A client from Wilson contacted Adrenaline Autosound to let us know he wanted to upgrade his 2018 Porsche Cayman audio system. We have designed and installed upgrades in previous vehicles for this client and he knew that we’d need to work on the Cayman to bring it up to his standards for dynamic range, accuracy, imaging and low-frequency extension. Putting his faith in our capabilities, the client had the dealership drop the car off at our store before he took possession of the vehicle.
Audiofrog GB-Series Speaker Upgrade
The first task was to replace the speakers in the Porsche with top-of-the-line Audiofrog GB-Series speakers. Without any hesitation, we can attest to the fact that there is no speaker that sounds better and offers more capability than these drivers. We mounted a 6.5-inch GB60 woofer and 4-inch GB40 midrange in the factory location in each door. The GB60 installation required a set of custom HDPE plastic mounting adapters to bolt to the factory speaker hardware locations.
We always run new speaker wires when performing an audio system upgrade. In the case of this Porsche Cayman audio system, it took some work to route the two pair of 16 AWG speaker wires through the factory wire grommets into each door. We protect all the wiring we add with automotive grade fleece and high-temperature tape to prevent buzzes and rattles, and we implement sound deadening and acoustic coupling rings where appropriate. A set of 1-inch GB10 tweeters is mounted in the factory tweeter locations in the front of the vehicle. We upgraded the rear speakers with a second set of GB10 tweeters and GB40 midrange drivers to ensure the tonal balance throughout the vehicle would be perfect.
Stealth Subwoofer System
A single JL Audio 13TW5v2 13.5-inch subwoofer in the rear cargo space handles the task of reproducing low-frequency information. We created a compact enclosure that fires the subwoofer down into trunk area. A pair of trim panels, held in place by neodymium magnets, conceals the enclosure.
Porsche Cayman Audio System Power Amplifiers
Three JL Audio system amplifiers power the new audio system. An XD800/8v2 powers the front stage speakers in a six-channel configuration while an XD400/4v2 powers the rear fill speakers. We chose an HD750/1 to power the system subwoofer. A two-tier amp rack in the front storage area is bolted to the vehicle using stainless-steel 10-24 hex-head bolts to ensure everything is solid and secure. All the controls on the amps are easily accessible for tuning by removing the custom carpeted trim panel we created.
A Mosconi 8TO12 Pro signal processor and an RCD mini remote controller handle the system’s crossovers, equalization and time alignment needs. The RCD remote is mounted within easy reaching distance of the driver to adjust the subwoofer level or change the audio system presets.
While running power and signal wiring through the car for the audio system, we ran a power cable for the client’s portable radar detector from the top of the windshield to the fuse box. We repurposed an empty fuse holder location to power the detector and added a label and 3 amp fuse in the event the client needs to service the installation.
Audio System Configuration and Tuning
With the equipment installed, the last step was to tune the system to ensure the client would be able to enjoy any music at any volume level. The result was an impressively stable and accurate virtual soundstage across the windshield. The client was thrilled with the results and very excited to enjoy his new car and audio system. If you are in the Raleigh area, drop by Adrenaline Autosound in Clayton to find out how we can transform your vehicle into a mobile concert hall. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call us at 919-359-0009 or send us an e-mail using our online contact page.