Upgrade Speaker Drivers, Adding a LOC, Two AMPS, and a SUB!

My Nissan Leaf Forum

Help Support My Nissan Leaf Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

UBUYGAS

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 20, 2013
Messages
1,368
Location
Central NJ
Hi All,

I know there are many threads here on this subject but some have pictures that don't load anymore and links that don't work.

I just wanted to start my own thread with the upgrades that I'm doing to my LEAF without hijacking someone else's thread.

I don't think I need to explain why I want to do this, the Leaf Stereo is ok, but that's about it, I want to feel my music. I am however a little concerned about losing range and so I don't plan on going overboard.

I already bought a bunch of items and some I will resell or return because my plan is already changing.

I should let you know right away that I am an Audiophile, I have many stereo systems in my house with 1000's of watts of Power and these LEAF speakers are going to cause some mental distress and I may need counseling if I don't upgrade them! LOL

I think I blew one up already, It sounds distorted at certain frequencies.

Here's one of my home stereo speakers, on this video the audio sounds distorted but believe it is not, my iPhone mic could not handle the Bass output and that's why it sounds distorted. If you were here your jaw would have been dropped by how awesome it sounds.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHHLKERU0wo[/youtube]

You can find more of my systems by searching for Lasareath on the web.

But here is a list of things I already bought or am just about to buy:

I bought (2) Pairs of these speakers: http://www.polkaudio.com/products/mm651" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I bought this but may not use it: http://www.bazooka.com/products/mob...es-8-inch-250-watt-Class-D-Amplified-Tube-P40 I am told by my Polk Audio buddies it's too weak.

I am planning on ordering this LOC (Line Output Converter): http://www.audiocontrol.com/t34/17612/645207/OEM-Integration/Two-Channel-Line-Out-Converter-with-AccuBASStm-and-Subwoofer-Control----LC2i.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (watch the Video and you'll understand why I need this)

I have one of these from my old ICE car and may rip it out and use it in the LEAF: http://www.jlaudio.com/jx500-1d-car-audio-jx-amplifiers-99400" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (this amp has a potentiometer to control the bass output that I will most likely mount inside the center armrest)

I have one of these in the old ICE car as well: http://www.polkaudio.com/products/db1212" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (sounds awesome with the above amp)

I already have lots of Dynamat from previous projects, I intend to add some to each door. http://www.dynamatstore.com/index.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I have a 4 gauge and a 8 gauge AMP Kit from these guys: http://www.knukonceptz.com/productMaster.cfm?category=Amp%20Installation%20Kits" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I have lots of speaker cable, I have speaker cables on my main home stereo system that costs around $2500, (http://ww2.mitcables.com/available-online/shotgun-s1.3-bi-wire-speaker-cable.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) So I know about speaker cable, usually I don't waste money on car Stereo speaker cable because of road noise. For the LEAF I may just use this stuff: http://www.firefold.com/1000ft-14awg-2-wire-in-wall-speaker-wire" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; 14 gauge 1000 feet for $205.00 Not bad, I can use the leftovers for future home installs.

That LOC I am looking at takes the input from one pair of speakers and it creates two pairs of outputs, one for your main AMP (that will power the 4 Polk Audio MM651's) and another output to be used for the subwoofer. The other nice features is that it restores Bass that stock Head Units steal when you increase the Volume, It has an Auto Turn-on feature and provides a remote turn on lead for your other amp(s).

I'm going to buy the AudioControl LC2i in the next couple of days, just doing some more research first and I am still looking for a 4 channel AMP.

Please if you have any recommendations then please post them.

My plan is to make this system as inconspicuous as possible, I don't want potential thieves eyeing up my car. I want them to see the stock stereo and stock speaker grilles.

Thanks,

Lasareath (Sal)
 
I really like this Amp to power the 4 doors

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-xlFW2dMJAtC/p_136HD6004/JL-Audio-HD-Series-HD600-4.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


But that one may be overkill. This one may be better:

http://jlaudio-mobile.shptron.com/p/xd400-4?pp=12" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
 
Well I bought the XD400 amp, it's 75 Watts by 4, Should be plenty.

