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Stereo loudspeaker located behind head? - soundstage ok?

Posted: 25 Apr 2013, 18:37
by syncropatrick
After getting fed up with tinny 4" speakers in stock location I've got a modest component speaker upgrade and am trying different locations for the main speakers.
The tweeters are currently dash mounted but I'm thinking of moving to A pillar at ear height. The main 6.5" speakers I've tried in two locations so far:-
a) lashed up on the dash. This made for fantastic sound with very little sound bleed outside the vehicle. But too big to mount there as they obscure the windscreen, air vents or binnacle depending on position.
b) in the bottom of the doors. Out of the way and discrete but sound is not as good and the doors vibrate and the sound bleed is bad. I'm not a huge fan of sharing my audio with other road users. I've got sound-deadening in the doors but it still happens.
Both keep the woofer and tweeter relatively close, but position b fires across the cab so not ideal.
What would the soundstage be like if the main speaker was behind the cab seats at the B pillar pointing forwards and the tweeters were in the A pillar? Has anyone tried this and can comment?

Re: Stereo loudspeaker located behind head? - soundstage ok?

Posted: 27 Apr 2013, 13:37
by ronsrecord
You'll get some good advice on placement here:

Talk Audio

http://www.talkaudio.co.uk/ipb/index.php?app=forums" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

:ok

I have my speakers in the door bottom, but shaped so pointing upwards a bit. Tweeters currently sitting on the dash - need to get them on a-pillars. Bass under the rock n roll bed. sounds good.

Re: Stereo loudspeaker located behind head? - soundstage ok?

Posted: 27 Apr 2013, 17:35
by CovKid
Might as well wear headphones surely :rofl

Re: Stereo loudspeaker located behind head? - soundstage ok?

Posted: 27 Apr 2013, 20:14
by syncropatrick
Ta, I'll try talk audio forum.
I am considering angling the speakers, but am a frequent welly user as its a Syncro. I tend to decorate the lower cab with lashings of mud.

Re: Stereo loudspeaker located behind head? - soundstage ok?

Posted: 27 Apr 2013, 20:15
by ronsrecord
syncropatrick wrote:Ta, I'll try talk audio forum.
I am considering angling the speakers, but am a frequent welly user as its a Syncro. I tend to decorate the lower cab with lashings of mud.

Yep - me too! The grills do get bashed - but that's what they're for maybe?!

Re: Stereo loudspeaker located behind head? - soundstage ok?

Posted: 27 Apr 2013, 20:18
by syncropatrick
Got a piccy of the angling of yours? My door bottoms have been butchered by a PO to fit 6x9s so there's tons of room down there.
SQ is important to me.

Re: Stereo loudspeaker located behind head? - soundstage ok?

Posted: 27 Apr 2013, 20:21
by ronsrecord
Will post it one up tomorrow patrick - bashes and all!! I reckon though - it's tweeter placing more than anything that gives you the right soundstage.

Re: Stereo loudspeaker located behind head? - soundstage ok?

Posted: 27 Apr 2013, 20:25
by syncropatrick
Cool, Ta.
Tweeters on dash in front of air vents and angled at faces. A pillar mounting is next. I heard one can use poly pipe to make a discrete mount which is perfectly angled.

Re: Stereo loudspeaker located behind head? - soundstage ok?

Posted: 27 Apr 2013, 20:26
by ronsrecord
That is what I need to crack! How do you do it on the A-pillars?!

Re: Stereo loudspeaker located behind head? - soundstage ok?

Posted: 27 Apr 2013, 20:32
by syncropatrick
Carve or whittle rear of pipe length to follow A pillar contours, do same for front to accept tweeter. Pipe to be similar diameter to tweeter.

Sounds easy but I bet there's a knack to make it look good.

Re: Stereo loudspeaker located behind head? - soundstage ok?

Posted: 28 Apr 2013, 21:02
by ronsrecord
Here you go Patrick

Image

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Re: Stereo loudspeaker located behind head? - soundstage ok?

Posted: 29 Apr 2013, 09:10
by syncropatrick
Thanks. And here's mine lashed up trial fit.
Image

Bit of speaker cloth over to protect from rain.
Image

Tweeters came with a limited adjustment cup, so already have some angle to them.
Image

Re: Stereo loudspeaker located behind head? - soundstage ok?

Posted: 30 Apr 2013, 06:50
by nobbyfox
Quality installation of the tweeters! Love the gaffa tape :ok
But on a more serious note, I too want a better speaker arrangement in my camper but then you would have to drill holes/butcher
the original cupboards or door cards to fit them. Not easy to get hold of a replacement if you change your mind.

Re: Stereo loudspeaker located behind head? - soundstage ok?

Posted: 01 May 2013, 17:34
by syncropatrick
nobbyfox wrote:Quality installation of the tweeters! Love the gaffa tape :ok
But on a more serious note, I too want a better speaker arrangement in my camper but then you would have to drill holes/butcher
the original cupboards or door cards to fit them. Not easy to get hold of a replacement if you change your mind.
Gaffa tape is my friend! No point drilling holes until you are really sure they're in the right place.