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  1. I got into Car Audio in the 1980s, long before the Internet. Obviously, the Internet is the largest free exchange of knowledge our world has ever seen. However, with fact also comes fiction. The following, are all Myths - no matter how much you'd like to believe in them. Inconveniences such as the Laws of Physics prevent a myth from ever becoming a fact. 1. "Clamping" is an acceptable way to measure the power output of an amplifier. By far and away, this has to be the biggest myth ever purported in the history of car audio. Quite simple really - the laws of Physics don't permit it. As others have said countless times, one cannot measure the output of a power amplifier in this fashion as the current and voltage are out of phase with one another, unless of course, you've got the amplifier connected to a large resistor and not a loudspeaker. Now, before you argue that "it's good enough for . . . " realize that incorrect data isn't good enough for anything. Any data obtained via incorrect analysis is flawed and therefore useless. 2. "Oversize" cable exists. It doesn't. No more than an oversize inch, an oversize gallon, or an oversize decibel exists. Long ago, standards were put into place to ensure that cable was manufactured to an agreed upon specification. These specifications are outlined fully by the American Wire Gauge (AWG) standards. They are intended to be used to quickly determine how large a cable is required for the task given the current and length of the circuit. Now, this doesn't prevent the terminology "oversize" to be used in product marketing. But, marketing is just that - marketing. Most of it is designed to confuse you into believing that one company has something special that another doesn't. Cable does certainly exist today that is specified to be one "gauge" when it really is the next gauge larger. This doesn't mean it's better. It's simply mis-labeled. 3. CCA is just as good. CCA, or Copper Clad Aluminum, was intended to be a deception from the word GO. Companies entered the cable market with an intent to take a slice of the pie owned by the main cable suppliers. The easiest way to do this is to come to the market with a lower price. As copper is a commodity, its costs are clearly defined by the market. Larger companies that have greater buying power have the ability to purchase cable (copper / jacket / mfg) at a lower price than smaller companies with less buying power due to economies of scale. So . . . if you want to enter the cable business, offer product at a lower price than the big guys, and don't have the buying power they do, the way to accomplish this is to purchase lower quality goods and then market it as a lower priced alternative. So, yes that's exactly what CCA is - a lower priced alternative to standard copper cable. That would make OFC a higher priced alternative and tinned OFC an ever higher priced alternative. So, what's wrong with the below line of thinking? - CCA - lower priced alternative - Copper - the reference - OFC - better alternative - tinned OFC - best alternative The answer is simple. CCA isn't copper, it's a copper alternative. Copper, OFC, and tinned OFC all offer the same conductivity while CCA has 30 - 40% greater resistance than copper cable. OFC is a process done during the annealing of the copper to remove the oxygen in an effort to prevent it from turning black when it's exposed to oxygen. Tinning the copper strands adds an additional layer of protection against corrosion and oxidation. Some industries - the marine industry for example - mandate the use of tinned copper cable in the construction of vessels. On average, tinning copper cable adds 7% to the raw materials cost of the cable - not insignificant by any measure. The rule of thumb when running CCA has been to use two AWG sizes larger than what the AWG charts specify for copper cable. So, then really, you're comparing 1/0 AWG CCA to 2 AWG (standard) copper cable - is the cost savings really there? Now, comparing 1/0 AWG CCA to 1/0 AWG tinned OFC and they saying - Holy Cow! Look how much money I'm saving by running CCA . . . well, that's just being naive. The other "marketing" benefit has been weight. No doubt, copper cable is heavy. If I were building a race car and wanted to go faster, one of the best ways is to reduce weight. So - using lightweight cable is a good alternative, right? Not really. The only time this would be acceptable would be if there was indeed a weight savings when comparing two cables of identical conductivity and this isn't as cut and dry as you may think given the different ratios of aluminum and copper used in different offerings of CCA. Many reputable companies have entered the CCA business out of necessity as this is the way the market has gone. I don't see that changing anytime soon. When shopping for CCA, you definitely should consider the ratio of copper to aluminum that the cable consists of as this affects conductivity. 