The Ford F150 comes with a DVD player built into the dash that will not work unless the parking brake is on. Pretty pointless right? This customer goes on long trips with his family and his friends and needed a way to make those long hours on the road more bearable. CSD installed a device that allows for video to be watched by the passenger. It also receives video input from the dual 7″ touchscreen DVD players mounted in custom stitched headrests. Now each passenger in the truck can watch their own movie, or all three can be linked together for everyone to enjoy.
This unique Jetta is number 81 out of only 1200 made. That’s not unique enough for this customer. CSD Gave this Jetta a major technology upgrade adding, DVD, USB, iPod Video, Bluetooth Audio & Hands Free Phone, HD Radio, Back Up Camera and 12″ Rockford Fosgate Subwoofer powered by a Pioneer Digital Series amplifier. Now this limited edition car is 1 of a kind!
When Nascar driver Michael Self heard his buddy’s new Scion FR-S featured in our blog here, he just had to have a Focal system for himself! This Ford already came fully loaded with the Sync, Bluetooth, and Navigation, but the Sony audio system just didn’t cut it. It was seriously lacking in both detail and output. CSD Audio to the rescue!
We retained the stock cosmetics and functionality of all the OEM electronics and added new amps, speakers, and two 12 inch subwoofers. All the equipment was hidden behind factory panels or under the back seat, out of sight. The only indication there has been any work done to this truck is the bright blue glow coming from the subwoofer enclosure.
At least until you crank the volume, that is! Focal Performance 6″ Component speakers were installed in the doors and tweeters mounted in the a-pillars. Two 12″ Focal subwoofers were tucked neatly under the rear seat in a custom LED illuminated enclosure. Two Focal Performance amplifiers were stacked under the passenger rear seat, providing plenty of clean power for this system.
CSD gave this truck a massive improvement to both sound quality and cool factor for this up and coming Nascar star!
This customer is used to high end sound and the audio system in this new Scion coupe just didn’t measure up. In additiona to a major Audio overhaul, CSD filled the dash with the latest technology including Navigation, DVD, SD video, iPod a/v, Bluetooth hands free phone and streaming audio. Now it has the features and performance to match its good looks.
Our friends over at Streamline Industries sent us this gorgeous A5. After upgrading the wheels, tires, suspension, engine software and exhaust, it was CSD Audio’s turn to add a little peace of mind.
This customer needed the ultimate advanced warning and protection from those pesky speeding tickets. CSD Installed the Beltronics Pro RX-75 laser/radar detetcion system. Laser diffusers were mounted in the front grille and rear license plate to protect this A5 all the way around. The display unit was hidden away inside the ash tray. With it cleverly stashed out of sight, the RX-75 gives both visual and audible alerts via a dash mounted LED and an amplified speaker hidden inside the dash.
This client had a chance to listen to the CSD Audi v3 and was immediately hooked. The challenge though, was to design a system that exhibited may of the same qualities of the reference system while sticking to a limited budget. We chose the control center of this unit to be the Pioneer DEH-80PRS. We used the front channels to power the midranges of the Pioneer D Series component speakers and used the rear channels of the head unit to power the tweeters. This allowed a precise blend between the sound of all 4 front speakers and allowed us to use the time delay features of the DEH-80PRS to ensure the output of all the speakers in the car arrives at the listening position at the same time. This gives the amazing sense that the music is coming out of the windshield, making it sound far more ‘real’ than most car stereo systems. A Pioneer 12″ Championship Series Pro woofer rounds out the system and provides punchy, accurate bass. For less than $1500 for the entire system, the sound in this car is truly amazing!
Owners of the 99-01 mustang no longer have to be jealous of the newer models that already have a double DIN opening. With some clever fabircation CSD updated the tech in this ride adding iPod connectivity with ap mode, bluetooth hands free calling & streaming audio, cd, USB, and DVD all controlled through a 5.8″ touch screen. Our friends at Liquid Innovations added the finishing touches with custom Hydrographics.
This VW came equipped with the optional Dynaudio system. It sounded pretty good but that wasn’t good enough. CSD designed the new audio system to provide massive improvements to the quality of sound in this car without modifying the interior cosmetics. We replaced the 4 front stock speakers with Focal K2 Power 6.5″ components driven by 360 watts of power from a Focal FPP 4100 four channel amplifier. All the new speakers were installed behind factory grills to keep them out of sight. A JL Audio 10w6 Stealthbox was mounted in the rear quarter panel adding lots of bass without sacrificing any cargo room. All the amps and the Audison BitTen processor were cut into the foam below the floor, keeping all the electronics out of sight. This new system sounds amazing and is far better than any OEM installed audio equipment!
