Ok.. I just got my tC and I've been doing some research trying to figure out what's going on the with audio. I have the iPOD cd player. First, which setting sounds the best xA, xB, or tC (neutral, hear, or feel also)? Second, are there any Head Units you can by that will working exactly right with the iPOD connector? Third and final, a good recommendations for all around good speakers... by the way I've read the stickies too, I need some more info though... thanks....

 

1-I prefer the xA setting(on feel)

2-I think so...Someone else will be able to answer this.(guessing Eclipse)

3-Elemental Designs Speakers...they're are sponsor of the ICE & Interior forum.


Steve

 

Yeah... I was thinking the same thing... xA sounded pretty good... xB is almost as good but a little too much thump.... i really wish I could find out about that Head Unit... or who manufactured the adapter for the iPOD connector.... thanks for the info though.... somebody told me that when you take a chance on buying aftermarket speakers you take a chance on them sounded worse than factory because of the EQ settings... is this true....

 

As far as the iPod question goes, I dunno, I hafta let someone else step in there, I took out my factory HU about 12 hrs after I got the car, lol!

As far as speakers go, there are a million choices. The factory speakers in most cars will have more bass or midrange bass than an aftermarket speaker the same size, thats just the way it usually (not always, but usually) is. However, most aftermarket speakers will have a much cleaner, crisper trebble sound to them. You will get some bass from aftermarket stuff, but the factory stuff usually sounds more muffled, therefore sounding more "bassy" if that makes any sense at all, lol.

I'd recommend going to a stereo shop and just listening to a bunch of different ones. Everyone has a different idea of what sounds good, what one person thinks sounds awesome, others may think sounds terrible. Decide for yourself...just my .02

 

^^ good advice!! listen listen listen.... elemental designs has some awesome products, and their customer service is top notch...

some other good brands of speakers to look into:
JL, Alpine, CDT(really good), Boston, Focal, MB Quart (IMO, most MBQ's are too bright w/o eq'ing them down), ummm.... there are others, but it's early...

 

I understand what you saying about the bassy sound and the crisp sound from aftermarket stuff. Factory speakers always hit harder, but sound muffled... I just don't want a new set of speakers to sound worse than before... I just need help because I know nothing about specs and what WORKS in a car... you know what I mean... my favorite speaker is probably JL's I used to have some W2or W3's back in the day.... but I hadn't had a custom car system in about 5 years. Anyway, I won't need to change the HU if the new speakers will sound good with it, that's big deciding factor... I just want a crisp clear sound that sounds good turned up... with a single good 10 or 12 hitting in the back....

Question: I read that the tweeters and attached to the 6.5 in the front is this true? Also, I can't find that say tweet anywhere.... is this just a custom speaker...

Sorry for all the questions, I just liked to be informed when I start making decisions. I appreciate everybody's help though.....

 

Let me tell you what I did. I had an older Audiobahn 12 sitting in an enclosure since my first car system and I thought i'd utilize it finally. So i found an amp that matched the power output for like $90 shipped. I got it installed for $50 and I absolutely love it(400 watts rms). I have the bass set on -1 or -2 on feel, xA on the stock unit. It is crisp, clean and loud. I love it...the next step might be for me to get some speakers that will play at a slightly higher frequency for a cleaner sound. But as of right now, absolutely no complaints.

 

Young Gunner,

If you're wanting to replace the speakers, look for a component system that goes up front (mid,tweet, x-over)... there aren't many that can be ran from the HU though so you'd need an external amp on them... I suggest a 4channel amp with the front 2 channels on the components up front then the rear 2 channels bridged to the sub...