Aurion Stereo Upgrade

[cal025]

I am a long time reader of this post and have learnt so much by trawling through the pages of information on here...

For some time I have been contemplating and debating the pro's and con's of upgrading my aurion's audio system. The first step was to install the AUX upgrade that is outlined here in the TOCAU forum, which was a fantastic help. I headed down to Jaycar and bought the required components, however my girlfriend surprised me and bought a new head unit for my birthday last month which has thrown a spanner in the works...

I am now trying to decide upon the appropriate speaker set-up and variety. After heading to a car audio chain, they gave me a $600 install figure (head unit, steering wheel control interface, 6.5 components front, 6x9s rear, 4 channel amp). This was just the installation cost, all items were to be added to that. Is this what I will be looking at paying in general? I have sourced in independent installer and his quote was similar. This was not including the wiring kit required or installation of my old sub. I am happy to use my old one at this stage, it can be removed easily and I will upgrade sometime in the future.

I have purchased/received:

Pioneer AVH-P3300BT double din head unit

Steering wheel control interface PAC SWI-PS

Fascia Genuine Toyota Part (I like the contoured look)

Sony 10inch Sub in enclosure

I am going to run a 4 channel amp, front speakers on 2 channels and sub bridged on other 2 channels.

The problem that I now have is deciding on the speakers and amp I am going to run with...

Option 1: items sourced from USA $375 + shipping $150 = $525

PIONEER TS-D1720C 6.75" 6.5" 2-WAY COMPONENT SPEAKERS $115 + $50

PIONEER TS-D6902R 6 X 9" 2-WAY 360W PAIR CAR SPEAKERS $100 + $50

PIONEER GM-D9500F 4/3/2 CHANNEL CLASS FD AMPLIFIER 800W $160 + $50

Option 2: items sourced from GB and USA shipping $462 + shipping $211 = $673

Focal Polyglass 165VB 16.5cm Component Car Speakers $201 + $111

Infinity Kappa 6939i 3-Way 6" x 9" $101 + $50

PIONEER GM-D9500F 4/3/2 CHANNEL CLASS FD AMPLIFIER 800W $160 + 50

Option 3: items sourced from Aust online store (a) $555 or (B) $584 all free shipping

(a) Pioneer TS-A1702C 6.5" Component Speakers $170 or (B) Pioneer TS-D1720C 6.5" Component Speakers $199

Pioneer TS-A6984S 6x9" A-Series Speakers $111

PIONEER GM-D9500F 4/3/2 CHANNEL CLASS FD AMPLIFIER 800W $274

The more I look the more confused I am getting. I had a set of focal 4inch 2ways in my old car and they were faultless, however I have heard good things about the pioneer gear and it's value for money. I can not go past the pioneer amp that I have included in each option, simply because I can not beat the value for money it offers at that price. If it were at the original price I would be looking at Rockford Fosgate or perhaps Eclipse or Alpine. I live in Cairns and the car audio chains seem to bump their prices up quite a bit here... otherwise I'd try to stay local...

Any feedback on any of the above would be much appreciated... eg your preference and reasons...

[Buff Hamster]

Just by looking at numbers you are looking at spending about $600-700ish.

You need:

- front speakers - http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/p_27719_MB_Quart_PVL269.aspx

- back speakers - http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/p_21722_JL_Audio_C2-690tx.aspx

- amp for speakers - http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/p_19333_Rockford_Fosgate_Punch_P400-4.aspx

- amp for sub - http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/p_27708_MB_Quart_FX450.aspx

- cable kit - http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/p_19592_Rockford_Fosgate_RFK4D.aspx

Total of $670USD

If you are wanting to buy a high end sub buy it now with the other stuff to save money.

I HIGHLY suggest buying overseas if you are buying high end audio as the saving will be a lot.

I need more info on the sub. How many watts rms is it?

Edited August 22, 2011 by A Buff Hamster

[cal025]

I really appreciate the time you spent looking at the onlinecarstereo website. All the products you have recommended look awesome and it is a great site!

I have been looking at 6x9 component speakers, but was unsure on the quality of the mid range they would produce. I have also read mixed reviews on the MB Quartz available now, some say they are not the same quality as they used to be.

The sub that I have is about 8yrs old, I am not sure of its watts rms. Going on what you are saying it may be best to hand over the cash now and be done with it all... What would you suggest? I am after something that I can unhook and remove easily if I require the extra space. Also one that is not going to block the 'ski' hole in the back seat as I like to head out fishing as much as possible, but don't want to have to remove the sub for that. So something that is efficient on space and sound... not after too much doof doof though... more just a sub to add the SQ...

I found two that I like the look of and may be suitable:

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/p_28131_Rockford_Fosgate_P3L-S10.aspx

or

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/p_25410_Rockford_Fosgate_P2L-1X12.aspx

Or any other suggestions...

