[summos]

Sir, audio is always subjective topic. The audio output we hear have lots of components involved right from the source file to the end components, that is the transducers which reproduce the audio and let us listen it. And each and every component of this chain is equally important for quality audio output.

Upgrading a car audio system can be a complex and costly process. It's important to do proper research before investing in upgrades to ensure that you are getting the best possible results. First, it's important to look at the current components, such as speakers, amplifier, and head unit, and determining if they fit your audio goal or they are the bottlenecks and you wish to upgrade any such components. The goal should be such that each component of the final chain is designed to excel in the role it is designed for and you get a proper taste of the music you like. Remember any particular component you install may not be the best, but it should excel in it's part otherwise that particular component may dilute the overall experience. But there comes the catch of budget and if you have a set budget in your mind then it is better to set the priorities first and explore accordingly. And from my experience the first and foremost priority should be given to the installation process. How good you may have speakers or amplifiers etc but at the end you may end up getting unsatisfactory results if your installer doesn't perform his job perfectly. Also good damping should be preferred for good end result along with better cables.

For upgrades, first it is to be considered if an active setup or passive setup you are looking at. And accordingly everything can be planned. A better head unit which can handle hi res audio is a great convenience, but there's ways to bypass the head unit completely as well and cleaner files can be fed to the system. You can consider adding a sound processor in addition to the speaker, sub and amp upgrades. Sound processors can be used for advanced features like time alignment, crossover, EQ adjustments etc to better match the acoustics of the car, and to improve the overall sound quality.
Also it is better to check component compatibility before going for purchases for avoiding any hassles during installation.

Finally, the most important thing is to enjoy your music. Upgrade your car audio system to suit your preferences, and as mentioned before by fellow bhpians if possible take auditions and try different components and go for the ones that suit your preference. Remeber audio is always subjective, some may prefer bright signature and the someone else may find the same signature as harsh to his ears. So do an in depth research and select your components carefully.

[Safari_Beast]

Here are installation pictures from yesterday, installed JL audio 6 inch subwoofer in stock location. We got two custom MDF rings made and subwoofer was fitted. Panel and body where subwoofer is fitted was damped with vibromax damping.

Installation, DSP was tuned by Amandeep Singh Gujral ( old Teambhp audio geeks). Insta link - https://instagram.com/retuneaudio?igshid=OGQ2MjdiOTE=

Link to the audio output of my Safari
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cnw4B...d=OGQ2MjdiOTE=

[parik_ind]

Thank you all for your suggestions and inputs. I am considering all of the options. I will do this in stages and see at which point I am happy with the set up. Unfortunately, changing the head unit is out of the question, but the other options are definitely viable.

Since I have been very caught up over the last few weeks and the next 2-3 weeks also seem busy, I will mostly look at something definitive only after mid-March. However, I am already trying a few things:

1. I have switched to playing music via AUX through an old Galaxy S10 phone. I use a Shanling UA Pro dongle along with the phone. Unfortunately, this highlights some of the issues further
2. I have been streaming lossless off Apple Music for a while but now have also started playing FLAC files off PowerAmp.

The next thing on the list is damping. But I am sure if I get the opportunity to upgrade the speakers and sub while opening up the door pads then I will get that done too.

I normally go to Throttle in Bangalore for my audio needs but I am not sure if extensive changes are up their alley. I have a trip to Chennai coming up so I might check out speedfreaks.

Again, thank you all for your inputs.

[jojodhar]

Hi! Usually the stock music set up for these range of vehicles are not of the highest quality even though the manufacturers market as JBL/ Bosch Sony - 8 speaker, 10 speaker , 3d sound set up.

Looking at your predicament, the thing to do is to take it slow and take things one at a time till the chime from the set up satisfies your soul.

A decent good quality set up that for every day listening pleasure can cost anything between 1.5L and beyond..and usually it segregated in the following steps which tend to improve the sound in the vehicle..

01. Damping - Atleast damp the 5 doors in two layers..one lining the door metal sheet on the inside and the other over the metal frame.

Then feel the sound for a few days.

02. Change Replace the front pair of speakers with a good pair of components - you can go with JL Audio / Morel / kicker/Audison etc- The range starts from 13-15 K for a pair upto a Lakh ..depends on your budget - between 13 -20K , you will get a much much better sound quality than stock speakers and the quality is very very good indeed..

Again feel the sound for a few days..

03. Next you can do the same thing for rear speakers.
So, by now you should get a lot of clarity in sound, and be loving it..using the low end from your existing sub..

04. If you still think something amiss, now would be the time to change to a decent sub which would cost anything between 30k upwards..again refer to the brand of speakers mentioned above..they either come with prefabricated boxes or a good installer may customise for you.
And together you will also have to change your existing amps...ideal set up shud have a minimum of one 4 channel + 1 mono amp for the sub..both the amp together from a reputed brand should set you back by atleast 50-60K..

05. This set up shud now drive you crazy, before the last upgrade that needs to be done..your stock head unit only does give an output of 2V max..since these are integrated units, the best is to keep them and add a DSP..at the low end but a very good one would set you back by around 30k..there are other that run upwards to 70k, 1L and beyond.

06. Now this is an ideal real world set up for anyone who loves to daily drive and feel the music with a lot of clarity, good mid pitch and just enough punch to make the heart beat..This sound you could compare with a head phone in the bracket of 20-30k as an analogy..

Most important part:
All the above requires a master installer who understands sound and suggests you the right product as per your need..
So identify one in your city..an installer who is passionate about sound..

02. Good brands, and equipment is the cherry on top, to have great sound you need a good back bone with high quality cables and insulation..and tuning...a slight mistake and wrong tuning can make it sound horrible with a lot of noise..

03. Since your car is a new one, see to it no original wire is cut..and only coupler fitment is done so that it doesn't infringe with your warranty and also doesn't pose any hazardous scenario with respect to safety..

[drjanakpatel]

Hi all,

Has anyone tried upgrading the headunit in safari XZA? Mine gets hanged every now and then. I don't have any problem with the sound output, just the headunit upgrade. What are the aftermarket options available? Can other functions of the car work with the new head unit, like AC settings or screen colour selection?

Thanks in advance.

[condor]

Originally Posted by drjanakpatel

Mine gets hanged every now and then. I don't have any problem with the sound output, just the headunit upgrade. .

Have you checked if any software updates are pending / required ?

[drjanakpatel]

Originally Posted by condor

Have you checked if any software updates are pending / required ?

Software was updated during the last service which was around 4 months back.