<center><img src="http://www.iex.net/~pbarrow/cargo.jpg"></center><p>Sorry for the terrible resolution of my aging digital camera.

This was a custom installation by Rick at Quality Auto Sound in Lakewood. The gear includes a Kenwood Excelon head, Eclipse amp and 8" sub, and MB Quart speakers (Q Series up front, coax in rear) My goal was not to lose any cargo space and to have the ability to completely hide the system. Needless to say, I am ecstatic about the sound quality from this system and extremely happy about the quality of the installation. I am a music purist, not a bass-head, so the 8" Eclipse provides *plenty* of low frequency energy -- enough to press against the back of the drivers seat. The best part is that I can open all the windows and the sunroof and cruise on the highway at 80+ mph and still hear my music with crystal clarity. This is FUN.... Thanks to Evan at QAS for helping with the system.

<center><img src="http://www.iex.net/~pbarrow/excelon2.jpg"></center><p>Yes, the red buttons match! Also, the aluminum trim of my Santorin Blue car is a shade of blue that matches the rest of the Kenwood display. Looks Great. This is a *fantastic* head unit, that has built in complete cross-over control and killer features.

<center><img src="http://www.iex.net/~pbarrow/amp2.jpg"></center><p>Eclipse amp warms up the Q Series nicely and the install was first class.

<center><img src="http://www.iex.net/~pbarrow/sub.jpg"></center><p>This little 8" kicks serious air around. Plenty for an old fart like me!

<center><img src="http://www.iex.net/~pbarrow/excelonc.jpg"></center><p>This gives a nice view of the custom install kit that Rick made (much better than the plastic kit).

<center><img src="http://www.iex.net/~pbarrow/closedup.jpg"></center><p>

<p>Dan
99 A4 1.8TQMSX K04 Santorin
http://a4q.tripod.com

<p>Dan
99 A4 1.8TQMSX K04 Santorin
http://a4q.tripod.com

I dropped my car off at the installer today. They have to cut the bottom half of the front doors off, slice em up, fiberglass them, and put them all back toegther to make room for the 6.5" speaker (it's a hefty little bastard). This is going to cost me $500 for both doors. For a second I thought that you installed 6.5" MBQ Q-series (very similar to my speakers) in the stock doors... but alas, it is not so. Therefor, I guess I'm happy that my money is going to good use... the sound should be unbelievable concidering they are going to be in solid custom enclosures.

I'll post pics on the forum when I get my car back... can't wait!! Please tell me about the Kenwood. How's the changer??? Any pics? Also, is it intuitive to operate... I went to CC and fooled with a KRCX815 and couldn't figure it out for $#!^.

Thanks,<p>Dan
99 A4 1.8TQMSX K04 Santorin
http://a4q.tripod.com

<p>Goku
99 1.8TQMS Lots of Mods

Having lived with the system a couple days now, I'm starting to get the settings dialed in and the hang of tuning the deck. I can see why you would want the 6.5" up front -- a little better midrange -- but I am very happy overall with the sound of the Q's. I am going to take it back and have the tweeters attenuated a bit at the x-over as they are quite detailed at full bore. I did not get the changer mostly because I hated using the Audi unit, but after a few days of driving around and cranking tunes I think I will add it later. You are right that the Excelon is a very complex deck -- it took me three hours in the driveway to learn my way around! BE CAREFUL about playing too much with it while driving or you will rear end someone on your way home from the installer! (I almost did twice! :-). I'll look forward to seeing your photos and impressions.