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We recently did a re-build on my 2006 Mercedes C230 Sport at Kustom Kar Audio in Santa Rosa, Ca. Scott Babson has done all the installation and fabrication on this car.
The purpose of this re-build was to give me the ability to have the maximum tuning capabilities on all the 5.1 channels. The area that has been the most problematic has been the rear surround channels. The Alpine PXI-H990 only allows an active two-way set-up for the rear channels and I am running an active three-way set-up. In the past I have had to combine either of two drivers and run them with the Morel passive crossover, while running the remaining driver active. This method afforded much compromise with regards to the ability to tune the rear channels properly.
The solution was to set-up the Alpine PXI-H990 to output full range rear left and right channel signals and route that to the analog inputs of an Alpine PXA-H800. The H800 was set to a three-way setup without subwoofer. This now gives me full active control of the rear channels. The H800 gives me time correction, active crossover set-up, and parametric equalization. The H990 gives me additional time correction (overall channel) and graphic equalization on both left and right rear channels. This is considerably more tuning control than previously available and has yielded the exact result I was seeking. The five channels, L,C,R,LS,RS are far better timbre matched and time and phase correct.
![Electronics Technology Computer network Electronic device Diagram]()
Accompanied with this system re-design, I wanted to facilitate some other things that would improve the systems functionality. The first of these was to replace the six cooling fans with super quiet fans. As we know heat is the enemy of audio electronics over time, so I wanted to be able to leave the fans running all the time, even during the most critical listening sessions. The choice was the Noiseblocker NB Blacksilent Pro Ultra Quiet Fan. Each fan has a rated noise level of 10dbA. With the system on and all six fans running at full rpm, they are completely inaudible from the listening position. In fact they are almost inaudible when running the fan and holding it next to your ear. They also come with rubber isolating mounts. This modification was well worth the effort.
![Technology Electronic device Wire Electronics accessory Font]()
![Electronics Bumper Metal]()
With this re-design we would be adding the H800 and another PDX-F6. That is a total of 6 amplifiers and three processors as well as all the other source components. I wanted to make sure the system would remain noise free after the re-build. We decided to re-wire the systems power, ground, turn-on and all the RCA cables. Because of the number of distributed power and ground connections required, conventional car audio distribution blocks were not an option. We chose to use a MARATHON 1452552 POWER DISTRIBUTION BLOCK 600V 380AMPS. This distribution block has two poles. One for power and one for ground, with an input of 500 MCM to 4 gauges and up to 12 outputs, 2 to 14 gauges. These type of blocks are used in industrial applications and are rated to 380amps and 600volts AC. They are made of aluminum. With this re-wire all service loops were optimized for possible servicing later. With minor modifications to the plastic housing and addition of a clear plastic cover, the block fit perfectly and yielded easy accessibility to all connections.
![Electrical wiring Vehicle Technology Wire Auto part]()
![Cable management Electrical wiring Wire Technology Vehicle]()
We also needed to facilitate the access to the USB connections of both processors. We installed two USB switchers to access each processor from either the front seat listening position during “Ear Tuning” sessions or from the trunk during “RTA Tuning” sessions. I am now able to run my H990, H800, and Goldline tuning software simultaneously on my HP PC. Two USB panel mount connectors were mounted to what used to be the ashtray in the rear of the C230’s center console. We also permanently mounted the 12volt accessory power outlet to allow powering of my PC during tuning. We installed two panel mount USB connectors to the existing cover previously made to cover the Xantrec Truecharge 40 amp 3-stage charger in the trunk’s driver-side quarter panel.
![Vehicle Car Center console Auto part Gear shift]()
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Another specific challenge of the re-build would be to relocate the PDX-M12 subwoofer amplifier to a location behind the rear passenger seat. The existing amplifier stacking location in the trunk will only allow 5 amplifiers. A location was selected to the driver side of the ski-pass through hole behind the rear seat. The amplifier was oriented such that all adjustment pots and switches would be accessible through the pass through. Scott made a cradle out of 1/8” aluminum and bent it to fit the profile required. The cradle was secured in place and then the amplifier was mounted and wiring connected.
