Simple Audio Upgrade

[bealljd]

So really the only thing that I want to do is add a 10 to the stock audio system I dont need anything outrageous just would like a a little more bump, but I also would like to be able to hear the words, any suggestions. I am trying to keep it simple and cheap.

[dleebold]

http://cgi.ebay.com/INFINITY-BASSLIN...item5d2b8c189f

[petrified.rabbit]

What is your current set up? (oem which one) adding better (even cheap) speakers all around will improve all levels of sound.. Bump though will drown out the stock system even more so if you dont hear the vocals now, it will just be worse.

[bealljd]

I have a 2010 Aveo5 with the OEM radio with no cd. I can hear the vocals just fine with the OEM speakers I would just like to add more bass to it. Would a crossover work to help that? I dont want earthquake bass,just more than what is there, that is why I was thinking of the 10" woofer. I am trying to keep it simple I dont want to have to install a bunch of new things nor do I want to buy a bunch of new things.

[tidus10]

http://cgi.ebay.com/KICKER-10TC104-L...ht_3081wt_1139

small, cheap, look great then buy a small amp (i have one for sale) and hook it up

or this! i love vibe audio they are a unique company ive heard their subs, ran a pair of their 12s for a bit to test them.. good stuff

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-V...ht_2111wt_1165

[bealljd]

Ok so since I am new to car audio I have a couple questions. As far as amps go would something like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-1200-WATT-2-...ht_4949wt_1141

be ok if I was hooking up that kicker sub mentioned in the previous post. Would I use one channel for the sub and the other channel for the other speakers in the car. Another question that I have is exactly how hard would it be to install this setup, I have never messed around with car audio before and am very hesitant to do so. Thank you in advance for all the help.

[tidus10]

that amp would over power the sub a little bit but you would be fine, you shouldnt ever be in any trouble...
as far as chanels.. the easiest way to say this is just plain "no" with only 2 channels and all stock stuff amping any other speakers is gonna blow stuff up..

as far as installation... well i'll start by saying i highly recomend a new headunit while doing this because the factory headunit doesnt have subwoofer controlls nor does it have the required RCA outs to send the information.. BUT if you search enough youll be able to find an RCA converter out there for this type of job (still dont recommend it, its kinda a pain in the ass) but once the headunit situations good you have to buy a Amp wiring kit (Here and then it all comes down to plugging and running wires.. its not a hard ordeal, BUT if its your first time you will be confused a bit and prolly will take 1-4 hours depending on how clean you want it to look

[xintersecty]

Any cheap head unit would be better than stock. I have a 2006 Special Value (reads as super cheap) and I upgraded my head unit so I can play music off of SD cards. I was going to replace the stock speaker because it sounded like real crapola. As soon as I got a new head unit, the stock speakers started to kick and sound good. Just remember it may not be amps or speakers but what driving it to make it sound bad.

crap -> Big AMP -> LOUDER CRAP

[aveosummit]

Ok so since I am new to car audio I have a couple questions. As far as amps go would something like this:

NEW 1200 WATT 2-CHANNEL CAR AMP AUDIO AMPLIFIER +REMOTE - eBay (item 110593832679 end time Nov-01-10 14:44:09 PDT)
....

Avoid that amplifier it does not do rated power (specs don't match real world output)
Specs say:

• RMS Power Handling @ 4 Ohms: 175 watts x 2
• Bridged Power Handling @ 4 Ohms: 1200 watts x 1
• Fuse Rating : 15A x 2
• Amplifier Class : AB

Real world numbers
Average car voltage 12.5-13.1.
@ 12.5 you would see
12.5V x 30 A (amp fusing) = 375W
375W x 66% (high quality class AB amp efficiency-best case scenario) = 247.5W
247W / 2 channels = 123.75W max per channel at 4 ohms.
-------

Now on to system design. When you say you are missing bass you are actually missing midbass (freq response between 50hz and 250hz).

Step 1:
To fix that I would first suggest upgrading your front speakers to a 2-way 6.5" component set.

Step 2:
Then if you need more of the lower frequencies upgrade your head unit and amplify the front components.

Step 3:
If you still need more bass add a 12" subwoofer but feed it the same amount of power you are feeding your components and your system will sound amazing.


See the chart below for a picture reference of speaker response.

You do not have to follow my step program, just how I would suggest you deal with the opportunity for better sound.

Let me know your thoughts! Love to answer any questions you may have!

[petrified.rabbit]

^^ thats the person to ask right there.