Car Audio Advice from the Audio Gurus: Use "Search thread" before posting a new Q!

swift_guy · 26th February 2016, 09:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by venom_op

What amp suggestions do you guys have? Do i have to spend over 10k on an amp or do basic JBL/Pioneer/Sony amps do the job? Mind you, once i get enough dough, i will be adding either db or Dxi coaxials for the rear as well, so what would be your recommendations?

Yes 10k should get you a decent 4 channel amp. JBL/Pio/Sony will do the job and you can consider Blaupunkt also. A close friend is using Blaupunkt 470SF (costed 5-6k I think) and is satisfied with the VFM proposition. Look for amps at least in the 65-75w RMS range and that would take care of your future needs as well.

JBL GXA644SI (~5.5k) is also a good buy for someone on a budget. Also check out JBL GTO series amps like 804 (and maybe 1004 also

) which will cost you around 9-10k.

vsrivatsa · 26th February 2016, 21:56

I have a 2014 Honda City (iDTEC) I am looking at the following Car AV units from Pioneer:
AVH-X2890BT: https://pioneer-india.in/product/avh-x2890bt/
AVH-X289BT: https://pioneer-india.in/product/avh-289bt/

Any feedback/comments about these would be helpful. Any recommendations on where to buy and get it fitted in Bangalore?

greenhorn · 7th March 2016, 13:40

What causes motorboating in amplifiers?
I was playing around with the gain settings in my Kenwood amp, and when I went beyond a particular level, the sub started making a wub-wub-wub-wub sort of noise when stopped when i was playing music, but came back when i stopped it.

Turning the gain down on the amp stopped it, but was wondering where it could have come from

navin · 7th March 2016, 16:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenhorn

What causes motorboating in amplifiers?
I was playing around with the gain settings in my Kenwood amp, and when I went beyond a particular level, the sub started making a wub-wub-wub-wub sort of noise when stopped when i was playing music, but came back when i stopped it.

Turning the gain down on the amp stopped it, but was wondering where it could have come from

As you turn the gain up there is enough amplification to force the amp into oscillation. When you play music the auto-gain-control probably kicks in. In any case this might mean the amp's filter caps have gone south. I would have the amp looked at.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasitic_oscillation

lovetorque · 11th March 2016, 21:36

Hey guys, my first post here. Need your advises for my S-Cross 1.6 Alpha ICE upgrade.
I've already upgraded both of my front and rear speakers to Morel Maximo 6.5" components. Rear sound is also equally important so the choice of components there as well. SQ has improved a lot, now the stage 2 and stage 3 plans are just ON.
Stage2: Adding a 4 channel amp for powering all 4 comps. Budgeted 12k+/- 2k. Need to have some suggestions here. Most of the installers are having their own suggestions and auditions are not available for most.
Stage3: Adding a subwoofer. I would like to stick to single 10" of 12" as boot space is to be conserved for my long trips. Should I go for active sub options (eg: Blapunkt XLB 300) or mono amp + sub in sealed box? Budgeted around 15k. I'm looking at punchy bass than too much of boom, hence the idea of sealed box came in.
HU upgrade is not in near horizon. The touch screen system seems to be fine, though not having may controls or functions.

pawanarya · 11th March 2016, 22:42

You are on the right track..... Go with a 4 channel amp, something that has the option to power the sub. 12k budget sounds iffy, but look around for a sub that gives you the option to bridge the output and settle for one.

pawanarya · 11th March 2016, 22:45

I mean the #amp... A 4 channel amp... Been there done that. HU replacement is always the best option to start with, but then it's always "conditional"

lovetorque · 12th March 2016, 17:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawanarya

I mean the #amp... A 4 channel amp... Been there done that. HU replacement is always the best option to start with, but then it's always "conditional"

I would like to go for 4 channel for the speakers and dedicated mono amp for sub or a powered sub.
Selection of 4 ch amp has become a real pain taking stuff, due to the choices. Budget can be stretched a bit, if the benefits are that much.

thepilot · 12th March 2016, 18:11

Hello all
I'm looking for an HU upgrade for my 2004 Baleno vxi which is still running on stock setup (Kenwood cassette player + OE speakers)
Can anyone suggest a good SQ oriented HU with 3 preouts? Bluetooth capabilities would be preferred. Budget is <10k.

On the other hand, I'm looking at a set of Polk DB6501 components. How good are these? Can a basic/single din HU provide sufficient power to drive them (plus a set of coaxials at the rear) ? Or is an amplifier required?
Prices online at snapdeal and paytm are ~6.5k wheras Amazon.in shows 14k. I enquired locally but could get any quotes. What would be the correct price?

HighwayofLife · 12th March 2016, 19:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by thepilot

Hello all
I'm looking for an HU upgrade for my 2004 Baleno vxi which is still running on stock setup (Kenwood cassette player + OE speakers)
Can anyone suggest a good SQ oriented HU with 3 preouts? Bluetooth capabilities would be preferred. Budget is <10k.

