Remote Start and Subwoofer Upgrade for Anchorage Mercedes C300

01/27/2020 By John Schwartz

A client from here in Anchorage dropped into Perfectionist Auto Sound & Security to ask about adding a remote starter and custom subwoofer system to his 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300 sedan. Having installed many remote start systems in these vehicles, we knew this was a perfect platform for a Mid City Engineering interface. We inspected the vehicle to formulate a few options for the audio upgrade. After a discussion with the client, we developed a plan to add a solid bass foundation to his European vehicle.

Custom Mercedes Subwoofer System

Our team did a great job adding bass while leaving plenty of space in this trunk.

The accent lighting and grilles really set this build apart.

The client was content with the features of the factory-installed audio system, but he wanted it to produce more bass with better low-frequency extension. We suggested the addition of a single 12-inch subwoofer and offered the option of building a trim piece to give the system a little extra style. With his approval, our fabrication team set to work creating a custom-sealed enclosure for a single Morel Ultimo Titanium subwoofer. The enclosure is located at the back of the trunk and the sub fires rearwards into the cargo area of the vehicle. The enclosure and trim pieces are constructed using techniques we learned while at Mobile Solutions in Arizona.

Using three layers of medium-density fiberboard (MDF), we created vinyl-wrapped trim pieces for around the woofer, then accent pieces of either side of the sub that include pressed mesh grilles. The trim pieces are wrapped in several different colors and we added flexible LED lighting around the grille openings.

Subwoofer Amplifier and Integration

A Pioneer GM-D9601 amplifier provides up to 800 watts to power the Ultimo TI 122 driver. The amp is wired to the vehicle electrical system using a 4-AWG amp kit from Stinger Electronics. We also used a PAC Audio two-channel line-level interface to extract an audio signal from the factory-installed sound system.

Mercedes Remote Car Starter

The Mercedes can be controlled from the client’s smartphone.

The client chose the limitless range of the Drone system.

After a discussion about how the client would be using the remote starter, we suggested combining the factory key fob integration of the Mid City Engineering interface with a Drone X1-LTE smartphone interface module. The client can start the vehicle and control the door locks from his smartphone from anywhere in the world, so long as both he and the vehicle have access to a cellular data signal.

Alaska’s Mobile Enhancement Specialists

After a few days of work, we had the starter and subwoofer system installed in this C300 Mercedes-Benz. The client was very happy with the work and loved the way the stereo sounds. If you are considering an upgrade for your car or truck, drop by Perfectionist Auto Sound & Security in Anchorage or click here to send us an e-mail.

Premium Audio and Radar Upgrade for Anchorage Porsche Cayman

12/16/2019 By John Schwartz

A long-time client of Perfectionist Auto Sound & Security in Anchorage recently dropped by the store to inquire about upgrading the stereo system in his 2007 Porsche Cayman. He wanted the audio system in the Cayman to play louder, deliver smoother frequency response and produce more bass. The client also wanted a high-performance radar detector and laser defense system. After a thorough inspection of the vehicle, our team put together a bespoke solution that would meet the client’s expectations.

Porsche Cayman Stereo System Upgrade

The first step was to remove the majority of the interior from the vehicle so our technicians could run Stinger speaker cables and Digital Designs interconnects. Once the wiring was in place, we treated the floor, cargo area and doors of the vehicle with sound deadening to reduce noise transfer and improve the performance of the stereo.

Next, we installed a Pioneer AVIC-W8500NEX multimedia receiver in the dash. This premium source unit features a 7-inch capacitive-touch display and includes both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. The smartphone features allow the client to use the voice recognition technology built into his phone to make calls, send text messages and choose from dozens of entertainment options.

Audiofrog Speaker Upgrades

The most-important part of an audio system upgrade is the front speakers. This client chose a set of Audiofrog GB60 woofers and GB10 tweeters for the system. Our fabrication team created custom mounting adapters out of HDPE plastic to attach the new speakers to the factory mounting point in the door. A set of Morel Tempo Ultra Integra 5.25-inch speakers in the rear speaker locations helps wrap the sound around the driver.

System Subwoofers and Amplifiers

The custom Porsche crest was integrated into the enclosure.

The small enclosure size required by the Audiomobile subwoofers was perfect for this installation.

Our technicians created a custom acrylic label for the access panel.

An access panel was created to allow filling of fluids.

The excellent work of our fabricators resulted in a stock-looking installation.

The electronics were mounted in the front boot.

After building a shallow enclosure for a pair of Audiomobile GTS-Series 10-inch subwoofers, the guys set to work on the custom trim panels. They mounted the woofers to a panel that is wrapped in perforated gray vinyl. Our team used our Glowforge laser to create a Porsche emblem in a piece of acrylic plastic. The emblem is centered between the subwoofers, and we built up the area around the emblem for a smooth, finished look.

The trim panel around the subwoofers features a pair of inserts at the rear of the vehicle that mimic the accent lines on the factory plastic panels. To continue the theme, we added raised sections to the rear edge of the panel to match those in the aluminum trim at the back of the cargo area. We also added a removable panel with a custom laser-etched badge to make it easy to access the engine oil and coolant fill points.

The sound system in this Porsche is powered by a pair of Digital Designs amplifiers and a digital signal processor. A D6.500 six-channel amp powers the woofers and tweeters in the doors and the rear speakers, while a DM1000a monoblock feeds each of the subwoofers with 500 watts of power.

A Digital Designs DSI-2 signal processor handles dividing the audio signal from the Pioneer radio into appropriate frequency ranges for each speaker. We also set the signal delays and equalization for each channel to produce smooth and natural sound with excellent imaging.

