[sidharth_supra]

Also DSP tuning can be done self or need to go to specialist?

[sidharth_supra]

Hi All,

I recently purchased a Toyota Urban Cruiser Premium Mt. However the sound quality of the system leads lot to be desired. The sheer vibrations of the speaker makes me lower the volume. I have recently got the damping done for all 4 doors, which has helped a tiny little bit. But i am planning to overhaul the music quality of my Vehicle.

After numerous research have purchased few items for the same.

1. Jl Audio C2-650 Components speakers (both for front and back )- Rs 17,500 each pair
2. Sony Xm-GS4 amplifier to power the speakers - Rs 9000( Flipkart)


I have few doubts, which i hope that esteemed members will clear.
Is the Jl Audio C2-650 a good pair of components. I haven't found many samples on youtube to hear the same. My requirements is Clarity and Mid bass. To power the same I found a good deal on Flipkart for the Sony xm-gs4 amplifier. Is it a good enough amplifier to take load of the components?

Also looking for a good quality wiring kit and what will be the ideal Gauge wiring for the same. Also have shortlisted the Rockford Fosgate Rf HLC4 line converter. How is the response for the same. Also Dsp is necessary at this stage or should i get it later. Rockford Fosgate DSR1 as a DSP.

So many questions to ask ?? Please guide

[a4anurag]

First of all, Congratulations on the Urban Cruiser. If I can ask, what is the budget you have kept aside for this upgrade?

Originally Posted by sidharth_supra

Is the Jl Audio C2-650 a good pair of components? I haven't found many samples on Youtube to hear the same. My requirements are Clarity and Midbass.

My suggestion is to get a JL Audio C2-650 components for the front and C2-650x coaxial for the rear. Not sure why components are needed for both front and rear.

Originally Posted by sidharth_supra

To power the same I found a good deal on Flipkart for the Sony XM-gs4 amplifier. Is it a good enough amplifier to take a load of the components?

If budget permits look at Pioneer GM-D8704 or Zapco ST-4x SQ or JL Audio JX400/4 amplifier or get the Sony XM-N1004.

Originally Posted by sidharth_supra

Also looking for a good quality wiring kit and what will be the ideal Gauge wiring for the same.

Get a 4awg OFC Amplifier wiring kit from Blaupunkt India - LINK and 16ga OFC Speaker wiring - LINK.

Originally Posted by sidharth_supra

Also have shortlisted the Rockford Fosgate Rf HLC4 line converter. How is the response for the same?

I think the OEM HU doesn't have RCA output. If yes search for amplifiers that support high-level input (i.e. speaker level) so the need for a Hi-Lo converter won't arise.

Originally Posted by sidharth_supra

Also Dsp is necessary at this stage or should I get it later. Rockford Fosgate DSR1 as a DSP.

A DSP is good to have but will suggest you have a listen to the sound quality after the speaker + amplifier upgrade and then if required you can go for the DSP at a later stage.

[Dr.Naren]

Current setup in my S-Cross:

Stock HU
Gladen RS 165 G2 components
Gladen Alpha 165 Coaxials
Gladen M10 Subwoofer
Pioneer GM-A6704 4 channel Amplifier
Vibromax Damping sheets

I drive alone most of the times and rear speakers are not powered by AMP. I am being told that stock HU is the major limitation in my current setup. I don't mind changing the HU. My confusion is aftermarket HU vs DSP or get both . If the stock HU is not really letting me exploit the full potential of Gladen speakers and any upgrade would make a significant difference..I am ready to spend further.

[a4anurag]

Originally Posted by Dr.Naren

My confusion is aftermarket HU vs DSP or gets both. If the stock HU is not letting me exploit the full potential of Gladen speakers and any upgrade would make a significant difference.

Yes, getting an aftermarket HU will do good to the overall SQ.

Option 1: Get a Kenwood HU (~35K) + standalone DSP like Dayton Audio DSP 408 ($150).

Option 2: Retain the OEM HU and get a standalone DSP like miniDSP 6x8 which can be integrated with the existing amplifier.

