ICE upgrade (Major)

kartikkumar · 16th May 2008, 16:56

So it came to be that the ICE set up in my car got the upgrade it deserved. Its a different matter that what started out as a simple amp tuning turned into a fairly expensive process of replacing wiring, putting in a sub and changing the comps! So without much ado, here's the list of goodies that went in and the equipment it replaced.

WAS:

Pioneer 8950 UB with steering remote
DLS classic component system (turned out to be fake)
6x9 DLS rear speakers
LA Bolt 300.4 amp
Earthquake wiring kit

IS:

Alpine 9887 with iPod cable
Polk component system
6x9 DLS rear speaker
LA Bolt 300.4 (Sub and comps off the amp while rears running of the HU)
Polk 8" sealed sub
EFX twisted pair wiring replaced the entire "wiring kit"

RESULT: The difference is stunning and does not offer itself to comparison. The Alpine HU does wonderful things to the mid range and low sounds. Whilst not superlative on the highs, it does offer fabulously balanced sound with great SQ. For my Swift, the 8" sealed hub works remarkably well and I imagine it can only get better once a monoblock sneaks its way into the set-up. At some time the rear fills will also be replaced, but I am in no hurry to do that.

INSTALL: Done by TMC in Jayanagar, very professional work by a man who knows exactly what he is doing, be it tuning the amp or making suggestions on speakers. Granted every product comes with B&W and is therefore that much more expensive, but with that comes peace of mind. Would I recommend him? OH YEAH!!

Well that's it for now. Pics will come in some time, though the best part of the install is in the endless hours of listening pleasure that it gives me.

Cheers!
Kartik

prabhuav · 16th May 2008, 17:06

This is what happens when one polishes off a half of rum and listens to Dire straits on my setup

BTW this is in the wrong section. Mods - would you be kind enough to move it to Show off and sound off?

kartikkumar · 16th May 2008, 17:30

So you accept responsibility for the expenses then. Shall I send the bills to you then??? All I will pay for is the cost of a bottle of rum.

Cheers!
Kartik

HappyWheels · 16th May 2008, 18:34

More ICE'ngs!

Way to go Kartik!

And what was the total expense?

Quote:

Originally Posted by kartikkumar

So you accept responsibility for the expenses then. Shall I send the bills to you then??? All I will pay for is the cost of a bottle of rum.

Cheers!
Kartik

Hey, that is a good arrangement.

Prabhuav, when do I meet you with a bottle of rum?

greenhorn · 16th May 2008, 18:38

just curious , how do the polk and DLS mix?
From what I've heard, polks are very bright and forward while DLS are the very opposite

s0uljah · 16th May 2008, 18:49

Good to hear from your Kartik!

Congrats on the upgrade, good that you feel it was worthwhile. Interesting mix of gear you have there.

People are going to be asking for pics...me I will be happy with an audition

kartikkumar · 16th May 2008, 18:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenhorn

just curious , how do the polk and DLS mix?
From what I've heard, polks are very bright and forward while DLS are the very opposite

Good question. The DLS is only for a rear fill and running of the HU does not really interfere with the Polk's. I personally don't find the Polk's to be very bright and considering a lot of my listening is rock, jazz or lounge, bright can be good.

bharatbs · 16th May 2008, 23:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenhorn

just curious , how do the polk and DLS mix?
From what I've heard, polks are very bright and forward while DLS are the very opposite

The speakers are very clear you can always play with the high frequency tuning through your headunit and make it suit your taste.

Not bright at all in my opinion.

PatienceWins · 16th May 2008, 23:43

Hi Karthik,

Nice to see the thread. You seem to be very happy. I would love to audition the setup.
Pictures and individual price please.

16th May 2008, 16:56	#1
kartikkumar BHPian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bangalore...not Bengaluru Posts: 214 Thanked: 2 Times View My Garage	ICE upgrade (Major) So it came to be that the ICE set up in my car got the upgrade it deserved. Its a different matter that what started out as a simple amp tuning turned into a fairly expensive process of replacing wiring, putting in a sub and changing the comps! So without much ado, here's the list of goodies that went in and the equipment it replaced. WAS: Pioneer 8950 UB with steering remote DLS classic component system (turned out to be fake) 6x9 DLS rear speakers LA Bolt 300.4 amp Earthquake wiring kit IS: Alpine 9887 with iPod cable Polk component system 6x9 DLS rear speaker LA Bolt 300.4 (Sub and comps off the amp while rears running of the HU) Polk 8" sealed sub EFX twisted pair wiring replaced the entire "wiring kit" RESULT: The difference is stunning and does not offer itself to comparison. The Alpine HU does wonderful things to the mid range and low sounds. Whilst not superlative on the highs, it does offer fabulously balanced sound with great SQ. For my Swift, the 8" sealed hub works remarkably well and I imagine it can only get better once a monoblock sneaks its way into the set-up. At some time the rear fills will also be replaced, but I am in no hurry to do that. INSTALL: Done by TMC in Jayanagar, very professional work by a man who knows exactly what he is doing, be it tuning the amp or making suggestions on speakers. Granted every product comes with B&W and is therefore that much more expensive, but with that comes peace of mind. Would I recommend him? OH YEAH!! Well that's it for now. Pics will come in some time, though the best part of the install is in the endless hours of listening pleasure that it gives me. Cheers! Kartik
	() Thanks

16th May 2008, 17:06	#2
prabhuav BHPian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 672 Thanked: 128 Times View My Garage	This is what happens when one polishes off a half of rum and listens to Dire straits on my setup BTW this is in the wrong section. Mods - would you be kind enough to move it to Show off and sound off? Last edited by prabhuav : 16th May 2008 at 17:09.
	() Thanks

16th May 2008, 17:30	#3
kartikkumar BHPian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bangalore...not Bengaluru Posts: 214 Thanked: 2 Times View My Garage	So you accept responsibility for the expenses then. Shall I send the bills to you then??? All I will pay for is the cost of a bottle of rum. Cheers! Kartik
	() Thanks

16th May 2008, 18:38	#5
greenhorn Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: KL-01 Posts: 7,745 Thanked: 4,397 Times View My Garage	just curious , how do the polk and DLS mix? From what I've heard, polks are very bright and forward while DLS are the very opposite
	() Thanks

16th May 2008, 18:49	#6
s0uljah Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: BLR Posts: 2,222 Thanked: 26 Times View My Garage	Good to hear from your Kartik! Congrats on the upgrade, good that you feel it was worthwhile. Interesting mix of gear you have there. People are going to be asking for pics...me I will be happy with an audition
	() Thanks

16th May 2008, 23:43	#9
PatienceWins Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 2,416 Thanked: 807 Times View My Garage	Hi Karthik, Nice to see the thread. You seem to be very happy. I would love to audition the setup. Pictures and individual price please.
	() Thanks