[lucksin]

Originally Posted by sunnsood

Hi folks a quick question? Not sure if this has been discussed in a separate forum.

I am confused between having a separate dsp 6-8 channel nakamichi dsp plus zapco 4 amplifier setup vs a single box covering dsp and amplifier like 8 channel dsp with 4 channel amplifier.

First setup costs around 30k which second around 25k.
Also, first setup has more wiring setup but second one has simple one device setup.
Please suggest which is ideal in long term basis

It's always better to go separate ways. You can always change/upgrade the amp later or, for that matter, upgrade a DSP. A combo of these has its own internal limitations as well.

Plus 8 Channel Nakamichi DSP(14k) + infinity 2804(class AB)(8k) cost around 22k. This will give far better flexibility if you want to go active at later stage,

[manishalive]

Hello Guys,

I recently purchased XUV 3XO AX7L which comes with Harmon Kardon 7 speaker system and amplifier. I feel that even tough it is great speaker setup the inherent deficiencies of the of the infotainment system makes this unpleasant to listen.

I do understand that it is a new system and should wait for it to break in. In my earlier car I was using the Kenwood KDC 996 BT along with Infinity speaker setup, this had tons of tuning options and an inbuilt DSP. The overall effect was excellent and I really liked it. I have kept the Head unit.

Now for the 3XO I want to have similar experience, and I have an idea to plug in the Kenwood unit as a standalone DSP in between the audio output from infotainment and the amplifier. Will this be a good idea? or is their any other way out? or I should just wait for the system to break in?

[arnprasad]

HI all,

My Ertiga Zxi is ten years old now. I am replacing the tyres with Maruti recommended Goodyear TM 2 185/65R. I rarely drive the car...less than 30K kms in 10 years.

I am ok with the speakers of my car - but since replacing speakers is not a big expense, just thought I will go ahead and do the needful.

I am not sure what the headunit of the Gen 1 maruti is. I dont want to replace it. So will replacing the stock speakers with any of the below result in appreciable improvement in audio quality? I dont want to buy subwoofers, amps..etc. Just the speakers. Also please confirm if these will fit the Ertiga. Also any particular recommendation assuming I dont want to spend more than 10K.

https://www.flipkart.com/jbl-2-way-c...01696164879175

https://www.amazon.in/Sony-XS-FB162E...017HSSHS4&th=1

https://www.amazon.in/Blaupunkt-BGX-...tronics&sr=1-2

https://www.amazon.in/Pioneer-TS-F16.../dp/B0081SRIFS

[Sbk__Audiophile]

Originally Posted by arnprasad

HI all,

My Ertiga Zxi is ten years old now. I am replacing the tyres with Maruti recommended Goodyear TM 2 185/65R. I rarely drive the car...less than 30K kms in 10 years.

I am ok with the speakers of my car - but since replacing speakers is not a big expense, just thought I will go ahead and do the needful.

I am not sure what the headunit of the Gen 1 maruti is. I dont want to replace it. So will replacing the stock speakers with any of the below result in appreciable improvement in audio quality? I dont want to buy subwoofers, amps..etc. Just the speakers. Also please confirm if these will fit the Ertiga. Also any particular recommendation assuming I dont want to spend more than 10K.

https://www.flipkart.com/jbl-2-way-c...01696164879175

https://www.amazon.in/Sony-XS-FB162E...017HSSHS4&th=1

https://www.amazon.in/Blaupunkt-BGX-...tronics&sr=1-2

https://www.amazon.in/Pioneer-TS-F16.../dp/B0081SRIFS

Id say go with Ousail F165.2 speakers. They work great without amplifiers.
2nd recommendation is Steg Leo 650c

If you want very bright notes, go with JL Audio C1. They are bit bright to my liking.

As a proper recommendation, Id suggest adding damping.

Please note installing pioneer 6650BT will greatly improve sound quality.

[civic-dk]

In my i20, while I have put in an amplifier and replaced both the front and rear speakers as well as added jbl 8 inch sub with a septate 2 channel amp, I am still not happy with the sound quality and find it a bit harsh and boomy. The list of equipment is as under:

1. Hyundai i20 Elite Asta 2019, Factory Head Unit
2. Hi-Lo converter to connect to amp
3. Alpine 4 channel amp BBX-F1200
4. Front - Focal Access 165as / 2-way Component Speakers
5. Rear - Focal Access 165A / 2-Way Coaxial Speakers
6. Blaupunkt 2 channel Amp connected to jbl 8 inch sub

I am now thinking of going with one of the below 3 options to improve the SQ:

1. Add Zapco HB 46 Adsp as a DSP keeping everything else as is
2. Replace Alpine 4 channel amp with Zapco HB 46 ADSP using it both as a DSP as well as an amplifier
3. Replace head unit with Pioneer 6650BT keeping everything else as is

I am confused on which way to go. I anticipate a total expense of ~ 20 k with Zapco route while Pioneer 6650BT will make me poorer by ~ 30k.

I want to be sure that the option I chose will give me desirable SQ improvements, before I decide one way or other.

Will sincerely request for valuable inputs from the experts.

[ais]

Originally Posted by civic-dk

3. Replace head unit with Pioneer 6650BT keeping everything else as is

I am confused on which way to go. I anticipate a total expense of ~ 20 k with Zapco route while Pioneer 6650BT will make me poorer by ~ 30k.

Kenwood headunits give better SQ for the same money IMO.

Use good speaker cables too- they make a big difference.

Proper RTA is a must.

[Sbk__Audiophile]

Originally Posted by ais

Kenwood headunits give better SQ for the same money IMO.

Use good speaker cables too- they make a big difference.

Proper RTA is a must.

