A long-time client dropped by Certified Auto Sound and Security in Chilliwack to inquire about a 2017 Cadillac Escalade custom audio system upgrade. We had installed four 10-inch subs in the client’s previous vehicle, so he wanted something that would be even better than that in the Escalade. He also wanted the system to look cool, without looking overdone. After taking a few measurements and performing a few calculations, we proposed the system you see here. The client loved our plan and gave us the thumbs-up to begin the installation.
JL Audio Subwoofer System
The new subwoofer system would be based on four JL Audio 10TW3 subwoofers. We constructed a rectangular two-chamber enclosure from 3/4-inch thick MDF to house the subwoofers. The enclosure fits nicely into the bottom of the cargo area and fires the subwoofers down into the floor. We used black carpet to finish the enclosure and protect the interior trim panels from damage. The carpet also helps prevent buzzes and rattles where the system touches those trim panels.
Enclosure Accent Lighting
We used our router to create a channel along the underside of the enclosure to house a red LED accent light. The LED light bar itself can’t be seen when standing behind the vehicle, but the red glow looks amazing and gives the project just the right amount of style.
Our fabrication department created a three-piece trim panel for the top of the enclosure. We shaped a strip of acrylic plastic with a large radius and a steep chamfer, then back-lit it with another strip of red LEDs. Vinyl-wrapped trim panels sandwich the acrylic piece and let its illuminated edge show through. The rear of the enclosure has a trim panel that wraps up over the edge and extends underneath the acrylic accent piece. We cut an opening in the lower edge of this trim piece using our Kingpin Precision Templates. We stacked multiple template components to provide the exact shape we wanted and trimmed the panel using an extended flush-trim bit in one of our router lifts.
Twin JL Audio Amplifiers
To deliver on the client’s request for prodigious bass output, we chose a pair of JL Audio HD1200/1 amplifiers to power the system and mounted the amps in the factory storage tray on the floor of the cargo area.
We used an audio signal from the factory Bose amplifier with an AudioControl LC2i line level interface. This interface ensures we have the right voltage to feed the JL amps. We added an AudioControl ACR-1 remote level control so the client can fine-time the bass level from the driver’s seat. Using a remote level control lets the client crank the bass without the potential to damage the small speakers in the system.
Future Plans
The client made it clear that he’d be back in the future to begin the process of upgrading the rest of the sound system. At that time, we will likely add a digital signal processor, new speakers and more amplifiers. Once you’ve been bitten by the car audio bug, it’s hard to let it go.
Cadillac Escalade Custom Audio System Setup and Delivery
We wrapped up the installation by fine-tuning the LC2i and the crossovers and sensitivity controls on the HD1200/1 amplifiers to maximize the performance of the system. The client can crank up the volume and the bass remains clear, deep and – most importantly – loud!
After about two days of work, it was time to turn this Cadillac Escalade custom audio system back over to the client. He was impressed with our execution of the plan and loves the way the system sounds. The red accent lighting gave the system a perfect amount of style without making it look overdone or showy.
If you are in Southern British Columbia, drop by Certified Auto Sound and Security in Chilliwack, Abbotsford or Maple Ridge and talk to our team about upgrading the sound system in your car or truck. We have a wide variety of accessories such as remote starters and dash camera systems available as well. If you have any questions, give us a call or send us an e-mail using our online contact form. We look forward to hearing from you.
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