The speakers in this car had a very rough life and desperately needed to be replaced. We chose the Focal Access line of speakers to freshen up the sound in this rare Saab. A Focal 12″ subwoofer and German engineered Audio System 600 watt amplifier provide the low end impact to compliment the sweet sound of the mids & highs. All the speakers fit neatly behind the factory panels to keep the interior cosmetics nearly unmodified. Even the Pioneer in-dash stereo changes colors to match the instrumentation in the car.
While we were at it, we opted to bring the technology up to the latest 21st century standards adding USB iPod control, wireless streaming audio and hands free phone as well as HD radio.
This jeep needed a bass upgrade but even with the extended wheelbase, cargo space is at a premium. A fiberglass mold was taken of the wheel well and this custom subwoofer enclosure was created. This new woofer blends perfectly with the interior of the Jeep and retains nearly all of the rear storage compartment.
***Note – This enclosure, like most everything else you’ll find featured in this blog, is a one-off custom piece. I’ve had great response from all over the country asking for a copy of this enclosure but unfortunately I am only able to build one if the vehicle can be brought to my shop in Salt Lake City, UT. There is no option for me to build and ship at this time. Thanks for all the interest! ***
This SUV needed a major technology update. A Pioneer AVIC-Z130BT was swapped in giving this Merc navigation, Bluetooth, iPod video, Pandora, USB, and DVD. A custom, one off, dash bezel was fabricated to make this new receiver look right at home in the dash. The rear screens were tied in with the front and factory back-up camera was retained as well. The stock speakers were also retained but the power output was upped to over 500 watts!
Andy was about to drive this newly restored VW Vanagon AWD to Colorado and on to Massachusetts and we couldn’t let him make the journey with a tape deck and blown speakers! This 25 year old van received a technology upgrade including CD player with iPod, USB & Bluetooth. The front doors were modified to accept 5.25″ speakers (up from 4″) and the rear speakers were also upgraded with Pioneer’s D Series coaxials with Basalt Technology.
1987 Volkswagen Vanagon AWD
D Series Speakers
Rear Speakers
JVC Receiver
Tight Fit!
5.25″ Speakers
5.25″ Speakers
In addition to sound upgrades, we made this VW a much quieter environment to enjoy long drives with the thorough application of sound deadening material down the length of vehicle. Check out the video below to see the substantial difference. This Vanagon went from the acoustics of a tin can to the quiet ride of a Lexus!
Day after day at CSD Audio, vehicles come in for substantial sound upgrades but often aren’t featured on the website because great lengths are taken to maintain the integrity of the factory interior cosmetics. There’s not much to see once the system is complete! For this F-150 project, you get to see some of the details that comprise a great sounding and nearly invisible audio system.
Technology upgrades include a Digital Media Receiver which features a 2″ color screen, and USB connection which controls an iPod, iPhone or other mass storage class USB device. A Bluetooth hands free system was connected to allow the customer to safely talk on the phone while the vehicle is in motion.
This system delivers crystal clear, detailed sound powered by 7 channels and nearly 1300 Watts of amplifier power. The front speakers are bi-amplified using the electronic crossover built in to the Audison LRX amplifier and an Alpine Imprint processor adds a parametric equalizer, phase shift & time delay to optimize the listening environment in this brand new Ford.
2012 Ford F-150
Interior
After thorough application of sound deadening to the door, the black vapor barrier is reinstalled and the Focal K2 power midrange is mounted to a custom built adapter plate.
Two JL Audio shallow 13″ woofers are tucked under the rear seat
At only 2.5″ deep, these 13″ woofers provide very detailed and accurate bass, while consuming very little space.
Alpine IDA-X305
You can see the significant difference in build quality between the stock speaker (right) and the Focal K2 Power midrange. (left)
You can see the significant difference in build quality between the stock speaker (right) and the Focal K2 Power midrange. (left)
Focal 5″x7″ mounted in the rear doors sealed with a foam gasket
The 5 Channel Amplifier is tucked behind the back seat.
A 150 amp fuse protects the system and is connected to the battery using zero gauge wire
0 gauge power & ground along with speaker & subwoofer connections.
The sound deadening material lowers road noise, reduces vibration and provides an air-tight seal for the speaker against the door providing the best possible midbass response.