The price including delivery is now over $1200 though... a lot more than I was anticipating and that is without installation which I am definitely not qualified to do...

[Buff Hamster]

You can buy a under the seat subwoofer which will not take up any space in the boot. I have one under my driver seat and i only put it at half way which is more than enough for me to listen to.

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/p_25104_Boss_Audio_BASS900.aspx

You won't have to buy an amp for that because it as a built in amp.

Don't know how you got $1200 in total for parts. I got $704USD for parts (with sub added and sub amp removed) and shipping is $238.41USD to a total of $942.41USD

Trust me on the parts i listed. You will be happy with it.

[cal025]

I have looked at those under seat subs but have not spoken to anyone with them... so you are happy with the SQ of yours then? I think I would prefer a sub in the boot... maybe I am a little old school. In my last car I took it out maybe once every 6mths, but it was definitely very useful in being able to do so.

I kept everything the same as you suggested, except I upgraded to;

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/p_20082_MB_Quart_PVI_269.aspx

Then I added one of those subs, so it ended up being $1280 incl delivery.

I really appreciate your help with this. 6x9 components will take the hassle out of having to create pods for the front speakers, which I am extremely happy with. Do you know anyone here in Cairns you can point me in the direction of for installation?

[Buff Hamster]

I wouldn't get the 6x9 components you chose because the tweeters are titanium and you will easily get fatigued because of that. The one i recommended is silk dome tweeters which are smoother. I have both and i bought pick the silk dome over titanium any day. The silk dome speaker set is also the newer model.

If a subwoofer is set properly you don't hear it, you feel it. So an under the seat sub is more than enough unless you are a true bass head meaning you need a full sized sub in the boot.

As for installation you can try JB Hifi.

[cal025]

Thank you again for the heads up!!! I have changed the order and will finalise it now. Going with everything that you suggested, it all looks legit! I will go with the separate amp and sub in the boot. Not going to order the sub yet though, keep it under $1000 for tax purposes...

Now some questions about the installation...

Should I install the tweeters in the door? Or will they be sufficient in the current location? The information I have gathered states tweeters are designed to be aimed at the opposite seat headrest. How much of a difference will this make?

I was initially going to install the amp under the seat, but now that I am going to have a second amp running the sub I am thinking I might install them under the rear parcel shelf. Is this the best location for ease of installation and wiring? Or should I have the speaker amp under the seat still and have the sub amp under the parcel shelf?

Have you heard much about JB HiFi up here? I don't know anyone who has used them...

[Buff Hamster]

I would leave the tweeters where they should be. On the dashboard night next to the windscreen. It sounds much better then having it on the door as sound would rebound off the windscreen giving more surround sound.

I would have 1 amp under each front seat. My setup is speaker amp under passenger seat and amp sub under driver seat but i have my sub under my seat.

JB hifi are qualified car installers so there shouldn't be much problem with them.

[lasertip]

I would leave the tweeters where they should be. On the dashboard night next to the windscreen. It sounds much better then having it on the door as sound would rebound off the windscreen giving more surround sound.

I would have 1 amp under each front seat. My setup is speaker amp under passenger seat and amp sub under driver seat but i have my sub under my seat.

JB hifi are qualified car installers so there shouldn't be much problem with them.

A few questions:

1. Has anyone changed their tweeters?

2. Why does it seem like everyone uses 6.5" speakers for the front and 6x9" for the rear? Why aren't 6x9s used in front?

So I dropped by supercheapauto to get a replacement fuse and saw these for pretty cheap:

http://www.sony.com.au/product/xs-gtf1627

Got them for 40bucks. The sony website sure makes these little suckers look pimped up.

http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/online-store/products/Sony-Speakers-6-2-Way-XS-GTF1627.aspx?pid=286311#Description

Was late at night and I didn't want to take out the mitre saw and wake the neighbours so I just did it the quick and crappy way with a small piece of plywood.

I can see the number of people shaking their heads right now. Some time when I'm free, I'll redo them properly with a plywood board or perhaps change them to better ones.

Would it make a big difference if I put the foam padding thingy on the speakers? Stupid thing cost 11bucks... for 2 rings of foam.

They certainly are an upgrade from stock speakers which by the way are surprisingly light.

Intend to get these for the back and an amp to power them. Probably won't need a subwoofer then.

http://www.en.kenwood.com.pa/Car_Entertainment/Speaker_Systems/Altavoces_Ovaladas/KFC-6993PS

Edited August 24, 2011 by lasertip

[Steven]

The stock are light because they use neodinium magnets instead of ferrite magnets. They are far more powerful magnets by nature and hence only a small one is needed.