Option 3: Retain the OEM HU, get a new amplifier that has an inbuilt DSP so you can do the processing as required like a Gladen ONE 130.4 DSP (won't be cheap but) or Zapco ST-4x DSP.

[somspaple]

Originally Posted by Dr.Naren

Current setup in my S-Cross:

Stock HU
Gladen RS 165 G2 components
Gladen Alpha 165 Coaxials
Gladen M10 Subwoofer
Pioneer GM-A6704 4 channel Amplifier
Vibromax Damping sheets

I drive alone most of the times and rear speakers are not powered by AMP. I am being told that stock HU is the major limitation in my current setup. I don't mind changing the HU. My confusion is aftermarket HU vs DSP or get both . If the stock HU is not really letting me exploit the full potential of Gladen speakers and any upgrade would make a significant difference..I am ready to spend further.

In my experience, processor can't really completely undo the mess that stock HU creates. It'll remain a compromise.

If you are not planning to run active set-up , you can skip processor for now. Get Kenwood or JVC [budget version of Kenwood]. Anyway when you decide to upgrade, you can always add a powerful processor, better speaker drivers etc.

[Dr.Naren]

Originally Posted by a4anurag

Yes, getting an aftermarket HU will do good to the overall SQ.

Thanks Anurag

Missed out a point in my previous post. I am happy with the current setup till volume level of 20. Above that the quality reduces. I hardly listen at that volume anyway. Would HU upgrade further enhance SQ at low volume levels ?

Originally Posted by somspaple

In my experience, processor can't really completely undo the mess that stock HU creates. It'll remain a compromise.

If you are not planning to run active set-up , you can skip processor for now. Get Kenwood or JVC [budget version of Kenwood]. Anyway when you decide to upgrade, you can always add a powerful processor, better speaker drivers etc.

Thank you!!

I would be mostly upgrading the HU first and then decide

[a4anurag]

Originally Posted by Dr.Naren

Missed out a point in my previous post. I am happy with the current setup till volume level of 20. Above that the quality reduces. I hardly listen at that volume anyway. Would HU upgrade further enhance SQ at low volume levels?

Get a proper aftermarket HU, not those Chinese ones/HU's running on Android.

Try and search for Kenwood DDX-9018SM HU, will work well as the first part of the upgrade. It has an inbuilt DSP also where you can set the crossovers, Time Alignment, levels etc.

Even after the HU upgrade you aren't happy then get a standalone DSP.

EDIT:

Originally Posted by somspaple

In my experience, the processor can't completely undo the mess that stock HU creates. It'll remain a compromise.

Depends on the processor (read as DSP) used. Some of them have input analyser that will read what input signal is coming into the DSP and accordingly the user can modify before sending it into processing mode for sending it out to the amplifiers.

[somspaple]

Originally Posted by a4anurag

EDIT:



Depends on the processor (read as DSP) used. Some of them have input analyser that will read what input signal is coming into the DSP and accordingly the user can modify before sending it into processing mode for sending it out to the amplifiers.

A lot depends on the user and rest of the chain - I for one not happy with stock HU performance even after couple of hour long tuning session [from Piyush - he opined the same] . IMO a processor after stock HU is still a compromise even if you can set the frequency response all straight in tuning. Factory HUs are highly tuned for the specific car and driver combo. By the way my processor is a budget Dayton Audio 8 channel one with just 10 band parametric options per channel. Probably an advanced DSP might help but still a compromise [GIcGO : c=cleaned].

[shetkarisujit]

Hi all,

I am starting a new thread with the purpose of using my old amp - Philips DAP 525 with my new car - Ertiga 2019. I currently have stock speakers and would like to know what specifications should be considered for pairing the 4 door speakers I am planning to buy with the amplifier.
My criteria is to get the best combination of the speakers and amplifier.
My budget to buy the 4 door speakers + installation is Max of Rs.8000 to Rs.9000.

Kindly help.

