Ok. . . this is specific to the xA, and not all Scions.

We've got speakers in the rear doors, and if any of you guys have noticed, most of the people in the back are yelling to raise the volume, while it's deafening loud in the front. Now that I have a 12 in the back, it's only made the problem worse, as all you hear is bass (in the back).

The front speakers are putting out good sound, but they are just too low and too far away from passenger's ears to make a difference.

So this is what I'm thinkin. . . I need to upgrade the rear sound stage. Maybe I should replace the rear speakers. . . but even with good speakers, they are just too low. I don't know how much it will help. And what size are they back there, btw?

That or I can add tweeters up high on the door or in the hatch. What do you guys think is the best solution. Add-on tweeters or replacement speakers?

 

Hmm~ is there a fade setting on our decks? I was sure that there was an option to adjust volume for the speakers...

If not, that can also be an option, to get a aftermarket deck that can control the volume setting of the front and rear speakers..

 

Yes there is a fade. . . I have it set to -2 towards the rear, but it doesn't accomplish much. As I said, the main problem is that the rear speakers are too low. I don't know if higher quality speakers will solve the problem or not. . . or if I should work on getting tweeters higher up (but that would only help with high frequencies, and not mids).

It's hard, because we usually sit in the front seats. . . but I've been spending a lot of time in the back. . . for errr, reasons, and it really sucks back there.

 

That's weird...I get the opposite complaint when I have passengers....they always complain about it being too loud in the back...

 

Are you still using the stock Pioneer head unit in your xA? If so, do you have the head unit's EQ set for xA? I bought my xA withe the head unit unknowingly set to tC settings and the stereo sounded like crap. Too low volume and too much bass. When I found out how to change the EQ settings and got it set to xA, my stereo sounds way better and I can hear it pretty well in the back seat as well.

 

the best way is to guage for yourself, as some people's definition of "loud" varies. And if you have subs in the back, it changes the problem, as bass is too loud and mids/highs are non-existent.

 

Yeah. . . all my settings are correct. The problem is not so bad without subs, but I can still hear the difference. Secondly, if you are listening in the back, while your car is stopped, you many not notice the difference. But when you start moving, road, wind, and tire noise drown out the sound (as much of the sound projects into a small space on the bottom of the car.

Regardless of all this, does anyone have an opinion as to which component would better increase sound quality; new rear speakers (still mounted too low, IMO), or tweeters mounted higher up. I realize that tweeters alone will better enhance the highs, but new speakers will improve both mids and highs (although that improvement may not travel the necessary distance to the ears).

 

bump

 

ok funk the ppl in the back who cares what they think just as long as the driver is happy with every thing that matters lol

 

That's why it's so important to call shotgun!

The xA setting sounds better in the Box on about 90% of the music I listen to.

Sorry can't help on the specific question, I've been tempted to change my rear speakers too, but I'm not sure what I need to get that will be an improvement without costing a grip...

 

Yeah. . . I got four doors because I like to roll as the party-wagon. . . my rear seat riders matter to me, and if the ladies ain't diggin the music (cuz they can't hear it), that's not cool. If I didn't care about rear seat passengers, I would have gotten a coupe.

 

Have you thought about installing sound deadening material? I have seen many people post about how much quieter it has made their car.

 

It's possible that it might help, but there's already quite a bit in the doors. I may be wrong, but I still think it's the physical distance. A, it's really low. B, it's a small space down there (most cars with that much space mount speakers in the rear deck or in the hatch). C, we have upright seating, making the distance more exaggerated.

 

maybe install some speakers and tweeders in the rear hatch door???

 

I've never really messed with the hatch. . . I have no idea how to run the wires through!

 

well if you look at the hinge back there you see a rubber sheath/seal as one piece i noticed if you can get another one of those and can make it happen and still make it look stock looking wise...

 

I'm going to be mounting tweeters. . . will let you guys know how it sounds. . . the rear speakers are junk, compared to the fronts. . . tiny and cheap. Those grills flatter em

 

Man. . . installed some regular ol' add on tweeters for the rear, and WHAT a difference in sound. This may be from the fact that the sub overpowers the highs, but man, it really makes the highs sing. I can even tell a difference from the front. I highly recommend those running subs to consider this mod. It is DEFINITELY worth it.

 

I would have done what you did - thanks for lettin us know it worked..

on a side note: I am surprised at how many people didn't know about the xA xB xC settings - as was said, it is in the manual. I suggest you read your manuals to see what else you're missing. My settings was incorrect - but that's what I'd expect - nobody seems to do anything right these days - that's why you gotta do it yourself.

 

add a 4 way amp and get component speakers for front AND rear and place the tweets up high on the door or at least fire them upward.