This awesome installation is in Scott Cureton's 1994 Probe GT. If these pictures look familiar to you, it is possible that you have seen this car before in the March 1997 issue of Auto Sound & Security. There have been a few first generation Probes but, to the best of my knowledge, this is the very first '93+ Probe to ever grace the pages of any of the three major car audio magazines (AS&S, Car Audio & Electronics, and Car Stereo Review). Congratulations Scott!

Starting with the electronics, the source signal is from a Clarion 7580 CD unit mounted to the car by the use of a custom machined aluminum frame. The unit also controls a Clarion 2060 6-CD changer that is mounted under the passenger's seat.

From there, the signal goes to a Crystal Line CL100PV2 line driver that boosts the signal output to a huge 21V! There is no noise in this system, for sure. This component is tucked behind the head unit inside of the dashboard. As the signal heads downstream, it meets a Clarion 920EQ that is mounted where the ashtray would be. This makes for easy tweaking and the ashtray lid still covers the face of the unit to hide / protect it. Next, the signal goes to a Phoenix Gold EQ230. Bring on that RTA! Stereo, one-third octave equalization will easily tune any system to ideal curves. From there, the signal runs to a HiFonics Callisto crossover and is subsequently sent to its associated amplifier.

Amplifiers? Three altogether: (2) Gemini's and (1) Zeus take care of more than 1,000 watts worth of power. This figure is derived by simply totaling all three amps 4-ohm rated power. You should all note that given sufficient power, these amplifiers can quadruple their power as they are 1 ohm stable! To help these amps get the juice they need, the factory alternator was re-wound to produce a 120 ampere output. Both water and air cooling keep the amps from thermal destruction.

With a touch of a button on the alarm's remote, the rear seats lower to reveal the amps, crossover, and Phoenix Gold EQ (above right). Nice and clean, period. With the push of another button, the facia of the amp rack automatically raises to show the amps' wiring, distribution blocks, and stiffening capacitors (left). What could you possibly need all of that power for? Well.....

What you are seeing here is the front end of a very extensive audio system. The HLCDs (Horn-Loaded Compression Drivers) provide the means to establish a nearly perfect image. This is directly related to the physical shape of the horn and their ability to play over an ultra-wide frequency range. You should notice that the horns were painted to match the Probe's Electric Blue exterior...a nice touch.

The Soundstream 5.25" midbass driver is mounted in a 0.3 cubic foot sealed enclosure and rounds out the front stage.

With everything buttoned up, the gear blends in nicely with stock colored grills as camouflage. This is another excellent example of kickpanel use. This one looks very good and integrates well with the rest of the foot well area. This must have taken a lot of patience and skill to complete as it actually uses part of the car's frame for the mid's enclosure!

Moving down the audio spectrum, there is a pair of 8" Soundstream Reference series drivers performing mid bass duties. These are mounted in custom .75 cubic foot fiberglass enclosures which reside where the stock rear speakers used to.

If the system ended here, it would be fine for me. BUT, there is still a LOT of power left! We have covered the highs, midrange, and midbass.....there is only one category left....BASS....and there's a lot of it!

This is a top notch installation in all respects: planning, ingenuity, components, craftsmanship, and looks.....and it's in a Probe! If there ever was a system to base yours on, this would be one of them! Not necessarily with the inclusion of such subs, but a pair of 12's or similar would make for an excellent setup. Keep it in mind.

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