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Speaker Placement [message #68043] Mon, 21 December 2009 20:21 Go to next message
larry.whisler is currently offline  larry.whisler   United States
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We are in the process of removing the dinette, couch and front pilot/co-pilot seats to do some interior work on the coach.

The plans are to replace the carpet, replace the foam in the seats of the dinette and couch and paint the dash.

We also would like to replace the existing stereo and upgrade the speaker system.

I am looking to enhance the front speaker system. Primarily, I am not planning to use those awful oem speakers nor their locations for speakers in the front.

In their place, I am looking at the possibility of placing two small speakers on each side of the pilot/co-pilot seats for a stereo effect.

Any suggestions/pictures would be appreciated.

thanks
larry whisler
76 glenbrook

Re: [GMCnet] Speaker Placement [message #68046 is a reply to message #68043] Mon, 21 December 2009 20:27 Go to previous messageGo to next message
ljdavick is currently offline  ljdavick   United States
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The P.O. placed speakers in the overhead cabinets firing down - one over the sink and the other near the door. They were clever folks, those P.O.'s, to clean up the installation they taped a wooden salad bowl down to cover the magnet. It's really very clean!

Larry Davick
The Mystery Machine

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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
Re: Speaker Placement [message #68051 is a reply to message #68043] Mon, 21 December 2009 21:35 Go to previous messageGo to next message
GeorgeRud is currently offline  GeorgeRud   United States
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I'm working on the same project, and have given it some thought, but I'm also not sure of the final solution. My son is also giving his input, but I don't think that I want dual 15" subwoofers throughout the coach, so everything is a compromise.

Someone had mentioned putting an overhead console (from a GMC Safari Van) in the middle of the front cap so you can use the original location for the outer speakers, and another pair in the console to provide the stereo imaging for both front seats. I'm also putting some bass shakers in the seat bases, and then others in the overhead cabinets facing down. I'm replacing the overhead cabinets with some airliner style overhead cabinets that have the lights, speakers, air ducts, etc. (though no oxygen masks yet!), so the speaker panels are already in place.

You might also check Jim Bounds GMC Coop site for some of the ideas he came up with for the Duramaxx project he's been working on. It looks like that may be the ultimate system.


George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
Re: Speaker Placement [message #68055 is a reply to message #68043] Mon, 21 December 2009 22:30 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Matt Colie is currently offline  Matt Colie   United States
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I abandon the original speaker/light panels and made new. I then got 4 very high quality 4*6 coaxials and mounted one in each of the replacement panels and the other two over the pilot/copilot heads about the same offset as those in the original location. I later mounted a new cockpit light in the center overhead.

This lets me keep the music volume low enough that we can talk at a comfortable level. Strangely, in our 23' side bath, the music sounds good all the way to the rear bedroom (but for some strange reason the sound image reverses in the back).

Problem, it we are "stealth camping" with the black privacy/driving curtain behind the bridge/cab - whatever closed, the remote control for the radio does not work very well.

Matt


Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
Re: Speaker Placement [message #68059 is a reply to message #68055] Mon, 21 December 2009 22:59 Go to previous messageGo to next message
midlf is currently offline  midlf   United States
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mcolie wrote on Mon, 21 December 2009 22:30


Problem, it we are "stealth camping" with the black privacy/driving curtain behind the bridge/cab - whatever closed,
Matt


OK - I'll bite, what is "stealth camping"?


Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
Re: Speaker Placement [message #68068 is a reply to message #68059] Tue, 22 December 2009 07:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Matt Colie is currently offline  Matt Colie   United States
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midlf wrote on Mon, 21 December 2009 23:59

mcolie wrote on Mon, 21 December 2009 22:30


Problem, if we are "stealth camping" with the black privacy/driving curtain behind the bridge/cab - whatever closed,
Matt


OK - I'll bite, what is "stealth camping"?


Sorry, I though the subject had been recently covered, it must have been another group.

Stealth Camping is a label applied (at least by Mary and I) to spending the night such that no casual observer would think that the vehicle occupied and is not just parked there for a short stop.

