A repeat client from Baltimore, Maryland, came to WSS Westminster Speed & Sound looking for an 1994 Mazda RX-7 audio upgrade. Now, this is not a normal RX-7. This beauty packs a Chevy LS2 V8 engine with a T56 6-speed transmission! It puts out over 450 horsepower and, in a car that weighs under 3,000 pounds, let’s just say it is fast. Real fast. And the sound – wow. It sounds incredible. But like anyone else, you can only listen to the motor for so long until you want some tunes.
When he came by with the car so we could look it over together, we sat down with the client and went over his goals for the audio system. He wanted simple solutions, he wanted good sound and he wanted some real volume capability.
Sony Radio With Mega-Power Handles Media And Amplification Duties in This RX-7 Audio Upgrade
We thought this would be the perfect opportunity to use Sony’s new MEX-XB100BT in-dash CD player. This model has a unique internal amplifier. Sony has figured out how to install a Class D amplifier inside the chassis, giving the client an honest 40 watts of power per channel. That is over double of a normal stereo system. It also includes a USB port for charging and music playback, and Bluetooth for hands-free use and music streaming. We did not install the Bluetooth mic as we knew he wasn’t going to be talking on the phone while driving this machine, but he loved the idea of being able to stream music wirelessly to it.
The client didn’t want any visible amplifier to be installed, and he also wanted to keep the weight down, so this new stereo was perfect. We did run a constant power lead to the battery, since the Sony radio will draw more power than a normal unit. In fact, we ran all new wiring for all of the audio system to ensure years of trouble-free listening for him.
Audison Prima Speakers Are A Perfect Match For This RX-7
When it came time for speakers, we went to Audison. They make a unique line called Prima that is designed to be very efficient, meaning they play loud with less power. That made them perfect for this project. Audison is an Italian company that is known for sound quality – while these speakers are efficient, they also sound great. We installed the APX6.5, a 6.5” coaxial speaker in the stock front locations in the doors on custom mounts. In the side panels, we installed the APX570, a 5×7” coaxial speaker, reusing the stock metal brackets. By using these speakers, we were able to keep the stock grilles so the vehicle can look as original as possible. Even though this vehicle thunders when running, when it is all closed up, it looks like a completely stock Mazda RX7.
Compustar Drone Protects The Car From Damage Or Theft
As you can imagine, the client is very particular about his car. And he has every right to be, as hundreds of hours have been spent on building it. He keeps the vehicle in a garage and always wants to know it is safe and secure, so we installed a Compustar alarm system with a Drone vehicle-tracking module. Now, if anyone disturbs his vehicle, he gets an alert on his phone. He can also check the status of the car from anywhere in the country just by pulling up his app.
We secured all of the vehicle entry points and added a starter disable circuit. For even more security, we installed a digital tilt-and-motion sensor. Now, if his vehicle is moved as little as 3 inches, the alarm system will go off and his Drone app will alert him of a problem. If he is not near his vehicle, he simply dials 911 and tells the operator what is going on. He could even give them access to his account so they could live-track it and recover it much sooner if it is stolen. Here is the link to the Drone system
A Successful Installation Ends With A Happy Client
When the client came to pick up his vehicle, he loved all of our work. He remarked on how clean and original the vehicle still looked, while now sounding great. He also said he was looking forward to the added peace of mind of knowing his new Drone system was watching over his vehicle for him.
If you own a vehicle that means the world to you, and are looking for someone you can trust to work on it, we hope you will consider WSS Westminster Speed & Sound. Our company has been named one of the Top Retailers in the Nation for five years running by Mobile Electronics magazine.
Feel free to contact us here for more information about any of our products and services.
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