My current Rainbow / ARC Audio Install FINISHED!!!

[Justin from Detroit]

My current install consists of the following components :

Pioneer AVIC-N1 (installed)
Rainbow Profi 3 Way Components
Rainbow Profi Vanadium Subwoofers (pair of 12")
ARC Audio 2100XXK Amplifier (for the components)
ARC Audio KAR 1000.2T Amplifier (for the subwoofers)


I decided to start with the trunk. The Rainbow Vanadium's would be installed in a false wall in the very back of the trunk. A new false floor will be built with an opening above the spare tire well. The spare tire well will be lined in black carpet. The false floor, false wall, and rest of trunk will be lined in grey carpet. The spare tire well will also be lit up by a pair of blue LED neon tubes. Well, just check out the pictures so far...

Step 1 : Line the spare tire well with black carpet:
http://detroitbass.com/install5.JPG

Step 2 : Make the cut out in the false floor that you can see the amplifiers through:
http://detroitbass.com/install3.JPG

Step 3 : Complete the enclosure. Nice 3/4" MDf. But wait, what is that on top?
http://detroitbass.com/install2.JPG

Yep, 3/4" plexiglass for the rear panel of the enclosure :
http://detroitbass.com/install1.JPG

And it is now officially too cold to do any more work. Glue won't set.

[lotas]

looking like this is going to be cool/interesting! keep the pics coming when you get the chance

[Justin from Detroit]

UPDATE!!!! I've done some more work to the install, so check out the pictures!

Painted the inside of the enclosure black, installed the 3/4" Plexiglass on the rear and trimmed it in black paint.

http://detroitbass.com/2005_0212Image0029.JPG

Add the enclosure into the trunk and add the side pieces to finish building the false floor.

http://detroitbass.com/2005_0212Image0033.JPG

Cover the whole trunk (minus the tire well for the amplifiers (which will be black) in gray carpet.

http://detroitbass.com/2005_0212Image0042.JPG

Install the 12" Rainbow Vanadium subwoofers, one inverted. Now THOSE are some beautiful subwoofers (and with a price tag of $499 each, not cheap subs either).

http://detroitbass.com/2005_0212Image0044.JPG
http://detroitbass.com/2005_0212Image0045.JPG

Stick your head in the cabin and drop down the back seats and here is what you see. Subs + plexiglass = yumm. Please note I'm not done, thus the MDF and deadener.

http://detroitbass.com/2005_0212Image0049.JPG
http://detroitbass.com/2005_0212Image0046.JPG


Well that's how far I am. What do you guys think so far?

[William from NOLA]

I think I like it all. I was unsure at first with the one in and one out on the subs, but once I got a closer look at them, then I liked it more. I think my personal preference with those are to have both the same direction.

How are you going to do the plexiglass side? Are you going to put the carpet around it's sides to draw a person's attention to the box? (no holes around the box)

[Justin from Detroit]

The rear of the box will be a wall, with black all around it. It will have black carpet underneath it too, going all the way to the seats and velcroing on (like the stock carpet).

[ridr4lif]

That looks really good. Keep up the good work and keep the updated pix comin!
TEDD

[Ryan from Ohio]

Whats the model # on them subs? Went to Rainbows site and didnt see them on there...

I may change my main subwoofer choice....lol

[Justin from Detroit]

Vanadiums. They have a new look now, but they are the same sub.

[Justin from Detroit]

Just to give a quick little update.

All of the speaker wire is run (try hiding 6 speaker wires, each equivalant to a 10 gauge wire, in a car along with 1/0 power wire, wow lol). My fiberglass guy is almost done with the kickpanels for the midrange speakers. The amp for the components is all wired up. The tweeters and woofers are installed in the doors. Ran new RCA's.

I'd post more pictures, but nothing real exciting has been completed since the last update (who wants to see pictures of speaker wire? lol). The 1000.2T should be hooked up tomorrow (just got it a few days ago). Full install should be done soon, but I'm in no real hurry to finish it. I'll probably get some pictures up tomorrow.