Because I/we use the coach for working and traveling, there are many times it would be convenient to spend the night where overnight parking is not encouraged. At these times, I draw the black drape behind the cab and close up the curtains. I don't even leave the step out. I frequently have done this in boat yards and yacht clubs that do not allow persons to spend the night on boats that are "on the hard".

Matt


Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
Re: [GMCnet] Speaker Placement [message #68075 is a reply to message #68068] Tue, 22 December 2009 07:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
GMCWiperMan is currently offline  GMCWiperMan   United States
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Although I never thought of it, that's a good argument for the
aluminum-lined cellular shades we have enclosed in valences on all of
our windows. We don't have any way to stop the front Guske shade from
glowing, but there is NO light showing through any of our other
windows.

Ken H.


On Tue, Dec 22, 2009 at 8:24 AM, Matt Colie <mcolie@chartermi.net> wrote:
> Stealth Camping is a label applied (at least by Mary and I) to spending the night such that no casual observer would think that the vehicle occupied and is not just parked there for a short stop.
>...
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powered bass speaker [message #68082 is a reply to message #68051] Tue, 22 December 2009 08:54 Go to previous messageGo to next message
bukzin is currently offline  bukzin   United States
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Being an old audio guy, its all about having enough
lower (bass) sound.

http://www.amazon.com/Boss-BASS1200-10-Inch-Amplified-Subwoofer/dp/B001DXF990

This unit is a package system (amp and bass speaker)
designed for vehicles. Plenty of sound in a small package.

It will fit under our seat bases or most anywhere.


Bukzin
1977 Palm Beach
Re: powered bass speaker [message #68138 is a reply to message #68082] Tue, 22 December 2009 21:17 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Gail   Marks Cruiser is currently offline  Gail Marks Cruiser   Australia
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G'day,
I was just going to start a thread on this topic, but I was looking for options for sub-woofer placement. I was thinking on the isle end of dinette, behind drivers seat.
I have kept the OEM front speakers as they are in a good position to use as C.B. speakers, that way we can both hear what is being said. As for stereo speakers I bought 4 x 6'' 2 ways, I have put one on each side up front under the storage pockets, I used angled spacers to keep them parallel to the floor. At the back I put one opposite each other under the overhead cabinets, facing down. again I used spacers so I didn't have to cut through the false bottom in the cabinets. The spacers I bought from a car stereo shop, they are black plastic and match the pattern on the GMC front panels, making it look like they belong there. the speaker placement means when our daughters travel with us they can listen to DVD's with the rear speakers, while we listen to the radio up front.When there not with us, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple etc rule!
For window covers we use roll up blinds with block-out material (3 pass). We use the same material on the front curtain which wraps around the inside of the windsceen. One night I took Spud out to water a tree, when he had finished we were so blacked out I couldn't find the motorhome. Don't forget the torch..don't forget the torch..don't.....


Mark Bennett Gail & Mark's Cruiser Gold Coast, Australia. Motorhoming Lifestyle.com
Re: powered bass speaker [message #68146 is a reply to message #68138] Tue, 22 December 2009 22:50 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Craig Lechowicz is currently offline  Craig Lechowicz   United States
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Mark and Gail wrote:

>When there not with us, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple etc rule!

Need to give the Aussie's equal time with some AC/DC, INXS and Midnight Oil. For a relatively small population, Australia is well represented in the rock and roll and supermodel industry!


Craig Lechowicz
'77 Kingsley, Waterford, MI
Re: [GMCnet] powered bass speaker [message #68152 is a reply to message #68146] Wed, 23 December 2009 05:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
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Mark,

Damn, the secret is out, next thing we know the place will be overrun with
Bloody Yanks retiring here!

OOPS!

AC/DC RULE!

Regards,
Rob Mueller
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426


-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Craig Lechowicz
Sent: Wednesday, 23 December 2009 3:51 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] powered bass speaker

Mark and Gail wrote:

>When there not with us, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple etc rule!

