Ba Xt - Music Sounds Flat

[JWM]

Hey guys, my mate just bought a BA XT falcon.. it came with the low series stereo system.

The sound is very flat, no bass or trebble..

The back left speaker is not working, replaced the speaker with another working speaker temporarily to test it and no sound came from that either... so maybe the stereo is shagged? is it common for these units to break?

Went into Newcastle Pro Sound today and they said it would be best to install a new head unit, and the factory speakers don't sound too bad but upgrade the 5 x 7's if you wanted a more crisp sound.

They also said the speakers don't sound that great only because the factory head unit gives them 10 - 20 watts... and also that these low level stereo's are cheap and usually break.

Now what I am wondering is, should I install a new head unit in my mates car or install the RCA out puts or install the RCA outputs and the higher level stereo system?

The sound is very flat and doesn't sound nice at all, so I'm wondering if a 4 channel amp + some new front speakers might help get some quality + top end? and a subwoofer maybe for some bottom end?

Does the factory unit have bass / treble controls?

If not, does the high end unit have these controls?

Does the high end unit play MP3's or DVD's?

So I'm just wondering what other people with the low series units have done to get better sound quality..

[XtRmn8]

The reason why you rear does not work could be because of the sound optimisition these decks have where you can turn off speakers. If you press the menu button and cycle through you will see all the setup options in there.

It all depends how much you want to spend. Cheap option would be to get a Jaycar Response 4 or 5ch amp that has speaker level inputs so no need for RCA pre outs. You can then run what ever speaker config you want.

I have a ute and went for a 4ch amp with speaker level inputs. Running some Digital Designs 6.5" splits up the front and boxed 6x9's in the back. Feeding them about 75wrms each and it keeps me happy. Sedans had the boot space so easy to install subs etc.

Does the factory unit have bass / treble controls?

If not, does the high end unit have these controls?

Does the high end unit play MP3's or DVD's?

Yes all have Bass/Treble. No the high end does not play MP3's.

Edited 03/10/09 09:06 AM by XtRmn8

[JWM]

Sweet, I have no problems with wiring in the line level out puts so I'll probably save some money and just buy a few meters of wire + some RCA sockets.

I keep hearing that the line out put converters let through engine noise, but I had an idea today.. I can't see any way of engine noise going through except maybe its caused when the line out put converters are installed too far away from the head deck? and if you installed them with less wire (short as possible, 20cm or so from the head unit to the converters) and maybe even some coax if they need to be put further away they might sound better with less / no interference?

Unless the head unit itself lets engine noise through?

The adjustable bass / trebble should help with the flat sound.. if that's not good enough then some separate tweeters or some 2 or 3 way 5 x 7 replacements should probably do the trick.

I'll have a look through the menu tomorrow, I didn't even realize it had one lol.

I'm thinking of getting a jaycar amp, either a 4 x 50watts RMS or a 4 x 100watts RMS.. not sure yet, cos we might end up leaving the speakers so 4 x 50watts RMS might do the trick but I'm not sure if they'll keep up with a 12" fusion power plant subwoofer rated at 500watts RMS... I'm thinking they wont?

What are the standard speakers like, are they 2 ways or not?

Edited 03/10/09 10:10 AM by JWM

[XtRmn8]

What are the standard speakers like, are they 2 ways or not?

2 way paper cones. If I was you I would replace the speakers first with something decent before stuffing around with amps.