10 day SQ install - Part 3: amp rack with access to spare wheel - ZAPCO amps and DSP

[@JediMasterFO]

Peter, thanks for making these videos. I can hear the struggle in your voice when you talk about finding enough time in your day to do all the things you must do and all the things you want to do. It's damn hard, mate. I'm happy you are here teaching. Cheers.

[@corsapilotti1447]

Even a “rushed “ install looks great !

[@corystock1569]

Can't believe the owner didn't want to show off those amps and DSP w a window in that cover. Good work, as always!

[@pssound9749]

Cory Stock 1. There’s a thick, durable carpet on the top of everything for everyday use, so you see nothing! 2. If you want to see the amps, just take that top panel out. 3. The owner wanted nothing as this car was built for my father in-law as a gift 🎁.

[@chriswray2132]

Loving how clean this one came out, and also the oem look is perfect, you really turned this car around mate, very tasty ! what you have done for 'dad' is simply amazing, and massive respect to you for making such a huge effort :)

[@clydesharman2053]

It came out really clean I think I will copy your amp rack it’s simple but since I’m not a gifted carpenter with an abundance of tools I can manage that. And yes I do the same with cable management I’ll spend lots of time on the routing of the cables Thanks Mate

[@carlnorrbom]

Very nice - and given the amount of effort put in, a very good outcome I must say! Well done.

[@pssound9749]

Thanks Carl! 🙏

[@Modzie868]

I love it!!....you given me great ideas for my trunk build, my queen would be so happy to know it have space to put groceries in now instead of the backseat.

[@williamprice4269]

Nicely done. In all of my installs, Like you, I’ve always fused the amps at the fuse blocks, even if the amps have on board fuses. To me it’s an extra level of safety.

[@pssound9749]

Question: what are the fuses for in the amplifier?

[@williamprice4269]

Pssound to supply a level of protection for the amplifier because some people thought that the fuse in the engine compartment is enough and it wasn’t. Some people under size the power wire and Ohm’s Law takes effect. A voltage drop happens across the power wire and boom instant heat. Back in my day, which was the late 80’s, amplifier companies were just starting to put fuses on the amplifier. I ran an old, first generation Orion 425 HCCA and I can’t remember if it had on board fuses. I do remember fusing it at the battery and in the trunk

[@CORZER0]

Have you ever blown a fuse?

[@williamprice4269]

CORZER0 yes.

[@stanfordturner]

Agree with you on the fusing. I'd say fuse any time you have a drop in wire size.

[@MrCountmein3]

I've seen a ton of builds and this one by far is my favorite!! You do amazing work. I very well may do this same build in my chrysler 300m. With my own little tweeks.

[@tylormcvey1493]

As usual, you give me ideas & solid advice. Thanks for sharing your craft

[@satanas666reyna3]

Man you do great work even if you say you didn’t have to much time to do it it’s an awesome system

[@hotlaprc1980]

Another awesome video peter. Soon I will be running the same processor along with a fiio x7 Mark 2. You and I have chatted via Facebook and I look forward to more of your videos

[@markcoe8096]

wow looks so clean and fresh. Id be so happy with that! I am struggling to think of the shape of the build in my car as its a 5 door ford focus and i want access the the spare wheel still, just in case plus i dont want to loose the ability to carry things when i need to. Slight imperfection at 9:44 in the vinyl but im sure you sorted it quickly Great work fella! I discovered PSSOUND yesterday and every evening im going to watch your videos. Thanks for your effort

[@pssound9749]

Mark Coe there’s a lot to see on this channel! 🤘 Be careful, wives hate me as most audio people rather watch my videos than porn! 😂

[@TENNESSEETRACKHAWK]

looks amazing Peter!

[@ChrisClark_808]

Very nice panel work!!! I’ll have to admit I was surprised! Nice job, thanks for sharing.

[@gabedoubleggriffin6446]

This is an beautiful amp rack!

[@60secondmediauk]

is it sad that I knew what car it was through the shape of the opening through to the front of the car? great work, love the finish.

[@tee_tow]

Very meticulous 👌

[@thephoenixgoldkid381]

peters pretty much an artist..!