On the other hand, I'm looking at a set of Polk DB6501 components. How good are these? Can a basic/single din HU provide sufficient power to drive them (plus a set of coaxials at the rear) ? Or is an amplifier required?
Prices online at snapdeal and paytm are ~6.5k wheras Amazon.in shows 14k. I enquired locally but could get any quotes. What would be the correct price?

Even a decent Single DIN HU with bluetooth costs more than 10K, and almost all good double DIN HUs with bluetooth are way beyond that. You need to reconsider your budget.

Instead of Polk, I would suggest you consider Morel or Hertz, as they're not as bright, and sound better. These and a pair of coax speakers can be powered without an amp. However, an amp will definitely give a more punchy output

pawanarya · 12th March 2016, 23:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovetorque

I would like to go for 4 channel for the speakers and dedicated mono amp for sub or a powered sub.
Selection of 4 ch amp has become a real pain taking stuff, due to the choices. Budget can be stretched a bit, if the benefits are that much.

Running on a budget is a tricky game for a neat setup, and with the stock HU the gains won't be pronounced. My humble suggestion would be to go for a 4 channel amp for now + Get a sub and power it from the amp and let the rears run on the HU. That is, if the budget stretch can accommodate the amp + wiring + setup + cost of sub. Remember you MAY need the hi-lo converter if the stock HU doesn't come with Pre-outs.

If you plan to change the HU later, most after market HUs can drive the speakers with ease. You can plan stage 3 for HU upgrade and #4 for the mono.

As I said "been there done that" I did it in 2 stages some 6 years ago... All speakers + sub + 4 channel amp, sounded satisfactory with the Blaupunkt OEM HU. Upgraded the HU after 6 months and it was wow! The car is my wife's ride and she still swears by the sound system.

Remember... Sound is like taste... What tastes amazing to you might not appeal to others. It's not what the experts say but what your EARS say

and the wallet allows.

Good luck with your hunt buddy.

trinity0114 · 16th March 2016, 20:16

Hello everyone

I have a pair of Blaupunkt CX 130 5.25 inch Components installed in the front doors of my Palio. I want to swap them with the OEM installed speakers in the rear doors of my Verna. Now as far as I know the rear speakers of the Verna are co-axials & there is no slot for the tweeters to fit into. Would there be any problems in getting the components installed in the Verna's rear doors? What is the best option as far as the tweeters are concerned. Advice is welcome

Regards

greenhorn · 16th March 2016, 20:22

since there is no proper place, you'll have to install it on the door pad or the B pillar. Ideally some place near ear level, but not so high that they will be firing into your driver/co passengers ears. So they'll need to be aimed carefully.

also, are the verna slots 5.25 inch? usually most cars are 6.5" with the palio and the indica being among the few exceptions

anycatd · 16th March 2016, 22:29

I've booked a Vitara Brezza ZDi which comes with non-touch HU. Need recommendations for an upgrade.

Requirements:

Retaining of steering mounted controls.
Mirror link or similar feature to use phone navigation on unit.
Near audiophile quality of sound within budget.
Rear cam compatible.

Budget: 30k

Which are the interfaces that can be used for Maruti to retain steering controls. Has anyone got steering phone controls to work as well? What exactly does programming an interface mean?

Rear Camera brand too I'm unable to find out. Any decent brands for that?

gearbox · 23rd March 2016, 17:51

Hello All,

I have a Sony Head Unit, no sub, no amplifier, running 4 door speakers.

Recently I observed the front speakers cut off and with the car running into holes, or on speed breakers, when the car moves/jerks, the front speakers either cut off or come on if they were off.

Not sure if I am explaining this right, I am now unable to remove the head unit, i suspect there's some loose connection or maybe the wiring/circuit for the front speakers is grounding due to some movement of wires inside.

would appreciate any tips/ideas on this please.

26th February 2016, 21:56	#13127
vsrivatsa Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,621 Thanked: 4,001 Times	Re: Car Audio Advice from the Audio Gurus: Use "Search thread" before posting a new Q! I have a 2014 Honda City (iDTEC) I am looking at the following Car AV units from Pioneer: AVH-X2890BT: https://pioneer-india.in/product/avh-x2890bt/ AVH-X289BT: https://pioneer-india.in/product/avh-289bt/ Any feedback/comments about these would be helpful. Any recommendations on where to buy and get it fitted in Bangalore?
	() Thanks

7th March 2016, 13:40	#13128
greenhorn Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: KL-01 Posts: 7,745 Thanked: 4,401 Times View My Garage	Re: Car Audio Advice from the Audio Gurus: Use "Search thread" before posting a new Q! What causes motorboating in amplifiers? I was playing around with the gain settings in my Kenwood amp, and when I went beyond a particular level, the sub started making a wub-wub-wub-wub sort of noise when stopped when i was playing music, but came back when i stopped it. Turning the gain down on the amp stopped it, but was wondering where it could have come from
	() Thanks

