Clayton Client Upgrades Dodge Durango Stereo System

A client of Adrenaline Autosound from here in Clayton recently returned to the shop to discuss moving the stereo system equipment from his existing vehicle into a new 2018 Dodge Durango. The client had some specific guidelines for the audio system upgrade in his Dodge: He didn’t want to give up any storage space, especially in the rear of the vehicle.

Dodge Durango Custom Subwoofer Solution

After inspecting the interior, we found a relatively large and awkward-to-access storage compartment under the driver’s seat. The client agreed that he’d likely never use it and that we could repurpose it for the system’s subwoofer.

The enclosure has an awkward shape, so we decided to use fiberglass and an MDF top panel to transform it into an enclosure for the JL Audio 10W3v3 10-inch subwoofer. As you can see, the sub and its grille sit flush with the factory carpet and don’t impede the operation of the seat in any way.

Audiofrog Front Stage Speaker Upgrade

We completed the integration of a set of Audiofrog GS60 mid-woofers and GB10 tweeters into the front doors of the SUV using our standard practices. We started by creating mounting adapters for the GS60 woofers out of HDPE plastic so that they would bolt up to the factory 6×9 speaker opening. We added sound deadening to the outer door skins to reduce resonance and decrease the noise level in the vehicle. Finally, we added foam acoustic coupling rings around the front of the woofers to help focus all the acoustic energy into the vehicle through the factory speaker grille.

The tweeters are mounted in the sail panels and include in-line protection capacitors to prevent damage from low frequencies if an untrained person tries to adjust the digital signal processor.

System Amplifier and DSP Installation

The Mosconi processor not only helps integrate the system with the factory radio but also provides tuning features.

The JL Audio HD amplifier was mounted so it was visible through a slot we added to the tray.

Next up was to install the Mosconi 6to8PRO DSP in the vehicle. We found a location in the rear side-panel of the vehicle near the blower motor for the climate control system. We created an ABS plastic plate on which we mounted the processor and, as always, bundled all the wiring with automotive-grade cloth tape to prevent any buzzes or rattles once the vehicle was back together.

We found a small empty area under the rear seat and mounted the JL Audio HD900/5 amp on a custom bracket in this space. We cut an opening into the storage bin at the rear of the vehicle that allows the control panel of the amp to protrude ever so slightly into this space so that adjustments are quick and easy. With the protection panel in place, the entire bin remains functional for the client.

Dodge Durango Audio System Upgrade

With the DSP interfaced with the factory radio and set up in a three-way active configuration, the last step was to fine-tune the output of each driver to create a realistic and natural soundstage in the vehicle. The client returned to Adrenaline Autosound after a few days to audition the new stereo system in his Dodge Durango. He loved the way it sounds and was very impressed with the detail and clarity. He couldn’t believe that we managed to extract this level of performance while still hiding all the equipment. If you live in the Raleigh area and want to upgrade your audio system, drop by our store or send us an e-mail to schedule a personalized consultation.