Mac Amp/Sub Relocation - My Solution

[ViperJoe]

I can't get past the appearance of the Mac amp/sub assembly (which I find to be butt-fugly), so I ordered the panel used on non-Mac cars ($1,225); . I plan to relocate both the amp and sub behind the passenger's seat. When separated, neither the amp nor the sub appears to be more than a few inches deep (can anyone provide the exact dimensions of each? I'm yet to remove the unit.) I'm confident that the amp will fit without a problem. I'm less confident about the sub, but will find a smaller replacement if need be. This strategy will enable me to continue to use the Mac (which does sound pretty darn good) and retain reasonable sound quality. I'll extend the wire harness as necessary and fabricate an enclosure to house both units which I will mount to the child seat anchor. Please post a response if IYO anything about this plan appears flawed.

 

[FlorIdaho Chris]

I can't get past the appearance of the Mac amp/sub assembly (which I find to be butt-fugly), so I ordered the panel used on non-Mac cars ($1,225); . I plan to relocate both the amp and sub behind the passenger's seat. When separated, neither the amp nor the sub appears to be more than a few inches deep (can anyone provide the exact dimensions of each? I'm yet to remove the unit.) I'm confident that the amp will fit without a problem. I'm less confident about the sub, but will find a smaller replacement if need be. This strategy will enable me to continue to use the Mac (which does sound pretty darn good) and retain reasonable sound quality. I'll extend the wire harness as necessary and fabricate an enclosure to house both units which I will mount to the child seat anchor. Please post a response if IYO anything about this plan appears flawed.

I may be mistaken, but I think Analog Designer was going to work up a wiring harness to make the amp relocation easier.

 

[FB GT40]

Mac

Sounds like a plan. It's on my "upgrade" list - I just haven’t got to it yet. We look forward to the progress reports. I met the individual responsible for this minor (major?) lapse in design continuity (although he did not admit it, he was 'summarily ' pointed out to me by a team member and he bowed in acknowledgment...) and ahh, he was so young! Probably had ‘woofers of doom’ in his daily driver… :willy

Gordo

 

[mardyn]

I'm still stunned that Mays/ Camillo couldn't figure out how undesirable something like the rediculous sub-woofer placement in our cars would be. It's one of the most unattractive aspects of the car... wtf where they thinking?

mardyn

 

[MAD IN NC]

When at the rally, biffom did the same thing you are planning ACRJoe but without the sub. he just soldered the wires -one by one- to make the harness.

Sounded pretty good without the sub

 

[SLF360]

I can't get past the appearance of the Mac amp/sub assembly (which I find to be butt-fugly), so I ordered the panel used on non-Mac cars ($1,225);

guys,
for that money i can have one custom made from carbon. I had a whole 93 footer sailboat developed and built from carbon for me (in Australia), so if you really want a cool replacer there, let's get organized...

stefan

PS: the carbon finishing from Ferrari sucks, btw... all cloudy and not well cooked

 

[ROCMAN]

Yes, I agree Stefan! The carbon work in Ferraris is horrible! I think the actual layout is pathetic. The carbon is usually crooked and just throw down without trying to line up the weaves and clean it up. I always want to bring it up when people start talking about the fit & finish on the GT.

 

[TEXAS GT]

guys,
for that money i can have one custom made from carbon. I had a whole 93 footer sailboat developed and built from carbon for me (in Australia), so if you really want a cool replacer there, let's get organized...

stefan

Im in. I hate that damn speaker. Since I put the Accufab on, I have to crank the radio so loud to hear it that there is just too much noise in the cockpit so I don't use the radio much anyway. I'll just remove the speaker as long as the radio will still work. $1225 seems a bit much for stock parts but carbon fiber I might be able to justify.

 

[ViperJoe]

Thanks For Yor Input

Clearly, many of us feel that the Mac amp/sub enclosure is a hideous eyesore, occupying otherwise valuable storage space and, therefore, and must be replaced. For my taste, the OEM panel used on non-Mac equipped cars is ideal (I'm awaiting delivery). I'm sure carbon fiber will be aesthetically pleasing and suit many of you as well.

With that said, I'll be digging into the project over the next few weeks and I'll post updates with photos along the way. In the end, I may choose a different sub since that may a better choice from a packaging standpoint. I'm certain I'll retain the original Mac amp. I also plan to extend the harness from the amp and sub back to the console so as to leave the the console harness untouched.

Thank you for your continued input.

 

[MAD IN NC]

I'll watch this thread with personal attention.... I share the same end result as I feel I am becoimg claustrophobic...

Just remember - there are many of us out here with the same goal!

 

[ViperJoe]

Mac Haed Unit and Subwoofer Specs

Adding another question:

1) Does anyone know the frequency response range (Hz), power range (RMS) and sensitivity (dB in car) of the Mac subwoofer?

2) In the OEM configuration, is there any operational reason why the sub is mounted atop the amp?

3) What is the model # for the MacIntosh head unit (MX406?) and sub-woofer?

I'm driven to finalize an arrangement that allows use of the non-Mac rear panel, yet retains the Mac as well as most of its performance.

 

[Shadowman]

Does anyone know the frequency response range (Hz), power range (RMS) and sensitivity (dB in car) of the Mac subwoofer?

Also, in the OEM configuration, is there any operational reason why the sub is mounted atop the amp?

I thought I read in a earlier thread that one of the original places to install the amp was under the passenger seat?? however there was a safety issue or ??

Regardless; I have to remove it to install the short shifter so if there is a work around that results in an OEM harness extension and OEM style relocated installation I would certainly be very interested.

Thank you for the efforts

Regards

Shadowman

 

[fjpikul]

You can go to the MacIntosh web site for some info. They have good speaker and amp info, but little on the radio. The sub is NOT a Mac item but made, I believe, by Rockford-Fosgate. You might want to review the pictures of the GX-1 and how their sub looks. Nobody, at this point in time, has solved this problem other than Genadi. Maybe SEMA?

I thought you might mount the amp in a waterproof container in the engine compartment, but probably then deny easy access to something else.

 

[ViperJoe]

I thought you might mount the amp in a waterproof container in the engine compartment, but probably then deny easy access to something else.

I considered that option but space constraints, aesthetics and concerns over excessive heat exposure dissuaded me from further pursuance. I will go to Mac's website to hopefully acquire tech data on the sub.

 

[Gene Cassone]

I too have purchased the replacement panel but have waited to remedy the problem with a viable solution. i would like to keep the subwoofer as well. The amp can be placed in the netting behind the passenger seat once the child seat retining bracket has been removed (there is enough wiring). I asked the engineer involved at the meet why they did what they did. They were thinking about placing the amp in the forward trunk but too much wiring to run? I quess with the center mounted gas tank and yhe rockers are already filled with plumbing. However if I recall on the GTX1 they did just that with a new harness. Maybe they would be interested in marketing it and then replacing the subwoofer in the replacement panel?

 

[OzGT]

You can go to the MacIntosh web site for some info. They have good speaker and amp info, but little on the radio. The sub is NOT a Mac item but made, I believe, by Rockford-Fosgate. You might want to review the pictures of the GX-1 and how their sub looks. Nobody, at this point in time, has solved this problem other than Genadi. Maybe SEMA?

I thought you might mount the amp in a waterproof container in the engine compartment, but probably then deny easy access to something else.

If the sub is RF, that's good to know. I've used RF subs for a long time now and always liked their sound. I'm going to take a close look at the factory install with my local car audio guys when my car gets here.