KEF Audio Upgrade Parts - Now Available!

[ADC]

This is a really impressive effort, given the amount of hours you would have sunk into this, so my hat is off for that :tiphat:

I'm taking a suck-it-and-see approach to deciding what mods to apply to the car over all, but I'm super jazzed that somebody has gone to this effort and has provided an option, so thankyou!

I'm curious to know, *with the sound system off* is there an appreciable reduction in NVH in the cabin (or to put it another way, does it reduce the character in what might be considered a bad way)?

I'm also curious to know what you landed on as a sub-bass driver (after you tossed the free-air unit into the nearest bin ), and do you have photos? Does it eat half the luggage space? I'm all for a bit of thump, but unsure if I can give up that space behind the seats...

 

[Time2Fly]

@KJWEmira what speakers, sub did you use? Can you talk us through the enclosure and materials used?

 

[KJWEmira]

This is a really impressive effort, given the amount of hours you would have sunk into this, so my hat is off for that :tiphat:

I'm taking a suck-it-and-see approach to deciding what mods to apply to the car over all, but I'm super jazzed that somebody has gone to this effort and has provided an option, so thankyou!

I'm curious to know, *with the sound system off* is there an appreciable reduction in NVH in the cabin (or to put it another way, does it reduce the character in what might be considered a bad way)?

I'm also curious to know what you landed on as a sub-bass driver (after you tossed the free-air unit into the nearest bin ), and do you have photos? Does it eat half the luggage space? I'm all for a bit of thump, but unsure if I can give up that space behind the seats...

Hi,
Thank you for your positive comments, and yes, quite a few hours were sunk into this project to get everything just right.

The Skinz sound deadening does help when you're having a conversation with the passenger at motorway speeds, but doesn't take away the lovely exhaust and supercharger notes when you put your foot down.

As for the subwoofer, it fits perfectly behind the drivers seat, the box is really neat and blends in with the interior perfectly. I've bolted mine to the removable engine access hatch. I only use this storage area for coats, so not a big deal for myself. I went with an Audison Pima 10" active sub, which also has a built-in amp - Here's the size :

 

[KJWEmira]

@KJWEmira what speakers, sub did you use? Can you talk us through the enclosure and materials used?

Hertz Mille ML 280.3 - Tweeters
Hertz Mille ML 1650.3 - Front
Hertz Cento CX130 - Rear
Audison Prima APBX 10 AS2 - Sub
Audison Forza AF M8.14 bit - Amp

"Skinz" was used for sound deadening, then self-adhesive acoustic foam stuck on top, but only where the speakers bounce off of.

 

[benjh1028]

I've got a question about the tweeter placement - did you fit them in the "stock" location behind the factory screens? Any modifications necessary?

Great work and thanks!

 

[KJWEmira]

I've got a question about the tweeter placement - did you fit them in the "stock" location behind the factory screens? Any modifications necessary?

Great work and thanks!

Yes, these were installed behind the factory A-Pillar trims.

The only modification was to cut off the plastic brackets on the backside of both A-Pillar trims - I’ve included a picture of how mine looked after cutting off the plastic.

Keeping things simple, because there’s not much “meat” to play with, I used ultra double sided tape to stick the tweeters in place. There’s plenty of room to run the wiring though with these trims removed.

Hope this helps 😉

 

[Time2Fly]

@KJWEmira you mean VHB tape?

 

[Honcho]

Looks like a good job! I did something similar in terms of sound deadening behind the seats, but didn't put anything in the doors because of the amount of cables routed through the inner door inserts. It also looked like the doors were quite well sealed plus had insulation on the door cards already. Maybe hard to tell as you did everything at the same time but did you find much difference by adding material inside the doors?

 

[Tokion]

Hi KJWEmira
(1) Is it OK to PM you personally to ask some detailed questions regarding install and possibilities (choices) regarding the Emira car audio improvements?

(2) Regarding the 6.5 inch 3D printed replacement speaker mounts for the doors. I personally favor using KEF units in these spaces, and I would preferably like a 5-inch KEF compatible 3D printed part. If I paid you for designing and printing (maybe someone else would also like this?), would you consider designing/printing the nessessary part?

(3) I have still not received my i4 (ordered in summer 2021) so I have no physical vehicle to examine and explore. At times I have heard that the Emira possibly has a center channel speaker on top of the dashboard, near the windshield. Is that center channel speaker there? Or even if it isn’t; are there facilities for inserting/mounting and electrically connect such a speaker there. I think in this location the talked about 3 inch KEF unit would be the choice.

