A client from Vancouver dropped into Ralph’s Radio for some help with his 1974 Jaguar E-Type audio system. In short, the radio worked sporadically, and when it was working, the system didn’t sound very good. We had a look at the vehicle and talked with the client about his musical preferences and his vision for the upgrade. With a car as rare as this, it wasn’t surprising to hear that he wanted to keep everything in original and pristine condition while still being able to enjoy his music.
Audison Prima Speaker Upgrade
The front speakers in the E-Type are located on either side of the center console and face outwards towards the driver and passenger. We carefully removed the console to install a set of Audison Prima APX 6.5 6.5-inch coaxial speakers in place of the original units. The APX 6.5 speakers are nice and shallow, so they fit easily.
To upgrade the rear speakers, we removed the factory drivers from the side panels and installed a set of 4-inch Audison Prima APX 4 coaxial units. Given the vintage of the wiring in the car, we ran new speaker wire from each speaker to the storage location in the rear of the vehicle.
Jaguar E-Type Audio System Subwoofer
With relatively small speakers in the car, we suggested that adding a subwoofer to the system would dramatically improve the realism and impact of his music. Our fabrication team created a compact enclosure for a single Audison Prima APS 8 D subwoofer. The enclosure fits nicely into the storage area behind the seats. We wrapped the enclosure in black vinyl so that it matches the leather trim of the vehicle interior.
Rockford Fosgate System Amplifier
The client agreed with our suggestion of a Rockford Fosgate T400X4ad four-channel amplifier to power the system. This compact and powerful amplifier can provide up to 75 watts to each of the main speakers and an impressive 290 watts to drive the system subwoofer. We mounted the amplifier to the rear of the subwoofer enclosure to keep it out of the way. Power, speaker wire and interconnects are all neatly concealed and secured to ensure maximum performance and system reliability.
System Source Unit
As the client didn’t want to alter the appearance of the classic Jaguar, cutting a hole in the center console for a new radio was out of the question. We suggested that using his iPhone along with an audio interface would make listening to music easy while retaining the vehicle’s original appearance. We wired up the audio interface from a PAC Audio IS-7705 Tranzit system and put the Lightning connector in the center console. To play music, the client would connect his phone to the unit and control the volume on his phone.
After having a look at the Tranzit solution, the client decided that having a real radio with an AM/FM receiver suited his needs better. We added a JVC KD-X240BT to the vehicle, leaving it concealed behind the factory radio bezel. The client has full control over the radio using the JVC Control app on his iPhone.
System Tuning Process
Even in a simple five-speaker system like this, setting the amplifier correctly can have a dramatic effect on the overall performance of the system. Our installation team starts by optimizing the crossover settings on the amplifier to maximize the performance of each speaker. We check the frequency response of the system to make sure it’s smooth and that the output of the subwoofer blends nicely with the front speakers. Finally, we adjust the sensitivity controls so that the system sounds great, with minimal distortion, even at high volumes.
Classic Car Audio Upgrades by Ralph’s Radio
The client returned to check out his Jaguar E-Type audio system upgrade. He hopped in for a listen and was blown away by the clarity, detail and warmth of the system. If you are looking for an audio upgrade for a classic or rare automobile, drop by Ralph’s Radio in Vancouver or Victoria and speak with a member of our team. You can also reach us by e-mail using our contact form if you have questions about any of our products or services.