Inverted Aramid Fiber (Kevlar) Dome Tweeter
A substantial upgrade in materials & craftmanship over stock.
You’d think a 2012 Audi would come loaded with technology, but CSD Audio still has the ability to upgrade this hot hatch with even more bells & whistles.
Pioneer’s AVIC-Z130 Flagship navigation unit was installed in the dash, bringing a world of new technologies.
There are many manufacturers that make ‘dash kits’ for B5, B6 & B7 Audi A4 & S4. These plastic kits do a good job of holding your aftermarket head unit, but don’t match the quality fit & finish of the rest of your Audi interior. CSD Audio can build you a 1 off custom dash piece that fits your radio opening perfectly, matches the factory texture & color and gives you a cleaner, more polished looking installation worthy of this fine German Automobile. For 02-08 A4/S4, we will even retain the chrome accent piece from the stock stereo to further enhance a custom OEM appearance.
If you love music, you need to hear this car. Even if you’re not in the market for new equipment, even if you like to shop somewhere else, the audio system in this car will open your eyes to what’s truly possible in bringing high fidelity audio to an automotive environment. Schedule a time to stop by and take a no obligation listen to this system… you’ll be glad you did! Call travis @ 801.960.2999 or contact me via email to set up a private listening session.
The system delivers stunningly realistic sound through Focal Utopia Be no. 7 component speakers in the front doors & a-pillars, a JL Audio 13″ Shallow subwoofer flush mounted in the rear quarter panel and is powered by three Italian built Mosconi amplifiers installed in the floor.
The goal of this system was to create a listening environment that would re-create the feeling of listening to a great 2-channel music system in your home. Along with great sound, I needed to retain this wagon’s ability to haul cargo to my home theater job sites or take my dog to the park. I also really like the cosmetics and feel of the factory Audi interior and wanted to make the new system blend in as much as possible. This system accomplished all of these goals and performs better than even I had hoped. But, you don’t have to take my word for it. Come take a listen today!
Misty loves her music. We loaded this Jeep up with all the latest and loudest components from Pioneer. The control center of this system is Pioneer’s AVH-P6300BT with built in DVD, iPod Video playback, Ap Mode and Bluetooth hands free phone, GEX-P920XM module, and ND-BC4 back-up camera. Under the rear seat, we stashed two Pioneer amplifiers, the GM-D7500M pushes two JL Audio 10″ W3v3 subs and GM-D9500F to power the D-Series 5-1/4″ components in the front and coaxials in the sound bar above. This jeep is the complete package and absolutely rocks!
The 03-07 Honda accord presents quite a few challenges when it comes to replacing the stock stereo… and even more if a ‘double din’ touch screen is desired. CSD Audio accepted the challenge, building a custom dash adapter that fits below the climate controls where there was previously a storage compartment.
A lot of people ask me… “What does CSD stand for?”
Originally I started out as Custom Speaker Designs. I designed and built tons of crazy loud subwoofer enclosures, and other custom speaker cabinets. I changed the name to CSD Audio when i started to offer a full line of home theater & car audio electronics and installation services.
This project I just completed took me back to the old days… when people really wanted it LOUD! Starting with loudspeaker performance modeling software, I get with the customer, discuss his or her musical tastes and goals, and begin to design a speaker system to match. Every custom design I create is one-off for that particular person and boy this thing got busy! If you’ve never heard Rick Astle’s “Never Gonna Give You Up’ at 145 decibels… you haven’t lived!
I enjoy projects like this when they come along. Mike was looking to make a substantial improvement to the Bose system in his Speed3, but uses his car to haul things for his business, and couldn’t give up any trunk space. I built him a custom fiberglass woofer enclosure INSIDE his spare tire which housed one of Pioneer’s Shallow 12″ woofers. We also added a bass knob in the dash to allow him to fine-tune the music to his exact tastes on the go. Mike now has a car that sounds awesome, retains 100% of the cargo room and still has easy access to his spare tire.
***UPDATE***
This is the great part about designing a system from the ground up for each customer. Mike’s buddy loved this system so much, he wanted one of his own. The design goal was simple… “Make it louder than Mike’s!” Cool. Cargo space was just as important to Blaine so we stuck with Pioneer’s shallow 12″ subwoofer, only doubling the quantity and designing a custom vented enclosure to wring every ounce of performance out of this system. Even with 2 woofers and the custom box, we only lost 4″ of cargo room in the rear. The box also has a Speakon quick disconnect system so the box can be quickly and safely removed to free up the rest of the hatch for hauling stuff.