Really appreciate your work, KJWEmira

Just one more comment:

For damping material in doors and other internal spaces; I am personally interested in using the lightweight material called: ANGEL HAIR or TWARON derived from KEVLAR, and it can be obtained from MUNDORF in Germany.

I already have experience with this material for home audio speaker use; and I can vote for the sound and efficiency.

 

[Time2Fly]

@Tokion I might suggest sending him the KEF drivers you want to use or giving him a link to the and the additional funds to cover it so he could adapt the print to your spec.

 

[KJWEmira]

Looks like a good job! I did something similar in terms of sound deadening behind the seats, but didn't put anything in the doors because of the amount of cables routed through the inner door inserts. It also looked like the doors were quite well sealed plus had insulation on the door cards already. Maybe hard to tell as you did everything at the same time but did you find much difference by adding material inside the doors?

Hi,

Installing sound deadening to the doors makes a difference, even to the sound when closing them. It's even more effective when travelling at speed - example, I now find it better / easier to have a conversation with the passenger when travelling on a motorway.
The sound insulation between the door cards (in my opinion) is more in place to stop the outer door card rattling against the inner card, but obviously, something there is better than nothing. There are far better types of material on the market to replace the OEM material currently in place.

 

[KJWEmira]

Hi KJWEmira
(1) Is it OK to PM you personally to ask some detailed questions regarding install and possibilities (choices) regarding the Emira car audio improvements?

(2) Regarding the 6.5 inch 3D printed replacement speaker mounts for the doors. I personally favor using KEF units in these spaces, and I would preferably like a 5-inch KEF compatible 3D printed part. If I paid you for designing and printing (maybe someone else would also like this?), would you consider designing/printing the nessessary part?

(3) I have still not received my i4 (ordered in summer 2021) so I have no physical vehicle to examine and explore. At times I have heard that the Emira possibly has a center channel speaker on top of the dashboard, near the windshield. Is that center channel speaker there? Or even if it isn’t; are there facilities for inserting/mounting and electrically connect such a speaker there. I think in this location the talked about 3 inch KEF unit would be the choice.

Really appreciate your work, KJWEmira

Just one more comment:

For damping material in doors and other internal spaces; I am personally interested in using the lightweight material called: ANGEL HAIR or TWARON derived from KEVLAR, and it can be obtained from MUNDORF in Germany.

I already have experience with this material for home audio speaker use; and I can vote for the sound and efficiency.

Hi,

Sure, you can send me a private message, however, it maybe better to post on this thread as it may aid others.

Until now, KEF have only manufactured Home HIFI, so I don't believe they have a 5" speaker for Incar audio....but, happy to be proved incorrect?
Not sure what size of speaker has been installed to other New Lotus Models, currently these speakers would only be available to purchase through Lotus, which could be expensive. There are better speakers on the market for the price you'd buy from Lotus.
My suggestion is to stick with a 6.5" replacement because the hole in the OEM door card is this size. It's one thing to make another 3D print for a 5" speaker, it's another to insulate it once mounted to project the sound properly into the car - The 5" would prove far more challenging as you'd create a larger void to fill.

You are correct, there is a center speaker mounted in the dashboard. It's the same speaker as used in the doors. I haven't removed mine, simply disconnected it at the OEM amp. I did not wish to attempt to remove the speaker cover in the dash for fear of breaking it, plus, if I did manage remove the speaker and refit the cover, you'd basically see this was an empty space when looking through the windscreen from the outside. My new setup doesn't require this speaker.

Regarding dampening material - There is so much available on the market. I've used Skinz in the past and achieved excellent results. All available materials also come with different price tags to suit budgets & results. Skinz was approx. 120 GBP per box and I've used around 1.5 boxes. Home audio speakers are not mounted in fiberglass boxes containing metal and plastic components; hence they can utilize the other materials you've mentioned. YouTube has many videos on sound insulation & deadening for comparison.

I'm not 100% sure if your i4 will contain exactly the same audio setup as the First Edition V6......You may want to clarify this. Although the upgrade components I've manufactured will still be able to be installed as the spaces available within the doors and rear won't change. Good questions though.

 

[Tokion]

Hi,

Sure, you can send me a private message, however, it maybe better to post on this thread as it may aid others.

Until now, KEF have only manufactured Home HIFI, so I don't believe they have a 5" speaker for Incar audio....but, happy to be proved incorrect?
Not sure what size of speaker has been installed to other New Lotus Models, currently these speakers would only be available to purchase through Lotus, which could be expensive. There are better speakers on the market for the price you'd buy from Lotus.
My suggestion is to stick with a 6.5" replacement because the hole in the OEM door card is this size. It's one thing to make another 3D print for a 5" speaker, it's another to insulate it once mounted to project the sound properly into the car - The 5" would prove far more challenging as you'd create a larger void to fill.

