special oils for operation.

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• Unique CV design capable of handling 1000+ horsepower.

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• Backed by a 5 year limited warranty against manufacturer defects.

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• Now available for popular Honda, Mazda, VW, Toyota, and Subaru applications • Forced induction air box available for Honda applications.

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