Owners of the 99-01 mustang no longer have to be jealous of the newer models that already have a double DIN opening. With some clever fabircation CSD updated the tech in this ride adding iPod connectivity with ap mode, bluetooth hands free calling & streaming audio, cd, USB, and DVD all controlled through a 5.8″ touch screen. Our friends at Liquid Innovations added the finishing touches with custom Hydrographics.
2012 VW Golf R with Focal Audio
This VW came equipped with the optional Dynaudio system. It sounded pretty good but that wasn’t good enough. CSD designed the new audio system to provide massive improvements to the quality of sound in this car without modifying the interior cosmetics. We replaced the 4 front stock speakers with Focal K2 Power 6.5″ components driven by 360 watts of power from a Focal FPP 4100 four channel amplifier. All the new speakers were installed behind factory grills to keep them out of sight. A JL Audio 10w6 Stealthbox was mounted in the rear quarter panel adding lots of bass without sacrificing any cargo room. All the amps and the Audison BitTen processor were cut into the foam below the floor, keeping all the electronics out of sight. This new system sounds amazing and is far better than any OEM installed audio equipment!
Jordan’s Saab 9-3 Viggen
The speakers in this car had a very rough life and desperately needed to be replaced. We chose the Focal Access line of speakers to freshen up the sound in this rare Saab. A Focal 12″ subwoofer and German engineered Audio System 600 watt amplifier provide the low end impact to compliment the sweet sound of the mids & highs. All the speakers fit neatly behind the factory panels to keep the interior cosmetics nearly unmodified. Even the Pioneer in-dash stereo changes colors to match the instrumentation in the car.
While we were at it, we opted to bring the technology up to the latest 21st century standards adding USB iPod control, wireless streaming audio and hands free phone as well as HD radio.
Lessons Learned
I’ve had my A4 for a year now… Put 20k miles on it, spent over 630 hours behind the wheel, and spent darn near every minute of it listening to music. There aren’t many mods you can do to a car that make it more enjoyable to drive more of the time than a killer audio system.
500 Horsepower makes a car really fun to drive. But let’s face it, the speed limit is at max 65 mph around here. Big horsepower numbers aren’t very beneficial outside a racetrack. It’s fun to brag about, but unless you really enjoy getting pulled over a lot, you really can’t use it.
Big wheels; chrome, brushed aluminum or painted some crazy color, make your ride outstanding to look at. They make you look really cool when posting shots of your car on Facebook or your favorite forum. But you can’t see them when you drive.
Lowered suspension, air bags etc are cool until you try to leave a parking lot or go over a speed bump. They increase your cool factor but usually make the car worse to drive.
Great sound may not look cool in an instagram photo or may not turn heads as you drive by, but it absolutely makes your vehicle much more more enjoyable, more of the time for YOU.
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Custom Subwoofer
This jeep needed a bass upgrade but even with the extended wheelbase, cargo space is at a premium. A fiberglass mold was taken of the wheel well and this custom subwoofer enclosure was created. This new woofer blends perfectly with the interior of the Jeep and retains nearly all of the rear storage compartment.
***Note – This enclosure, like most everything else you’ll find featured in this blog, is a one-off custom piece. I’ve had great response from all over the country asking for a copy of this enclosure but unfortunately I am only able to build one if the vehicle can be brought to my shop in Salt Lake City, UT. There is no option for me to build and ship at this time. Thanks for all the interest! ***
Custom dash for 07 Mercedes GL450
This SUV needed a major technology update. A Pioneer AVIC-Z130BT was swapped in giving this Merc navigation, Bluetooth, iPod video, Pandora, USB, and DVD. A custom, one off, dash bezel was fabricated to make this new receiver look right at home in the dash. The rear screens were tied in with the front and factory back-up camera was retained as well. The stock speakers were also retained but the power output was upped to over 500 watts!
Older cars need love too
Andy was about to drive this newly restored VW Vanagon AWD to Colorado and on to Massachusetts and we couldn’t let him make the journey with a tape deck and blown speakers! This 25 year old van received a technology upgrade including CD player with iPod, USB & Bluetooth. The front doors were modified to accept 5.25″ speakers (up from 4″) and the rear speakers were also upgraded with Pioneer’s D Series coaxials with Basalt Technology.
In addition to sound upgrades, we made this VW a much quieter environment to enjoy long drives with the thorough application of sound deadening material down the length of vehicle. Check out the video below to see the substantial difference. This Vanagon went from the acoustics of a tin can to the quiet ride of a Lexus!
CSD Audio featured on “Flip Men”
Spike TV’s new reality TV show, “Flip Men,” is filmed right here in Utah. On their season finale, Mike & Doug purchase a 14,000 sq ft mansion in Holladay. This house received a total makeover, including a CSD Home Theater & Sports Bar.
CSD Audio was chosen to get this beautiful home’s audio & video to match the quality of its new interior.
A theater on the main floor was the control center of the home. Audio from the Pioneer Elite receiver was fed throughout the home including in-ceiling speakers located in the great room, kitchen, dance studio, indoor basketball court & out by the newly restored pool. 7 channel surround sound with 4 12″ in wall subwoofers provides the sound track to the blu ray playing on the 120″ screen.
Downstairs, we designed this Sports Bar to be the party center of the home. 3 Panasonic Plasma HDTVs (a 60 inch and two 50’s) were mounted side by side on the wall to make sure the guests in the home never miss a second of their favorite teams’ game!
Watch the full episode here!
Stealth Audiophile Excellence – Ford F150
Day after day at CSD Audio, vehicles come in for substantial sound upgrades but often aren’t featured on the website because great lengths are taken to maintain the integrity of the factory interior cosmetics. There’s not much to see once the system is complete! For this F-150 project, you get to see some of the details that comprise a great sounding and nearly invisible audio system.
Technology upgrades include a Digital Media Receiver which features a 2″ color screen, and USB connection which controls an iPod, iPhone or other mass storage class USB device. A Bluetooth hands free system was connected to allow the customer to safely talk on the phone while the vehicle is in motion.
This system delivers crystal clear, detailed sound powered by 7 channels and nearly 1300 Watts of amplifier power. The front speakers are bi-amplified using the electronic crossover built in to the Audison LRX amplifier and an Alpine Imprint processor adds a parametric equalizer, phase shift & time delay to optimize the listening environment in this brand new Ford.
Motorized Theater Screen
Ron wanted to build a great multipurpose room when finishing off his basement, but didn’t want the look of a full-time, dedicated theater. We installed a 103″ Motorized screen that automatically raises and lowers when the Projector turns off or on. The equipment was also hidden in his custom cabinetry to keep it out of view. This gives great flexibility to the space where he can relax and read a book by the fire, or, with one push of a button, can be immersed in his favorite movie, playstation game, or TV show with 7.1 channels of surround sound!
Where do I sign up??
I must have one of these…
http://www.kare11.com/video/958137284001/0/Twin-Cities-man-creates-a-country-club-for-cars
Mobile DJ in your car – Pioneer Mixtrax
Here’s a cool new technology from Pioneer that brings the club experience to your music in your car!
– Plays files imported from music libraries on your computer.
– Automatically selects and links songs with similar beats and melody while controlling their tempo and effects.
– Automatically creates the Recommend Playlist according to each song’s “mood” and the Dance Playlist perfect for street dancing.
– Users can choose the mixing style to link one song with another.
– With one click, you can transfer the playlists and enjoy them on MIXTRAX-compatible STEEZ AUDIO and STEEZ PORTABLE (both sold separately).
The site has just been launched, but check it out here: mixtraxnet.com


































