Dear Ais,

Hes running a passive setup. RTA on passive setup?
Morover hes looking at 9 inch I suppose.

[Sbk__Audiophile]

Originally Posted by civic-dk

In my i20, while I have put in an amplifier and replaced both the front and rear speakers as well as added jbl 8 inch sub with a septate 2 channel amp, I am still not happy with the sound quality and find it a bit harsh and boomy. The list of equipment is as under:

1. Hyundai i20 Elite Asta 2019, Factory Head Unit
2. Hi-Lo converter to connect to amp
3. Alpine 4 channel amp BBX-F1200
4. Front - Focal Access 165as / 2-way Component Speakers
5. Rear - Focal Access 165A / 2-Way Coaxial Speakers
6. Blaupunkt 2 channel Amp connected to jbl 8 inch sub

I am now thinking of going with one of the below 3 options to improve the SQ:

1. Add Zapco HB 46 Adsp as a DSP keeping everything else as is
2. Replace Alpine 4 channel amp with Zapco HB 46 ADSP using it both as a DSP as well as an amplifier
3. Replace head unit with Pioneer 6650BT keeping everything else as is

I am confused on which way to go. I anticipate a total expense of ~ 20 k with Zapco route while Pioneer 6650BT will make me poorer by ~ 30k.

I want to be sure that the option I chose will give me desirable SQ improvements, before I decide one way or other.

Will sincerely request for valuable inputs from the experts.

Pioneer 6650BT eyes closed. Don't go for anything else or the DSP route.
Adding a DSP will never substitute a good headunit.

The Focals are usually a bit harsh. Unless the converter is of good quality there are chances the output is boomy. Need to check the RCA quality also.
Wait until the burn in period. For the time being put in the headunit, remove the converter and ensure the RCAs are good.

The headunit is universal so it will retain value and also suit in other cars. So apart from initial investment that'll make you the least poorer.

Cheers

[civic-dk]

Originally Posted by Sbk__Audiophile

Pioneer 6650BT eyes closed. Don't go for anything else or the DSP route.
Adding a DSP will never substitute a good headunit.

The Focals are usually a bit harsh. Unless the converter is of good quality there are chances the output is boomy. Need to check the RCA quality also.
Wait until the burn in period. For the time being put in the headunit, remove the converter and ensure the RCAs are good.

The headunit is universal so it will retain value and also suit in other cars. So apart from initial investment that'll make you the least poorer.

Cheers

Thanks Sbk. Will keep it in mind once I am ready to take the plunge.

[ais]

Originally Posted by Sbk__Audiophile

Dear Ais,

Hes running a passive setup. RTA on passive setup?
Morover hes looking at 9 inch I suppose.

Hi! Passive setup can aslo be RTA'd. Size of speaker won't matter.

You're right- running in the speakers and cables is important before RTAing. Until then, play around with the Time Alignment.

[Mak@87]

In recent years I have felt that the quality of sound systems being fit in the entry level luxury cars [Q3, GLA, X1, XC40] are quite sub-par.

For example, my current gen Q3 [Technology] comes with a factory-fit 180W, 10 Speaker set-up. Going by specs, and the Audi name, at first glance all seems in order. However, in real world usage, it lacks a certain oomph factor [sorry, I'm not audiophile and don't know the correct terminology] that was present in its predecessors. Sure, they had the BOSE logo imprinted on them, but they were also half the price.

Anyone else have a similar experience?

Also, if I plan to upgrade the sound system, what are my options [no budget restraints]?

Lastly, does an upgrade like this void the car's warranty?

[Sbk__Audiophile]

Originally Posted by Mak@87

In recent years I have felt that the quality of sound systems being fit in the entry level luxury cars [Q3, GLA, X1, XC40] are quite sub-par.

For example, my current gen Q3 [Technology] comes with a factory-fit 180W, 10 Speaker set-up. Going by specs, and the Audi name, at first glance all seems in order. However, in real world usage, it lacks a certain oomph factor [sorry, I'm not audiophile and don't know the correct terminology] that was present in its predecessors. Sure, they had the BOSE logo imprinted on them, but they were also half the price.

Anyone else have a similar experience?

Also, if I plan to upgrade the sound system, what are my options [no budget restraints]?

Lastly, does an upgrade like this void the car's warranty?

Dear Mak,
Recently sat in a GLC43 AMG and that felt having a below avg setup. Can be upgraded without cutting warranty. Thats not an issue.

I think the setup is front 3 way and rear component. 180W for 10 speakers is just too low.

[civic-dk]

Originally Posted by civic-dk

Thanks Sbk. Will keep it in mind once I am ready to take the plunge.

As I couldn't get Pioneer 6650bt installed over the last weekend, thought of getting the underbody costing done in my i20. To my surprise, the sound output which earlier sounded harsh has now become quite well rounded and pleasant. Looks like the underbody coating has led to a damping effect which has helped the SQ.

I will give it some more time before I decide whether to switchover to Pioneer 6650bt or not.

[Sbk__Audiophile]

Originally Posted by civic-dk

As I couldn't get Pioneer 6650bt installed over the last weekend, thought of getting the underbody costing done in my i20. To my surprise, the sound output which earlier sounded harsh has now become quite well rounded and pleasant. Looks like the underbody coating has led to a damping effect which has helped the SQ.

I will give it some more time before I decide whether to switchover to Pioneer 6650bt or not.

Dear may I ask if the doors are damped? Or is it just the equipments installed without damping?

[civic-dk]

Originally Posted by Sbk__Audiophile

Dear may I ask if the doors are damped? Or is it just the equipments installed without damping?

Yes, all the four doors were already damped with 2 layers.