Is it the acoustics or my ears ?

boyracer · Post by **boyracer** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 5:07 am

Either I'm going deaf or the acoustics in these cars must be really lousy.

Attached to my standard clarion head unit, I have the dealer optioned CD Changer + I have now installed a 500w 10" Pioneer sub, powered by a 1000w Boss 4ch amp + Pioneer 220w 4way 6" speakers in the front + the standard rears powered by a 400w MTX 4ch amp.

On Saturday night, I was just getting to the point of concluding that the output still wasn't up to speed when I noticed a Harley Davidson rider and his pillion passenger were both staring into the car whilst we were sitting next to each other at some traffic lights. I guess they could've been staring into the car for any number of reasons - these cars certainly attract their fair share of attention - but what I began to think was that perhaps they could hear the music above the din of their bike and that that was why they were staring into the car ??? To be honest, I hadn't even heard their bike until I listened out for it !!!

So, I guess I won't do any more with the sound system at this stage. Might be cheaper to go and get my ears checked. Does anybody have a number for a good ENT specialist ?

MattB · Post by **MattB** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 9:40 am

If you're going for such a big setup then I suggest getting a decent headunit. Sure you'll lose the stalk control & display, but for me sound quality was more important.

Also the standard rear speakers will be dying if you're powering them with an amp - I'd consider unplugging them totally unless you regularly have people in the back of your car.

Also how are you getting the input into the sub amp?

boyracer · Post by **boyracer** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 11:09 am

Both amps have left and right RCA outputs (labelled SUM OUT). I was told I could attach another amp to either by connecting splitter cables to these and plugging them straight into the RCA inputs of a second amp - so, that's what I did.

Gotta say I'm perfectly happy with the sound quality. I was told to use the MTX for sound quality (that's why I've connected that one up to the interior speakers) and the BOSS for sheer volume (so, I've attached that to the sub). The sub's amp is probably only operating at 15-20% output - I've got it switched right down as it will otherwise drown out the interior speakers.

I really don't want to lose the functionality of the stalk and screen. I hate having buttons that don't work !

Also, I actually had the rear speakers disconnected but re-introduced them because I wasn't happy with the sound direction in that it didn't seem to be coming at me from all the right places - like it was unbalanced. I'm sure my knees were happy enough with the front speakers, but I wasn't !