[@drrckhamilton]

Thanks Peter!!!! Any video showing "how to " speaker pods?

[@pssound9749]

Derrick There’s no video on that, but that is pretty easy. Fit a rivnut in the metal of the A-pillar. Drill a hole through the pod. Fix the pod with a machined bolt into the rivnut. Shape the trim panel around the pod. Simple! 😂

[@dioncampbell3384]

Hi i think this is a nice install, i like the stealth look.

[@pssound9749]

Dion Campbell thank you! 👌🙏

[@LeandroJack]

Is Zapco still known for the quality as they always had back in the day? Could I buy a Zapco in 2023 and be pleased that it's gonna perform?

[@pssound9749]

They have some great products and some not as great, pretty much like everyone else these days, but they’re still right up there when it comes to sound quality.

[@LeandroJack]

@@pssound9749 Thanks for your feedback. I'm looking at their ST-104D SQ MINI amp but I'm skeptical because I wondering if it would deliver the watts it claims.

[@pssound9749]

@@LeandroJack is that model actually available yet?

[@cashualplayer1275]

Very nice! In case the owner want to put lights on that set up. How would you start doing it? Do you need to replace the distribution blocks?

[@pssound9749]

JovertPogiTV Garrovillo it depends on the amount of LED u need vs consumption. OEM circuit in trunk can be used too as this one was done the same way too.

[@philcopeman3244]

How nice does that look 👍🏻

[@pssound9749]

Phil Copeman simple can look good too, right?! 👌💪

[@philcopeman3244]

Pssound absolutely mate 👍🏻

[@iceman45ification1]

Nice work man!! Very clean setup. Should sound amazing. 👌

[@Jemstk]

Aersome would love to see how you cut the pieces would of lived plexi and neons

[@martinfreeman6227]

This install is clean and professional work. Firstly this video has given me a great idea of how to mount the Sub in the boot and still having good cargo space. The one question I have is the bass quality. Does one loose considerable bass quality as opposed to using an enclosure? Is there a minimum space (cubic feet) for the space used to mount the sub? Please advise. Many thanks for this work of art.

[@pssound9749]

Martin Freeman this is infinite baffle application using the airspace of the trunk, people without experience would call it free-air. Check out the trunk baffle playlist on the channel, you can see many more videos about this type of application, which is the best sounding sub solution you can ever get in a car.

[@martinfreeman6227]

@@pssound9749 Many thanks for this. I just wish you know how timely this video is. I'm in the process of a build and having a sedan cargo space is always a challenge when you have enclosures. Thanks.

[@martinfreeman6227]

Quick question, what brands (budget) would you recommend for this project, in addition, would you recommend a 12" or 15" sub. My plan is to stay under 1000w RMS for the sub. Thanks

[@pssound9749]

Martin Freeman i’d suggest to get a 6ch amp with built-in DSP and a monoblock for the sub, which is the most cost effective way. Look into Zapco ST-6X DSP+any ST mono or Helix P6DSP+mono. Subs: Acoustic Elegance SPB or IB range, Adire Tempest or similar, min 1x15” for trunk IB. Front: location dependent, could be a long story.

[@martinfreeman6227]

@@pssound9749 Many thanks, i had already purchased the Audio control D-6.1200 amp with DSP, i already have a Rockford Fosgate T1*750 bd for the sub. The monoblock is from a previous project and i still want to utilize it. I had a Rockford power T1 d4 10" sub, I've sold it and want to get a new one hence the idea to work on the baffle system. The plan is to uterlize what I have and gradually upgrade as this is my daily driver. Im very grateful for your input.

[@burninglettergs]

Love it, super clean. Next meet I can demonstrate SBC vs aptX vs aptX HD streaming 😉

[@pssound9749]

Gary Sewell Ohh, you’ve got some new goodies?? 😉💪🤘

[@burninglettergs]

@@pssound9749 Just a new BT receiver, better SQ than OEM for sure and retains steering wheel control.

[@eagle5720]

The ground and the live tie together going cause a bit of engine noise

[@pssound9749]

Why so?

[@user-pwfus]

RCA's are way too long just order the correct length or drll holes threw that board and run everything from bellow the board it will look much cleaner and less confusion and mess.

