Immersive sound field reshaping: Case analysis of in-depth modification of Lexus ES 200 panoramic surround sound system

The new generation of Lexus ES 200 is firmly in the mid-to-large luxury sedan camp with its calm and elegant design language. As a benchmark model of this class, its external bearing and interior texture are excellent, but there is a significant experience gap between different versions in the configuration of the sound system. Especially for the entry-level configuration of ES 200, the sound performance presented by the original sound system often becomes the regret in the hearts of many car owners who have requirements for hearing quality: the low-frequency response is muddy and unclear, lacking due level and flexibility; The directivity and detail resolution of high frequencies are even more inadequate, resulting in the overall sound field being flat and chaotic. The root cause is that the power reserve of the original car power amplifier module is seriously insufficient, the physical quality of the speaker unit is inherently limited, and the entire audio architecture lacks independent and scientific layout planning. For riders who pursue immersive listening enjoyment, such an original sound performance is undoubtedly a compromise. Therefore, after careful consideration, the owner finally decided to inject a new sound soul into his car, chose the PHASS brand originated from Japan, and implemented a set ofDeeply customized audio upgrade solution specially for Lexus ES series models。

In the field of car audio modification, a crucial consensus is that the final sound quality effect, “three points depend on the quality of the selected equipment itself, while seven points depend on the professional and technical strength of implementing the modification”. Different modification shops, construction technicians with different experiences, and tuners with different aesthetic and technical levels may finally present very different system performances. Therefore, choosing a professional organization with extensive experience, rigorous craftsmanship and scientific tuning capabilities is the key to determining whether the investment can achieve the expected return.

Surround panoramic sound system upgrade solution specially built for Lexus ES series 

After in-depth communication with car owners, we jointly determined the core goal of this upgrade: to build a “front and rear surround panoramic sound” sound system that can create an immersive surround listening experience. The specific composition of the scheme is as follows: the core of the front sound field adopts the star product of Japan’s PHASS Feishi-PI-165 GM two-way speaker, which is responsible for creating an accurate and emotional main sound field; The center channel uses high-quality speakers of Thai QC brand to ensure the stability of the front row sound and image and the clarity of dialogue; The rear sound field is also equipped with P 88 IG coaxial speakers from Japan’s PHASS, providing a natural and coherent rear supplement; In addition, in order to enhance the surround atmosphere and sense of space, two Thai QC surround sound speakers with precision cabinets are specially added at the rear. For the subwoofer part, in order to take into account the structural integrity of the original car, it was decided to temporarily retain the original car unit. The “brain” that drives and controls the entire system is a powerful Aiwei DSP power amplifier, which will independently drive and accurately adjust each channel. The entire system uses Japanese PHASS speakers as the cornerstone of the main sound field, realizing the harmonious concept of “Japanese high-end luxury cars matching Japanese high-end speakers”, aiming to pursue the ultimate coordination and perfection.

The physical analysis of the original car horn unit, its thin material and simple structure, intuitively explain why the original car sound appears turbid and weak, lacking clarity and texture.

Let’s turn our attention to the core of this upgrade-Japanese PHASS speaker. The PI-165 GM unit uses a high-performance NdFeB magnet drive system, combined with a diaphragm made of Tetoron material. This combination gives it the characteristics of delicate and transparent sound, vivid and natural musical instrument expression, and at the same time, it has extremely high sensitivity. Even if it is directly driven by the original car engine, it can obtain outstanding efficiency and sound quality improvement. In this upgrade scheme, it has been independently driven and precisely adjusted by high-quality Aiwei DSP power amplifier, which can be described as even more powerful and its performance potential has been completely released.

What is displayed on the workbench is all the core equipment that will be launched in this modification. Each piece is a carefully crafted acoustic artwork, waiting to be given a new mission.

One of the hearts of professional retrofitting lies in creating the ideal working environment for your speakers. We have customized special high-density waterproof speaker gaskets and sealing boxes for Feishi speakers. This not only effectively prevents water vapor erosion and prolongs the life of the unit, but more importantly, it provides the foundation for a stable and closed acoustic cavity, which is the essence of activating the speaker from the “semi-finished product” state and bringing its performance to the theoretical limit, and it is also the key to distinguishing ordinary installation from professional modification.

This is a special installation cabinet independently designed and manufactured for the back door speaker. Its volume and structure have been calculated to provide the best acoustic load on the unit.

When the custom cabinet inside the door panel is installed, you will understand why professional car audio can present a solid, full and layered sound texture comparable to the home Hi-Fi system. This thoroughly reborn improvement in listening sense is largely due to this “home” carefully built for speakers.

The following pictures record in detail the rigorous process of installing the Feishi middle and bass unit at the front door. From gasket positioning, sealing treatment to final fixing, every step is related to the final sound quality.

The Feishi tweeter adopts an in-situ non-destructive installation method and is perfectly embedded in the original car tweeter. It achieves a qualitative leap in high-frequency details and sound field positioning without damaging the beauty of the interior at all.

The installation of the center channel speaker is very important to improve the cohesion and clarity of dialogue in the front row sound and image. We securely fix it in the reserved position in the center of the instrument panel.

The thin plastic material and simple structure of the subwoofer unit equipped in the original car are the direct causes of the low frequency looseness and lack of texture.

After audition comparison, in order to obtain a more solid and deeper low-frequency performance, the owner finally decided to add a German Ground Zero subwoofer unit and cleverly installed it inside the rear instrument panel. Similarly, we have tailored special speaker pads and invisible cabinets for it to ensure its best performance while keeping the interior absolutely clean.

As the control center and power source of the entire system, Aiwei DSP power amplifier is carefully hidden and installed. Although its size is small and compact, it contains powerful driving power. What is particularly rare is that it adopts the pure Class AB amplifier circuit design, which is rare in similar products, which makes its sound style warmer, more natural and full of “analog flavor”, avoiding the possible digital sound dryness of some Class D amplifiers, and is distinctive in the industry.

This Aiwei DSP power amplifier independently drives all speaker units in the front sound field, rear sound field, center and surround. Its powerful processing power and driving performance are a solid guarantee for the sound level, dynamics and details of the entire system.

The Thai QC speakers for the left and right rear surround channels are installed. It comes with a precisely calculated cabinet, which ensures excellent sound performance in a small volume. The sense of surrounding and space extension effect created by it can only be appreciated by listening to it with your own ears.

After the successful installation of the entire system hardware, we carried out several hours of refined debugging with the help of professional audio testing instruments. The final effect makes the owner feel very happy. The fresh, delicate and airy timbre brought by Japan’s PHASS speaker is refreshing; The immersion is greatly enhanced by the stereo surround sound field complemented by the Thai QC speaker; The German zero bass gives the system a solid, steady and flexible low-frequency cornerstone. The three complement each other and jointly upgrade the cockpit of Lexus ES 200 to a mobile music hall, making every trip the peak enjoyment of pleasant listening.