![Auto part Vehicle Wire Electrical wiring Trunk]()
![Cable management Technology Electrical wiring Electronic device Wire]()
![Cable management Technology Electronic device Vehicle Auto part]()
The purpose of this re-build was to give me the ability to have the maximum tuning capabilities on all the 5.1 channels. The area that has been the most problematic has been the rear surround channels. The Alpine PXI-H990 only allows an active two-way set-up for the rear channels and I am running an active three-way set-up. In the past I have had to combine either of two drivers and run them with the Morel passive crossover, while running the remaining driver active. This method afforded much compromise with regards to the ability to tune the rear channels properly.
The solution was to set-up the Alpine PXI-H990 to output full range rear left and right channel signals and route that to the analog inputs of an Alpine PXA-H800. The H800 was set to a three-way setup without subwoofer. This now gives me full active control of the rear channels. The H800 gives me time correction, active crossover set-up, and parametric equalization. The H990 gives me additional time correction (overall channel) and graphic equalization on both left and right rear channels. This is considerably more tuning control than previously available and has yielded the exact result I was seeking. The five channels, L,C,R,LS,RS are far better timbre matched and time and phase correct.
Accompanied with this system re-design, I wanted to facilitate some other things that would improve the systems functionality. The first of these was to replace the six cooling fans with super quiet fans. As we know heat is the enemy of audio electronics over time, so I wanted to be able to leave the fans running all the time, even during the most critical listening sessions. The choice was the Noiseblocker NB Blacksilent Pro Ultra Quiet Fan. Each fan has a rated noise level of 10dbA. With the system on and all six fans running at full rpm, they are completely inaudible from the listening position. In fact they are almost inaudible when running the fan and holding it next to your ear. They also come with rubber isolating mounts. This modification was well worth the effort.
With this re-design we would be adding the H800 and another PDX-F6. That is a total of 6 amplifiers and three processors as well as all the other source components. I wanted to make sure the system would remain noise free after the re-build. We decided to re-wire the systems power, ground, turn-on and all the RCA cables. Because of the number of distributed power and ground connections required, conventional car audio distribution blocks were not an option. We chose to use a MARATHON 1452552 POWER DISTRIBUTION BLOCK 600V 380AMPS. This distribution block has two poles. One for power and one for ground, with an input of 500 MCM to 4 gauges and up to 12 outputs, 2 to 14 gauges. These type of blocks are used in industrial applications and are rated to 380amps and 600volts AC. They are made of aluminum. With this re-wire all service loops were optimized for possible servicing later. With minor modifications to the plastic housing and addition of a clear plastic cover, the block fit perfectly and yielded easy accessibility to all connections.
We also needed to facilitate the access to the USB connections of both processors. We installed two USB switchers to access each processor from either the front seat listening position during “Ear Tuning” sessions or from the trunk during “RTA Tuning” sessions. I am now able to run my H990, H800, and Goldline tuning software simultaneously on my HP PC. Two USB panel mount connectors were mounted to what used to be the ashtray in the rear of the C230’s center console. We also permanently mounted the 12volt accessory power outlet to allow powering of my PC during tuning. We installed two panel mount USB connectors to the existing cover previously made to cover the Xantrec Truecharge 40 amp 3-stage charger in the trunk’s driver-side quarter panel.
Another specific challenge of the re-build would be to relocate the PDX-M12 subwoofer amplifier to a location behind the rear passenger seat. The existing amplifier stacking location in the trunk will only allow 5 amplifiers. A location was selected to the driver side of the ski-pass through hole behind the rear seat. The amplifier was oriented such that all adjustment pots and switches would be accessible through the pass through. Scott made a cradle out of 1/8” aluminum and bent it to fit the profile required. The cradle was secured in place and then the amplifier was mounted and wiring connected.
