I just got a replacement 06 xBox, my orig 06 was totaled from getting rear ended. In my orig I had the premium audio package with the ipod stereo. The new one I got did not. I swapped the head unit from my orig and purchased the ipod cable from the dealer to get my ipod hooked up. The problem is now Im getting speaker rattle on bass when playing from the ipod and the sound doesn't sound quite as clear. Are the speakers the same in the stock models as they are with the premium audio?

 

That's a good question. However, I'd say that either stock or premium audio is nothing in comparison to a good aftermarket speaker.

 

I think the only thing premium is the head unit, I am pretty sure all the speakers are the same. It sounds like the stock speakers may be blown, I agree with spr0k3t, get some good after market speakers.

 

The speakers are identical... only difference is the headunit.

One of the best things you can do for the soundstage is replace the dash speakers.
I have a pair of Pioneer 4" squeezed in there... got em for 30 bucks and they made a significant improvement.

 

Cool, thanks for the info guys!

What kind of speakers do you recommend getting? 4" 2-way speakers in the dash, and 6.5" 2-way speakers in the door?

I'm kind of a noob when it comes to car audio. I'm not looking to break to bank, make my ears bleed or put in an amp, just want get some good sounding speakers to replace the stock ones in the dash/ front doors. I read its not worth it to replace the rear speakers (unless they're blown of course!) If you can make some recommendations, would be appreciated. Looking to spend around $200

 

Here's my setup.
4" 2-way in the dash
6.5" 3-way in the doors
Infinity Basslink

These are tied into an Alpine CDA-9884 with the Alpine powerpack (ups the deck to 45w/channel RMS.

All together, yea, it was more than 200, but if you piece it together slowly, it's not as bad.

 

For the dash I'm running silk dome 2.5" tweeters. These are amped seperately from the mids (6.75") in the doors. There's only the subs in the back that are active but I used to run a set of 2-way coax in the back.

For a great cheap upgrade, do the dash speakers for sure. Upgrade the doors second. Then if you still have problems with the rear speakers, just disconnect them until you can replace them. In all that would probably run you less than 150 even with good replacements.

 

Good info. I need to get on this. Anyone recommend a good store for car audio?

 

I got my Infinity separates from Crutchfield late last year. Prices there are good, but not as low as other online stores. Many online discounters sell gray-market goods; stuff bought from other dealers at a steep discount so they can make their sales numbers. Good prices there, but absolutely no manufacturers warranty or support. Usually poor support from the seller too. At least with Crutchfield, they're authorized dealers and they supply install info with the goods and they have a good rep regarding customer service. Closeout prices there, however, are very good. Cheap shipping too. I've been getting stuff from them for nearly 10 years now and satisfied with the company.

 

Crutchfield is awesome. Unfortunately the HU that I got was over $100 more there so I didn't do business with them.
I wish there were some good walk-in stores so I don't have to wait for shipping!

Those 4" Pioneer speakers look sweet stuffed in the dash.

 

The best car stereo shop I've ever found is one that is owned by someone who is infatuated with audio. Look at the brands the store has in stock and check for word of mouth install issues. Most of these small shops will have a few trophies on display as well as pictures of system installs. Stay far away from the corporate barrage of things like "Best Buy". Good shops will offer high quality equipment at many price ranges. You generally do not find things like Audiobahn or any of the other superflious bling-o-rific mud dwelling audio components either. If you see a shop that has all this super high end equipment, no middle road gear, and Jensen (or similar), you are in the wrong shop still. A good shop will be able to help you build a system with any price you name and still hit the mark on the final output. Also, good shops will offer closeout deals or 2nds. Sometimes the equipment is something the store has had to send in for warranty work back to the manufacturer, this will tell you the store stands behind the product they sell. I've built budget systems for less than 250 that included head unit, amps, subs, and front speakers before by using nothing but 2nds.

I may be a bit biased when I say this... if the dealer does not offer JL Audio, I won't even stop to look at what else they have. There is a very rigid set of rules to be able to meet the certified license for JL Audio in the first place.

Crutchfield is good for purchasing individual components from... do not purchase any of their installation services... you usually end up at a place like "Best Buy".

 

^^How do ya really feel?!?

Also try some classified or f/s forums at places like edesignaudio.com or diymobileaudio.com. Lots of equipment, sometimes at bargain prices!

Robert

 

I found a pretty good spot for an 8 inch sub in a sealed box. if you take the back right floor panel up and put it away, point the sub facing down into the foam insert. this way the sound doesnt just hit the ceiling or the back door. the sound radiates in that foam box, then the trunk, and comes out right at the center of the car. this is opposed to having to lean forward almost to the windshield to hear the full volume of the sub if it is pointing any other direction in the trunk. im guessing this is mainly true for smaller subs. what i got back there is the kicker compv 8" in its tuned box also from kicker. kicker 200 watt amp under passenger seat. i was only looking for bass other than the noise from the 6.5"s. by the way, replacing the tweets IS definetley a good way to change the soundstage (Tangband 4ohm _____). i am about to add tweets to the very back pillars or just above the rear speakers in the window frame. which is best anyone?

 

Best for what? For show, definitely the window speakers. For sound quality though, don't bother. You want to stage your front more than anything. Instead of adding more speakers in the back... those should be nothing more than minor accents. Currently I don't even run any mids or highs in the back and have focused primarily on the front. If you were to sit in my car, you wouldn't be able to tell though.

The way I look at it, when you go to a concert, you don't turn around to listen to the band playing.

 

you do have a point about turning around at concerts. i just have the concern about hearing nothing from the back of the car except for bass. thanks man

 

I spent 40 minutes on Crutchfield looking for the answer you just provided -- I'm looking to make an improvement in the stock system without destroying my budget. (i've been debating the dealer-offered bazooka tube since 2005)

This may sound stupid, but I thought those were just tweeters up there...they're just tiny speakers? Because I'm not getting the volume I want (windows down, etc) and I've been trying to figure out how to make a decent upgrade without spending $800 on a new...everything.

I found a set of 3.5" bazookas ELC3502's for $20 on CF.... Size aside (Crutchfield informs me they do not fit, but if you can cram 4" speakers in the dash I shouldn't have a problem with these), you forsee any problems?

Sorry for the noob questions but this is the best lead I've gotten in a year of looking :p

 

It will fit!

Only benefit of using the 4" Pios that have been mentioned is that they "for sure" will fit. Your tweeter height is untested. But for all intent and purpose, they should fit.

Get some K&S hobby brass and fab a couple mounts for it.

At least CF has a great return policy! Go for it!

Robert

 

hey ZOMGXB. try http://www.parts-express.com/wizards...fg&srchMfg=276. thats a direct link to tang band products on parts-express.com. i got a pair of their 4 ohm 1" Ceramic Dome Tweeters. loud... and they sound great with +3000 hz bass reducers (like $2 for 2). i had a great idea. take a pair of those same tweeters and the bass reducers and pair them in the same mounts as the tang band 4 ohm 2"Aluminum/Mg Full Range Drivers. just run the bass reducer straight from the negative lead on the driver to the positive on the tweeter then back to the stereo! im doin that or buying a brand name crossover. ordering them soon. birthday's comin soon. want to know how it sounds? ask me after the 20th.