Setting up center image

INTRODUCTION

Is it true?  Is it possible at all?  The answer is YES !!!  I personally have heard 2 cars with great center image (although not really dead center) in Malaysia.  How? You may ask again.  Both of these cars managed to achieve the center imaging with their car stereo by using the kick panel installation method.

The reason for the kick panel installation technique is simply to equalize the sound path which will eventually produce a Phantom Center image.

Are there any other methods of achieving the great center image?  I don't know.....  Although some have tried the following techniques:
 

1. Using speakers with swivel type tweeter.  (Not many great sounding speakers have swivel mount tweeter)
2. Reversing the phase of a mid range/ woofer of a component set.  (Works in some cases but loose sonic accuracy)
3. Using time delay functions with a sound processor. (I tried. But doesn't sound natural)

THE DILEMMA

First, I tried seeking for information through the internet and found a home page with fiberglass construction technique.  The following lists the ingredients for the construction of it:
 

• Foolishly, I thought that the fiberglass we are talking about here is similar to the one used for insulation.  I managed to find some of it but finally realized that they ARE NOT the type of "fiber".  DAH...
• Fiberglass Resin (What the heck is it?  I searched through every hardware store near my area and nobody seems to know what they are.  Until one day, I saw it from Handy Mart, Petaling Jaya.  Bloody expensive too)
• Okay.  Got the resin and hardener.
• Traced out the kick panel templates by using plywood.
• Paid a shop RM 10/= for a pair of MDF speaker baffle.  (What can I say? I couldn't get the MDF board!)
• Spend approximately 12 man hours on the constructions.

So then I mounted my infinity mid woofer onto the kick panels and placed them where they should be (the kick panel).  Turn on the music and DAMN!  I didn't take consideration for the speakers angle.
 

 WHY DID I EVEN BOTHER TO WRITE THIS PAGE?

Seriously, hearing the car stereo with definite imaging ability is a wonderful experience.  If you can afford to have your kick panels done.  GO FOR IT!