Radio/Stereo: - Stereo upgrades on an 850R?

JezF · Oct 29th, 2009, 21:10

Hi,

I've changed the original premium head unit for an Alpine Ipod unit, but would like to improve the sound, it actually doesn't sound as good as the original unit with the cd changer - don't know if this is an equalisation thing?

I'm currently running the existing power amp with an adapter.

I'd appreciate any advice, I don't really want to spend huge amounts, but would welcome an improvement as I enjoy music in the car and do around 20,000 miles a year.

Thanks

Jez

ovlov25 · Oct 30th, 2009, 12:24

Sounds like it needs a little tuning. I stuck a high end Alpine in mine (car didn't have the premium system though) and it sounds great.

I might have suggested that one of more speakers was out of phase (wired arse about face) but as it's all plug and play I can't imagine thats the case.

bigV · Oct 30th, 2009, 12:54

Hi, I had this same issue with mine recently...... changed the head unit for a Sony MP3/USB head and the sound quality wasn't as I had hoped..... my best description would be 'tinny', not enough base and too fuzzy.... if that makes sense?

I replaced my rear (parcel shelf) speakers with pulse 6x9 3 way's... £60..... replaced the front door speakers as well £40 ish... think they are 4''. I left the rear passenger speakers as standard..... To be honest it did improve the clarity of sound but still wasn't 100%. I had a 10" subwoofer with amp fitted (edge ED610 Active I think) and this seems to have really done the job. Cost me £150 fitted at a local car audio shop.
Much to my annoyance I found out yesterday halfords offer the same subwoofer for only £79.99, and after seeing how easy it was to fit I could have done it myself and saved a bundle.

The quick point I am trying to make in a very long winded fashion is this: Basically to get the best out of your much uprated head unit you are going to want to fork out another £200 to £300 (with fitting) on decent speakers. - The standard ones are by no means bad, but they will be 10+ years old by now.

btw: I don't consider myself a chav and I was a bit concerned about having a chav accessory (subwoofer), but set up properly it doesn't have to rattle and shake the whole car and scare little old ladies on the pavement.

Oct 29th, 2009, 21:10	#1
JezF Senior Member Last Online: Nov 1st, 2012 19:19 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Horsham	Stereo upgrades on an 850R? Hi, I've changed the original premium head unit for an Alpine Ipod unit, but would like to improve the sound, it actually doesn't sound as good as the original unit with the cd changer - don't know if this is an equalisation thing? I'm currently running the existing power amp with an adapter. I'd appreciate any advice, I don't really want to spend huge amounts, but would welcome an improvement as I enjoy music in the car and do around 20,000 miles a year. Thanks Jez __________________ Skoda Octavia VRS + Lotus Elise S1

Oct 30th, 2009, 12:24	#2
ovlov25 Premier Member Last Online: Aug 1st, 2022 23:02 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Antrim	Sounds like it needs a little tuning. I stuck a high end Alpine in mine (car didn't have the premium system though) and it sounds great. I might have suggested that one of more speakers was out of phase (wired arse about face) but as it's all plug and play I can't imagine thats the case. __________________ I want I want I want!!!

Oct 30th, 2009, 12:54	#3
bigV Member Last Online: Apr 3rd, 2016 20:16 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Coventry View Photos By: bigV	Hi, I had this same issue with mine recently...... changed the head unit for a Sony MP3/USB head and the sound quality wasn't as I had hoped..... my best description would be 'tinny', not enough base and too fuzzy.... if that makes sense? I replaced my rear (parcel shelf) speakers with pulse 6x9 3 way's... £60..... replaced the front door speakers as well £40 ish... think they are 4''. I left the rear passenger speakers as standard..... To be honest it did improve the clarity of sound but still wasn't 100%. I had a 10" subwoofer with amp fitted (edge ED610 Active I think) and this seems to have really done the job. Cost me £150 fitted at a local car audio shop. Much to my annoyance I found out yesterday halfords offer the same subwoofer for only £79.99, and after seeing how easy it was to fit I could have done it myself and saved a bundle. The quick point I am trying to make in a very long winded fashion is this: Basically to get the best out of your much uprated head unit you are going to want to fork out another £200 to £300 (with fitting) on decent speakers. - The standard ones are by no means bad, but they will be 10+ years old by now. btw: I don't consider myself a chav and I was a bit concerned about having a chav accessory (subwoofer), but set up properly it doesn't have to rattle and shake the whole car and scare little old ladies on the pavement. __________________ 1994 T5 Auto. MTE remap, TME cat-back, Strut Brace, HID's, 302mm brakes. Last edited by bigV; Oct 30th, 2009 at 12:57.

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