K40 Radar Detector

Our careful installation of the radar and laser system resulted in a completely stock-looking exterior.

The rear bumper cover was removed to install the rear radar receiver.

Laser Defusers were added to the front corners of the car.

Our team integrated a K40 RL360i radar detector and laser defense system into the Porsche to protect the driver from getting speeding tickets. We mounted the front and rear radar antennae to the chassis of the vehicle, using custom aluminum brackets. We concealed the radar antennae behind the plastic bumper covers and mounted a pair of Laser Defusers just above the outside air inlets in the front bumper. These Defusers prevent officers from measuring the vehicle speed using LIDAR until the client can confirm speed and cancel the scrambled laser signal transmission.

European Car Upgrade Specialists

With the upgraded stereo system dialed in and the radar and laser system tested, it was time for the owner of this cool Porsche Cayman to return to Perfectionist Auto Sound & Security to pick up the vehicle. The client was happy with the upgrades and anxious to get out on the road to try them out.

If you are interested in a radar detector or upgraded audio system for your car, drop by our store, give us a call or click here to send us an e-mail.

Dramatic Sound Quality Improvements By Upgrading Speakers

08/05/2016 By John Schwartz

Clients bring their vehicles to Perfectionist Auto Sound & Security for sound quality improvements to their car audio systems. One way that we can achieve this is by upgrading your speakers. Perfectionist carries premiere brands like Audiofrog, Morel, Hertz, Audison and Pioneer. Let’s look at why speakers are one of the most important components of your mobile entertainment system.

Better Than Stock

Automakers design the speakers they use in their vehicles to meet a specific price point. In most cases, this price is about the same as what you would pay for a fast food lunch, without the upsized fries and drink. You can imagine that this limited budget also limits the performance of the speakers. You could have the best electronics in the world, but if your speakers can’t convert the signal coming from your amplifier into great sound, then the whole system suffers.

Higher Output

One of the many benefits of aftermarket speakers is the ability for the speaker cones to move farther, which consequently allows them to play louder. Cone excursion becomes especially important when you want to add an amplifier to your system to allow it to play louder. Another speaker upgrade benefit is power handling. Aftermarket speakers are designed to dissipate heat better, so they last longer. Power handling and speaker cone excursion work hand-in-hand to create more output.

Less Distortion

Truly premium car audio speakers – like the Audiofrog GB series and Morel Supremo and Titanium – offer dramatically reduced distortion levels compared to entry- or mid-level speakers. The use of mechanically and electrically balanced motor structures and premium cone materials result in clearer, more detailed sound. These speakers don’t change their sound as you turn up the volume – the music is effortless and dynamic, even at concert-level volumes. Premium speakers recreate even the most minute details with amazing clarity. When you get used to speakers like these, it’s hard to go back to “normal” speakers.

We Make Good Sound Better

Proper speaker installation is key to getting maximum performance. Our team of expertly trained technicians knows how to get the most from any speaker we install. From a basic OEM replacement coaxial to two- and three-way component sets worth thousands of dollars, we install each and every speaker securely and reliably in a location that maximizes cosmetic integration and overall system performance. We can also create custom mounting locations in the doors or on the dash for even more performance.

Stop By To Talk About Sound Quality Improvements In Your Vehicle

If you are in the Anchorage, Alaska, area, drop into Perfectionist Auto Sound & Security. We would be happy to let you listen to any of the more than a dozen sets of speakers we have on display in our showroom and our demo vehicles. Bring your favorite music and hear it like you’ve never heard it before. For more information on improving the sound of your system with a speaker upgrade, contact us here.

Product Spotlight: Morel Maximo Coaxial Speakers

03/25/2016 By John Schwartz

We have a lot of clients who come to Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security to replace old or damaged factory speakers. Since your speakers are the most important components in your audio system, we take great care in choosing the brands we offer. One of our most popular replacement speaker solutions has been the Maximo coax series from Morel. The Morel Maximo series are an ideal replacement speaker. Morel has been manufacturing amazing-sounding home and car audio speakers since 1975.

Design

Developing a speaker that sounds great is relatively easy when there are no budget constraints. Making a speaker that impresses people and offers exceptional value is a great way to describe the Morel Maximo. These speakers are based on a treated paper composite cone. Paper cones are renowned for their balance of speed and natural sound. Powering the midrange driver is a high-strength ferrite magnet for good speaker efficiency and dynamic response. A 1-inch copper voice coil ensures that these speakers can handle power from a moderate-sized amplifier.

Producing clear high-frequency sound is left to a 0.8-inch soft dome tweeter at the center of the speaker. The tweeter is protected with a phase plug, which also helps improve off-axis response. The all-important crossover is called MXR Direct and is built into each speaker. This saves us time during installation and increases the value to our clients.

Application

Morel coaxial Maximo speakers are designed to offer good efficiency, making them compatible with factory-installed source units and amplifiers, or with an aftermarket amplifier. Many replacement speakers offer better sound, but they require an amplifier to reach reasonable volume levels. You would have to spend significantly more money to make your system loud again – but with Maximo, you don’t. Morel manufactures Maximo speakers in 4, 5.25, 6.5 and 6×9-inch sizes to fit most applications.

Come By And Check Out Morel Maximo Coaxes Today!

If you are in the Anchorage, Alaska, area and are looking for a great value in a speaker upgrade, then drop in to Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security and audition the Maximo speakers from Morel. Bring along your favorite music so you hear just how great these speakers sound. We’d be happy to have a look at your vehicle and outline what it would cost to upgrade your sound system.

For more information about any of our products or services, contact us here.