Need to give the Aussie's equal time with some AC/DC, INXS and Midnight Oil.
For a relatively small population, Australia is well represented in the rock
and roll and supermodel industry!
--
Craig Lechowicz
'77 Kingsley, Waterford, MI
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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: Speaker Placement [message #68168 is a reply to message #68043] Wed, 23 December 2009 12:10 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Larry C   United States
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In their place, I am looking at the possibility of placing two small speakers on each side of the pilot/co-pilot seats for a stereo effect.
____________________________________________________________-

I did not like the lack of stereo sound from the OEM set up.
I currently have, and like, some patio weatherproof speakers on the sides of the coaches seats, driver and passenter.

Radio CELL PHONE shack used to sell a mini speaker box set that sounded really good that would be perfect under the dash.

I abandoned a subwoofer because I did not want to be heard on the other side of the campground.

The speaker by the light in the head board can be used for the CB or a police scanner, nobody else is interested anyway so you get most of the sound.

my rear speakers are retired at this point.

my SOB had speakers in the upper cabnet storage and it was a clean installation but the stereo feeling was limited. But it is hard to create the stereo sound effect in a box that you sit along the sidelines so I guess you take what you can get.

LarC ( Feel abandoning the headboard speakers will make a major improovment to your stereo listening pleasure )




Gatsbys' CRUISER 08-18-04
74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
Remflex Manifold gaskets
CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" /> http://www.gmceast.com/travel
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Re: Speaker Placement [message #68169 is a reply to message #68168] Wed, 23 December 2009 12:17 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Neil is currently offline  Neil   United States
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For Bass I have one of these under the sofa. Works good.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_204BTA1010/Bazooka-TA10100.html?search=bass+tube&ssi=0

If the link does not work, just google Bazooka BTA10100.

They also make higher wattage models.


Neil
76 Eleganza now sold
Los Angeles
Re: Speaker Placement [message #68170 is a reply to message #68043] Wed, 23 December 2009 12:22 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Bob de Kruyff   United States
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I put a couple of speakers with an amp in my removable center console. Those together with my upgraded ceiling speakers give a good stereo effect and a lot more bass when I want it.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=10160&cat=3351


Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
Re: [GMCnet] Speaker Placement [message #68213 is a reply to message #68170] Thu, 24 December 2009 00:48 Go to previous messageGo to next message
ljdavick is currently offline  ljdavick   United States
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I remember years ago Recaro seats had headrests with built-in
speakers. The theory was that small speakers near your ears could
produce excellent sound at lower volume -like headphones.

Is anything like this still available?

Ljdavick at comcast.net

On Dec 23, 2009, at 10:22 AM, Bob de Kruyff <NEXT2POOL@AOL.COM> wrote:

>
>
> I put a couple of speakers with an amp in my removable center
> console. Those together with my upgraded ceiling speakers give a
> good stereo effect and a lot more bass when I want it.
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=10160&cat=3351
> --
> Bob de Kruyff
> 78 Eleganza
> Chandler, AZ
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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
Re: Speaker Placement [message #68237 is a reply to message #68043] Thu, 24 December 2009 08:37 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Craig Lechowicz is currently offline  Craig Lechowicz   United States
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Larry wrote:

>I remember years ago Recaro seats had headrests with built-in
speakers.

Larry,
I didn't know about the Recaro seats with speakers, but along with my GMC addiction, I have a pretty serious Fiero problem as well. The 1984 and 1985 Fiero's had a pair of 3-1/4" speakers in the upper ("headrest" area, but one piece with the back). In '86 - '88 they removed them and put 5 x 7 speakers in the rear sail panels behind the seats. When they came out, everyone thought the speakers in the seats were cool, and the one I had sounded okay, I guess, but I'm not an audiophile, and the car itself is pretty noisy. The 88 I have now, with the sail panel speakers does sound somewhat better.

Used Fiero seats used to be kind of expensive, because the speakers were novel, and they have very short base frames, which makes them popular with street rodders. Probably like everything now days, they've gotten a lot cheaper, and I've seen a fair number for $100 or under. There's an outfit called Mr. Mike's that makes beautiful leather or cloth covers for them in many different styles. (Not cheap though).

