“Good sound affects my work…Toyota Hiace Part 2 [Car Audio Newcomer] April 16, 2022, 4:30 p.m.
Mr. Ishizuka added a DSP and power amp to improve the sound quality of his work vehicle, a Hiace. He ordered more detailed adjustments from Arc Ride in Chiba Prefecture, and was amazed at the perfection of the sound. He says that the quality of the Hiace’s sound even raises the quality of his work.
Upgrading with additional DSP and power amps
Further DSP tuning to look at higher stages
The owner, Mr. Ishizuka, installed Focal’s 165KX3 speakers. He had built a simple system using a Diatone Sound Navi as a music player and DSP to drive the front 3-way via a passive network, but decided to upgrade the system to achieve an even higher level of sound. The next target was a Helix DSP PRO MkII and a Zapco Z150.6AP 6-channel power amp, which would raise the sound level by adding a stand-alone DSP and power amp to increase control and drive power. The first time I saw it, it was a very good idea to use it.
Around this time, Mr. Ishizuka acquired a Vel-Fi in addition to his main car, the Hiace, which he also uses for work. Having experienced the good sound of the Hiace, he immediately decided to upgrade the audio system in the Vellfire as well. First, he headed to Arc Ride to install speakers and a power amplifier. At that time, we decided to order another set of DSP adjustments for the Hiace. This would be the beginning of a new audio experience.
By boiling down the DSP adjustments, we were able to achieve clear localization and
A stronger sense of sound spaciousness
I had the DSP adjusted at Arcryde. Then the sound changed drastically from what it was before. I felt as if I was being bathed in sound, and I was very satisfied. I was also very pleased with the way the sound came right in front of me, and it was very comfortable. After listening to that sound, I realized anew the importance of DSP adjustment.
The owner learned that the DSP adjustment can be improved by a step or two by communicating with the store about the exact direction of the sound he or she prefers. After completing the sound adjustment to fit his needs, he felt that he was able to enjoy audio in a whole new way.
The good thing about Arc Ride is that they answer even the most detailed questions. I didn’t have much knowledge about audio at the beginning, so whenever I had a question, I would immediately ask Mr. Otsuka, the representative of Arc Ride. As he answered my questions, I became more knowledgeable. The more I learned about audio, the more I enjoyed it. I was also able to determine what direction I wanted to take with my audio system.
In addition to boosting your spirits when you go to work
High-quality audio for cooling down on the way home
The Hiace is used exclusively for work, and the owner has gradually continued to upgrade the system to achieve a sound that he is satisfied with.
Every morning when I go to work, I get really excited when I hear a good audio system in the car. I think it’s the perfect environment to start the day.
Since the Hiace is a vehicle used for daily work, he says that the quality of the audio system affects his work as well. He says that good sound is also effective in preparing his mind for the journey to work. He also feels that audio is useful in a different way on the way home from work.
He says, “”The music I listen to at the end of the workday is also very good. During the workday, compressors and other machines are running at high volume, and it is a very noisy environment. In contrast, when I get into the Hiace and listen to calm and soothing music, it really sinks in. On the other hand, when I am tired and sleepy, I play music at a very loud volume to wake me up. It is also good to be able to use a power amplifier for powerful playback at those times.
Ishizuka has upgraded his audio system to a high level by upgrading his system in one fell swoop. He is now planning to upgrade his system to a higher level.
I’m thinking of upgrading the power amp even further. I would also like to try other brands of speakers. Eventually, I would like to improve the sound to the level of a store’s demo car. That is my immediate goal.””
Mr. Ishizuka is completely fascinated by the evolution of audio system upgrades and sound. He plans to continue his pursuit of sound in the direction he likes in order to make the ride to and from work more comfortable.
Yasuhiro Tsuchida｜Writer
After working as an engineer involved in digital audio, he moved on to become an editor at a publishing company. He worked in the editorial department of a motorcycle magazine and a 4WD magazine. Since becoming independent, he has been involved in writing for car audio, cars, wristwatches, mono-related, interior, and outdoor-related magazines, and was also contracted to serve as editor-in-chief of a car audio magazine. Currently, he is still active in writing mainly for car audio magazines.”
