Hello everyone,

my name is Eric and im new to the forums. Recently got my 04 TL for a dirt cheap price off a family member but unfortunately the sound system is crap (everyone knows that). There are a few things i would info on and im sorry if im being repetitive of posts but its been 3 days and i just have a headache. Here are a few things i would like to know:

1) When replacing speakers, should i get speakers with the same resistance (ohms)?

2) The factory radio does not go so loud....is there anyway to just increase output to make it louder aswell?

3) Since i want some good speaker like the infinity kappas, i know they are all treble so i will be going with a 10' JL v3 sub and an alpine 1000watt 4 channel amp. This is what i had in my s2000 but im wondering if this will work?

4)how can i just replace speakers and run cable from headunit to new amp and sub?

thanks

 

1) Depends. If you just want to replace the speakers and keep using the stock amp, you would want to use speakers that have the same ohm-load as the stock speakers. Since you're going with a separate amp....any ohm-load will do (most are 4ohm...but 2 will work if it works for your amp, etc)

2) Only way to increase volume is to increase power

3) I would much rather have the stock speakers rather than anything Infinity, but that's your choice. You can do much better...but that's my opinion (and will likely be everyone else's). I'm assuming by JL v3 you mean "w" 3...which is fine. What's your amp and model #??

4) It's a little more complicated than just running new wire, like in most cars or with an aftermarket head unit. Our TL's put out a "balanced" signal, which will create a lot of noise/hiss/static/etc when you use a different amp/speaker setup for the front and rear speakers. You have 3 options to get rid of this:

a. Audiocontrol Matrix ($50-100): this will act as a line driver and make our balanced signals unbalanced.

b. Have an amp that accepts a balanced signal

c. Processor (Rockford Fosgate 360/360.2, JBL MS-8, Audison bit.1, etc)

 

thanks for the quick response. Ive heard good things about kappas that why i said it. I use to, and still have, a set of alpine type s speakers which i actually liked alot. Any recommendations on a decently priced speaker setup?

not sure of amp model...will post when i get home

ive read up on the audiocontrol matrix and i think thats what im leaning more towards.


As far as connections go, how difficult is the process on installing a new amp and sub? sorry but ive never been the wisest with sound systems

 

If you like the type-s speakers and they are 6.5", then use those. They're your ears and your car after all said and done. If you wanted to get something nice, it all depends on what you want to spend. You'd need to factor in an amp and a line driver/loc or processor also if your amp didn't process our balanced signal. The AC Matrix will work fine and is the cheapest route usually.

As far as connections, not too hard...but it's different for me than you obviously. If you don't feel comfortable then just have a shop install the amp kit and run the wires to the trunk. Everything else is pretty simple stuff like color coding wires and crimping/etc them together, then hooking it all up.


What's your budget for speakers, amp and sub? Then take about $100 out of that for the AC matrix....post that #

 

sorry to revive this but i never responded back. I am going to start from scratch. i need everything now and am looking for opinions on what to get whilst not having to customize for fitment too much. Budget is $850 not including AC matrix.
been searching forever but never been big on car audio the more info, the better.

thanks again

 

Blow as much of your budget on the front components as you can if you're interested in SQ. No sub or amp has made as big of a difference as good components. I chose a set that I can drive with 3-400w on the midbass if needed and retain excellent SQ but it cost a bit. I used to never buy used but lately there are some very good deals on high end equipment over on DIYMA. I got my second JL HD amp for $300 that retails for nearly $1,000.

One thing that seems to drive the price up is speakers that sound good with tons of power. You can get something that sounds good fairly cheap as long as you keep the volume at a reasonable level.