Audio Upgrade Project Sanity Check

[azlvr]

I would have forgotten the rears and spent the money on hi end speakers. Definitely separates in the dash and think about a sound processor. Only worry about the front sound stage and you'll be happy.

[Starter986]

Originally Posted by azlvr

I would have forgotten the rears and spent the money on hi end speakers. Definitely separates in the dash and think about a sound processor. Only worry about the front sound stage and you'll be happy.

I tried that route and the cabin fill was less than satisfactory. Wired up a pair of 5.25s sitting on the rear shelf, with quick connects, and it's almost like surround sound. Remove the acrylic wind screen when the top is up... heaven.

I'd recommend a pair on the shelf.

[azlvr]

Originally Posted by Starter986

I tried that route and the cabin fill was less than satisfactory. Wired up a pair of 5.25s sitting on the rear shelf, with quick connects, and it's almost like surround sound. Remove the acrylic wind screen when the top is up... heaven.

I'd recommend a pair on the shelf.

That’s because you need 6.5 in doors and 100w-150w of power. That large of speakers right next to your ears will drown out the front sound stage. High end sound systems concentrate on front sound stage. If you’re at a concert the sound is in front of you and not behind you. I had some trouble understanding that coming from old fashioned systems I’ve traditionally had.

[Starter986]

Originally Posted by azlvr

That’s because you need 6.5 in doors and 100w-150w of power. That large of speakers right next to your ears will drown out the front sound stage. High end sound systems concentrate on front sound stage. If you’re at a concert the sound is in front of you and not behind you. I had some trouble understanding that coming from old fashioned systems I’ve traditionally had.

This works for me:

Rockford Fosgate Power T400-4 Amplifier (Frunk) (powering the 4 speakers @100W each)
Eclipse CD 5425 Head Unit
Kenwood KSC SW11 Subwoofer 150W
Alpine CHM 5620 6-CD changer (Frunk)
Alpine SPR 50C 180W dash mounted front speakers
Crossfire FX52 100W deck mounted rear speakers (removable/positional/can be stored on the shelf with the top down)

[Cunningr]

Originally Posted by Starter986

This works for me:

Rockford Fosgate Power T400-4 Amplifier (Frunk) (powering the 4 speakers @100W each)
Eclipse CD 5425 Head Unit
Kenwood KSC SW11 Subwoofer 150W
Alpine CHM 5620 6-CD changer (Frunk)
Alpine SPR 50C 180W dash mounted front speakers
Crossfire FX52 100W deck mounted rear speakers (removable/positional/can be stored on the shelf with the top down)

Does that subwoofer fit under your seat with no issues? I am removing my cd changer mine sounds like crap, plus head unit i ordered has streaming and an xd card, iphone input ect.... i ripped my cd library into loseless audio files so cd quality.

[Cunningr]

Quick question concerning the alram wire. Instructions say to disconnect it and change mounting frame, but what do you do with the wire? The instruction say nothing or i missed it. I saw post in another forum says just tape it up and leave it disconnected.

And thanks for all the great input on the subject.

[Starter986]

Originally Posted by Cunningr

Does that subwoofer fit under your seat with no issues? I am removing my cd changer mine sounds like crap, plus head unit i ordered has streaming and an xd card, iphone input ect.... i ripped my cd library into loseless audio files so cd quality.

My installer located it at the topmost of the passenger foot-well. The floor mat covers it. Can't see it. Can hear it.

[Cunningr]

Originally Posted by Starter986

My installer located it at the topmost of the passenger foot-well. The floor mat covers it. Can't see it. Can hear it.

Ah! I was checking dimensions out under the seats I dont think a mouse could even fit under there. Might take a look where yours is at, hate to loose leg room though.

[Cunningr]

Originally Posted by azlvr

I would have forgotten the rears and spent the money on hi end speakers. Definitely separates in the dash and think about a sound processor. Only worry about the front sound stage and you'll be happy.

Thanks for your input. I already purchased the rears awhile back hadn't gotten to installing so going to add them in add some rear fill when the tops down. Been re-evaluating my speaker choice today, on the JL Audio sight saw a 996 with 6.5's in the doors using the factory box install was nice and clean. The pioneer HU has built in signal processing in a network mode, plus the amp I am considering has a lot of tuning capability. Trying to not over spend but get a really good sound.

Too much info and I haven't played with car audio in years. You think I could use only the woofer out of 6.5 2 piece component set and then get a 4" component for dash?