Audio Upgrade

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Old Jul 30, 2011 | 10:47 PM
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Audio Upgrade

First thing first.. I know nothing about speakers. I've search through numerous threads trying to make a decision on what to upgrade to but seem to be getting more confused as i read about it.

I'm not trying to spend that much money on audio, just want something that sound better than the oem speakers. I've typically ran Alpine Type-R speakers all around, but it seems as ppl on here are not too fond of them...

What do you all recommend?
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Old Jul 30, 2011 | 11:35 PM
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well it really depends on how much you want to spend and what exactly you are looking for.

The stock system REALLY lacks on any mid-bass, the rest is fairly decent for an OEM system.

If you want to stick with the stock amplifier and not spend much, you can use some infinity speakers and simply drop them in. They will work well with the factory amplifier since they are 2ohm speakers (stock system is 2ohm, most aftermarket is 4 ohm and thus the signal will only be 1/2 as powerful).

They provide much better mid-bass than the stock speakers do (so I've heard) and as well drop in.

If you want to go a bit more involved, you can get an aftermarket amplifier and hook it up to some aftermarket speakers. This can a bit expensive depending on what speakers you decide to go with and as well the amplifer.

Last but not least is to go all out and add an audio processor such as the JBL MS8, 3.Sixty.2,etc. then an aftermarket amplifier, then aftermarket speakers.
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Old Jul 31, 2011 | 06:36 AM
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are there any aftermarket amps that are pnp replacements for the oem amp or is there any conversion harness?
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Old Jul 31, 2011 | 08:36 AM
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Unless you'll be installing yourself, the audio shop will likely use an LOC (line-out convertor) if you use an aftermarket amp. They are cheap and easy. Why don't you post up your budget and what you want out of your system..then we can help ya.

Ex. Do you want just speakers? Or add a sub later? What do you listen to? What stuff have you heard before and did you find it harsh to listen to or do you like bright/harsh/loud sounding speakers?

I tried to put this in lehmans terms for ya, hopefully it makes sense.
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Old Jul 31, 2011 | 12:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Trunk Monkey
Unless you'll be installing yourself, the audio shop will likely use an LOC (line-out convertor) if you use an aftermarket amp. They are cheap and easy. Why don't you post up your budget and what you want out of your system..then we can help ya.

Ex. Do you want just speakers? Or add a sub later? What do you listen to? What stuff have you heard before and did you find it harsh to listen to or do you like bright/harsh/loud sounding speakers?

I tried to put this in lehmans terms for ya, hopefully it makes sense.
lehmans or laymans
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Old Jul 31, 2011 | 01:57 PM
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I just finished my non-navi to navi conversion yesterday and since I already have the rear deck apart, might as well upgrade at least the rear deck speakers and the door speakers now.. I wanted to go with some JL subs in the future.

As of now, im just looking to buy some comps for the front and rear deck speakers.. The type of music is listen to is Hip-Hop, R&B, and Punk Rock. I left that hood ish when I was younger so Im not looking for that loud and annoying base.
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Old Jul 31, 2011 | 01:58 PM
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Output isn't a concern at all?
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Old Jul 31, 2011 | 02:06 PM
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Ehh..iPhone quicktyping
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Old Jul 31, 2011 | 09:50 PM
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Originally Posted by sk8board{Pete}
are there any aftermarket amps that are pnp replacements for the oem amp or is there any conversion harness?
Not that I've seen, but the wires are shockingly easy to get to.
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Old Aug 2, 2011 | 04:31 PM
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everybody i spek to says JL Audio sucks...
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Old Aug 2, 2011 | 04:39 PM
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Originally Posted by sk8board{Pete}
everybody i spek to says JL Audio sucks...
Lol. Funny post


JL doesn't suck. They are a mainstream brand and many will dislike that fact. They make good products, though they can be more expensive than other 'online only' type companies. They make a few VERY nice subwoofers and amps. The components are a bit overrated in my opinion. That's the facts. Good company but can be expensive. You "MIGHT" be able to find something of close or equal quality for cheaper...just depends. They have proven themselves though, and that's all you can ask for.
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Old Aug 2, 2011 | 04:49 PM
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they say JL sucks because people cant afford them but there are better brands out there rather than JL

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Old Aug 2, 2011 | 04:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Trunk Monkey
Lol. Funny post


JL doesn't suck. They are a mainstream brand and many will dislike that fact. They make good products, though they can be more expensive than other 'online only' type companies. They make a few VERY nice subwoofers and amps. The components are a bit overrated in my opinion. That's the facts. Good company but can be expensive. You "MIGHT" be able to find something of close or equal quality for cheaper...just depends. They have proven themselves though, and that's all you can ask for.
thats what I thought.. I never had problems with my jl subs.. never had experience with there comps. But more than one installer told me, "Stay away for JL Audio. They are for rich white boys that don't know sxxx about audio. They are over priced"

I was like (o_0)
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Old Aug 2, 2011 | 04:52 PM
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i was looking into the c5 650 when they told me that the suck
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Old Aug 2, 2011 | 04:53 PM
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Originally Posted by sk8board{Pete}
thats what I thought.. I never had problems with my jl subs.. never had experience with there comps. But more than one installer told me, "Stay away for JL Audio. They are for rich white boys that don't know sxxx about audio. They are over priced"

I was like (o_0)
Sounds like he's pissed he can't afford them lol. If 2 systems sounded identical and one cost $500 and the other cost $5,000...they still sound amazing. Yes, the price is different..but unless the owner is bitter about it then who cares. The product either delivers or it doesn't...simple as that.
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Old Aug 2, 2011 | 05:24 PM
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OP should still say what his budget is.

I have all JL in my TL, and i am not dissapointed with it at all. ZR's in the front, C5's in the rears, W6 sub, clean sweep, HD amps. Yes, i did spent quite a bit, but i have had zero issues with any of it in one year. I cant say that about any other brand ive had when doing a whole setup with their product.
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Old Aug 2, 2011 | 05:40 PM
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why did u buy a cleansweep?

The signal is flat on all channels. Talk about a waste of money, lol.
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Old Aug 2, 2011 | 05:49 PM
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Originally Posted by jesseray
OP should still say what his budget is.

I have all JL in my TL, and i am not dissapointed with it at all. ZR's in the front, C5's in the rears, W6 sub, clean sweep, HD amps. Yes, i did spent quite a bit, but i have had zero issues with any of it in one year. I cant say that about any other brand ive had when doing a whole setup with their product.
Nice. But I'd sell that CleanSweep b/c, like eggy said, its not needed. Use that money on gas or something lol
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