4. Science has no place in Car Audio Every amplifier, subwoofer, enclosure, speaker, cable, etc. operates based on the Laws of Physics. If you consider yourself a die-hard car audio dude (or dudette for that matter), then you pride yourself in your strength in science, physics, and mathematics. Science permits you to form a hypothesis and then prove or disprove it. We all learned this in 7th grade physical science (likely earlier now). Every single thing that you read on the 'net can be proven as fact or disproven as fiction. For example, let's say that your buddy tells you that his system is louder than yours. Easily proven / disproven with the assistance of an SPL meter. Now, let's say that the same buddy tells you that his woofers handle 5,000 Watts. Well, this isn't so easy but with the correct equipment and procedures, the exact power handling of these woofers can be ascertained. Most mis-information on the 'net spreads by folks repeating stuff others have said without doing any research. Study hard. Arm yourself with knowledge. Speak less and listen more. Recognize that your opinion is just that - an opinion. We all have them. Rarely are they the basis of fact. Summary If you desire to have the best performing system, then you owe it to yourself to set out on a path of success that is based within the laws of physics. Otherwise, you'll spin your wheels and spend triple the money redoing things along the way that didn't work. Some of you here are capable of turning your passion into a career within the Car Audio Industry. The Car Audio Industry is always looking for that next great mind. Whether it be an installer at your local shop, a salesman on the floor at said shop, an engineer with a manufacturer, etc., educated people are in demand. The Car Audio Industry is and always has been a function of the many great minds and personalities within it.
    21 points
  2. Today, me and Brandon were out front of the shop having a morning cup of coffee like a normal day, when we noticed a puppy across the street. Normally it isn't even that out of the ordinary to see dogs on the loose in my area as there is a neighborhood right down the street. Pitbulls, Chihuaua's are the usual street runners. I CRINGE when i see this because the street is pretty busy. I always hope they will just go home. This time it was different. A little Husky just sitting by himself. We slowly walked up to him, expecting him to run (like they usually do), but he didn't. So i scooped him up. He felt very emaciated and looked sick. Then the neighbor (tenant next to my shop) says "look, i think he got hit by a car". I look down and see his guts hanging out of his behind. I seriously went into panic mode. I didn't know what to do so i grabbed a towel from the shop and rushed him out to the nearest vet. The doctor wasn't in yet they told me and that i should go to the emergency pet center in Roseville. So i took him another 10 miles to Atlantic Street Pet Emergency Center. Seemed like the longest drive EVER! He was in my Lexus, on my suede seat wrapped in a towel and screaming like an injured animal would. Why is his name Baby? because i must have called him that 1000 times in that long trip to the vet. So when i got there they told me that since he didn't have an owner that someone had to claim him or they couldn't work on him. So i signed the papers. He is now my responsibility. I said "do whatever you gotta do". The main thing i was worried about besides the prolapsed rectum (which was almost as long as his tail it seemed), was Parvo. I have 4 dogs so i can't bring Parvo home. After leaving him there all day, they called and said he was negative for diseases and all put back together. I was EXTREMELY excited. So i went and got him
    15 points
  3. 1000 Watts for $129.99? Is that a typo? I don't know. If so, sorry to the guys at SKAR Audio. But when i saw that i knew i had to put my 1000.1D on the dyno and see if it would make it's rated power. I have had the v1 version for over a year but never really had a good chance to play with it. I guess there is a v2 version out which is pretty close to the same in looks. I don't know about internals. Anyway, if it does it's power, i want to give it away to a lucky winner! See how this is first comment is "post #1"? Each member who see's this post can claim up to 3 spots. Just post the words "SKAR AUDIO FTW 1000.1 CLAIMED" in whatever 3 spots you would like. You can do 3 in a row. You can spread them out over the next few days. If you do more than 3, first of all, that is DIRTY....but we will see it. If that is the case, and we catch it, your first 3 will be the only ones that count. So lets not waste anyone's time by doing more than that. Then all you have to do is wait! I will draw a random number on a specified day in the near future... and if it lands on your POST, you will get it! Simple right? I am working on the video right now. I will have results as soon as i do. Good luck guys!
