Processors Archives - Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security

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

Porsche Stereo — The custom Porsche crest was integrated into the enclosure.

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 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.

Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security in Anchorage, Alaska, is the well-known destination for audio system upgrades. We work with our clients to ensure the upgrade paths they choose for their vehicles provide excellent value and excellent performance. This article outlines our four-step plan to better sounding car audio system.

Step 1: Add a Subwoofer

Even premium factory audio systems suffer from anemic bass. It does not matter if it’s Bose, Lexicon or JBL – each and every one of them can benefit from adding a subwoofer system. Perfectionist has subwoofer solutions that provide clear, defined bass with output down to or even below 20 Hz.

You do not have to sacrifice your storage space to add a subwoofer. The spare tire well, a storage compartment or under a seat is more than enough room for today’s subwoofers.

Once you have added a subwoofer to your audio system, the small factory speakers are free from the challenge of having to try to produce bass. They can focus on producing midrange and high frequencies with better clarity and more volume.

Step 2: Upgrade Your Amplifier

The next step in the upgrade path is to install an amplifier in your system. Many clients combine this step with the addition of the subwoofer by choosing a five-channel amplifier. Having additional power not only allows your speakers to play louder, but also prevents distortion at high volume levels. Aftermarket amplifiers include electronic crossovers that allow our installers to control the bandwidth of the audio signal sent to your speakers.

Adding an amp will add clarity and detail to your system, and let you crank it up!

Step 3: New Speakers

Once you have a subwoofer and a dedicated amplifier, then it is time to upgrade your speakers. Factory-installed speakers are made from inexpensive materials, usually do not sound great and are rarely capable of getting loud. New speakers will dramatically reduce the amount of distortion produced by the system. New speakers offer smoother and more extended frequency response. Finally, new speakers have much more excursion capability than factory speakers do, so you can use that extra power from your amplifier to play your system good and loud!

Step 4: Signal Processing

The icing on the cake for any audio system is to maximize the performance of each component in the system. We use a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) to compensate for factory speaker locations and acoustic reflections that can wreak havoc with the performance of your system. Once we are done, your stereo will sound more lifelike and sound more realistic. We can tune the system to recreate the sensation of sitting at a live performance with the music way out in front of you on the stage.

Come to Perfectionist for Better-sounding Car Audio

If you are in the Anchorage area, then we invite you to visit our store. One of our product specialists would be happy to work with you to eliminate any weak links in your audio system. We not only sell amazing products, we install and tune them as well. Our installation team has been recognized as some of the best on the continent with a Top 12 Installer award for our installation manager. How we install your equipment is as important as what we install.

For more information about any of our products or services, you can reach us via our online contact form.

Premium Audio and Radar Upgrade for Anchorage Porsche Cayman