If you were ambitious, you might be able to cut them into any set of seats with tall enough headrest areas. The speakers were just friction fit into the foam, and there were small punched holes in the fabric to let the sound through. (Probably not enough or big enough holes on the original Fiero's part of the not enough sound problem.). Mr. Mike's sells covers with or without holes, and their website has a section on adding them on Fiero seats that don't have them, that ought to work on other seats as well. (www.mrmikes.com/fierospeakers.htm) I' got rid of my '85 car that had the headrest speakers, and my '88 doesn't have them, but Mr. Mike's comments on getting speakers with as good of base as possible makes sense, given the lack of enclosure space.


Craig Lechowicz
'77 Kingsley, Waterford, MI
Re: Speaker Placement [message #68240 is a reply to message #68043] Thu, 24 December 2009 09:10 Go to previous messageGo to next message
GeorgeRud is currently offline  GeorgeRud   United States
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We're digging waaaaay back, but the concept of "NearPhones" is from the early 70s (come to think of it, so are our coaches!). I remember an article in Stereo Review magazine where the concept was discussed in length. I did have a pair of Recaros with the speakers in an old Porsche, and they worked fine. The Fieros did in fact do the same thing, and I imagine a good upholsterer could come up with something similar by modifying any type of seat with adjustable/removable headrests. The speakers used were nothing all that special, just small speakers(probably 3 1/4"), but since they were close to your ears, they sounded fine.

George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
Re: [GMCnet] Speaker Placement [message #68245 is a reply to message #68213] Thu, 24 December 2009 11:17 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Larry C   United States
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I remember years ago Recaro seats had headrests with built-in
speakers. The theory was that small speakers near your ears could
produce excellent sound at lower volume -like headphones.

Is anything like this still available?

Ljdavick at comcast.net
_____________________________________________________________

Some years back Rolling Eyes I had a set of speakers that were connected together with black spandex, the speaker were on each side of where the head rest would be, the spandex went around the headrest.

These particular speakers worked but needed some better sound insulation to improve the tone quality.

IF Radio CELL PHONE Shack still has those mini speakers in the box, they would be perfect to attach in such a way on the seat.

Some of your seats are very nice looking so the spandex could be disguised as a driver seat pad, you know, overstuffed with buttons for curb appeal.

It would not take much to make the stereo effect work.

I do beleive intalling two speakers, Go as small as you think your sound quality will let you, could be attached at seat level, by the back rest, so the sound would go up or out, maybe a 45 degree angle. Our ears catch the sound waves best from the side but are pretty good at front, bottom and some top. The catch sound by reflection from the rear.

Keep in mind, aiming the sound toward your copilot can have an adverse affect too.

I know way back when I earned my drivers license, Just a couple years ago, ( AHEM Rolling Eyes ) Head phones were somewhat popular though illegal.

Today they have head phones that do not block out the out side sounds and may prove beneficial. Some are even wireless, install them in your baseball cap.

LarC ( I wonder if they can be installed in sun glasses?????? )




Gatsbys' CRUISER 08-18-04
74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
Remflex Manifold gaskets
CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" /> http://www.gmceast.com/travel
_
Re: [GMCnet] Speaker Placement [message #68257 is a reply to message #68213] Thu, 24 December 2009 12:39 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Bob de Kruyff   United States
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""I remember years ago Recaro seats had headrests with built-in
speakers. The theory was that small speakers near your ears could
produce excellent sound at lower volume -like headphones.

Is anything like this still available?""

Many cars still do that--my STS has them at the top of the seat next to the headrest.


Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
Re: [GMCnet] Speaker Placement [message #68258 is a reply to message #68237] Thu, 24 December 2009 12:54 Go to previous message
n6mon is currently offline  n6mon   United States
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89-91 Mazda RX-7 convertibles had speakers in the headrests, sub-woofers
in each door and a small
speaker on each side under the dash, Could rock out to your tunes at 75
, with the top down!
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Terry Taylor
'74 ex-Eleganza SE
San Lorenzo, CA
http://www.n6mon.org
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