I also bought the AudioControl LOC. I'm going to wait till I have everything and it's not raining to start the project.

Here are some links to the Polk Audio Forum, There's a guy there that knows all about Car Systems, He competes and does installs for a living, So I ask him all my questions:

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?151438-Need-a-4-Channel-Low-Power-125W-x-4-AMP" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?151344-Bazooka-Tubes-Yay-or-Nay" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I just Need a distribution Block for the trunk and some speakers wire, I have to check my garage, I think I have a 100 foot spool of mini-monster cable, I could use that.

I may buy this thing:

xscorpion.png


Here's one reason why I use http://www.KnuKonceptz.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

knukonceptz.png
 
Well I have bought the rest of the Gear, All Power & Speaker wires. After Shipping it was $149.08

All of the Power cables will be run in Orange :)

My friend from the Polk Forum said I can use 4 Gauge wire for both Amps (just as long as it's good cable, not power cable you find at AutoZone) I'm going to hook up a 120A fuse in the motor compartment and then split the cable in the trunk and hook up a 50A fuse for the JL XD400 and a 60A Fuse for the JX500/1D

knuleafgear.png


Now I just have to wait for everything to come in :(
 
Just carry a spare 12V battery. If you drain it you might not have a car to drive home.

ps. Have you checked your ears for soundblast damage? :lol:
 
How long does a New 12V Battery keep its charge?, Can I carry one in my Trunk for Months at a time?

No need to check, I definitely have ear damage.

But seriously, I had a system in one of my cars 15 years ago with 3 HUGE amps and the Car Battery would last 3 years. Small price to pay for Great sound. I'l just buy a New battery every couple years and I'm sure I'll be fine.

braineo said:
Just carry a spare 12V battery. If you drain it you might not have a car to drive home.

ps. Have you checked your ears for soundblast damage? :lol:
 
Much different in an electric car - there is no alternator charging the 12V battery - thus any additional loads - will deplete it.

There is a whole issue with when does the big battery pack recharges the small battery - but what it is clear is that you won't be able to even start the car if the 12V battery doesn't hold a good charge. You might even lose all kind of sub-systems like brakes, steering, or the ability to turn a wheel all while driving.

I would definitely run all you gunk with a separfate battery and charge it independently. maybe even form the cigarette lighter but only when you are connected to a charging station.

Otherwise, spend some money on a dashcam, your video when inm the twilight zone will be funnier and better than all the russian videos on the web.
 
I'm pretty sure you're talking out of your ass. There are many other people on this forum who have installed additional Amps and when Forum members with 1000's of posts responded to their threads they said nothing about them killing the 12V Battery.

Please don't buy a webcam because I don't want to see videos of you! LMAO



braineo said:
Much different in an electric car - there is no alternator charging the 12V battery - thus any additional loads - will deplete it.

There is a whole issue with when does the big battery pack recharges the small battery - but what it is clear is that you won't be able to even start the car if the 12V battery doesn't hold a good charge. You might even lose all kind of sub-systems like brakes, steering, or the ability to turn a wheel all while driving.

I would definitely run all you gunk with a separfate battery and charge it independently. maybe even form the cigarette lighter but only when you are connected to a charging station.

Otherwise, spend some money on a dashcam, your video when inm the twilight zone will be funnier and better than all the russian videos on the web.
 
check http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=13599&p=315845&hilit=12v#p315845" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; Seems that the 12v is the weakest link in our Leaf.

The dashcam is to see your face when the 12v battery low voltage due to your soundblaster starts messing up with all the electrical systems controlled by an electrically starved fly by wire computer unit in brownout stage.

Hope I'm wrong and that you enjoy your upgraded system.

BTW -what was the song on your 1st posting video- the one with the bass distortion?
 
