[Jase 320d]

I have changed my front speakers on my car to not much improvement

All i want to do is get a bit more top end out of them. I really just want to amp the existing speakers from a discreet amp in the boot somewhere.

I actually have no idea whatsoever on sound systems in cars so all help is much appreciated.

Even some links to what i require to run an amp from the standard h/u

I have the base system i think and a professional headunit


Thanks a lot guys


This is what i've done so far

[mob17]

The base stereo output signal is shite so no point amping it unless you want louder shite. You need two steps really, clean the signal then amp it.

[Jase 320d]

Whats best to clean it? Alcohol wipes? Pledge?

[Digitalize]

Alpine upgrade.

[mob17]

Originally Posted by Jase 320d

Whats best to clean it? Alcohol wipes? Pledge?

Haha wish it were that simple. I don't mean its physically dirty, its the signal which is not clean.

The signal of the standard base headunit is at a set equalisation from the factory, designed to make the shit stock speakers sound decent (which they don't do anyway). You'll want to clean it so it starts with a flat eq, which after you can adjust to suit your preferences.

There are a few ways to do this each with their advantages. But you'll want some way of adjusting the EQ, such as a dsp, as you may not prefer the sound of a flat one. A good way is by coding to hifi.

However the above isn't cheap and you'll probably be looking at a grand or under.

If you don't want to get serious with it you could go for the Alpine upgrade which is ok for £4-500 ish.

[borinous]

I've done a lot of digging round regarding the upgrade of the stock base system and most options will easily leave you £1000 out of pocket if u want to stick with the OEM headunit.
I've now ditched the idea of keeping the stock HU and go aftermarket market although still not an easy or cheap option but if I use a decent double din HU not only will I gain better sound and easier upgradability I'll also potentially get Bluetooth and sat nav as well.

[Jase 320d]

Originally Posted by borinous

I've done a lot of digging round regarding the upgrade of the stock base system and most options will easily leave you £1000 out of pocket if u want to stick with the OEM headunit.
I've now ditched the idea of keeping the stock HU and go aftermarket market although still not an easy or cheap option but if I use a decent double din HU not only will I gain better sound and easier upgradability I'll also potentially get Bluetooth and sat nav as well.

Keep me updated with what you do

[borinous]

Originally Posted by Jase 320d

Keep me updated with what you do

Will do pal whatever i do ill be writing it up on here

[Edinnit]

£700 gets you a full setup thats Plug and play with your current head unit, new speakers, tweeters, 8" under seats and an amp, and a wiring harness.


Check out monsteraudio or something...
Youll need one with a DSP amp though if you have the base sound system

[Edinnit]

Cant see you buying a decent double din head unit, and a decent amp for much less

[borinous]

Originally Posted by Edinnit

Cant see you buying a decent double din head unit, and a decent amp for much less

Agreed mate, didn't say the aftermarket double din option would be cheaper but i would gain Bluetooth and Nav in the process. To do this OEM i would have to retrofit CCC or CIC. Which from what ive seen isn't cheap ~£800 + sourcing a double hump dash. Then on top of that id still want to upgrade the speakers + amp so thats getting close to £2000 :-( unfortunately my car isn't worth that much to warrant that amount of expenditure id be better off selling up and putting that sort of money towards a newer model with it already installed from factory.

If i look to the second hand market Pioneer Double DIN units seem to go for under £200 or at least the couple ive been watching have.

I'm not looking for studio quality sounds just something better than the base stereo which shouldn't be that hard to achieve for not a lot of money.

[335ier]

How difficult would it be to fit a new head unit to one of these cars? I thought it would be complicated because its linked up to the computer.. but I really don't know much about this topic.

[borinous]

Originally Posted by 335ier

How difficult would it be to fit a new head unit to one of these cars? I thought it would be complicated because its linked up to the computer.. but I really don't know much about this topic.

Connects2 do the harnesses to retain steering wheel control, reverse sensor bong and warning chimes.

[Jase 320d]

I have decided to sack it off

Would rather put £700 towards a new car

[AWSAWS]

I have base audio. It's really the only thing that sucks about my car. £700 plus fitting costs feels really steep just to get good audio.

[dy63]

Originally Posted by AWSAWS

I have base audio. It's really the only thing that sucks about my car. £700 plus fitting costs feels really steep just to get good audio.

Me too...after what im doing / done to it audio is the only let down now but after i heard the gladen set up in a friends E60 i think its worth it. how much will we get back for our standard base equipment you think?

i am ordering the gladen set up soon.

[borinous]

Originally Posted by AWSAWS

I have base audio. It's really the only thing that sucks about my car. £700 plus fitting costs feels really steep just to get good audio.

if you go completely aftermarket it can be done for less than £700....
...however will sounds quality be as good???....probally not but you will still get an improvement over the base system

[Sparky68]

I think i will just run my ipod through a dsp and a couple of amps, bypass the stock sound system totally. Anyone done this ?

[AWSAWS]

Originally Posted by Sparky68

I think i will just run my ipod through a dsp and a couple of amps, bypass the stock sound system totally. Anyone done this ?

It's something I was thinking about as well.

[dy63]

Originally Posted by borinous

if you go completely aftermarket it can be done for less than £700....
...however will sounds quality be as good???....probally not but you will still get an improvement over the base system

i think some of these aftermarket stuff sound better than L7!! But of course not the cheap stuff.