    13 points
  4. Look what showed up at the shop a few days ago! this HUGE B2 Audio "Raven" Amp. Rated 8,000 Watts @ 12v, 11,500 at 14.4v and a massive 15,000 watts at 16v this thing is just a monster! I will test it soon, but for now, this is what it looks like. (Editing the actual unboxing video tonight too)
    12 points
  5. I can't say exactly what it is, i can't say what i did YET. I basically got summoned to shoot a scene for a commercial for a very well known brand. I wish i could share details but i promised i wouldn't. When it comes out, i will show more behind the scenes type pictures. I just got home after being gone 4 days. It was definitely an experience. Real Hollywood film industry type of shit. Ive never seen anything like it. It was fun to witness! All expenses paid (Air-fare, Transport, hotel and Ubers) and i got a nice check too . Feels good to be home! After discussing the "project" for about 3 weeks, i got a phone call. They said, "can you come on short notice"...i said "sure". They said see you in 2 days. LOL. If you follow my instagram page http://www.instagram.com/meade916 or my facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SteveMeadeDesigns you would have seen what happened when this guy pulled my truck up on to this trailer. I was disappointed and highly worried about my Tahoe the entire time, especially if you see what happened to it right out of the gate. Even though these people are taking GREAT care of me and really no expenses spared type of thing, getting the vehicle shipped out with 1 day notice is very had to do. If we had a week advance notice from the directors, i KNOW they would have gotten me a much better transport. But i am a trooper and i let it go. Said a midnight, wholesome, dinner time prayer (LOL) and watched it roll away. The sketchiest thing i have ever witnessed and allowed myself to do. LUCKY for me, it made it to it's destination. Halfway through the trip, i remembered my ipad Pro in the dashboard. I decided to start tracking my Tahoe with "find my ipad" app. LOL. It worked great. I even got to see it spend the night in a fucking TRUCK STOP PARKING LOT while he blew Z's up into the sky from a warm motel bed. I almost threw up. But again, it made it so i can now speak on it The production assistant really was helpful. She drove it from the trailer to the studio lot and facetimed me the whole time. I was able to see my suspension (bag) pressure, my voltage, and everything else while she pulled it in to it's spot (which was only about 50 feet away). It spent the night behind a guarded gate with Ivy on it (can't see in). So i felt better from this point on. I was set to fly in the next day and meet up with her. Stalker status level 4. I could see down to the parking spot next to the guard shack and i knew it was safe. Time to take flight. They got me the A seat's (business class) round trip which is nice! The only way i like to fly. It ain't first class but you get on and off the plane first! See ya later Sactown! I was kinda in shock walking out of the plane and onto the tarmac LOL. Burbank Airport is old and outdated crap. BUT, it is fast and there wasn't very much traffic in the area. As long as the PLANE is good i'm not bitching. And it was! the place i spent 3 1/2 days watching the coolest shit i have seen in a long time. These people are amazing at what they do. They took my seat out to fit objects in place not to mention equipment. Ill tell ya what it is for when that time comes. Oh there is the plate the first transport driver ripped off the vehicle as he was loading it up....CRUNCH. UHHHGGGG.... Sun finally poked out from the hazy LA sky. Spy pic. Cool shit. I wish i could show more. So amazing... she performed well but was highly molested. They said they would detail it for me when i get home though so i ain't mad at that! a SOLID paycheck for a lot of standing around, a lot of observing, and a little of me doing what i do...what they asked me down to do. As promised, they got me a MUCH better transport vehicle (and a GREAT driver) for the trip back. Showed up at 8am, made me feel 100% safe and pulled out. a NICE 40 footer will do. I will see my Tahoe sometime early tonight and pull her back into the shop and call it one of the funnest 4 days i have had in a while! I have gotten to do some really dope shit in my life just because of BASS. I will update this post with more details once the project is on the air!