You're pretty funny. I won't need the dashcam. Thanks. I showed your post to 3 other Leaf owners who have added systems like I am going to add. 2 of them have systems the same size as mine and the other has a system that draws 50% more current and they all said you don't know what your talking about. The DC to DC charger can easily handle charging the battery even though I will be pulling 50 to 100 Amps (110 Amps is maximum draw with volume at 100%)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8A9e4Lp0N0[/youtube]



your link goes nowhere.
braineo said:
check http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=13599&p=315845&hilit=12v#p315845" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; Seems that the 12v is the weakest link in our Leaf.

The dashcam is to see your face when the 12v battery low voltage due to your soundblaster starts messing up with all the electrical systems controlled by an electrically starved fly by wire computer unit in brownout stage.

Hope I'm wrong and that you enjoy your upgraded system.

BTW -what was the song on your 1st posting video- the one with the bass distortion?
 
I searched the forum for 12v.

Here is the link again http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=13599&p=315845&hilit=12v#p315845" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It in the troubleshooting area.
 
Your link goes nowhere! I don't need you to show me. Stop posting links to nowhere!

nobraineo.png




braineo said:
I searched the forum for 12v.

Here is the link again http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=13599&p=315845&hilit=12v#p315845" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It in the troubleshooting area.
 
I just installed a new system in my 2013 Leaf and my amp (20th Anniversary A/D/S P640.2) needs a 12v remote turn-on wire. Did you use one for your amps and if so, where did you find it?
Thanks!!!
 
I used an AudioControl LC2i which takes the signal from the rear speakers and creates RCA pre outs for the Amp(s) and adds a remote turn on lead. It also has patented technology to fix the bass output of the LEAFs stock stereo.

It only costs $99.00.

You need one.

LOOK HERE: http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=14156" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;






Stellar007 said:
I just installed a new system in my 2013 Leaf and my amp (20th Anniversary A/D/S P640.2) needs a 12v remote turn-on wire. Did you use one for your amps and if so, where did you find it?
Thanks!!!
 
Thanks for the idea. The beauty of the ADS amp is the high impedance input stage so that it does not need a LOC but can take straight speaker level inputs. So all I need is a 12v remote turn-on wire to complete this.

Anyone else have knowledge of a 12v stereo turn-on before I start poking around?
 
The JL Audio amps I used also take high level inputs and they will turn on when they sense output from the stock HU.

But they do not correct the bass fall-off like the LC2i does.


Stellar007 said:
Thanks for the idea. The beauty of the ADS amp is the high impedance input stage so that it does not need a LOC but can take straight speaker level inputs. So all I need is a 12v remote turn-on wire to complete this.

Anyone else have knowledge of a 12v stereo turn-on before I start poking around?
 
Lasareath said:
The JL Audio amps I used also take high level inputs and they will turn on when they sense output from the stock HU.

But they do not correct the bass fall-off like the LC2i does.


Stellar007 said:
Thanks for the idea. The beauty of the ADS amp is the high impedance input stage so that it does not need a LOC but can take straight speaker level inputs. So all I need is a 12v remote turn-on wire to complete this.

Anyone else have knowledge of a 12v stereo turn-on before I start poking around?

Thanks! So pardon me for asking but what exactly is the bass fall-off issue with the stock HIU? Does it cut off the low end I assume?
 
Yes. Most new HU will decrease the bass output as you turn up the volume because the stock speakers cannot handle bass well at full volume. The AudioControl has patented technology that creates bass when the volume is turned up. I don't know how they do it but my system sounds and feels amazing.
 
Lasareath said:
Yes. Most new HU will decrease the bass output as you turn up the volume because the stock speakers cannot handle bass well at full volume. The AudioControl has patented technology that creates bass when the volume is turned up. I don't know how they do it but my system sounds and feels amazing.

Thanks for the info!!
I also watched the video link attached above on the LC2i and that helped as well.
 
I'm glad that it helped you out. How's the install coming along?




Stellar007 said:
Lasareath said:
Yes. Most new HU will decrease the bass output as you turn up the volume because the stock speakers cannot handle bass well at full volume. The AudioControl has patented technology that creates bass when the volume is turned up. I don't know how they do it but my system sounds and feels amazing.

Thanks for the info!!
I also watched the video link attached above on the LC2i and that helped as well.
 
Back
Top