[Justin from Detroit]

Update 03/07/2005 - Amplifiers installed!

Got both amplifiers installed and wired! Please keep in mind when viewing these pictures that the whole amplifier rack IS NOT completed. The amps are installed and put on their mounting boards on the proper angles, but that's it!

http://www.detroitbass.com/2005_0307Image0039.JPG
http://www.detroitbass.com/2005_0307Image0040.JPG
http://www.detroitbass.com/2005_0307Image0041.JPG

[William from NOLA]

Looking good. Keep it comin'

How do they sound?

[audiobass10]

The install's really shapin up..keep it up.

[ridr4lif]

Lookin good :thumbsup Keep 'em coming!

TEDD

[Ryan from Ohio]

That T1000.2 looks a lot like my amps :p

Looking good. WOuld be cool if all amps matched, but still cool.

I personally saw the wires running down the side. Had to be a pain in the arse, I will be dealing with the same problem shortly...

[Justin from Detroit]

I kind of like that the amps aren't the same, but oh well. Maybe one day I'll sell the XXK amplifier and buy a KAR amp. I know it would technically be downgrading, but home much of a downgrade can it be if it's still ARc Audio, ya know?

[audiobass10]

Tell you what..i'll buy the Kar and you trade me the XXK..deal??

[lotas]

wow justin that is gonna look pretty awesome. im real interested because im planning on doing a false floor, that angle idea is a pretty good idea.

how much did the MDF/Plexiglass cost you if you dont mind me asking?

[Justin from Detroit]

As far as my material so far? I've used three sheets of MDF. That piece of plexi cost me $40 because I have connections lol. Otherwise i would have cost around $200.

[dmeyer07]

Damn, why is plexi so expensive?

[Justin from Detroit]

Umm because it's 3/4" thick?

[dmeyer07]

Yea well i'm talking all in all why is the sh*t so expensive at all, its nothing all that special.

[Justin from Detroit]

It's used for other things, too. It's clear, extrememly strong.

[lotas]

Yea well i'm talking all in all why is the sh*t so expensive at all, its nothing all that special.


justin can you drill through that plexiglass pretty easily with just a normal bit? or is it pretty hard.

trying to picture a thief trying to get through 3/4" plexiglass, im just not seeing it unless they have likle a laser :P

or a cordless dremel with some fancy bit.

[ridr4lif]

If i remember correctly it isnt that hard to drill thru plexi. Its not even really glass...i think its pretty much plastic.

TEDD

[Justin from Detroit]

just as easy as wood, if not easier.

[Ryan from Ohio]

Plexi is much harder and more brittle than wood.

It is easy to drill through providing you have a nice SHARP bit. The name of the game is sharp! If you have a slightly dull bit and use to much RPM it will melt, nasty mess!

[lotas]

ah i see, okay

[Justin from Detroit]

Rainbow Profi 3-way Component Install - COMPLETE!

Got the kick panels all painted and finshed, and then installed. Pics below. The pics don't really do them justice, my glass guy did an amazing job on them.

http://detroitbass.com/2005_0316Image0001.JPG
http://detroitbass.com/2005_0316Image0010.JPG
http://detroitbass.com/2005_0316Image0012.JPG
http://detroitbass.com/2005_0316Image0013.JPG

Now that they are hooked up, they sound absolutely incredible. Teamed up with the pair of subwoofers (which are also up and running) this is, by far, the best sounding setup I have ever heard. What everyone has been saying about Rainbow making the best speakers and ARC making some of the best amplifiers, any doubt I had in my mind is now gone. This is the kind of thing you have to hear to believe, but i haven't even tweeked the EQ yet, and it's amazing.

The sound quality on both the Profi components and Vanadium subwoofers FAR surpasses the sound quality of the Koda components and XXX subwoofers. The XXX's were somewhat louder, but the fact that the Vanadiums hit ever note so deep, hard, and beautifully ranks them higher in my books. I'd estimate I'm hitting between 135-140 with the Vanadiums. So now all that is left if some cosmetic work on the install and it will be done!

