Added sub/amp to stock head unit, lackluster results.

[Jack Soulfire]

Let me preface by saying I know an aftermarket head unit is definitely the way to go when doing this. I was trying to avoid replacing my head unit in fear of having my car broken into for the 10000th time. Unfortunately it looks like this isn't going to work and I'll need to get an aftermarket deck so I can ditch the line level converter setup and do it the "right way."

I just installed an MRD-M605 (400w rms) amp and 12" alpine 1242 Type-R sub to my solara today and am having a really tough time getting a decent sound mix going on with my other speakers.

Does anyone have any advice for tuning my system for the time being until I can replace the head unit next month? I'm waiting to buy an alpine unit that doesn't come out for a few more weeks.

Also, an important question I have: When I put in my new head unit I will probably also replace my 6x9's.... does anyone think I should need to also install a 4 channel amp to power my components or could I get away with not doing that just yet. I'm trying not to drop toooooooo much cash just yet because I'm trying to get an engagement ring this month, hehe.


Thanks VERY MUCH in advance for any advice. It's been over 10 years since I've purchased car audio and I'm just getting back into the swing.

[lilm]

dunno how deep the gen 2s controls go......but you could put in a inline filter

[Jack Soulfire]

I'm really having a problem in where I want to set the crossover now to give me the best results for all types of music (rock, electronic, etc). When I start going up towards 80hz it gets extremely boomy.

Maybe I'm screwed with this temporary setup given the lack of control with the head unit. I was just hoping there was something I'm not thinking of to get it sounding somewhat listenable.

[crispone]

Hey, I'm working on MY setup with an attempt to use the stock HU as well... you can follow my experiences on my thread... I'm curious if I'll have the same "lackluster" results. I'm waiting for an Alpine IVA-205... how about YOU?


-crisp

[Jack Soulfire]

I'm interested in the IVA-X001 made for the iPod. I might check the web for users thoughts right after it comes out first though to see if the deck does what it promises with good results.

Glad to see I'm not the only Solaraguy that lives in Ohio.

[CosmicGrooves]

I would try turning the bass almost all the way down on your head unit. I found this gives a better overall sound. The bass is too... mushy or muffled when turned up even to mid. I would think the crossover and woofers would make up for the missing bass.

[Jack Soulfire]

I would try turning the bass almost all the way down on your head unit. I found this gives a better overall sound. The bass is too... mushy or muffled when turned up even to mid. I would think the crossover and woofers would make up for the missing bass.

Haven't tried that route yet.... will in the morning.

[PXLpainter]

I would try turning the bass almost all the way down on your head unit. I found this gives a better overall sound. The bass is too... mushy or muffled when turned up even to mid. I would think the crossover and woofers would make up for the missing bass.

Even with stock speaker and the JBL setup I find this to be true for almost all CDs and the iPod - only crank up the bass when I'm listening to FM - otherwise I turn it down. I can only image that an additional amp and "good" speakers will need a LOT less pumping out to them!

[Jack Soulfire]

I don't know why I didn't think of it yesterday but today I adjusted the fade on the factory deck almost all the way to the front which has really helped getting things sounding better. Now the front components are much louder (or the flipside the level on the subwoofer is brought down) and now the bass isn't booming over top of the mids & highs nearly as much. It's working since the subwoofer is tapped off the rear 6x9's via the line level converter.

It's still not sounding as good as if I had the control of an aftermarket unit, but hopefully this will tide me over till I have it replaced next month. It's at least listenable.

Now if only I could get rid of the damn rattling of the rear deck.

[rojamay]

If you can get the rattle out, let me know how. It's driving me nuts.

[Biggi_e]

for the rear rattling. this is what i did. if you notice my 3rd brake light was the rattling piece of stuff so if you open up your trunk, look inside your trunk. you will see a hole for the 3rd brake light bulb. i just stuffed mine with thick foam pads and i have noooooo more rattling anymore!

[Jack Soulfire]

for the rear rattling. this is what i did. if you notice my 3rd brake light was the rattling piece of stuff so if you open up your trunk, look inside your trunk. you will see a hole for the 3rd brake light bulb. i just stuffed mine with thick foam pads and i have noooooo more rattling anymore!

I'll give it a try and report results hopefully later today. Now to find what to use for "Foam Padding".

[Down2TheC]

Even with stock speaker and the JBL setup I find this to be true for almost all CDs and the iPod - only crank up the bass when I'm listening to FM - otherwise I turn it down. I can only image that an additional amp and "good" speakers will need a LOT less pumping out to them!

Don't forget we have a completely different setup in the back. 8" sub... oooooh. Plus the top down "boost" mode that seems to blare the bass even more. fuzz fuzz. Sounds fine to me until I hear a real system. Then it sucks.

[PXLpainter]

^^ No kidding...

I am looking into getting all Polk Audio components. They even have a replacement 8" sub which has its own mono power amp. When I'm done you won't be able to see a visible difference from the outside, but you'll def. be able to HEAR a difference!

And no - not interested in competition and I don't listen to c-c-c-rap - so I don't need 12's and 5000 watts in my ride either!!

[Jack Soulfire]

for the rear rattling. this is what i did. if you notice my 3rd brake light was the rattling piece of stuff so if you open up your trunk, look inside your trunk. you will see a hole for the 3rd brake light bulb. i just stuffed mine with thick foam pads and i have noooooo more rattling anymore!

Any idea on what to use for this? I want to try it out but am at a loss for what to use for "foam padding".