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Saab 9-3 Aero from the UK

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  • SQ: Saab 9-3 Aero from the UK

    Hi, I'm Dave from the UK & following on from this thread here's my SQ build so far on my Saab.
    http://www.bilstereoforum.se/showthread.php?t=33715

    Probably best to just add any info (and help advice please....because I really need it!!) here and I'll update the project as I go on.

    Here's the car, its a 2005 Saab 9-3 V6 Aero


    I've done a little bit to it on the performance/handling side but wanted to concentrate more on the audio with this car then go mad on the power later this year and probably go for JZW's 20t tune.

    So far I've done:
    JZW Stage 1 remap (approx 320bhp & 415ft/lbs)
    BSR Optiflow kit
    Bilstein B8 dampers
    Eibach springs
    Maptun Strut Brace
    EBC Yellow Stuff R pads
    Mtec dimpled discs
    HEL lines
    RBF 600 fluid
    Uniroyal Rainsport 3 tyres

    I think that's about it on the go faster bits! The clutch needs upgrading though as it's not up to the extra torque, then needs a dyno to see what it's really putting down)

    Onto the more interesting stuff! Music!
    Saab 9-3 v6 Aero

    DEX-P99RS
    Genesis Four Channel
    Genesis Dual Mono
    Caliber Evolution 4300
    Sinfoni S165W
    Sinfoni S100M
    Simfoni S25T
    Morel SW 9

  • #2
    Re: Saab 9-3 Aero from the UK

    Here's the system that came with the car, got pretty lucky here as it's the full 13 speaker system but still sounds dreadful



    ICM2 & single CD player (which doesn't work! But the Aux in works fine)


    So there's no physical head unit on these like normal cars, the thing in the picture above is the Infotainment Control Module (icm 2 here) and the actual head unit is hidden behind the heater panel and called the EHU (Entertainment Head Unit) which pretty much controls everything via fibre optics and this fibre optic loop needs to be maintained to keep they system working plus have all the warning tones and turn signal bing/bongs working. Remove one of the amps or cad player and it doesn't work! you have to put in a loop back.

    On this system the EHU powers the 3.5" dash mids and tweeters plus the 4" rear shelf mids & tweeters, then there's an amp under the passenger seat (AMP1) which powers the door 6.5" woofers and 4" centre dash mid. And one more amp (AMP2) which powers the rear 6x9 woofers. All speakers are 4ohm except for the 6.5" door speakers which are 2ohm. And its sort of an active set up wiith all speakers getting their separate frequencies from the EHU/amps so you have high for the tweeters, mid for the 3.5" & 4" mids and low for the 6.5" & 6x9's

    Probably the worst system I've ever heard! I've removed the 6.5 & 6x9's now to fit new and with just the smaller dash & shelf speakers fitted its god awful! Really feel sorry for the guys with the basic set up as its a right pain to upgrade to this and still not much better.....I love my Saabs but this is crap

    Basically its a real pain to upgrade!
    Saab 9-3 v6 Aero

    DEX-P99RS
    Genesis Four Channel
    Genesis Dual Mono
    Caliber Evolution 4300
    Sinfoni S165W
    Sinfoni S100M
    Simfoni S25T
    Morel SW 9

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Saab 9-3 Aero from the UK

      What I've decided to do was run an independent system but keep most of the original one fitted as I want to keep it easy to put back to standard when I sell up in a few years (lesson learnt after the last Saab!)

      So I'm keeping the EHU, ICM, Amps 1&2 fitted as normal but removing the CD player and looping the fibre optics to keep it working (but radio switched off) also keeping the rear 4" & tweeters fitted as they're not getting replaced but I've swapped the 6x9's for some Genesis P69 subs to give a cleaner bass and tie me over until I'm all done (really impressed with these!)

      The CD players now gone and replaced with a Pioneer DEX-P99RS, took me months & month of searching to find a nice 4 way unit, and considered a Clarion DRZ9255 from the states, then missed out on a Pioneer P90 combo as my signal went on the phone so gave up and decided to just keep my DEH-80PRS from the old car, then a used p99rs popped up on ebay so had to have it! Ticks all the boxes and seems a logical step up from the 80prs...looks nice too!



      I need to tidy this up though and cover the gaps either side, I'll try and cut the old CD players facia first to fit over it and make it look half decent!

      Speakers again I considered a few different brands, budget was £350 (max) here so couldn't afford anything new & high end and mainly looked for 2 way. Choices were Morel Hybrid Ovation, Audison Voce K6 and a couple offerings from Focal. Then noticed these Sinfoni S series comps on ebay but they were way over budget at £750 so forgot about them, then they dropped down to £650 and then came within budget so stuck a bid in and won them for just over £300! Bargain! Took a massive gamble on these as I couldn't find any info on them and nobody recommended them, but I think the gambles paid off!

