Not every vehicle needs a giant system. Sometimes the factory radio is fine and the speakers are the problem. Sometimes the bass is missing. Sometimes somebody else installed it and it still does not sound right. These are real daily-driver builds, upgrades and system corrections from SMS.
Some of these vehicles needed one problem fixed. Others needed the whole system planned together. The point is the same: diagnose the weak link first instead of stacking random parts on top of it.
The goal was to improve the system without giving up the factory functions. We integrated into the factory audio system, upgraded the door and dash speakers, added a single subwoofer and used a KICKER LX seven-channel amplifier so each speaker could have its own crossover, level and controller adjustments.
The customer was frustrated with an install done elsewhere. SMS replaced the Hertz coaxials, retuned the DSP and set the amplifier gain structure.
The factory radio was replaced with a Stinger HEIGH10, adding a 10-inch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
This is why we check the vehicle, not just the audio parts. The Mustang only had about 6,000 miles, but its battery tested at 25% health. The tester recommended replacement, so we upgraded it to an Interstate AGM while handling the aftermarket audio integration.
The Sony XAV-AX3200 added Apple CarPlay. iDatalink Maestro retained the steering-wheel controls and backup camera.
Four KICKER Solo L7X 12-inch subwoofers were installed in a custom-built enclosure in this 2004 Tahoe.
This Chevrolet Tahoe received an Audio Dynamics X8K.1 amplifier with SMS power wiring.
The Audi A3 received an L7 R-Series Solo-Baric 12-inch subwoofer powered by an 800-watt amplifier.
This one did not need another part thrown at it. The used DTS arrived after the previous owner had stripped the audio system, so we removed the remnants of the old install and started fresh with new midranges, amplifiers and subwoofers.
The build included an Interstate AGM battery, AMERICAN soundbar, Recoil mids and highs, GALEFORCE 8-inch speakers in the rear towers, a custom enclosure with two 12-inch subwoofers, JY Power NXT support, two 4-channel amplifiers, one monoblock, OFC wiring and Mosconi DSP tuning with Barnie.
Dual 12-inch KICKER L7R subwoofers were installed in a KICKER loaded enclosure in this 2013 Toyota Corolla.
The 2007 Toyota Sequoia was stripped out and rewired. DB Drive Moto CD equipment was installed.
The subs were not the problem—the box was. We built a custom enclosure for the pair of KICKER L7S 15-inch subwoofers to replace the prefab enclosure they came out of.
KICKER coaxial speakers were installed and are running directly from deck power without an external amplifier.
This Silverado needed more than a single upgrade, so the audio system was handled as a complete build instead of a stack of unrelated parts.
The Toyota was upgraded with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, adding GPS navigation and on-screen maps.
Here are the installs, integration work, bass systems and corrections in motion—not just finished photos.
