Feedback on my scheduled build (IDMAX, JL HD Amp, German Maestros).

[jd5331]

Hi,

I’m scheduled to install the below equipment this Friday. Looking for some feedback on my equipment choices. It’s going into my 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I purchased the head unit and amp already, but the other equipment I have not purchased yet but intend to from the installer on Friday. I’m mainly looking for SQ, but like to turn it up on occasion.

Equipment

- Head unit: Pioneer AVIC Z140BH

- Amp: JL HD 900/5

- Front stage: German Maestro SV 6509

- Rear fill: German Maestro CS 6509

- Sub: 10” Image Dynamics IDMAX in a custom fiber enclosure

I got the Pioneer and JL HD amp from an authorized dealer at a fantastic price. I only mention this because I know some might say I could do better for the money. But I really did score on these two items. I’m a little concerned that I might be under powering the IDMAX 10”, my installer thinks so as well. My thought is...with 500 watts it should get decently loud, and I could always change the amp later versus the sub which will be a permanent fixture (the other option was to go with an IDQ).

Anyway looking forward to feedback and critiques.

Thanks,

Jason

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[SounDrive Pro Seller]

Under powering a sub is completely fine. I think your equipment will do well, I don't have any experience with those German Maestro speakers but I've seen good reviews on their products before.

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

I agree that it should sound good and perform very well. German Maestro really cares about their business and their products should back up that passion.

 

[jd5331]

Dropped off the Jeep yesterday. Will pick her up Monday afternoon. I called the installer today and he said everything is going great. I can't wait to see how it turns out. Will post a review of the new set up.

 

[jd5331]

The install turned out fantastic. Everything is concealed and the workmanship is flawless. Really like how it turned out.

The German Meastros are amazing. So detailed and airy sounding. And I love the sound stage...can distinctly make out instruments in recordings. Mid bass is decent too. Not as powerful as Focal K2Ps from what I remember but it definitely has a punchy presence. I'm really liking the Maestros. They might be the best part of the system.

I'm still trying to get the IDMAX dialed in. Sounds great on a lot of songs but sometimes can sound a bit localized and a tad boomy. I don't know if it's the box (too small, possibly a leak) or maybe just cabin gain being that it's a SUV. The shop is going to take a look at it. But even as is I'm still really happy with the performance.

And no issues with the amp. Runs cool and does its job. Happy I went with the JL HD.

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

I'm still trying to get the IDMAX dialed in. Sounds great on a lot of songs but sometimes can sound a bit localized and a tad boomy. I don't know if it's the box (too small, possibly a leak) or maybe just cabin gain being that it's a SUV. The shop is going to take a look at it. But even as is I'm still really happy with the performance.

Cut frequencies around 50-80 Hz if you can do that on the Z140BH. Boomy bass is caused by a peak in the frequency response response. Cabin gain naturally boosts the low bass frequencies. It starts at a frequency dependent on the overall size of the cabin and it's generally considered to be a 12 dB/octave gain. In an SUV cabin gain starts at a lower frequency than in a small car, so I doubt it's the main cause of the problem.

 

[jd5331]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll see if my deck will allow me to HPF the sub channel -- I think it only does a LPF though. And the subsonic setting on my JL HD amp goes up to 30 Hz. But I'll tinker with it.