Evening,
Just a further update on my sound upgrade..
So far I have replaced the front speakers, tweeters and sound deading to the front doors which Im very pleased with. I haven't got around to sorting the subwoofer out as yet but after changing the front mids these are producing a good amount of base too and are sounding excellent, very pleased with these Hertz speakers.
The main issue here is the lack of control from the headunit for any EQ or sound processing so I decided to find a dsp digital sound processor that I could plug in to the existing speaker loom. I found this dsp A430DSP module from a Germany audio supplier called Axton
Smart Digital Amplifiers - www.axton.de Cost at £200 but found it for £155 via Amazon and more than I wanted to spend but wanted to see what this claimed to do.
Its absolutely tiny at
Dimensions (L x W x H): |
98 x 64 x 25 mm |
A430DSP
Soundtuning via App – 4-Channel Smart Digital Amplifier with DSP
Do it smart – AXTON‘s new digital power amp A430DSP set new standards in the amplifier world with their performance, flexibility, and a method of control that is still unique. The two 4-channel AXTON power amp feature an integrated DSP processor that enables precise control of the sound. Time correction, freely configurable 7-band graphic equalizer, 6 EQ presets, 3D surround sound, and dynamic bass – with these amplifiers tuning the sound to the acoustics of the vehicle, and your individual preference, is child‘s play. But that‘s not all: all DSP settings can easily be made with an Android smartphone via Bluetooth.
Simply download and install the free controller app to see the setting menus on the smartphone.
- Bluetooth connection and control of DSP settings via android Smartphone App
- Time Alignment in cm for front channel output (0 – 250 cm)
- Freely configurable 7-band graphic Equalizer
- 6 different pre-set EQ, Classical, Rock, Theatre, Jazz, Pop, Bass Booster
- 3D surround sound
- Dynamic Bass setting, adjustable front / rear / left / right balance
I have literally just fitted this tonight and WOW amazing giving a full rich all round dynamic sound from all the sources and music I have tested it with. With this turn on it is like night and day and it is really worth every penny!! I wished I had found and fitted one of these first before changing anything but changing the fronts have complimented this upgrade as still needed doing!
Now fitting this wasn't that straight forward at first as Axton don't do a cable to fit the A7 and they said this isnt that easy. The standard cable supplied is an ISO cable for speakers in/out and ISO power. I found this ISO harness (SOT986) which is for an Audi A1 which uses the same audio unit plugs and is fully wired. I believe this is for fitting a Parrot car kit but seemed perfect for this job as well. The ISO speakers plugs are perfect for in/out into the DSP and the power wire in the iso plug just needed to be moved up next to the ground cable. So with the Axton DSP all plugged into this cable, then plug into the Audio head unit and into the main car loom, it all powered up and all working
Wow it sounds amazing like nothing I have heard so far from this system
This DSP has a small amp built in and I wasn't to expecting much in regards to volume as long as the quality improved. Infact it must be at least another 50% more with no distortion and full dynamic sound from very low volume upwards.
This other part I love is the full control via smartphone app to control EQ presets and your own, bass, 3d and timing from front speakers, love it!
Now the reason I started all of this is the lack of bass, I now have more bass and guess what I have NO subwoofer fitted! I removed the standard wheel sub and was going to amp/sub box this but after tonight fitting this dsp im not going to bother. I will fit the standard sub back in and leave this set to max which is now fine and not really required as the bass in mreo than there in the car.
It was late tonight fitting this so not fully fitted yet and need to find more space behind the headunit for the extra cable etc. I will need to remove the glove comparment to feed the dsp and extra cabling in as all of this is quite bulky.
I will post more pics soon about the fitting etc.
Anyway great news and getting there with even better results