[suhas_raj]

Hello All.. I recently upgraded the audio set up on my 2014 Skoda Rapid with the following:

- Focal auditor rse-165 components for front
- Infinity coaxials for rear
- JBL Sub woofer
- Pioneer 4 Ch amp

I opted to retain the original RCD 320 HU to upgrade at a later time. This set up has made a world of difference compared to the stock one, surprisingly the stock HU is performing better than I anticipated. But I miss the apple car play feature for maps, music and a touchscreen could improve the experience hopefully. Some of the aftermarket HU options I’m considering with a limited budget of around 15-20k:

- Blaupunkt New York 750
- Sony AX 3000 / AX 5000
- Pioneer Z5290BT

My priorities are improving sound output further than the stock RCD 320 HU (if it can be done?), capacitative touch screen interface with apple car play at the least if not both apple car play & android auto, ability to add a rear view camera is an added benefit with these new HU’s too!

Some reviews on the internet say the Sony HU has issues with firmware & apple car play is a hit or a miss. Can someone please share your experience if have the Sony HU?

The blaupunkt one is available for a good deal on Flipkart currently & comes with wireless apple car play. Although the feedback from installers/shop owners is that the sound output may not be as good as a Pioneer/Sony. I find it baseless & probably perception driven only. Any inputs on this?

I have always had Pioneer HU’s on my earlier cars but that was much prior to the touchscreen era.. the ones I am looking at Z5290BT is a resistive screen & also more expensive than the other 2.

Did not opt for damping as the rapid’s solid doors seemed good enough, would adding this improve the output further?

I would really appreciate some inputs & suggestions please! Thanks

[DHARM]

Hi,

I recently purchased Blaupunkt New York 750 from Flipkart for Rs.11,730/-, it came with free reverse view camera. I installed it few days ago in Toyota Etios. After replacing the stock HU we could see a substantial change in out put. since Etios came with only front speakers, also installed Rockford Fosgate speakers at the back. Connection to Android Auto function is via mobile charger cable only, I used it couple of times and it works well. google assist is working fine via oral commands. I used Google Pixel phone which worked well with Android auto. Reverse Camera is also good. I am not aware about Pioneer or Sony so cant do compare. As advised by many in this forum I registered for the 2 year warrenty and got it accepted by Blaupunkt which is an additional advantage

[motorworks]

So finally managed to upgrade my HU! I have a 2018 Creta SX 1.6 diesel, and since this model was the one before the facelift, Hyundai provided the car only with a 5inch HU which had the basic touchscreen Bluetooth system. Its not a bad HU at all, but the fact is that I have had to use my mobile phone on a holder all along. So I started contemplating on changing the HU, but I was also wary of the after market look that any external HU has. In fact I scouted extensively for the OEM HU which comes on the higher variants, but did not have any luck.

Special word of appreciation for our very own audio expert, Teambhpian A4Anurag, who connected with me and explained all possibilities on upgrades.

My needs were simple, I had to get rid of the phone holder, needed a HU with Apple CarPlay, and that was it. Im no audiophile, so wasnt looking for anything significant.

After reviewing all options around, it became clear that all 7inch HUs will have the black frame plastic visible and there was no way around to avoid this. So i had sort of made up my mind to buy either the Sony AX5500 or the AX7000. However, this one Pioneer HU, 8290BT caught my eye. It was 8inches, and it also came with a Creta specific frame. But I could not get to see the frame in person anywhere and whatever images I did see were not assuring. Finally I reached out to Konark accessories in Bangalore and they seemed to have fitted some of these and they even had a you tube video of this. It did not look so bad in the video after all. My only fear was that the frame seemed to have a glossy finish in some pictures and in some videos it was the regular Matt finish. And also the price was very high. This HU and frame combo costs close to 60k, and the best offer I had was around 48k.

Anyway, I took the risk of ordering the frame, it reached Bangalore earlier on Monday this week and when I got the pictures I was relieved to see that it was the regular Matt finish! So finally I installed the HU at this store called Drift, Whitefield, since they were closer to my house. Final price was 47k, for sure I never had this kind of figure in mind and was looking at more like 25k, but after the installation I felt it was worth it. It does not have the OEM look for sure, however it looks good and the screen being big means that there is no black plastic visible anywhere. In fact it looks really good in person rather than in pictures.