You are correct, there is a center speaker mounted in the dashboard. It's the same speaker as used in the doors. I haven't removed mine, simply disconnected it at the OEM amp. I did not wish to attempt to remove the speaker cover in the dash for fear of breaking it, plus, if I did manage remove the speaker and refit the cover, you'd basically see this was an empty space when looking through the windscreen from the outside. My new setup doesn't require this speaker.

Regarding dampening material - There is so much available on the market. I've used Skinz in the past and achieved excellent results. All available materials also come with different price tags to suit budgets & results. Skinz was approx. 120 GBP per box and I've used around 1.5 boxes. Home audio speakers are not mounted in fiberglass boxes containing metal and plastic components; hence they can utilize the other materials you've mentioned. YouTube has many videos on sound insulation & deadening for comparison.

I'm not 100% sure if your i4 will contain exactly the same audio setup as the First Edition V6......You may want to clarify this. Although the upgrade components I've manufactured will still be able to be installed as the spaces available within the doors and rear won't change. Good questions though.

Thank you 🙏 KWJEmira for your thoughtful reply.

First of all, to make sure there is no misunderstanding, my upcoming car is indeed a First Edition EMIRA 4-CYLINDER (the Base Edition is, as far as I know, not yet available to order), and I believe it’s KEF audio is identical to the one in the First Edition EMIRA V6.

Thank you for the very useful information that the KEF center speaker is present. I personally intend to continue to use it in my own application.

I personally do not think it is vital whether the particular speaker drivers I use are dedicated for in-car use as long as the specifications (especially sensitivity) are where they need to be. I am willing to take my chances, and also do some “cut-and-try”.

Regarding damping it seems like each of us have our own experience with different materials; and I will first and foremost use “Angel hair” and “Twaron” by MUNDORF, because I like the particular effect it has on the sound. I do of course understand the difference between home audio and in-car applications, and I will readily admit it if I fail in getting the results I am looking for.

I will be needing non-KEF drivers for the 5 inch application at the rear, and I will also be discarding the “Fresh-Air” subwoofer. (In your own case; did you unmount and remove the “Fresh-Air”, or was it left in place while disconnected?) The speaker driver brand, and possibly also for amplifier and DSP, that I am looking at is EATON.

I still want to consider some of the 3D printed parts that you have developed.

Thank you once more KJWEmira. I hope you are OK with that we take somewhat different paths to the end result each of us envision.

 

[KJWEmira]

Thank you 🙏 KWJEmira for your thoughtful reply.

First of all, to make sure there is no misunderstanding, my upcoming car is indeed a First Edition EMIRA 4-CYLINDER (the Base Edition is, as far as I know, not yet available to order), and I believe it’s KEF audio is identical to the one in the First Edition EMIRA V6.

Thank you for the very useful information that the KEF center speaker is present. I personally intend to continue to use it in my own application.

I personally do not think it is vital whether the particular speaker drivers I use are dedicated for in-car use as long as the specifications (especially sensitivity) are where they need to be. I am willing to take my chances, and also do some “cut-and-try”.

Regarding damping it seems like each of us have our own experience with different materials; and I will first and foremost use “Angel hair” and “Twaron” by MUNDORF, because I like the particular effect it has on the sound. I do of course understand the difference between home audio and in-car applications, and I will readily admit it if I fail in getting the results I am looking for.

I will be needing non-KEF drivers for the 5 inch application at the rear, and I will also be discarding the “Fresh-Air” subwoofer. (In your own case; did you unmount and remove the “Fresh-Air”, or was it left in place while disconnected?) The speaker driver brand, and possibly also for amplifier and DSP, that I am looking at is EATON.

I still want to consider some of the 3D printed parts that you have developed.

Thank you once more KJWEmira. I hope you are OK with that we take somewhat different paths to the end result each of us envision.

Hi Tokion,

To answer your question regarding the OEM subwoofer - Yes, I have removed mine., this is where the new amplifier has been mounted as the car is very tight for space. Once removed you'll require 2 stainless or aluminum blanking plates to cover the holes, I've attached a couple of pictures for you - one is 70mm and the other 140mm.

Let me know when & what you require regarding 3D parts, I'd be happy to supply.

 

[Emira87]

As promised, here are the final 3D printed versions of the front and rear speaker mounts, & Amp Mount, allowing you to upgrade your KEF audio to a far superior system. The front mounts allow you to transform from a 3" speaker to any 6.5" speaker, and the rear mounts allow you to install any far superior 5" speaker.

