Butler Amp Install Pix - Finally !
06-15-2003, 07:39 PM
#1
Three Wheelin'
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Butler Amp Install Pix - Finally !
A few weeks back I posted a topic about my newly installed Butler Tube Amp install. As promised, here are some pictures from the completed installation:
<img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/butler-2.jpg" alt=" - " />
<img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/nak-2.jpg" alt=" - " />
<img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/arc-1.jpg" alt=" - " />
This installation started as a simple DIY clean up of a car stereo shop's MDF board amp install and bacame a month plus long labor of love !
The amp board is 3/16 aluminum that has been light-weighted behind the amp. The brackets are painted 10GA steel. The amp cover is lexan. Note the milled air slots...
After completing the amp physical installation, I elected to repolace my Alpine 7949 and try a Nakamichi CD-700. The display in the Alpine was un-readable, except at night and I just could not get into the unit telling me "See You" everytime I turned it off. Too gadgety...
After hearing all of the issues with the Nak, I thoroughly bench tested it before installation. While bench testing the Nak through a Threshold 400A and reference monitors, I could not help but love the Nak's sound over the Alpine. I decided to "go for it" and try the CD-700. (I will post issue, if and when they arise)
To tune things in, I also installed an Arc Audio PEQ7, EQ. I was hesitant to use an EQ due to noise, but after figuring out the glove box mount, I decided to go for it as well.
Ah, the wiring...All of the wiring is tucked away nicely and kept away from as many noise sources as possible under the dash. Damn, it was tight. I hung upside down off the seats, head under the dash checking clearance, and velcro strapping things up. For those who know me, this was not an easy feat given my size ! Underdash assembly was definately a jig saw puzzle...
All in all this was a lot of hours, however fun !
Next stop, new front speakers...(after trying MB's, Infinity's, Rainbow and test listening Dynaudio's, I worked with Madisound and am doing my own ! (Custom tweeter mount, take 2) But that's another story...)
Enjoy the pix !
<img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/butler-2.jpg" alt=" - " />
<img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/nak-2.jpg" alt=" - " />
<img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/arc-1.jpg" alt=" - " />
This installation started as a simple DIY clean up of a car stereo shop's MDF board amp install and bacame a month plus long labor of love !
The amp board is 3/16 aluminum that has been light-weighted behind the amp. The brackets are painted 10GA steel. The amp cover is lexan. Note the milled air slots...
After completing the amp physical installation, I elected to repolace my Alpine 7949 and try a Nakamichi CD-700. The display in the Alpine was un-readable, except at night and I just could not get into the unit telling me "See You" everytime I turned it off. Too gadgety...
After hearing all of the issues with the Nak, I thoroughly bench tested it before installation. While bench testing the Nak through a Threshold 400A and reference monitors, I could not help but love the Nak's sound over the Alpine. I decided to "go for it" and try the CD-700. (I will post issue, if and when they arise)
To tune things in, I also installed an Arc Audio PEQ7, EQ. I was hesitant to use an EQ due to noise, but after figuring out the glove box mount, I decided to go for it as well.
Ah, the wiring...All of the wiring is tucked away nicely and kept away from as many noise sources as possible under the dash. Damn, it was tight. I hung upside down off the seats, head under the dash checking clearance, and velcro strapping things up. For those who know me, this was not an easy feat given my size ! Underdash assembly was definately a jig saw puzzle...
All in all this was a lot of hours, however fun !
Next stop, new front speakers...(after trying MB's, Infinity's, Rainbow and test listening Dynaudio's, I worked with Madisound and am doing my own ! (Custom tweeter mount, take 2) But that's another story...)
Enjoy the pix !
06-16-2003, 03:26 PM
#3
GT3 player par excellence
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jim, tube fanatic. i like that. i hope those tubes don't get microphonic like my old CJ PV5's. nice install! can you shoe horn that into my car? ;o)
06-16-2003, 04:58 PM
#4
Burning Brakes
Jim, few questions
1. did You cover tube amp with original trunk carpet?
2. What is the output of Your tube amp? Is enough to deliver adequate bass levels, as B6 engine masks all bass.
3. How did You fine-tune the 7-band equalizer? I see little boost of bass and downward correction of middle-bass.
1. did You cover tube amp with original trunk carpet?
2. What is the output of Your tube amp? Is enough to deliver adequate bass levels, as B6 engine masks all bass.
3. How did You fine-tune the 7-band equalizer? I see little boost of bass and downward correction of middle-bass.
06-16-2003, 06:06 PM
#5
Three Wheelin'
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Jack:
Answers to your questions...
1.) My whole rig goes under the factory carpet. The lexan cover creates a guaranteed airgap over the amp to allow it to cool.
2.) Butler is rated at 4X75Watts. I would consider it a true wattage number as it has consierably more audible power than the 4X120 Alpine amp the Butler replaced.
3.) At the time of the photo, I had not tuned in the frequencies. The settings in the photo were from a bench test I made where I was checking various 6.5 in woofer pieces for free air resonance and max extension.
As of first in car listen, the 70hz is about the same, but the other low end is more "flat" in mid-bass setting.
Thanks for your interest.
Answers to your questions...
1.) My whole rig goes under the factory carpet. The lexan cover creates a guaranteed airgap over the amp to allow it to cool.
2.) Butler is rated at 4X75Watts. I would consider it a true wattage number as it has consierably more audible power than the 4X120 Alpine amp the Butler replaced.
3.) At the time of the photo, I had not tuned in the frequencies. The settings in the photo were from a bench test I made where I was checking various 6.5 in woofer pieces for free air resonance and max extension.
As of first in car listen, the 70hz is about the same, but the other low end is more "flat" in mid-bass setting.
Thanks for your interest.
