Telluride full stereo upgrade experience - Part 1 Processor and amp

[Latinwings91]

I'm pretty sure I totally reversed it in my post above. I was doing some testing with the multimeter just now. Either way, I'll find out tomorrow when I start digging in.

So the plug is coming from the radio so that goes to the amp and the wires that run behind and go down goes to the speakers, correct?

 

[xJohnnyV]

Wanted to post as others have questions regarding feasibility etc. I of course kept the infotainment system as is, but to say that the OEM audio in base or upgrade is underwhelming is an understatement.

Products used: It starts with how to properly get a signal from the factory infotainment – I chose an Audio Control DM-608 for this task. It has wicked good fidelity and solves multiple issues. You could use a simple line level converter with imo poor results. The DM608 allows me to de-EQ the factory EQ’d signal and send something flat and clean to the amp, additionally it providers for crossovers, digital time alignment (for that absolutely perfect drivers seat experience) and a wired knob for subwoofer level and EQ choice.

I have a wholesale line on Kenwood Excelon Reference so went with their 5 Channel amp (XR901-5) (which I have experience with and tbh is near the fidelity of my Focal products at ½ the cost; NEVER thought I would say that about a Kenwood product) and 1st time ever using a single Kenwood speaker, the Reference XR-1603HR 6.5” separates in front and XR-1701 coaxial for rea. As for the subwoofer I chose a DC Audio Level 2 10” Dual 4ohm for output, fidelity and matching with the available amp power.


I molded some ABS to mount the fuse holder next to the battery and routed wire around the back of the battery for a more stealth appearance. Getting through the firewall was ridiculously easy, there are great landmarks and factory grommets to choose from.

Getting the audio signal was easier than expected, drivers front and rear can be grabbed in the kick panel and passengers both in the passenger kick panel. I was able to make connections behind the molex box adding to a cleaner install. I routed the line level to the processor and new speaker signal from the amp back to the kick panel, making all signal connections behind the box; super clean and super easy!


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Wanted to post as others have questions regarding feasibility etc. I of course kept the infotainment system as is, but to say that the OEM audio in base or upgrade is underwhelming is an understatement.

Products used: It starts with how to properly get a signal from the factory infotainment – I chose an Audio Control DM-608 for this task. It has wicked good fidelity and solves multiple issues. You could use a simple line level converter with imo poor results. The DM608 allows me to de-EQ the factory EQ’d signal and send something flat and clean to the amp, additionally it providers for crossovers, digital time alignment (for that absolutely perfect drivers seat experience) and a wired knob for subwoofer level and EQ choice.

I have a wholesale line on Kenwood Excelon Reference so went with their 5 Channel amp (XR901-5) (which I have experience with and tbh is near the fidelity of my Focal products at ½ the cost; NEVER thought I would say that about a Kenwood product) and 1st time ever using a single Kenwood speaker, the Reference XR-1603HR 6.5” separates in front and XR-1701 coaxial for rea. As for the subwoofer I chose a DC Audio Level 2 10” Dual 4ohm for output, fidelity and matching with the available amp power.


I molded some ABS to mount the fuse holder next to the battery and routed wire around the back of the battery for a more stealth appearance. Getting through the firewall was ridiculously easy, there are great landmarks and factory grommets to choose from.

Getting the audio signal was easier than expected, drivers front and rear can be grabbed in the kick panel and passengers both in the passenger kick panel. I was able to make connections behind the molex box adding to a cleaner install. I routed the line level to the processor and new speaker signal from the amp back to the kick panel, making all signal connections behind the box; super clean and super easy!


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Excellent work man! I just bought a Telluride EX and have been considering upgrading the sound system myself. Regarding the Kenwood Amp, it looks like you mounted it over the air conditioning vents, I didn't think there was enough room. How did you secure it?