    12 points
  6. The plan has changed. Some things you see here in the early photo's are not being done anymore. Below is the edited list of items i am using for 2021. Sorry this has taken so long to OFFICIALLY start but my shop blew up and we have been busier than ever in the last 2 years! It is hard to find time for my own rides. But for now this is what i am running in the caddy. Again, IGNORE anything you see that is now changed and catch up to the newest at page 4! 1 Mechman 370a 6 Phase Elite series alternator 5 XS Power Titan 8 14v Lithium Batteries (S6 model) 2 Damore Engineering 1500.2 A Series Amps (Subwoofer) 2 Damore Engineering 1500.4 A Series Amps (mids/midrange/highs) NAV-TV 650GM Integration Audiocontrol DM-810 Processor 6 B2 Audio Rampage 12" Subs LIST TO CHANGE AS BUILD GROWS ^^^^ Ok lets get this started. Today i planned on putting the alternator AND the battery in, but the alternator, although in a very easy spot, was kind of a bitch. I had to remove turbo intake tubes to get one of the bolts out. I also had to cut a notch in the valve cover-cover (a plastic trim piece). I could not get any special wiring done yet. I am waiting on my Skyhigh wiring to arrive and it isn't here yet. I am planning on doing white for positive and black for negative. It is a special order since he doesn't carry it anymore so i am just waiting on it.
    11 points
  7. If you recall, sometime around June i got these subs to test out and play with. My CNC machine keeps me so busy, i hardly ever have time to do the one thing i bought it for, to build boxes. Weird huh? I make all kinds of stuff, but boxes are few and far between do the demand for the other items. I made a lot of stuff and got ahead of myself this week which gave me time to start the box for my two Pride ST 12" subs. I don't really have a vehicle to put them in right now but we will probably run these in Antheny's yukon since he is one of my best guinea pigs . Until he get's his 4 15" SMD Mini subs he is planning, we have an open canvas from his amp-rack back. In other words, i have 2 T2500.1bdcp on hand and it's just a quick box swap. I just gotta make the box! So here go's. This thing SHOULD be tuned to 34hz. I know i could tune it lower but i feel that is a nice sweet spot for a wide range of music. This is what the subs look like. It might LOOK like a box made of 1/2" MDF but look closer. It's 1" MDF with notched panels. These motors are so massive you have to wrap the 8ga direct leads around the motor a few times and then up into the basket out of the way. If you don't do that, you will not get it into the hole. All panels are notched to make for an easier build. It all goes together like a puzzle piece and makes it much nicer to work with.
    11 points
  8. I saw this subwoofer at a local shop and i had to have one....once i bought one, i really regretted not buying 2 just so i can have a pair to work with. So that's what i did...i ordered a 2nd one. Today, they arrived! On a fork lift! No, i don't know what i am going to do with them yet. I will have some fun with them i know that! Video coming next.
    11 points
  9. whipping up a "box" for 2 CT Sounds 8" Meso subwoofers. 24 Layers of 1" MDF - its not glued yet (in these pics) but this is the direction im taking it. Its a little bit wasteful of a technique but i interlaced the pieces on the board and got the most out of a sheet i could hope for. Plus its kinda fun to build one of these! It's got a ways to go before it is done so stay tuned for more updates.
    10 points
  10. Who wants to win some American made Spectrum liquid sound deadening or Firewall ceramic thermal coating? We are giving away (1) gallon of each product on multiple platforms we run Facebook, Instagram, and the SMD forum. All you have to do is like this post, follow the Second Skin page on the platform (yes we will check), and tag a friend and type out either SPECTRUM or FIREWALL so we know which one you want to win!!! It’s that easy, good luck to everyone!!! All winners must be over 16 years of age and a resident of one of the continental US states. You are allowed to enter on all 3 platforms for better odds of winning. Entry period is 8-17-20 through 8-21-20 all winners will be selected Saturday 8-22-20.
    10 points
  11. We make these in several different sizes from small (half block), to this one (Full block), a split block (both) and even the "Long block" (25" long). For years i have used a home made version of these, not really anything like it, usually sittiong on a home made stand-off of some sort (the bar). But now they are universal. They can be mounted just about anywhere it can fit. Check out this happy customer seeing what they look like for the first time. We offer several colors, but here is a red and block combo.
