MSA Style Speakerbox

[sexual_sushi]

While I was home for christmas I told Steve I'd make him a speakerbox. I was going to use the Motorsport Auto design and improve it but it turns out they've done a pretty good job. There are a few small things I could have done to improve it but it wouldn't have been worth the hassle/cost/weight.

 

Here are the 4 boxes made, just waiting on getting them carpeted.

 

 

1's for Steve but I will be selling the other 3. I'll have to see how much the carpet comes in at but I'm thinkin they will be around the $100 mark. I'll post some more pictures once they have been sealed and covered.

[garvice]

Looking good mate, are you going to make them a sealed box or will it be firing into the back lights?

[sexual_sushi]

That was one of the things I was going to 'upgrade' as the motorsport box only seals into the rear lights. I was very surprised when I took the box off cause I thought for sure it would be completely sealed. I left it this way as it would be lighter, easier to make and take up less room in the hatch. It still sounds damn good. I'm running two 50 watt 6x9's straight from the head unit and it sounds nice and balanced (enough doof doof considering there isn't a sub) and it's loud enough to hear over my noisy exhaust on the highway.

 

I would recommend going a small amp and slightly more powerful speakers though. But this is completely uneccessary.

 

Also forgot to mention, I might make a 2+2 design that angles the speakers to fire into the hatch glass, otherwise they would be firing right into the back seats and would only be good for bass...

 

[garvice]

Don't make one on account of me, I pulled my stereo out on purpose.

What about a stretched cloth then fiberglass resin over the back to seal it?

[twosixty]

I might be interested.

When available, could you throw a pic up of one installed or sitting in place?

What is the hole in the middle for?

[sexual_sushi]

Oh I need one for my 2+2 anyway

 

It's really not worth the hassle, the fiberglass wouldn't be dense enough to make enough of a difference anyway. It seals quite well against the rear of the car as it is.

[sexual_sushi]

I'll take a pic of the on I've got in the car already. It should turn out exactly the same.

 

You can be first on the list and it doesn't have to be a commitment to buy, you should see the final product/cost first. I'lll just send you a msg first when I get them finished (hopefully around mid Jan when all of the shops have opened up again)

 

 

The hole is a tuning port (it will have a nice plastic insert there when complete).

 

There are generally 3 types of boxes, sealed, ported and a passive reflex system.

 

Basically a ported system will allow the speaker to move further out (ie go louder) with less force. The port is also 'tuned' to complement the roll off or natural bass limit of the speaker. This is why most people go for this option.

 

I usually build sealed speakers (ie the box is airtight). These require the speaker to use more power to fully extend, but the pressure in the box will suck the speaker back into place quicker making for a nice crisp sound.

 

The 3rd option, passive reflex, usually has a sealed port that can flex (like a speaker sitting in the box but not connected). This is a bit of a trade off to get the best of both worlds and this is how I built my home theatre speakers.

[twosixty]

Sounds good

[Z]

Sushi,

I'll take a Aussie speaker box over the MSA. Let me know when ur ready.

[stevo_gj]

Looking pretty good man. I guess I'd better start considering reasonably priced amps and 6x9s. Reckon i'd get good sound if I paid around $500 for both? I don't really know where to start.

[sexual_sushi]

Could get something like this for jsut over the $500 mark if you bargain right. If people interested in the speaker boxes wanted me to buy the speakers with them I would have more bargaining power at the shop.

 

http://www.pioneer.com.au/Products/Car%20Entertainment/Speakers/TS%20A6983S.aspx

http://www.pioneer.com.au/Products/Car%20Entertainment/Amplifiers/GM%205400T.aspx

 

Or you could go for these running straight from the headunit without an amp for about $140

http://www.pioneer.com.au/en/Products/Car%20Entertainment/Speakers/TS%20A6963E.aspx

 

Obviously the more expensive speakers with an amp will be better, but have a ride in my car (40watt 6x9's straight from the head unit) and see what you think. If you're happy with it you can save your money for other things

[sexual_sushi]

Oh that said Steve, your retro radio thingy only puts out 22 watts per channel so yeah, you should probably go for an amp

[stevo_gj]

Hey man any updates on these bad boys?

[sexual_sushi]

Heya, yeah got a "shipment" coming in 2 weeks hopefully haha. Sending them to get covered this Wednesday so hopefully they can get them done in time. If so, they should be ready to go around the 27th of Feb.

[sexual_sushi]

OK so I have the speaker boxes and they are looking pretty good. Just need to get some insulation for the inside of them and then wait for the invoice from the upholsterer to get the final price for the boxes.

 

Here's a sneak peak, not very clear but I'll get some better photos in the car, out in the sun, once they are done.

 

Turns out they also fit the 2+2's but remember they will fire straight into the back seat.

 

'Twosixty' and 'Z', if you are still interested once I get the final price sorted out, would you want me to buy the 6x9's and/or amp? Or do you want to use your own? If you do, how much would you be wanting to spend? I'll be buying Steve's so like I said, I could get more of a discount with the more stuff I buy.

 

Cheers

Shaun

[sexual_sushi]

OK final price $125 for a finished box. That is carpeted, insulated back and with tuning port and mounting hardware.

 

You will need to drill two holes in the box to secure them (I will supply the screws, finishing cups and quick nut tabs for each box) . The reason I didn't pre drill them is so you can line it up directly with the mounting points on your car. More on this later.

 

If I end up buying the speakers for everyone I will pre-drill the 4 screw holes per speaker to mount them. If you use your own you will just have to drill them yourself (not too hard even Steve could do it ).

 

Steve has the 1st box.

 

Twosixty and Z have dibs on the 2nd and 3rd (you can wait until you see the final pictures if you wish)

 

And I will have 1 left after that.

[twosixty]

I'm good when you are.

Cheers

[stevo_gj]

I had a look at these today and they look sweet.

 

For $125 these are a bargain, the MSA box costs over $350 once you pay for shipping and exchange rates.

 

Twosixty are you going to get the speakers supplied by Shaun too?

[Z]

Hey,

Yup I'm fine with that - let me know when you want me to pick it up. I would be interested in 6x 9's but thought about going after some Eclipse speakers, however open to suggestions.

Cheers.

 

[twosixty]

Twosixty are you going to get the speakers supplied by Shaun too?

 

Nah, I'll use the 6x9s I have now.

[sexual_sushi]

Ok finally got the sound deadener on the back so they are ready to go.

 

I haven't had a chance to take a decent pic yet as I've been getting home after dark.

 

Actual MSA box in car

 

I'll PM the bank details to everyone.

[sexual_sushi]

1 Box still for sale.

 

I'll get quotes on some 6x9's soon.

[ScottyB]

looks fantastic - where are you located?

[sexual_sushi]

Thanks mate, I'm in Brisbane