Car Audio setup questions

[Gripless 991]

I used to do all this sort of thing and wasn't going to do much with the current car.

Since the replacement speakers have made it both better and worse I've started playing again.

 

So far only an auto EQ amp but another is likely on the way as is a new 10' or dual 8" subs in a custom enclosure.

[Andy_Mac 1,858]

You should sell me your underseat one to fund something bigger 😉

[Gripless 991]

6 minutes ago, Andy_Mac said:

You should sell me your underseat one to fund something bigger 😉

If I swap it out sure.

[boon 1,660]

Currently both Subarus have aftermarket headunits and nothing else. The Legacy should really get some of my hoarded gear in it, and I think I might give the STI a gentle upgrade with this round of mods, nothing bonkers though.

 

I used to be a bit crazy on it...

Headunit -> Processor (including T/A and active crossovers) -> amplifiers -> w**ky component speakers and sub/s.

 

For what it's worth, with all my dicking about, order of how good it's going to sound seems to go good installation > lots of power > good drivers > w**ky processing like time alignment and active crossovers > fancy-ass amplifiers > expensive headunits. I firmly believe that cheaper speakers, installed well with plenty of power, will outperform expensive stuff shoe-horned into the factory speaker mounts and run off a headunit.

 

In the case of my STI, it being a noisy "fast" pile of crap somewhat precludes the "good installation" bit, AKA sound deadening and a proper sub box in this instance, so I kinda CBF with the rest. 99% of the time if you don't get that first bit right you may as well not bother with the rest, the only real exception being that friggin' HEAPS of power into a high quality subwoofer can overcome "the box is way too small"

[Gripless 991]

36 minutes ago, boon said:

The Legacy should really get some of my hoarded gear in it, and I think I might give the STI a gentle upgrade with this round of mods, nothing bonkers though.

Do it.

 

I let all my old gear go in the swift which was sad but had no time to get it out.

[Berg 161]

Went full retro with oldskool Pioneer PRS twin amps, headunit, tweeters and sub a year or two ago. Just need to get the new Pioneer HD speakers for the door (replacing Alpine type R's), and then worry about the "proper" stuff to make it actually sound good: deadening, EQ and setup. I have virtually no warm midrange at the moment.

 

Aside from Rapid Radio, who else knows about automotive sound in Auckland? (not just your "follow the product instructions" shop)

[Andy_Mac 1,858]

I've committed to putting the good stuff from the Legacy into the STI so the new set up will be:

 

Sony AX5500 HU

Rockford Fosgate P400X4 amp

Polk MM651 front speakers

Polk MM6501 rear speakers

Plus a but tonne of sound deadener and closed cell foam

Maybe an under seat sub at some point if I decide it's still lacking in that department.

[Gripless 991]

👍👍

 

I’m tempted to put the more rigid closed cell foam on the roof if I ever take the roof head liner out. 
 

Edited September 10 by Gripless