[@pssound9749]

It’s far from a mass and if you watched the whole series, you’d understand why certain things were done in a “rush”.

[@TheWjbrown37]

Beautiful Work!!

[@motorax.service.motociclete]

Gain on sub is to the max and gain on the front end is to lowest? or is adjusted and that.s only how it looks on the video?

[@pssound9749]

Not sure, it was built many years ago, but never needs high gain.

[@trustmeplez]

Another neat install, the amount of wood work done is amazing with all the contours and fitment. How did you feel the Zapco DSP in comparison to others in the market, is their interface now better than earlier ones. I would like to hear your views on MiniDsp if you have used it on any of your builds till now.

[@pssound9749]

Mr. R.S Thank you! I’ve only used Mosconi and Audison DSPs supplied by customers and personally I wouldn’t use them again for multiple reasons. The ones i’ve sold and recommend come from Zapco and Helix, both very good.👌

[@Saddendude]

Very well done. Power wires definatwly would have looked cleaner ajd been more practical on the other side though, sucks you couldnt make it work.

[@pssound9749]

Saddendude Lessons learnt! At least i have no problem admitting and addressing issues. It’s fine this way too now. 👌

[@davidperry4013]

I love zapco gear

[@lowhertzhighspl]

so u didnt use spare tire well/hole? if so thats awesome.

[@pssound9749]

Brandon Lee spare wheel is still there as can be seen in the video.

[@user-wj9xq7ig2v]

I just put together a relative budget system in my 2010 cobalt ss. Two Exile amps, jbl gx speakers and a pioneer deck and I'm not very happy with it. My other car gets all my leftover equipment installed in it and sounds much better. Are the Exile amps the issue? Is zapco really gonna make an improvement?

[@pssound9749]

Rock On Equipment on it’s own is just a part of the whole picture. How the speakers were install, what source you play and how the setup is tuned...so many variables! Difficult to tell the source(s) of your problem through the internet, whereas it would take a minute in person.

[@user-wj9xq7ig2v]

@@pssound9749 In your opinion would you say a zapco amp is significantly better than an Exile amp? I think what I'll do is swap the 4 channel clarion out of the other car and see if there's a difference. Thanks for the reply.

[@chickenpimp5190]

Do you have any experience with zapco amps from the 90s? How do the new ones compare to them as far as sound quality? I loved the old z25c2 and z50c2. One of the best sounding amps I've ever heard.

[@pssound9749]

Big secret weapon is the ST-4X SQ amp. Cheap, not mega powerful, BUT it sounds sublime! Current Z series is as good as it can be for the money, especially the AP range! Many people rave about them to the point, that it’s actually becoming boring and upsetting for some others, but i can not even offer anything better for my customers, unless they have mega money for Audiowave, Micro Precision or similar amps.

[@austinhohnke5470]

clean work. but the sides would look better

[@ranvijaydhami7246]

hello sir. i have zapco sp. whats the diffrence between sp and ap.

[@VladGrigorestudio]

Witch is your favourite DSP ? Is it Zapco or Helix DSP pro.... or do you think old Alpine h701 can do the job good ? I m trying to find a DSP for my setup... alpine was an idea because of the price and the connectivity with head unit with optical cable.... but i love'd helix DSP pro to. so ...

[@pssound9749]

Vlad Grigore All of these DSP’s you listed have optical input, but Alpine is slightly dated. Helix is on par with Zapco, very similar spec and sound. I’ve experienced slight difference with this Zapco DSP though using the same tweeters as before with the Helix DSP Pro, but the amps are different too, so can’t be fully objective. Having said that, the top-end is slightly smoother with the Zapco atm. The big test will be in my personal Honda with the Zapco HDSP V once it finally lands in my hands.

[@VladGrigorestudio]

Good, i put the alpine on the list because i read that if you upgrade some electrical parts could make a very good dsp and can connect with everything Ai net in accessories like ipod controller and cd changer. But i had my hesitations so ... i will let it aside and invest in a newer DSP. Thx :D and i will keep watching you :D

[@eduardobatista329]

Is it true this 6 channel amp does not have an input gain control or is it another model the one that comes with the dsp

[@pssound9749]

eduardo batista it’s the one that comes with built in DSP. That has a fix input sensitivity of 0.5V, so the source and output levels have to be set accordingly.

