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This probably belongs in the S-Pod Consolidated thread but I didn't want to clobber the modem guys who were interested in that thread with photos so I will post a link to this thread in there.
There's lots of info on the board about how the S-Pods sound, how to wire them, and photos of how they look. Since I just received mine today and have not yet installed them, I thought I'd share the experience of getting a set.
First off, Mark seems like a great guy. He was very willing to answer several questions I had. He also did the legwork for me on checking to ensure that my Kicker RS5c's would fit without a problem. He then custom cut the mounting plates to the size I need (albeit I am yet to confirm the fit). Mark kept me informed of his progress and was flexible with shipping. He had them sent 2-day mail at my request and I paid the additional shipping charge.
The box arrived on time and in good condition. I make this point because I feel it's important, as I have delt with other on the board who I have not had such a good experience with.
Open the box and find a 4 page COLOR printout with clear instructions on how to install. The first two pages are specific to the S-Pods, the second two pages regard wiring the units to the stock HU (I'll be wiring to my amp under the driver's seat. The color printout just says to me 'This guy cares.'
The pieces were individually wrapped in newspaper.
The grilles are well constructed. They have a vague smell of genuine leather and the perfs are perfect.
The hard plastic posts that replaced the once used velcro seem well made and I'm guessing will to a great job of holding the grille in place.
The back side of the S-Pods look great. I've read some mention of different leather patterns, but there was no evidence of that in this set. They are identical as far as I can tell.
The weight of the back was surprising, very likely due to the dynamat Mark uses.
The nutsert's on the back look strong as well, but I was a little concerned that mine look misaligned. Probably not a problem but I'll know for sure after the install.
The mounting plates seem to bevery sturdy, a concern of mine because I am using 5.25" Kickers with big magnets. These speakers are on the heavier side.
I was hesitant to spend the money on the S-Pods as they are on the more expensive side. I can't attest to how they sound (which is of course the most important thing), but I can tell you that after receiving them I can say the price seems justified. Hold the S-Pods in your hands and you can feel not only the quality of the materials, but also the time and care that went into making them.
I'm looking forward to doing the install this weekend and will let you all know my impressions.
Thanks for the post, Ive waded through the big post a number of times but its nice to see something recent and candid to report the current quality and construction of the product since it has evolved so quickly.
Wow! Thanks for all the kind words. A couple of notes:
If the nutserts on the back panels don't seem to line up, thread one of the screws provided into the nutsert and gently bend in the direction needed. Panels are aluminium and should give a little.
Some S-Pods have a deeper grain pattern than others. Being leather some will also show minor creasing, but I won't ship anything I wouldn't want in my own car. Grain patterns vary A LOT on the same hide...so I match each set with similar patterns. I just don't want anybody to get the impression each set is 'perfect'. Actually none of them have a 'perfect' grain pattern...only man made products do.
Good idea about an info only thread, I'll start one soon.
Congrats Mark, another satisfied customer! Your product is truly first class, and I would recommend to everyone that this be their first audio upgrade!
Originally posted by marks2002
Wow! Thanks for all the kind words. A couple of notes:
If the nutserts on the back panels don't seem to line up, thread one of the screws provided into the nutsert and gently bend in the direction needed. Panels are aluminium and should give a little.
Some S-Pods have a deeper grain pattern than others. Being leather some will also show minor creasing, but I won't ship anything I wouldn't want in my own car. Grain patterns vary A LOT on the same hide...so I match each set with similar patterns. I just don't want anybody to get the impression each set is 'perfect'. Actually none of them have a 'perfect' grain pattern...only man made products do.
Good idea about an info only thread, I'll start one soon.
Mark,
I did want to ask you since there is no longer ribbon cable included, do you have a recommended gague of speaker wire we should run? There's no need to buy ribbon cable, right?
The S-Pod Buying Experience