[viXit]

Originally Posted by motorworks

Anyway, I took the risk of ordering the frame, it reached Bangalore earlier on Monday this week and when I got the pictures I was relieved to see that it was the regular Matt finish! So finally I installed the HU at this store called Drift, Whitefield, since they were closer to my house.

It's a good thing that you did not upgrade to a head unit from higher models. The Hyundai OEM head unit with CarPlay and Android Auto seem to be terrible going by the experience of a4anurag. Congratulations on the upgrade. Please post more pictures in the day time so we can see the fit and finish better.

An audio upgrade must be soon and on the cards to complement this killer HU.
Congratulations once again! Lot of people regret doing upgrades because they couldn't find a good installer or equipment and hate the whole aftermarket audio scene for it. I'm glad you're happy with it!

Originally Posted by suhas_raj

with a limited budget of around 15-20k:

- Blaupunkt New York 750
- Sony AX 3000 / AX 5000
- Pioneer Z5290BT

Some reviews on the internet say the Sony HU has issues with firmware & apple car play is a hit or a miss. Can someone please share your experience if have the Sony HU?

The USP of some of the head units like the AX-5000 is the high power output from the head unit, but that's not needed for you since you have a separate amplifier. You can go with the other options in such a case.

The blaupunkt one is available for a good deal on Flipkart currently & comes with wireless apple car play. Although the feedback from installers/shop owners is that the sound output may not be as good as a Pioneer/Sony. I find it baseless & probably perception driven only. Any inputs on this?

Wireless carplay audio quality is not as good as wired. Don't sacrifice quality for comfort.

Did not opt for damping as the rapid’s solid doors seemed good enough, would adding this improve the output further?

Yes, damping is indeed the upgrade that gives you most improvement. the returns will be lesser since your car is a well built skoda, but definitely a good improvement if damped well.



How are you running everything on only 4 channels? is the head unit running the rear speakers?

Congrats on the upgrade!

As the law of diminishing returns follows, the first few bucks you spend on your speakers amp etc will give you the most returns in terms of audio quality. As you are experiencing now.
Changing the head unit will definitely improve sound quality. It also opens A PLETHORA of tuning options like crossovers, EQ, time alignment, individual speaker volume control, Presets and open up more ways of connecting to the car for better quality audio. But in your case it will improve your output since you can now use low level input instead of high level like you are now. But the existing once doesn't seem to have that bad quality, so the quality might not be THAT evident. But when you tune it to your tastes you'll love it.


Have you looked at the rcds displays with android auto and apple carplay? they will go better with the look of the car since they are designed for the VW/SKODA family interiors. Mod Gannu_1 and many others have succesfully retrofitted them in their VAG cars.

But the more expensive aftermarket headunits will definitely give you much better performance like faster boot up times, extremely snappy and quick user interface, ability to connect more sources, few more tuning options and overall quality..

Links

• Mod Gannu_1's retrofit https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/car-e...tallation.html (VW Polo DIY: Delphi RCD 510 headunit + 9W7 Bluetooth unit installation)
• 
  Review of sony ax7000 (Review: Sony XAV-AX7000 Head Unit) The software experience will remain more or less the same across the line, only speed might differ.
• You can see how the Blaupunkt New York 750 will look in your car here, since the polo and rapid have similar interiors
  Link to install (VW Polo GT TSi ICE'd - JBL Stadium and Blaupunkt New York 750)

[motorworks]

Originally Posted by viXit

It's a good thing that you did not upgrade to a head unit from higher models. The Hyundai OEM head unit with CarPlay and Android Auto seem to be terrible going by the experience of a4anurag. Congratulations on the upgrade. Please post more pictures in the day time so we can see the fit and finish better.

Sharing some more pictures of this installation. The frame fits quite well and it does not have the projected look that I thought it would have.