For those of you who think the factory Alpine sound system sounds great, I am glad you are happy, but this question is not for you.
I really thought the Alpine speakers sounded very flat and the midrange was awful. As I understand it, the rear speakers (6x9) get the full range of sound, but cannot accept all 6x9 speakers without modification. I also understand that the front speakers are divided between 6x9 woofers in the doors (that are even more restrictive than the rear ones) and 3.5s in the dashboard corners that are for midrange. If I am wrong about these things, please let me know.
I disliked the speakers so much that I upgraded them through a really good car stereo place. I have Focal 6x9s in the back and Focal separates in the front - woofers in the door, midrange in the corners and tweeters in the unused center grill spot. The sound is much better, it is not even close really. I was really unhappy before and now I like the sound. There is great separation, excellent midrange and tweeters that are so vibrant I have to back them off a bit. The low end sound is pretty good on most music. But I'd like some more please.
I resisted changing the amp out just yet, partially because I did not want my wife to have a heart attack. Spending $1200 on speakers is bad enough.
I am pondering a powered subwoofer now. But I do not want my trunk to be consumed by a big box. I have looked at powered tube subs, but am unsure whether either the factory Alpine amp or the head unit has a sub out plug area. I have seen powered tubes that can run off the high power signal coming to the speakers too. The under the seat subs I have seen don't impress me and I am unsure what is under these seats anyway.
Anybody who has any input on these issues would be appreciated greatly.
I really thought the Alpine speakers sounded very flat and the midrange was awful. As I understand it, the rear speakers (6x9) get the full range of sound, but cannot accept all 6x9 speakers without modification. I also understand that the front speakers are divided between 6x9 woofers in the doors (that are even more restrictive than the rear ones) and 3.5s in the dashboard corners that are for midrange. If I am wrong about these things, please let me know.
I disliked the speakers so much that I upgraded them through a really good car stereo place. I have Focal 6x9s in the back and Focal separates in the front - woofers in the door, midrange in the corners and tweeters in the unused center grill spot. The sound is much better, it is not even close really. I was really unhappy before and now I like the sound. There is great separation, excellent midrange and tweeters that are so vibrant I have to back them off a bit. The low end sound is pretty good on most music. But I'd like some more please.
I resisted changing the amp out just yet, partially because I did not want my wife to have a heart attack. Spending $1200 on speakers is bad enough.
I am pondering a powered subwoofer now. But I do not want my trunk to be consumed by a big box. I have looked at powered tube subs, but am unsure whether either the factory Alpine amp or the head unit has a sub out plug area. I have seen powered tubes that can run off the high power signal coming to the speakers too. The under the seat subs I have seen don't impress me and I am unsure what is under these seats anyway.
Anybody who has any input on these issues would be appreciated greatly.