[@anthonytan8751]

Hey Peter, does the Zapco DSP have external BT module or its built in?

[@pssound9749]

It’s built into the DSP Z8-IVii, additional module on the HDSP-V.

[@ssalblowy]

Hey petter. How did you wire the remote turn on wire

[@pssound9749]

You can see a 4th wire running out of the fused distro, which runs to the front to an on/off switch, then back to the remote-in of the DSP.

[@ssalblowy]

@@pssound9749 nice. Thanks for the reply

[@stephanthirbenny5660]

where did you get those lugs for the power cable?

[@pssound9749]

Stephan Thirbenny eBay 😃

[@stephanthirbenny5660]

@@pssound9749 I checked not seein them, under what description lol thanks

[@pssound9749]

Stephan Thirbenny Try ring terminal?

[@drrckhamilton]

Hey Peter, really loving this install. Just curious, what series of Zapco and is it good? Thanks!!!

[@pssound9749]

Derrick have you watched the full video?? All the components are shown in it one by one!? 😳😃

[@drrckhamilton]

I did actually!!!! Twice!!!! I was specifically responding to your statement "if you have any questions guys, you know what to do". I didn't hear anything specific to the model numbers of the amplifiers. Zapco has multiple lines of Amplifiers but I was able to sort through their website and figure out what you are using, however I was inquiring as to what your thoughts are as pertains to this specific line and your likes or dislikes.

[@pssound9749]

Derrick scroll to 10:30. I don’t mention, but show the models one by one from close, hopefully you can see it. I can’t say anything bad about the kit, it’s delivering the usual dynamic and clean Zapco “character”. 👌💪

[@gilfred26]

hi peter, very neat install and thanks for the tips. Which coaxial to optical input cable do you suggest, because, i need to connect my fiio to helix dsp.3, kindly refer something.

[@pssound9749]

There’s no such converter cable. You need a converter box, that changes coax to optical. You can see one in the amprack build of the Kia Soul playlist.

[@gilfred26]

Pssound thanks a lot peter

[@williamprice4269]

This may sound like silly question(s), but I was wondering what brand of wire ferrule do you use? Is there a difference?

[@pssound9749]

William It’s generic, i can’t see much difference.

[@damienfrizzell9394]

u dont get done for copyright? thats a good track

[@pw91686]

Is that the st-6x sq amp? If so, how do you like it? Do you think the lx or ap series amps are worth the extra money? Thanks.

[@pssound9749]

Paul the right speaker installation and tuning are more important, i’d spend that extra money on that first as the ST range amps are already fantastic!

[@hectorperez6293]

I love it,clean

[@DZAntiSioniste]

Good Job Man

[@dhardcorextrme]

have you used the arc ps8? how would it comapre

[@jt.vlogofficial773]

Nice !

[@sidnei2017]

hello, about DSP ZAPCO Z8 IV II, could you get me two doubts please: 1- Is this processor better than the mosconi and bitone? 2- This processor, has the ability to automatically correct the sound of HUsOEM? I mean, this feature of flattening the sound response. Because the HUoem usually comes pre-set to play the best possible on the original speakers, which has a more limited capacity. thank you.

[@pssound9749]

Sidnei Flores Hi, When it comes to sound quality and setting features to build the best sounding SQ setup, this DSP is very hard to beat, especially for this money! Bit One is a ~10year old technology and...it’s a...let’s just leave it there! 😃 Regarding factory integration: no, it doesn’t have adjustment for OEM signal. To be fair most people use the in-built BT streaming more than anything else as it’s so good and convenient. I would never bother using a bad quality source like OEM, but that’s just me.

[@sidnei2017]

@@pssound9749 Thanks a lot for the answer, the fact that bluetooth has pleased me enough, could you tell me if the bluetooth of this shoe uses the APTX protocol? I've seen somewhere that this protocol allows the transmission of high quality music without loss. And congratulations for the installation and equipment, wonderful !!!