I’m able to produce both front and rear mounts on demand at a cost of £435 (Including postage if you’re within the UK). The mounts are 3D printed at 100% infill, not hollow or honeycomb.

The amp mount can also be produced upon request for £180, (formed from a single sheet of 5mm aluminium, plasma cut & folded into the perfect shape to mount in place of the cars original sub). All holes are pre-drilled and it’s made to take any Audison Forza amp. A 70mm Stainless-steel blanking plate (to cover the bottom free-to-air sub drain-hole).

Speaker wiring colour codes will also be included, saving you hours of time.

I’ve personally completed this upgrade to my own Emira and the difference is night and day – If you enjoy your music as much as the car, then this upgrade is definitely worth it!

I’m sure there will be many questions, and hopefully I’ll have all of the answers as the installation was completed by myself (plus taken 100’s of pictures along the way should these also be of interest).

Great work, new to the forum

Can you email me on [email protected] so I can purchase these mounts.

Thanks

 

[sllim123]

As promised, here are the final 3D printed versions of the front and rear speaker mounts, & Amp Mount, allowing you to upgrade your KEF audio to a far superior system. The front mounts allow you to transform from a 3" speaker to any 6.5" speaker, and the rear mounts allow you to install any far superior 5" speaker.

I’m able to produce both front and rear mounts on demand at a cost of £435 (Including postage if you’re within the UK). The mounts are 3D printed at 100% infill, not hollow or honeycomb.

The amp mount can also be produced upon request for £180, (formed from a single sheet of 5mm aluminium, plasma cut & folded into the perfect shape to mount in place of the cars original sub). All holes are pre-drilled and it’s made to take any Audison Forza amp. A 70mm Stainless-steel blanking plate (to cover the bottom free-to-air sub drain-hole).

Speaker wiring colour codes will also be included, saving you hours of time.

I’ve personally completed this upgrade to my own Emira and the difference is night and day – If you enjoy your music as much as the car, then this upgrade is definitely worth it!

I’m sure there will be many questions, and hopefully I’ll have all of the answers as the installation was completed by myself (plus taken 100’s of pictures along the way should these also be of interest).

Hi there,

I contemplating doing this sort of upgrade on my Emira. I was looking at buying the printed parts from you nad then installing the same audio gear. I just had a couple of questions so I can be confident that I can perform the upgrade myself.

I there much much cutting, or modifying the existing wiring? I can only assume that "reuse" the existing wires for the back and front speakers and run new wires for the tweeters?

Does the new amp wire "between" the original amp and speakers?

I am also based in Australia and can see you don't post to ue here. However we are heading to the UK on holidays in July, August. Would you offer a pickup service, or be able to post to our London accommodation?

Thanks in advance.
Anthony

 

[KJWEmira]

Hi there,

I contemplating doing this sort of upgrade on my Emira. I was looking at buying the printed parts from you nad then installing the same audio gear. I just had a couple of questions so I can be confident that I can perform the upgrade myself.

I there much much cutting, or modifying the existing wiring? I can only assume that "reuse" the existing wires for the back and front speakers and run new wires for the tweeters?

Does the new amp wire "between" the original amp and speakers?

I am also based in Australia and can see you don't post to ue here. However we are heading to the UK on holidays in July, August. Would you offer a pickup service, or be able to post to our London accommodation?

Thanks in advance.
Anthony

Hi Anthony,

With regards to cutting the inner door cards - I've attached before and after pictures of the inner plastic door card. Here you can see the amount of cutting required. Basically you're cutting off the original speaker box / mount - I used a Dremel tool to complete both cutting and smoothing the area required.
There is no modification required to the main door cards or where the rear speakers will mount.

Speaker Wiring - The speaker outputs from the original 2 Amps are used - these original amps remain in place. Once an order is placed, I'll send you a document which contains a list of all the speaker wires & colour codes allowing quick and easy identification. The original 2 amps and Audsion amp will all situated in the same area, all that is required is to find the outputs from the original amps (using the colour code document), cut into these and connect to the input of the Audison amp.
As the speakers I've used are much larger / powerful, I suggest running new speaker wire to all speakers. When the rear of the vehicle is stripped down this will be straight forward, there is plenty of space.

Should you be heading to London this will make posting less complicated, of course I can send to your accommodation.
I can post the speaker mounts and amp mount to Australia, I would just need to obtain a price including insurance.

Let me know should you require any further information or feel free to private message me.