      For the amps I was going to keep my old DLS A7 but decided to sell this and get a pair of Genesis series 3 instead. I've gone for a Dual Mono and Four Channel.



      Sadly though these might be sold next month as I need the cash for a clutch! So I've sourced a few old 90's amps cheap off ebay, mainly Caliber but also a RF punch and a Denon DCA800. I'be gone a bit ott with the amps and started a small collection of White Caliber Competition amps! I've to another one coming this week



      For the subs I considered a CDT 10" or another Focal 27kx but decided to go for a pair of Morel SW 9's instead. Not strictly subs I know and more mid bass, but should see me ok. I'm not after a deep deep rumbling sound anyway just a nice controlled bass.

      Saab 9-3 v6 Aero

      DEX-P99RS
      Genesis Four Channel
      Genesis Dual Mono
      Caliber Evolution 4300
      Sinfoni S165W
      Sinfoni S100M
      Simfoni S25T
      Morel SW 9

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Saab 9-3 Aero from the UK

        Nice to see you and your car here! It's not very common with 9-3SS builds here in Sweden, most people only change speakers and stays happy with that. Sometimes someone may put in some damping material in the doors and maybe ad an amplifier to the doorspeakers, but that's unusual. So it's nice to see someone build a real system. If you want to you can take a look at my own 9-3SS build, sadly tough it's all in Swedish but at least you can look at the pictures, or use Google translate.
        Last edited by ChriZtoffer; January 28, 2014, 00:05.
        Mitt projekt: Volvo V60
        BRL - B2 & Dayton

        More to come...

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Saab 9-3 Aero from the UK

          Originally posted by ChriZtoffer View Post
          Nice to see you and your car here! It's not very common with 9-3SS builds here in Sweden, most people only change speakers and stays happy with that. Sometimes someone may put in some damping material in the doors and maybe ad an amplifier to the doorspeakers, but that's unusual. So it's nice to see someone build a real system. If you want to you can take a look at my own 9-3SS build, sadly tough it's all in Swedish but at least you can look at the pictures, or use Google translate.
          Thanks mate, I'm around 1/4 way through reading your build! Pretty awesome work there! My skill level isn't up there so I'm a bit limited with what I can do But I'll have a go at some fibreglass dash pods this year and see how I get on!

          I skipped through it quickly a couple months back when I found this forum but thought I'd better get reading from the start as its full of info! I'll be spending another hour on it tonight! Google translates been earning its money this week!
          Saab 9-3 v6 Aero

          DEX-P99RS
          Genesis Four Channel
          Genesis Dual Mono
          Caliber Evolution 4300
          Sinfoni S165W
          Sinfoni S100M
          Simfoni S25T
          Morel SW 9

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Saab 9-3 Aero from the UK

            If you get stuck at some point, just ask! I think i know most parts of these cars throughout by now. But you've allreade figured out the tricky part ("replacing" the in dash CD) so i think you'll do great with the rest of the build.
            Mitt projekt: Volvo V60
            BRL - B2 & Dayton

            More to come...

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Saab 9-3 Aero from the UK

              Nice!

              I have heard this Sinfoni speakers in a 2-way setup and correctly mounted them sounds awesome!
              "Sound by Hewi"

              Blue eMotion by heWi

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Saab 9-3 Aero from the UK

                Originally posted by ChriZtoffer View Post
                If you get stuck at some point, just ask! I think i know most parts of these cars throughout by now. But you've allreade figured out the tricky part ("replacing" the in dash CD) so i think you'll do great with the rest of the build.
                Thanks, I'll no doubt be asking some questions over the coming weeks. I'm at the stage now whee I can finally for the amps and speakers
                Saab 9-3 v6 Aero

                DEX-P99RS
                Genesis Four Channel
                Genesis Dual Mono
                Caliber Evolution 4300
                Sinfoni S165W
                Sinfoni S100M
                Simfoni S25T
                Morel SW 9

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Saab 9-3 Aero from the UK

                  Originally posted by Hewi View Post
                  Nice!

                  I have heard this Sinfoni speakers in a 2-way setup and correctly mounted them sounds awesome!
                  That's good to know! I took a bit of a gamble on these as nobody recommended them. I know the Sinfoni amps are highly regarded but no idea about the speakers. Once I sort the cars performance side (spec 3+ clutch & JZW stage 3+) I'll be looking to upgrade the amps again to a couple Sinfoni Amplitude.

                  Trie updating this last night but photobuckets not working again
                  Saab 9-3 v6 Aero

                  DEX-P99RS
                  Genesis Four Channel
                  Genesis Dual Mono
                  Caliber Evolution 4300
                  Sinfoni S165W
                  Sinfoni S100M
                  Simfoni S25T
                  Morel SW 9

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Saab 9-3 Aero from the UK

                    A killer bunch of components definitely!
                    We've a guy at the forum who build similarly looking Sinfoni in an Audi A6.. Even at the time I had my demo it wasent really configured it still blew my soundsystem thirsty soul away....