[Ryan from Ohio]

And a Term Lab mic so we can tweak it :p

I so need to buy a TL mic...

$400 isnt to bad...

[Justin from Detroit]

We can go halfsies, Ryan.

[William from NOLA]

With my profi's, I had to increase the output on the woofer with the EQ. The tweeter was just a tad bit too loud over the woofer. That was all. No EQ'ing of individual frequencies really necessary.

[Justin from Detroit]

Well the change has been made! How does this look to you guys? Personally, I think the install looks A LOT cleaner this way.

http://detroitbass.com/2005_0401install0006.JPG
http://detroitbass.com/2005_0401install0007.JPG
http://detroitbass.com/2005_0401install0008.JPG
http://detroitbass.com/2005_0401install0009.JPG
http://detroitbass.com/2005_0401install0011.JPG

So what does everyone I think? I changed out the ARC Audio amps and put in a set of Elevation Audio amps, the XS125.4 and XS200.2. I'm only using two channels of the XS125.4, and the XS200.2 produces 888w RMS @<hidden> in 4 ohm mono!

So why the change in amps? Well, I did a few installs with Elevation Audio since I've become a dealer. Every install just blew me away, even their entry level subs sounded spactuclar, and their amps were very clean. So, I decided to swap out my ARC Audio 100x2 amp and hook up the XS125.4 just to see how it sounded. It sounded amazing! These Elevation Audio amps just blew my mind!

[William from NOLA]

So what your saying is that every man, woman, and child should have one, if not two?

[Justin from Detroit]

Nah, it's of course my personal opinion.

[audiobass10]

Those amps look a lot sexier than the arcs did in your install since they match. I like it a lot.

[William from NOLA]

The amps' shape remind me of last model year's of RF's Power series amps. I like them in there.

[audiobass10]

The amps' shape remind me of last model year's of RF's Power series amps. I like them in there.

Exactly! That's the first thing I thought when i saw them. Not sure those Elevation amps are up to par with the Rockford Power series though.. :bigwink:

[Justin from Detroit]

I univerted that one sub. I like it like this better.

http://www.detroitbass.com/2005_0401install20001.JPG
http://www.detroitbass.com/2005_0401install20002.JPG
http://www.detroitbass.com/2005_0401install20003.JPG
http://www.detroitbass.com/2005_0401install20004.JPG

[audiobass10]

Also, looks better lol. The inverted sub was ok, but you really need a chrome flame basket to show off if you're gunna do that.

[ridr4lif]

The install looks awesome. I def like the sub turned around the correct way tho.

TEDD

[JeremyC]

Looks good man. My only sugestion would be to use a little bondo around the outside edges if you decided to recarpet the floor panel. It would get rid of the little opening around the outside edge. Other than that a very clean install, especially with the subs both facing the right way.

[GlassWolf]

needs a big XPLoD logo sticker across the trunk now though

[Justin from Detroit]

needs a big XPLoD logo sticker across the trunk now though

That'd go perfect w/ the Rainbow speakers and elevation amps! plus, doesn't it add like 5 dB?

[William from NOLA]

That'd go perfect w/ the Rainbow speakers and elevation amps! plus, doesn't it add like 5 dB?
about 3 dB, it's almost the same ratio as HP and stickers.


On a side note, I see why you inverted one :bigwink: What happened to it?

[xloudcivicx]

very clean justin. I'm digging the setup.

[MobileAudio219]

Just wanted to say great job! :thumbsup :bow

[Justin from Detroit]

Ooooh pretty :) Here is what I did today in a few minutes :

http://www.detroitbass.com/2005_0405neon0002.JPG
http://www.detroitbass.com/2005_0405neon0003.JPG
http://www.detroitbass.com/2005_0405neon0004.JPG

[ridr4lif]

Looks awesome justin. :bow

TEDD

[Justin from Detroit]

Thanks, the camera died or i would have taken a few more, I'll get some tomorrow night. The blue shines up nice and accents the aluminum on the subwoofer, it looks real nice. I'll have pics of that tomorrow.