Im using mini xt25 vifa tweeters in my car in the stock location, they go well

Most people use 6.5 speakers for various reasons, mostly being mounting depth issues and virtually all component speaker sets use a round speaker rather than the oval 6x9

The way youve mounted it doesnt keep the front and back waves separated nor does it aid in using the door as an effective enclosure for the speaker. As a result it will cost you a fair bit in speaker efficiency and bass response.

[Buff Hamster]

I use 6.5" components at the front because you can't get 6x9 components in Australia from what i know. I would prefer to have a 6x9 components though.

My tweeter is located at where the stock on is.

I'll try to take a photo of my front 6.5" woofer to show everyone how i stalled it in the 6x9 hole. Don't think anyone has done it my way yet but we'll see.

[lasertip]

The stock are light because they use neodinium magnets instead of ferrite magnets. They are far more powerful magnets by nature and hence only a small one is needed.

Im using mini xt25 vifa tweeters in my car in the stock location, they go well

Most people use 6.5 speakers for various reasons, mostly being mounting depth issues and virtually all component speaker sets use a round speaker rather than the oval 6x9

The way youve mounted it doesnt keep the front and back waves separated nor does it aid in using the door as an effective enclosure for the speaker. As a result it will cost you a fair bit in speaker efficiency and bass response.

Yup. Neodymium magnets have better magnetic properties than ferrite ones but somehow or other... the stock speakers are terrible.

Call it a preconceived bias or not but even with this horrible setup, I'm getting an improved bass response and far better clarity.

Sounds reasonable, use the door as a sub enclosure, allowing the entire door to resonate.

Looks like I'll have to do this sooner than I hoped to. Since today is the last day of my uni week, looks like it's time to break out the powertools

What do you think if I built a custom mount of a single board of plywood that covers the entire gap in the door and mounted the speaker on a hole cut in the middle with minimum gaps in between?

Is there any use for the retarded 11buck foam spacers that I bought?

I use 6.5" components at the front because you can't get 6x9 components in Australia from what i know. I would prefer to have a 6x9 components though.

My tweeter is located at where the stock on is.

I'll try to take a photo of my front 6.5" woofer to show everyone how i stalled it in the 6x9 hole. Don't think anyone has done it my way yet but we'll see.

Which tweeter did you get?

Besides the xt25 recommended by steven, are there any other good, value-for-money tweeters around?

[Buff Hamster]

I'm not so sure if it's the best idea to get a standalone tweeter as it might not mix with the woofer. That's why components were made so both would sound the same.

If you do have to get a standalone tweeter i recommend one that is silk dome. I have listened to all tweeters designs possible and silk dome is easily the best. Smooth and easy on the ears.

[lasertip]

I'm not so sure if it's the best idea to get a standalone tweeter as it might not mix with the woofer. That's why components were made so both would sound the same.

If you do have to get a standalone tweeter i recommend one that is silk dome. I have listened to all tweeters designs possible and silk dome is easily the best. Smooth and easy on the ears.

So you're saying that it's best to leave the stock tweeters unless I'm getting it in a set with the sub?

Anyway, I made mounts for the speakers today. Bass is now a little stronger and it looks sort of decent now. Was a pretty simple job with a drill and jigsaw.

[cal025]

I spoke with the guys at JB HiFi today and they do not do installs here at the Cairns store. Anyone have any other recommendations up here in FNQ? Would an auto electrician be an option???

It looks like you know your way around a car and workshop 'lasertip'... the second effort looks much neater and I am sure the SQ will benefit too... I can't wait to get my stuff installed... will make driving an already awesome car that much more enjoyable...

[Buff Hamster]

If you buy a co-axial and a tweeter seperate the sound signature will probably be different so it will sound weird or not normal. That's why you should get components for the front.

If your budget is tight you could put the 6.5" co-axial into the back and buy a component for the front.

Cal there are plenty of instructions on this forum onto how to install a sound system. It's not that hard once you read all the info there is here. Check the FAQ if you want to read it.

[lasertip]

I spoke with the guys at JB HiFi today and they do not do installs here at the Cairns store. Anyone have any other recommendations up here in FNQ? Would an auto electrician be an option???

It looks like you know your way around a car and workshop 'lasertip'... the second effort looks much neater and I am sure the SQ will benefit too... I can't wait to get my stuff installed... will make driving an already awesome car that much more enjoyable...

Thanks dude! Honestly, it isn't hard. It would be a great learning experience if you did it yourself!

If you buy a co-axial and a tweeter seperate the sound signature will probably be different so it will sound weird or not normal. That's why you should get components for the front.

If your budget is tight you could put the 6.5" co-axial into the back and buy a component for the front.

Cal there are plenty of instructions on this forum onto how to install a sound system. It's not that hard once you read all the info there is here. Check the FAQ if you want to read it.

I'll order my stuff from US. I'm trying to get more powerful rear speakers so that I won't need a sub.