                    Bygglogg: SQW: TransFårrden

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Saab 9-3 Aero from the UK

                      Damn...i wanted those on ebay...
                      Let me know if you are going to sell them in the future...one of mine tweeters is damaged so i run them from 8k now.

                      And it is an A4 i have...not A6
                      It sounds way beter now...

                      Amplitude series is a nice match for the speakers.. You'all find some amps on ebay.
                      Shadow edition works best on the mids for me, extreme controll and fast.
                      Tested it on the 4" and tweeter with the sinfoni passive crossover but..it sounded..not good.
                      Amplitude is warmer sounding and very natural..lots of power so forget the specified power

                      Not to many people have the speakers but..they cost around 5600 usd so it's not that strange
                      Audi A4 B5 -98
                      Pioneer P90 + DEQP90
                      Sinfoni amplitude 50.4x
                      Sinfoni shadow 100.2
                      Sinfoni S165W x4
                      Sinfoni S100M
                      Sinfoni S25T

                      Vw up -12
                      På gång..
                      New car, hi end old school..

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Saab 9-3 Aero from the UK

                        $5,600!!!!! Costs more than the car!
                        I guess that's why nobody recommended these then! My budget was only £350

                        How do these compare to Morel Ultimo? That's the other set I got offered but they were around £550 used.

                        Sinfoni amps are definitely on the cards once the performance sides done, I was going to get one sooner but this clutch needs upgrading asap!
                        Saab 9-3 v6 Aero

                        DEX-P99RS
                        Genesis Four Channel
                        Genesis Dual Mono
                        Caliber Evolution 4300
                        Sinfoni S165W
                        Sinfoni S100M
                        Simfoni S25T
                        Morel SW 9

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: Saab 9-3 Aero from the UK

                          In the last car I just used a cheap dual amp Autoleads 0 gauge kit which was ok but a pain to instal, was also CCA (copper clad aluminium) the wires protective jacket was very thick and wasn't truly 0 gauge imo, more like 4...so not the best really! Still decent value though but wanted something better for this car.

                          This time I've gone for a KnuKonceptz 0 gauge Kolossus kit which is miles better quality OFC copper cable (excellent quality for the price!) nice & thick and easy to work with which is a big bonus...





                          Also bought some Knukonceptz Kolossus 4awg wire to use between the distro block and amps, plus to beef up some cabling in the engine bay later on when I do TB3.


                          All to be covered with polyester braid to add a little protection and colour coded as I'll have to use the same cable for both +ve & -ve so don't want to get confused with the same colour wire! Also looks better!


                          Also bought a couple meters 70mm2 pure copper welding cable from ebay.



                          So now have enough wiring!
                          Last edited by Griffin dai; January 28, 2014, 22:46.
                          Saab 9-3 v6 Aero

                          DEX-P99RS
                          Genesis Four Channel
                          Genesis Dual Mono
                          Caliber Evolution 4300
                          Sinfoni S165W
                          Sinfoni S100M
                          Simfoni S25T
                          Morel SW 9

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: Saab 9-3 Aero from the UK

                            That wiring kit I bought comes with its own fuse holder but that wil be used for TB3 later on. (My 'later on' list is getting longer & longer)

                            To keep it a nice clean instal I decided to splash out on an Audison combined power/earth distro block.

                            Audison Connection SFD41C Combined Earth/Live Fused Distribution Block


                            This takes 0awg power in, splits it into 1x 2awg & 3x 4awg out and the same for the earth side. Keeps it nice for a cleaner instal instead of having cables running everywhere to separate blocks like last time, plus lets me add up to 4 amps now instead of just 2 like the last car.





                            Saab 9-3 v6 Aero

                            DEX-P99RS
                            Genesis Four Channel
                            Genesis Dual Mono
                            Caliber Evolution 4300
                            Sinfoni S165W
                            Sinfoni S100M
                            Simfoni S25T
                            Morel SW 9

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: Saab 9-3 Aero from the UK

                              So that fancy fuse block will go in the boot with the amps, at the battery end I've got this to fit-

                              Audison Connection BFH-11 0awg fuse holder


                              Just hoping this will be ok as it gets very hot under the bonnet with this v6, plus the battery lives right next door to the turbo!

                              Saab 9-3 v6 Aero

                              DEX-P99RS
                              Genesis Four Channel
                              Genesis Dual Mono
                              Caliber Evolution 4300
                              Sinfoni S165W
                              Sinfoni S100M
                              Simfoni S25T
                              Morel SW 9

                              Comment

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