    10 points
  12. Here are some photos of the recent collaboration we did with the legend Brandon Buck over at Audio Anarchy! This is a quarter wave T-Line tuned around 30hz that was specifically made to fit in the back of Devin's 1990 Jeep Cherokee that he just recently finished restoring! This T-Line blew everyone away at Skar Audio once we got it wired up! Its insanely loud, hits lows, and sounds great while playing any genre of music! The top of the enclosure has bed liner on it so items can be placed on top of it and they won't We would like to give a huge shoutout to Brandon once again for always supporting Skar Audio! If you are in need of an awesome enclosure make sure to give him a call!! Let the pics begin! Videos of this T-Line in action will be coming soon! Full specs: (2) Skar Audio EVL-65 D4's 6.5" Subwoofers (1) Skar Audio SK-M5001D Monoblock (4) Skar Audio TX525 5.25" Coaxial Speakers (1) Skar Audio SK-M4004D 4-Channel (1) Pioneer DEH-X7800BHS - Devin
    10 points
  13. When i first got my CNC there was nobody really to teach me anything. The tech at Baileigh showed me some stuff but i learned most of my tricks through good old fashioned frustration, broken bits, wasted material, long days/nights and a bone yard full of rejects. I am still not where i want to be and there is tons i DON'T know yet. But i do know a lot and my little tricks (for this brand machine) work good (for now). When i saw Doug got a similar machine, i knew i had to jump in and give him some tips to make his life much easier. Maybe save him a $60 bit or 2. I probably broke or ruined more than i want to talk about. My ratio is getting better though . Anyhow, his handheld controller is different than mine. Mine looks more like the one on his Plasma machine that he also bought. But we figured it out, kinda. The first thing we drew was a circle and a square. Then we learned more "complicated" tool paths like "area clearance". We made a quick little counter-sunk speaker ring. It came out just as expected! So after hours on the phone, we hang up and he is off and running. The next day, i see he has taken the knowledge i have bestowed upon him and used it for something useful, like a big wooden dick for Rafa's mom. SMH. LOL
    10 points
  14. B2 Audio wasnt making up stories when they said they wanted to make me a custom 8 channel amp for my Escalade build. Of course once its finished and tested it will eventually make it out to the public. But i get #1! ? The only downside is it will be very large, but i am ok with that! Here are a few teaser pics. Ill post more when i get an update!
    9 points
  15. Just wanted to take a sec and welcome our newest partner B2 audio to the forum!! I got a red "Duo" a few months back and it is such a gorgeous amp! 3000 watts class A/B! I will post pics, video and also do a dyno run with it soon. I know they have LOTS of other nice products too i can't wait to check them all out! Welcome B2!
    9 points
  16. my buddy and also Fastenal guy brought his Z-box V-6 by to play with.
    9 points
  17. the plan is to play with it, see how it sounds and all that good stuff. The subs are super cheap. Like 12 bucks or something like that. So he knows it isn't going to be extremely loud. The plan is to hook it up, see it it is any good and then flip the subs over....put some POWER on them. Smoke the coils straight out of the headers Then get some higher quality 6.5's to replace them. Hit like if you wanna see smoke haha!
    9 points
  18. a good friend of mine called me up yesterday and said he had 2 Soundstream MC500's for sale and would hook me up proper. Of course i said yes and to bring them by. Back in 1989, i JUST graduated High School, my parents moved away and i didn't have but a wooden nickel to my name. I couldn't even come close to something of this caliber at that time. Anyway, when he told me he really needed the money i figured it was my duty to make him an offer he couldn't refuse and try to take both of them . I couldn't help it, as soon as i saw them i knew i had to at least try. He took my offer and they are both mine. No, i am not sure what i am going to do with them just yet. I will open them up, show the guts and run them on the dyno at some point i know that! It would be fun to do an oldschool SQ build with all vintage Soundstream amps some day. But just having them in my collection feels so nice More pics and some vids coming soon! Serial #25XX (i forgot to take a pic) and Serial #31XX (also forgot to take a pic). Ill have more updates to this post as i pull them apart and look at the guts
    9 points
  19. these are just the type of things that go through my mind when i receive something like this. I think i am ill. I can't control myself. But this thing screams! happy holidays to everyone! thanks for watching!