[@pssound9749]

Sidnei Flores I also have to get confirmation from the manufacturer what BT they use in the Zapco, but tbf it doesn’t bother any of the users since it works beautifully!

[@sidnei2017]

@@pssound9749 I looked in the site of zapco and do not have the information. Anyway, if the Bluetooth that the processor uses, is able to establish a connection with my cell phone, so that I can play mp3 of 256 ~ 328 kbps, for me it would be of good size, because I can not perceive great differences between a flac and mp3 of 320 kbps.

[@myboy051]

Hi Peter , I’m from the US . I’ve been reading that people are having issues with the DSP-Z8IVII. I understand you are a distributor for Zapco in the UK . I bought one but haven’t installed it yet because I’m having doubts about it and might just go with the Helix DSP.3 .

[@pssound9749]

myboy051 Hi What are the issues with the IV II? If it’s about the IV, first generation, then i’m not surprised, what i wouldn’t necessarily suggest, but i’d be very surprised if the IV II has issues! 😳😳

[@myboy051]

Pssound - software issues mostly with Bluetooth and while tuning it would freeze up and have to keep rebooting. Subwoofers not working only while playing music via Bluetooth. A few other issues I would have to go back and read again . I’m not going to use the Bluetooth function for my music but seeing how you have experience with that unit i would ask you .

[@myboy051]

Pssound - Thank you so much for responding to my comment!!!

[@pssound9749]

myboy051 BT tuning has had issues with the Android app, everyone knows and I wouldn’t suggest that either, but the apple app is solid. To be fair i only use the laptop and it’s dead easy to get the best out of any setup. We had several setups walking home with trophies from the European EMMA Finals. If the sub doesn’t work on BT it’s because the input patching wasn’t saved well on every input and written to the device. We had that on 1/20 installs. Needed to be plugged up on to laptop, went through it with client on the phone in 5mins and even he could do it with my guidance. He saved it and it was fine. We haven’t really had any issue with the IV II in the last 1.5year and i sell it happily as it’s super user friendly, BT sounds good and the controller is more reliable than a Director for example. Having said that, i still use and sell Helix DSPs too, i can work with both.

[@myboy051]

Pssound - Peter , that’s the response I was looking for . Thank you so much for your support! Keep up the great videos 👍🤜🤛👊love your channel.

[@DoritosRus]

Peter where can I find RCA's like that in the USA?

[@pssound9749]

Ramon Matos That is a good question, i’m in the UK. Drop a line to then to their website.

[@TheMathewsman]

What crimpers are you using on this large ferrules?

[@pssound9749]

NW Precision I have a standard hand tool upto 25mm2 and a pneumatic upto 100mm2 or so.

[@soopamarcus1]

Hey Peter, are the cable ties pinned through the board or just bunching the wires together? This is absolute cable porn :)

[@pssound9749]

There are plastic cable tie hooks underneath screwed to the wood.

[@soopamarcus1]

@@pssound9749 keep up the awesome work my guy!

[@sermac3246]

👍

[@badazz12r]

great video, but there is no earth in automotive 12volt.

[@pssound9749]

Nygel Yasharahla earth/ground, same thing. Sorry, English is not my first language.

[@canillocanillo3371]

Hey Peter can you give us your opinion on the Zapco XMii amps? I was looking at the ST-2000XMii but word is they dont put out rated power and they dont produce Zapco quality audio. At this price point JL has their RD1500.1 and XD1000.1 which are tested quality products> Thanks!!

[@dellalexander8705]

What zapco amps is he using?

[@dellalexander8705]

That is what zapo amps is he using?

[@pssound9749]

Dell Alexander Scroll to 10:30.

[@pleasingduck4976]

Is zapco better than kicker or Skar?

[@pssound9749]

Jake Have you ever heard about Zapco or done any research?

[@pleasingduck4976]

Pssound I was looking online but no luck. Looking to get the zapco st-1000.

[@leihan8846]

非常漂亮

[@dlfrestoration]

Add the join button on your channel and i will

[@ranvijaydhami7246]

hello sir. i have zapco sp. whats the diffrence between sp and ap.