Slate Bluetooth Dash Audio Speakers - Thoughts?

[E90400K]

Thought I'd break this out to a ncomponents.

What are your thoughts about the Slate audio speaker system. No specs provided as to speaker size, audio amp output, db sensitivity, frequency range, or speaker compnents.

Pricing seems reasonable enough to get factory-designed enclosures for the dash, which are attractive styling IMO, but they will take up the entire cubby system behind the dash panels. I like that it appears to have some basic audio controls (?).

I decided to hold off on adding them to my build until more info is released and possibly see what aftermarket options become available.
Thoughts?

 

[ElectricShitbox]

I like the styling, and the price isn't terrible. If it also has an audio out connection for adding a sub or whatever, I might actually get it. Otherwise I'll be swapping over the standalone system from my Spark.

 

[GrizzlysGhost]

I like the "retro" style look, but as pointed out it will take up too much of my precious cubby space which is really convenient for gas pump receipts.

I would need to see some youtube vids on sound quality, etc. before I'd get it. In the meantime I've opted for the universal mount.

 

[E90400K]

I like the "retro" style look, but as pointed out it will take up too much of my precious cubby space which is really convenient for gas pump receipts.

I would need to see some youtube vids on sound quality, etc. before I'd get it. In the meantime I've opted for the universal mount.

I guess the business model is to lose the dash cubby space as a forcing function to buy the center console to store gas and oil change receipts. 😏

 

[clofan]

Price isn't too bad but it will depend on quality. I will probably end up building my own system though

 

[GrizzlysGhost]

I guess the business model is to lose the dash cubby space as a forcing function to buy the center console to store gas and oil change receipts. 😏

You're probably right. Would even be nice to maybe just get the side speakers (I believe the audiophiles refer to them as the tweakers), but it seems right now you have to get the center speaker with them. I could live with the side speakers and my cubby in the middle, and my own BT speaker under the knobs.

 

[ChickenNugs]

Would even be nice to maybe just get the side speakers (I believe the audiophiles refer to them as the tweakers), but it seems right now you have to get the center speaker with them.

I thought I read that center speaker was required for the left/right to work but looking at the current description for the left/right speakers:
"This pair of integrated speakers delivers lush, immersive sound and can be used together or independently of the Front Center speaker. For when you're rocking the stereo mix."

 

[GrizzlysGhost]

I thought I read that center speaker was required for the left/right to work but looking at the current description for the left/right speakers:
"This pair of integrated speakers delivers lush, immersive sound and can be used together or independently of the Front Center speaker. For when you're rocking the stereo mix."

Nice catch, maybe it's just a builder problem (because I can't currently figure out how to get the sides without committing to the center also).

 

[ChickenNugs]

Nice catch, maybe it's just a builder problem (because I can't currently figure out how to get the sides without committing to the center also).

Builder is definitely a little messed up. I tried to remove the center speaker and it said I would have to remove the left/right as well. When adding speakers, it makes me add Dash Panels (not the audio friendly ones) but then says they are incompatible.

 

[HHI2P4P]

I'm going to try and find a way to use a Marshall bluetooth speaker as my center speaker. It has an AUX out as well so maybe that will work with the integrated speakers? I need to spend more time researching this because if those speakers are in the doors that won't matter because I want to roll with the doors off as much as possible. Regardless, I think the Marshall will just look pretty darn cool even as a standalone center speaker.

 

[Dorbiman]

Price is fine for the speakers imo, but I'm disappointed there's no double DIN head unit accessory like Chris had mentioned in a previous interview. I'm going to hold off on getting the official speakers until there's confirmation they will work with whatever aftermarket head unit gets installed, otherwise it's a waste of money (for me).

 

[GaRailroader]

I think I'll start with the bracket for holding a cylinder shaped BT speaker. I already have one of those BT speakers that rarely gets used. If that isn't satisfactory for me then I will upgrade to the one that goes in the dash cubby. I like the minimalist look of it. On one video I heard it called a sound bar.

 

[ack154]

Everything I've seen shows the center is required for the left/right speakers. It looks like it's the "primary" speaker since it has the volume knob/buttons and additional USB port. I fully expect the L/R speakers to connect directly to that center speaker. for power/audio. And the center speaker is likely to connect via USB-C to one of the ports behind the center cubby door (just a guess).

I don't think it takes up literally all of the cubby space though. I think there's still some open space on the right side between the center speaker and the right speaker. It's not huge, but it's enough for "gloves" in your glove box.

 

[tubes]

I don't like that it hides the 2 USB-C and cig lighter 12V port. It probably uses one or more of those to power it (DYI friendly). It may have a daisy chain output on the back, but like all things Slate, no freakin' details.

 

[Rocks]

Just like how head units lost a lot of depth when they stopped needing to play CDs, there's a chance that the center unit electronics/speaker won't fill the whole cavity.

It might even still flip up if it mounts as a replacement door for the center pocket.