    9 points
  20. Yesterday, Steve posted a video about the real differences between CCA and OFC. This has been debated for as long as CCA has been around. This got me thinking . . . Do you know why CCA was brought to market? Simple - as copper prices increased CCA offered a less expensive alternative. You want 1/0 AWG cable but can't afford it? No problem - you too can have 1/0 AWG cable. Now, let's think about that for a second and let this sink in . . . Sunk in? Not yet . . well keep thinking . . . OK. Now, my problem with CCA has always been how it's marketed. It's been marketed as a less expensive alternative. You sir - you don't need copper cable, CCA will be just fine for you. You, over there - CCA will be just fine in your build. The fact of the matter is that CCA has never been an acceptable alternative to copper cable, just an alternative. Had CCA been marketed truthfully, it would have been something like this - Pay Less for Less! Of course then, nobody would have purchased it. What I simply cannot wrap my mind around is how many have come to the defense of a product that was brought to market to deceive the ill-informed consumer. Thread after thread. Discussion after discussion. Amazing. So much so, that I gave up discussing it years ago. Want to run CCA in your build? Go for it. No matter how you rationalize the decision, you're actively doing two things: 1 - encouraging deception in marketing 2 - devaluing quality copper cable - after all, if you didn't need it neither does your buddy This is exactly what happened to the capacitor business. Quality products in plain wrappers in plain white boxes gave way to a turd cylinder with a fancy wrapper and a volt meter in a velvet lined box. Absolute shit. Marketing deception at it's finest. A quality product that served a real purpose was displaced by garbage who's only purpose was to separate you from your money. A decade of that made it next to impossible to sell a quality product. There are volumes to be learned here. As the owner of CE Auto Electric Supply, I've been approached numerous times by various manufacturers trying to sell us alternatives - but it's cheaper and you can sell it for the same money! Well, it's also not as good so that would be deception - we ain't interested. We're not interested in paying less for less. But, we often pay more for more. That's why we buy Snap-On tools vs Harbor Freight. That's why we buy Fluke meters versus some pretty import knock off. And that's why when I turn the system on in my Mustang, I just enjoy the music. You rarely save money when saving money. Next time someone tells you that CCA is just fine for them, help to educate them. Oh, and if you haven't seen the video here it is:
    8 points
  21. Got it all finished!!! Put 3 layers of fiberglass woven mat and a layer of chop mat on the seal off panels. Super tough now! Body filled and sanded them smooth. Got them all painted, and even got the subs mounted today! Now the only thing left is to tune all of my amps! Should be playing tomorrow
    8 points
  22. Last night when i went to bed, i only needed a few....but i woke up to my latest milestone this morning. 500,000! thanks to everyone who subscribes and has been with me all these years! Also to the new subs as well!
    8 points
  23. Here's what will be powering everything. 4 Q3500's on the subs. 2 Q4.90's for mids n highs
    8 points
  24. the song i was using...one of the MANY heaters on the new album coming up....if you are a fan, just know this is going to be by far his best shit!
    8 points
  25. before anyone says "why ford bro"....let me just tell you this. We have had 5 F150's before this and loved them all. No complaints. Nice trucks. I currently own about 8 cars (from old to new) and all the major brands. They all have goods and bads. So if you are a GM guy, hurray for you! I own a few. I like em. I like my Fords too. I even have Honda's and Toyota's...even a Lexus. I like them all. Whatever you like, good for you! just thought i would say that because you KNOW that "one guy" will show up at some point. lol
    8 points
  26. Hey, Been a bit.... where is my old OG peeps. Whats everyone been up to.... good, bad, the other... Cheers, and hope all are well. KB
    7 points
  27. My bench starts to suffer after about 5,000 watts but you can still get a good idea how much power this thing puts out. I tested this thing repeatedly, i tortured it...and it had the same results each time. Check out the video below! enjoy!
    7 points
  28. Lesson learned. Don't turn up the bass when there is snow on the rear window and roof. Safe to say my rear hatch flexes wayyyy too much. This was what happened after about a 4 second burp
    7 points
  29. Ok there is a sad part to this story. When i got back from the vet (the first trip), i found out there was a plastic bin across the street about 10-15 feet from where i found him. The neighbor told me he saw a blue and white truck toss it out earlier that morning. I went over and looked...it was a dead Husky pup in the bin. Probably it's sibling So this is where i am at...the dog is already a LOT better. He is fitting right in. The dead puppy is terrible. The plastic bin is on it's side and the lid appears to have scratches. It looks like he got out but his brother did not. So "Baby" is now running around the back yard and in the house like a new dog. Still sick and skinny, but eating good and in great spirits.
    7 points
  30. Details Below!!! And as always the SMD prize package will get the hook up, don't be the member who misses this sweet opportunity. SMD FTW
    7 points
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