I've done a couple now in the novice class and I'd like some feedback if there are any veterans who might be so kind.

I recently scored 174 in a SLAP competition. I lost 8 points for not having the positive terminal on the battery covered and for not having pictures of the termination on my amps. Both can be rectified. I lost a few points elsewhere in the installation, but on things not so easily rectified.

Now to the actual sound quality itself. It generally got high marks, though next time I need to turn down the bass a bit. I lost points on the center portion as I am told the sound tends to drift to the driver's side. Since everything is hooked up right and the balance control is neutral, is there something else that can alter this? I am told something that alter the timing of each side?

Also, if I can normally score over 180, is that generally good in where I will be next year, the amateur class?

Finally, my db score is just over 140. With a little tweaking like pulling down the passenger seat and pulling out the center portion of the rear seat I figure I can get about 142. That sound about right?
Thanks

 

why do you want more bass when you just said you need to turn it down?

are you using the stock head unit. an aftermarket head unit. ???? if you are using an aftermarket head unit, look at getting at least a mid level alpine unit, as they have time correction built in, and would allow you to adjust timing on each speaker individually.

 

You're aware that there is a db test in these things right? I CAN turn the bass down for the SQ.



I'm using a Kenwood unit right now. I will look into whether Kenwood has something available, my first choice since I have a Kenwood Sirius tuner and HD tuner.

 

no i wasnt aware that they had an integrated db component to the sq competition.

as to time correction kenwood doesnt have anything. alpine does, its built in, very easy to use, and they have a sirius tuner as well, sir-alp1. i dont think they have any with hd tuners though.

 

Thank you for your help. Since I bought a "lifetime" Sirius subscription I'd have to jump through hoops to get it transferred to another receiver unit. That means I'm stuck with Kenwood for the time being. Truth be told, I think the whole issue is overrated, but I do lose points for it. I suppose Kenwood will come out with a time correction unit in time. They tend to keep up with new technologies.

 

oh, that sux, as to the time correction, i dont see kenwood doing that anytime soon, as alpine has had it for at least 4 years, and kenwood has yet to even look at that

 

What SQ comps are you competing in? Iasca,Usaci? Looking into competing in SQ too soon.As for head units, look into Eclipse,Alpine,Nakamichi, Clarion,Pioneer,& McIntosh. They make great units for SQ.

 

I'm doing SLAP. Nothing else comes in the area.

 

Just an update, it appears Kenwood DOES sell units with digital time alignment. KDC-X889 for normal head units, and a couple of the really expensive units for DVD playback. Unfortunately the SLAP New England Championships are in the AM, so it doesn't look like I'll have the issue corrected in time.