RMS and Peak Wattages are for 1 speaker. For shipping, I have a friend who can collect it for me, so I only pay for shipping within US

Front:

Rockford Fosgate P1653 6.5" Component (http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/products/product_details.asp?item_id=112885)

3 Way | 60W RMS | 120W Peak | 60Hz-24KHz Response | 40USD Free shipping

Rear:

Either

1.

MB Quart Formula FTA169 6x9" Coaxial (http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/car-sound/car-speakers/mb-quart-fta169-6x9-inch-3-way-car-speakers/436118)

3 Way | 50W RMS | 180W Peak | 40Hz-32KHz Response | 44USD Free shipping

or

2.

Rockford Fosgate R1693 6x9" Full Range(http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/products/product_details.asp?item_id=112913)

3 Way | 60W RMS | 120W Peak | 48Hz-22KHz Response | 45USD Free shipping

Amp:

Pioneer GM-6500F (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/Amplifiers/GM+Series/GM-6500F)

4/3/2 Channel | 60W x 4 Continuous @ 4ohms | 760W Max | 120USD + 18USD shipping

Amp powering all 4 speakers. Bass may not be as strong as I hoped but there's always room for expansion. Could always put in another amp for the front speakers and connect the pioneer amp to a sub.

What do you guys think?

What if instead I had

Rear:

Kenwood KFC - 6983PS 6x9" Coaxial (http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Car_Entertainment/Speakers/6''_x_9''_Speakers/KFC-6983PS)

4 Way | 110W RMS | 450W Peak | 66Hz-22KHz Response

Amp:

Pioneer GM-5500T (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/Amplifiers/GM+Series/GM-5500T)

2 Channel | 125W x 2 Continuous @ 4ohms | 820W Max

Rear speakers running off amps and front running off stock head unit?

Thing is that the Kenwood 6983s are 102.4mm deep, 78mm mounting depth. Can they fit?

Edited August 26, 2011 by lasertip

[petepjs]

I've just done a component install in the front but didn't take pics. The tweeters were a bit of a pain to install as the originals are installed with an inbuilt bracket, which meant some painful customising. I disassembled (ie destroyed) the factory tweeters and used the frames as brackets. I also needed to drop the height a bit as the Vibe Lite Airs are domed and didn't quite fit at the standard height.

I'm still fitting amp so not sure of SQ yet. I'll pop the cover and get a pic tommorrow if I remember.

[cal025]

Just by looking at numbers you are looking at spending about $600-700ish.

You need:

- front speakers - http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/p_27719_MB_Quart_PVL269.aspx

- back speakers - http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/p_21722_JL_Audio_C2-690tx.aspx

- amp for speakers - http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/p_19333_Rockford_Fosgate_Punch_P400-4.aspx

- amp for sub - http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/p_27708_MB_Quart_FX450.aspx

- cable kit - http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/p_19592_Rockford_Fosgate_RFK4D.aspx

Total of $670USD

If you are wanting to buy a high end sub buy it now with the other stuff to save money.

I HIGHLY suggest buying overseas if you are buying high end audio as the saving will be a lot.

I need more info on the sub. How many watts rms is it?

I have just removed my old sub from it's enclosure to ascertain the rms watts. It is a Sony XS L1035 with 150 watt rms and 600 watt max input power. It is almost 10yrs old and has not skipped a beat... can i run this still? Or do I need to replace it?

http://www.carreview.com/cat/car-audio/subwoofers/sony/xs-l1035/prd_98356_1808crx.aspx

The speakers and amps will be here within 10 business days... yeyah!!!

[cal025]

I've just done a component install in the front but didn't take pics. The tweeters were a bit of a pain to install as the originals are installed with an inbuilt bracket, which meant some painful customising. I disassembled (ie destroyed) the factory tweeters and used the frames as brackets. I also needed to drop the height a bit as the Vibe Lite Airs are domed and didn't quite fit at the standard height.

I'm still fitting amp so not sure of SQ yet. I'll pop the cover and get a pic tommorrow if I remember.

I look forward to seeing the photos... hope the SQ is where you want it...

[Buff Hamster]

If you're fine with the old sub just keep it and use it.

I'll be taking out my rear MB Quart speakers out today and also take a pic of the front speaker bracket.

[2JZ-GTE]

An amazing Audio system in a Thai Aurion :)

[haydos_sx6]

That's nice 

[cal025]

wow... that is a serious system!

my installation has been completed! very happy with the sound, but as suspected, the sub is the weak link. so now i am on the hunt for a new one. i will stay with 10inch size as i already have a box for it, which my amp is attached to. i have had recommendations to buy infinity, kicker or mtx... any suggestions would be much appreciated! (again, lol)

[Buff Hamster]

How much do you want to spend on the sub?