[ridr4lif]

Yea...i def like how the blue neons reflect off the aluminum cone of those BEAUTIFUL Vanadiums.

So who wants to contribute to the "get tedd new subs" fund? :bigwink:


Cant wait to see some more pics!

TEDD

[Justin from Detroit]

***This post is broken into two posts!***

FINISHED! That's right, my install in finished! i ripped EVERYTHING out today, and reinstalled all of the new stuff, made a few changes, and it's now done! The new enclosure for the subs is larger then the enclosure for the Vanadiums, so I had to change the floor and everything, FUN! Oh, say hello to the 12" Elevation Audio Pro Subwoofers.

http://detroitbass.com/2005_0413finished0001.JPG
http://detroitbass.com/2005_0413finished0002.JPG
http://detroitbass.com/2005_0413finished0003.JPG
http://detroitbass.com/2005_0413finished0006.JPG
http://detroitbass.com/2005_0413finished0007.JPG

[Justin from Detroit]

http://detroitbass.com/2005_0413finished0008.JPG
http://detroitbass.com/2005_0413finished0009.JPG

And the finishing touch....
http://detroitbass.com/2005_0413finished0011.JPG

So that's it, it's all done. I'm sad, had a lot of fun messing with it all. You can see that i redid the carpeting, and it is all now one solid piece in my whole trunk, makes it all look built in.

Oh, you are probably wondering about the Elevation Audio Pro subwoofers...

Louder then my XXX's. Yes, that's right, they are louder then my XXX's ever were. The XXX's were in a aeroported enclosure, the Pros are in a sealed enclosure, and they are louder and better sounding then the XXX's ever were. These subs simply blew my mind away. I threw them in just to give them a listen, but then decided I HAD to keep them. Honestly, I'd recomend these over XXX's ANY DAY. They are perfectly at home in a .8^ft sealed enclosure, AND ONLY REQUIRE 500W RMS. Less power, cheap amps to run them, and no need to upgrade electrical system.... these are THE best subwoofers I have ever heard. Period.

So the install started with all Rainbow and ARC Audio, and ends with the following:

Pioneer AVIC-N1
Elevation Audio XS200.2
Elevation Audio XS125.4
Rainbow Profi 3-way components
Elevation Audio 12" Pro Subwoofers
And of course, all KnuKonceptz wiring.

[William from NOLA]

That's awesome. Good job. Get metered!!!

[Justin from Detroit]

Like i said, Saturns are terrible for SPL, but I will anyways. Elevation Audio has a SRT-4 that is hitting 150+ with the same setup I have.

[ridr4lif]

how many times are u gonna change ur set up Justin? :bigwink:

lol...just kidding. Looks awesome man.

Elevation Audio is only about 45 mins from my school, maybe ill go and see if i can get some free stuff or tell them i kno you and give me a discount :bigwink:

Keep up the AWESOME work.

TEDD

[Justin from Detroit]

No more changes lol. I'm done. I don't feel it can get much better IMO.

[audiobass10]

I like it. I want to hear it.

[audiofreak12]

You need to travel around i want to hear it, maybe they would pay for gas or something for advertising. Do you have a showroom and a shop or is it all internet sales out of your house. After seeing that install your like a god now. :bow

Keep up the good work. Maybe i can sign my vehicle up for "let justin pimp your ride for FREE"

[Justin from Detroit]

Shop is in the works.....

[Ryan from Ohio]

Im liking it....

I may have to hear and see them PROs in person before I make a solid decision on what subs to buy :)

[daykareboards]

You need to get your pics on thier site, your install looks better than the ones they have on there. its a more practical and cleaner install.

[Justin from Detroit]

they are in the process of adding them :)