11th March 2016, 21:36	#13130
lovetorque BHPian Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: BLR, TRV, DMM Posts: 125 Thanked: 132 Times View My Garage	Re: Car Audio Advice from the Audio Gurus: Use "Search thread" before posting a new Q! Hey guys, my first post here. Need your advises for my S-Cross 1.6 Alpha ICE upgrade. I've already upgraded both of my front and rear speakers to Morel Maximo 6.5" components. Rear sound is also equally important so the choice of components there as well. SQ has improved a lot, now the stage 2 and stage 3 plans are just ON. Stage2: Adding a 4 channel amp for powering all 4 comps. Budgeted 12k+/- 2k. Need to have some suggestions here. Most of the installers are having their own suggestions and auditions are not available for most. Stage3: Adding a subwoofer. I would like to stick to single 10" of 12" as boot space is to be conserved for my long trips. Should I go for active sub options (eg: Blapunkt XLB 300) or mono amp + sub in sealed box? Budgeted around 15k. I'm looking at punchy bass than too much of boom, hence the idea of sealed box came in. HU upgrade is not in near horizon. The touch screen system seems to be fine, though not having may controls or functions.
	() Thanks

11th March 2016, 22:42	#13131
pawanarya BHPian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 57 Thanked: 139 Times	You are on the right track..... Go with a 4 channel amp, something that has the option to power the sub. 12k budget sounds iffy, but look around for a sub that gives you the option to bridge the output and settle for one.
	(1) Thanks

11th March 2016, 22:45	#13132
pawanarya BHPian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 57 Thanked: 139 Times	I mean the #amp... A 4 channel amp... Been there done that. HU replacement is always the best option to start with, but then it's always "conditional"
	(1) Thanks

12th March 2016, 18:11	#13134
thepilot BHPian Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Baroda, Gujarat Posts: 63 Thanked: 15 Times	Hello all I'm looking for an HU upgrade for my 2004 Baleno vxi which is still running on stock setup (Kenwood cassette player + OE speakers) Can anyone suggest a good SQ oriented HU with 3 preouts? Bluetooth capabilities would be preferred. Budget is <10k. On the other hand, I'm looking at a set of Polk DB6501 components. How good are these? Can a basic/single din HU provide sufficient power to drive them (plus a set of coaxials at the rear) ? Or is an amplifier required? Prices online at snapdeal and paytm are ~6.5k wheras Amazon.in shows 14k. I enquired locally but could get any quotes. What would be the correct price?
	() Thanks

16th March 2016, 20:16	#13137
trinity0114 BHPian Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Ludhiana Posts: 132 Thanked: 338 Times	Re: Car Audio Advice from the Audio Gurus: Use "Search thread" before posting a new Q! Hello everyone I have a pair of Blaupunkt CX 130 5.25 inch Components installed in the front doors of my Palio. I want to swap them with the OEM installed speakers in the rear doors of my Verna. Now as far as I know the rear speakers of the Verna are co-axials & there is no slot for the tweeters to fit into. Would there be any problems in getting the components installed in the Verna's rear doors? What is the best option as far as the tweeters are concerned. Advice is welcome Regards
	() Thanks

16th March 2016, 20:22	#13138
greenhorn Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: KL-01 Posts: 7,745 Thanked: 4,401 Times View My Garage	Re: Car Audio Advice from the Audio Gurus: Use "Search thread" before posting a new Q! since there is no proper place, you'll have to install it on the door pad or the B pillar. Ideally some place near ear level, but not so high that they will be firing into your driver/co passengers ears. So they'll need to be aimed carefully. also, are the verna slots 5.25 inch? usually most cars are 6.5" with the palio and the indica being among the few exceptions
	() Thanks

16th March 2016, 22:29	#13139
anycatd BHPian Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Ponda,Goa Posts: 307 Thanked: 151 Times	Re: Car Audio Advice from the Audio Gurus: Use "Search thread" before posting a new Q! I've booked a Vitara Brezza ZDi which comes with non-touch HU. Need recommendations for an upgrade. Requirements: Retaining of steering mounted controls. Mirror link or similar feature to use phone navigation on unit. Near audiophile quality of sound within budget. Rear cam compatible. Budget: 30k Which are the interfaces that can be used for Maruti to retain steering controls. Has anyone got steering phone controls to work as well? What exactly does programming an interface mean? Rear Camera brand too I'm unable to find out. Any decent brands for that?
	() Thanks

23rd March 2016, 17:51	#13140
gearbox BHPian Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Bangalore Posts: 185 Thanked: 119 Times	Front Speakers Cutting Off - Swift Hello All, I have a Sony Head Unit, no sub, no amplifier, running 4 door speakers. Recently I observed the front speakers cut off and with the car running into holes, or on speed breakers, when the car moves/jerks, the front speakers either cut off or come on if they were off. Not sure if I am explaining this right, I am now unable to remove the head unit, i suspect there's some loose connection or maybe the wiring/circuit for the front speakers is grounding due to some movement of wires inside. would appreciate any tips/ideas on this please.
	() Thanks