Smithfield Client Gets Impressive Chrysler 300S Audio System Upgrade

A client from Smithfield visited Adrenaline Autosound to inquire about upgrading his 2014 Chrysler 300S audio system. He wanted something that would play a lot louder than the factory Beats system, as well as give great sound quality. After looking at the vehicle and talking to the client about his listening preferences, we came up with a simple, yet elegant plan to upgrade the system.

Audiofrog Front Speaker Upgrade

We started the project by removing the factory-installed speakers from the doors and dash locations. We created a set of 1/4” HDPE mounting adapters for a set of Audiofrog GB15 1.5-inch tweeters. The adapters mount directly into the factory speaker locations without the need to modify the vehicle.

We mounted a set of Audiofrog GS690 woofers in the door speaker locations to provide prodigious midbass and clear midrange performance. As with all of our installations, we ran new speaker wires into the doors to ensure maximum power transfer from the amplifier. A set of foam acoustic coupling rings enhance the output of the door speakers.

JL Audio Amplifier and Subwoofer System

The custom trim on the enclosure help to integrate it into the Chrysler.

We sized the enclosure to make sure there was still access to the amplifiers.

The client wanted lots of deep, loud bass. We constructed a vented enclosure for a single JL Audio 13W7AE-D1.5 13.5-inch diameter subwoofer. The enclosure provides excellent output and allows the client to retain most of his trunk space. A vinyl-wrapped trim panel surrounds the subwoofer for a classy look. We created a carpeted trim piece to give the enclosure an integrated look and feel.

A JL Audio HD600/4 amp powers the front speakers and an HD1200/1 powers the subwoofer. We used ¼-20 stainless fasteners and threaded inserts to secure the amp rack in the spare tire well. As with everything we design, we can access each component in the system easily for service and tuning.

Factory Head Unit Integration and System Processing

The JL Audio processor was mounted in front of the amplifier.

Our slick mounting and illumination for the JL Audio processor control was a hit with the client!

Late-model Chryslers have a well-integrated factory source unit that is not easy to replace. We left the radio in place and used a PAC AmpPRO 4 AP4-CH31 interface to extract a clean audio signal. We upgraded the interface with an APA-TOS1 Toslink module so we could feed the audio signal digitally to a JL Audio TwK-D8 processor.

The TwK-D8 allow us to configure crossovers, signal delay and equalize the output of each speaker in the system. We mounted the DRC-200 controller from the TwK-D8 in the storage pocket at the bottom of the center console. The status LED for the TwK-D8 is hidden from view but illuminates the storage pocket to let the client know which preset is selected. We repurposed the micro switch on the door cover to activate the status LED only when the front panel is open.

Chrysler 300S Audio System Tuning

With everything installed, we started the tuning process for the system. The large size of the tweeters allows us to play them down to an impressive 1800Hz, eliminating much of the directivity of the GS690 mid-woofers in the doors.

The client returned to Adrenaline Autosound in Clayton, anxious to audition his new system for the first time. He was ecstatic with the way it looked and sounded. The low crossover point on the tweeters afforded excellent imaging for a very realistic listening experience. If you are interested in upgrading your audio system, drop by our store or e-mail us using our online contact page.