[xseveredveganx]

Well, I won a door pack of Damplifier Pro from a car audio forum I frequent. One of the stipulations on the giveaway was that I had to post a review and install log of sorts on a couple automotive based websites. So, here's my review, install, and videos!

I'll start this off with a bang... I had no prior dampening on my roof, my main cross brace on the roof was broken off on each side, and I decided that the Damplifier Pro that I won was well suited for my roof.

Vid (cause we all like vids.):


That's all 4 windows down and full tilt at idle.
I began the arduous process of dropping my headliner, using construction adhesive to glue my OEM cross braces back in place, filling them with expanding foam, and ultimately applying the Damplifier Pro Black.

Pics do the talking.

Headliner dropped down, but not out.

Moving from the rear, forward.

You can see the adhesive and expanding foam mess I made. I dropped a blanket down, covering my box, amp, and seats. :wink:

It's coming along!!!

I drove down to Highland Utah to hang out with Vmann and a couple of his buddies. On the way there I was on the volume with bass heavy music almost the whole time. It's about a 20 minute drive from where I live. I almost get to his house, and I hear a slapping from my sub. DAGNABIT!!!

Surround starting to come up off the cone. Again. Second time this has happened. I'm pretty aggraviated. :yucky:

Last video.



So all in all I really like this product. I highly recommend purchasing their roller and a box cutting knife for installation. I didn't think I'd need the roller and I really actually did. I ended up using a spoon I had lying in the garage for some odd reason. It worked rather well, but now I don't want to eat cereal with it. With the door pack (13square feet), I got almost my entire roof covered. I was very surprised.
I know when the SPL Sludge is released, I'll be using that product in conjunction with the Damplifier Pro.
Great product. Period. Shipping was ridiculous. I ordered it late Friday and received it on a Tuesday or Wednesday. I can't recall... But it was much quicker than I had anticipated.

Thanks very much to Ant, the owner of Second Skin Audio! I definitely look forward to doing more business with him in the future! 8)

 

[ocotillo]

Great video and DIY.

If I am changing out my speakers, not adding a sub, would you recommend I add dampifier?

Thanks.

 

[xseveredveganx]

Using a deadening mat ke Damplifier Pro will help reduce road noise. So while your door panel is off and you're replacing your speakers, you could add a little sound deadening material. It's not vital, but it does help enhance the sound.

 

[ocotillo]

Thanks. Do you know about how much I would need or the doors? and recommend a place to buy?

You seem to be highly knowledgable when it comes to audio. I might ask you a few more questions.

 

[xseveredveganx]

I'm here for whatever!!!
Since you're not a diehard audiophile (assuming) you may be better off using Second Skin's Damplifier product. Their website is www.secondskinaudio.com. It's great product and shipping is very prompt. You will have more than enough product for your front doors with one of their 'door packs'. It's usually better if you quarter the sheets, it just makes it easier to install in the tricky doors. However, I did not. My doors turned out great, and I do apologize for never getting pictures with that install.

I'm more than willing to answer any type of question! I'm a basshead, but I'm aiming for a high quality front stage that will sound good but be able to keep up (within reason) to my sub stage. I can always turn down my subwoofer! :lol:

 

[ocotillo]

Thanks for the link and the help.

Here are some speakers I am thinking about:
Alpine SPS-600C- front doors
Alpine SPS-600- rear doors

I am not a bass head, just want a cleaner sound. In fact, I might add the bazooka sub offered by TRD Sparks. It is an 8" sub with a 100 watt amp.

I somewhat understand the concept of the front sound stage, but not sure why it is preferred over a surround sound. I have never been into car audio, but with the Scion and the various forums I am starting to get into.

Any feedback or advice?

 

[xseveredveganx]

There's honestly no point in replacing rear speakers. That is unless you want people in the back seat to enjoy music, too. Only time you'd necessarily want 'surround sound' is if you had a DVD player and screens, etc. If you're using your car's stereo system solely for just audio, rear fill isn't needed. A lot of sound quality car audio competitors use only front speakers. You want all the sound coming from in front of you, as if you were listening to the artist in person. Think of a concert. You don't have speakers behind you. You don't stand with your back to the stage, so the speakes are behind you. It's not all that necessary.

The gentleman that designs my subwoofer enclosures has an explicit sound room in his home. It consists of his two speaker cabinets, acoustic dampening, his amplifier, and his source unit. I've read people whom have visited his house that were astonished by how well the sound was. They said it felt like they were listening to the artist in the room.

That's the key to a sound quality stereo system. And I'm still working on it. :yes:

But all in all, if you're not a 100% audiophile, you'll be perfectly fine with replacing your rear speakers with upgraded units!

 

[ocotillo]

Thanks for the reply.

I am still undecided about replacing the rears. For the cost of the speakers I choose, I think I will replace.

As for the speakers I chose, is Alpine decent? Or, do you recommend something else?

I ordered the damplifier for Second Skin. That is my weekend project.

Thanks,

 

[xseveredveganx]

I've never personally heard the Type-S series from Alpine. Actually, I've never heard any of Alpine's speakers. :lol: For the money, they do appear pretty decent. You may have to modify your factory sail panels (where the OEM tweeters mount) for these tweeters to fit. I didn't have to modify my JL's at all to fit, but my component set has been discontinued.
However, I have a buddy that is an installer for a Best Buy and he informed me a while ago that the Type-S components are good for the money. So I don't see any problem with scooping some up and trying them out!

 

[mountscion85xb]

is the foam you used called Great Stuff? if so how did it expand? did it leave any visible pop up bumps on the roof top?

 

[xseveredveganx]

I used the Great Stuff brand with the blue label made for windows and doors. . The blue label has a lower pressure than the regular stuff so it will not bow out door frames and window frames.

More info here.