Toyota Camry - SQ audio system

Toyota Camry and a demanding sound-quality installation on which we worked for over 100 hours. We were approached by a very demanding client who had a precise vision of the end result. A client with refined hearing and enormous demands not only on sound quality but also on the installation’s craftsmanship, aiming for an uncompromising sonic experience within the given budget. When planning the installation we had to consider not only component selection but also precise speaker placement, using several unconventional solutions. It was necessary to modify the A-pillars for accurate tweeter aiming and the original grilles of the factory center speakers in the dashboard to ensure an optimal soundstage and speaker frequency response. Together with the client we also decided to install two subwoofers: one in the trunk and the other in the vehicle interior to achieve a full low-frequency range for a truly breathtaking experience. We chose a three-way system from the traditional Italian manufacturer Steg, from the second-highest Master Stroke line—not only for its very high sound quality but also for its discreet design suitable for this installation. A major attraction was the 100 mm center speaker, which is an ideal size for reproducing mid frequencies. Thanks to modifications using laminate, CNC-made MDF rings, and coverings in a suitably colored leatherette, we managed to implement the center speakers into the dashboard without significantly altering the car’s interior. An important part of the installation is a top six-channel Zapco analog A/B class amplifier, which delivers faithful sound and virtually unlimited power to the speakers. It is accompanied by two more amplifiers from the same manufacturer intended for the two subwoofers from the top American maker JL Audio. As usual for our advanced installations, we chose the Helix DSP processor from the German audio masters at Audiotec-Fischer for sound tuning. Top-quality OFC copper cabling is used to ensure lossless sound transmission. We left nothing to chance and also fully soundproofed the vehicle to prevent vibrations and unwanted noises that could affect the desired musical experience. Perhaps the most important step comes at the end of the installation: sound measurement with the professional JL Audio Max measuring system with 5 microphones, which after expert tuning allows adapting the sound not only to the listener but primarily to this specific car with all the obstacles of this acoustically imperfect environment. We set the measured results in the DSP processor software, fine-tune the sound according to our preferences, and then perform final adjustments with our demanding client. To give this installation real purpose, it was important to choose a new signal source. The factory head unit offers simple and intuitive control but more or less affects the final sound even when precisely tuned. The ideal choice is an external hi-res player, which enables lossless music playback at maximum quality. A second solution is installing a Hi-Res Bluetooth module that provides similar service via your smartphone. In both cases you can use your own music library or a streaming service such as Tidal. The result of the installation? Sound for very demanding listeners that enables a truly breathtaking musical experience with all the details the recording’s author intended. And at the same time sound that brings the emotions music can deliver. And occasionally goosebumps. More information can be found in our photo report.