Improving Touring sound

[pegase747]

Hi all,

I currently have the following head unit :

http://www.pioneer.nl/uk/products/archi ... index.html

It looks not too modern and its illumination matches well with the E30 dash lighting.
I am very happy with it.

But it is fitted with what is likely to be OEM 1 way speakers ( not very good... ). Sound is bearable but I would like to improve that on a budget.

Question ;
If I install 2-way components in the front ( good quality Alpine or infinity ) in the OEM enclosure ( kick panels and mirror tweeters ), as well as 2-way components ( same quality products ) in the rear ( 10 or 13cm as I have the speaker boxes as well ), and finally with a small powered SUB ( Alpine SWE-1000 ) in one of the side compartment in the trunk ( well prepared to avoid all kind of vibration from the durrounding panels).

Will this be likely to really improve the sound of my touring ?

I am not looking after loads of bass, I am more after crisp clear musical.

I listen classic ( yes ! ), rock, unplugged instrumentals, and nothing really with a great amount of bass.

This modest install will set me down for less than 300 pounds i believe, and will be easy to install, for likely immediate noticeable results...

You thoughts ??

Cheers Pierre

[pegase747]

anybody ?

just want to know from the experts here think about what I can expect from this instll...

Pierre

[miniblob]

Simple answer is yes!!!!!!!! It will definately be an improvement!!!

Obviously, the h/u is ultimately where the sound quality comes from, but you will at least avoid the internal amp & eq, so as long as you use a decent amp for your components and sub...

Can't go to far wrong to be honest - if you install it all well and set it up properly and it still doesn't sound good enough, start saving for a different h/u!!

[pegase747]

Thanks mate,

Actually I didn't plan to wire an external amp. just using the HU amp.
I don't listen to overly loud music.
From previous experience, I found that the HU internal amp is ok for me for most of the time, but by using much better speaker, I expect a great improvement.
The sub will its own amp.
so basically I will run the HU to all 4 2-way components ( FR + REAR ) and a self amplified and self powered sub.

I believe quality speakers, even only ran out of the HU amp, are a must, more than having over-powered amps... Anyway I am on a budget so I will invest on quality speakers ( Pioneer reference ) and a powered amp.
Will see how it goes.

Cheers Pierre

[koh]

the 4x25rms(4x50 is rubbish,you wont get that) supplied by most headunits isnt enough to drive decent aftermarket components properly,if you amp decent components that are well installed you may well find that a sub is not needed at all

[pegase747]

Koh,

thanks ! i knew that 50W x 4 is bollox. My Hu supplies actually 4x22W rms.
I am actually looking at an AMP for the front components now. Nothing fancy, just a small 2-channel amp of quality ( Alpine 2x50W rms ).
I will later put a sub after that if I need.

Thanks / Pierre

[tari]

tbh most amps would sound good for the 4" speakers we have.. Its all about the settings though.. I've set up the eq on a friends stereo, after he claimed that he needed to upgraded his speakers, and found that he didn't need to upgrade his speakers afterall.

You should talk to KAM325iTOURING on here!! He fits ICE and can advise you best!!

Tee

[pegase747]

already in touch with him...

thanks !
Pierre

[Chris]

Amps dont need to be powerfull, they need to be quality.

It's a simple fact of physics that the electronics needed to get decent amplification cannot fit inside the same case as that radio tuner, cd tray etc etc.

It sounds like you share my kinda tastes, is this setup for the two door or the touring?

Either way get yourself a nice small 4 channel amplifier.
Fit a pair of good quality componant speakers for the front kickpanels, with the tweeters in the a piller/side mirror trim panels.

And a pair of mids for the rear. You wont need any high frequency in the back so avoid anything like 6x9's or coaxials.

I believe you can go with 5.25" all round in the touring but couldn't say for certain.

With this setup and a good quality amp, you should get a really good all round sound, biased toward sound reproduction rather than volume. And with some carefull buying should come in well inside your budget.

If you do feel the need at a later date it wouldn't be hard to add a shallow mount sub with it's own amplifier. But that will probably add half as much again to your budget, at least.

Good luck with it all,
Chris

[pegase747]

Hi Chris,

Thanks for the reply. Yes we share the same taste...

After much thought about my setup/install, I will probably go for the following :

- Alpine CDA-117RI HU ( 3 RCA out, 24bits D/A converter, Time lag alignment, graphical and Parametric equaliser etc... )
- Pioneer TS-C131PRS 13cm components
- Pioneer rear mid ( I won't use the rear much )
- Alpine PMX-F640 Amp ( 4x50W RMS )
- Self powered sub ( Pioneer just realeased one that fill INSIDE the spare wheel ).

Cheers Pierre

[Blitz]

Nice setup. Thats what I'm going to do in the cab. Need a small sub.

[Chris]

Yep all sounds good, The rears will be used more than you think. But mainly for fill-in mid frequencies.

With the amp. What do you mean by self powered? Does it take a 12v supply? if not i would be a little worried about the performance. Never tried one though so could be wrong.

Chris

[pegase747]

Hi Chris,

for the SUB, Alpine and Pioneer are making some powered subs, which are basically an amp and a SUB intagrated in one unit.
See following link :

http://www.pioneer.co.uk/uk/products/25 ... rview.html

They have their own Crossover and gain adjustments, have their power tapped on the cars 12V.

I have a friend who have that and they are quite good to fill up the frequency range, if you dont want crazy bass ( BOOM BOOM ) but moderate bass to improve your music...


Cheers / Pierre