Steve A

Chiark
Have read your comments re upgrading of factory system and you seem to suggesting head unit and front speaker replacement especially to Focals.
Having been to a couple of specialist car audio dealers today both have been surprised with the quality of the standard head unit on the STi8 and the front speakers are fine...was even surprised that I had tweeters fitted in the door as I thought that was an extra.
Anyway the suggested route forward is to go the subwoofer route with another amp. The sub woofers suggested were 2 x 10inch Rokfords or 12 inch Macaudio
Would be interested in your views
Steve

David_Wallis

I like rockfords, but I dont believe you can just choose between 2x 10's or 1x 12

Consider...

Box type
Amplification
Space considerations (see 1)
Music type listened to..

My personal choice would be 2x 12's in a sealed box.. running 1kw rms into them

But I like Dance Music and I like my bass..

However I would consider listening to one decent 10 and one decent 12 both in a sealed box with an amp running it bridged..

If you dont have an amp, buy a decent four channel and run two channels bridged for the sub and the other two for the fronts..

You could need a x-over or an amp with a built in x-over.. you could then use coils and caps on the back speakers and run these from the head unit as rear fill.

David

Steve A

Dave
Thanks for your response...maybe I didnt make myself to clear.
I Dealer suggested Rockfords one of which was a 2 x 10 inch woofer box.
He was also offering an Rockford amp + 1 12inch speaker for £299 + labour
The other dealer who did seem more knowledgeable was suggesting a 12 inch MacAudio in a box + an amp and that was coming out at £350 all fitted.

I listen to Rock such as Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Placebo, Audioslave etc etc

Steve

chiark

The STI 8 has the same ICE setup as the WRX. It sounds fine for about 10 minutes, then starts to grate, IMHO. I did initially think it OK, but it is really annoying me now.

The head unit is pretty poor. The options are good, but the sound it produces is not really up to much.

I'm currently running around with a replacement head unit and OEM speakers, and that's a big improvement, so I would suggest that the head unit goes.

Tweeters are fitted as standard in the MY03s, both STI and WRX. It helps, but the woofers are still as bad as they always were. I'd lose 'em, and mine are going as soon as I finish the last little bits on the bathroom as I'm allowed to play then

For my money, I'd replace the head unit and front speakers first before doing anything. At least if you want to add something in the future you're starting from something good.

also, subs have a great effect even if you don't spend a huge amount of money. THey'll augment the sounds that you already have before adding one, so IMHO get the everyday stuff sorted out and then add the sub after a decent listen.

So, in summary:
- Fix the head unit.
- Fix the front speakers
- Add either active sub or passive sub and amp.

If you get a decent-ish head unit with a couple of "pre-outs" (rca connectors for amps) you'll probably find that the head unit has the crossovers that you need built in. Check for System E+ on Kenwood units, and similar stuff on other brands.

Do you have a budget in mind? If you're thinking of 500 quid, then you could replace the head unit, front speakers and have it all fitted professionally, or add a basic sub if you want to DIY...

Cheers
Nick.

scoobymantyper

Dont touch MacAudio its crap. Rockford would be the way forward but at £299 for an amp 12"sub fitted is quite cheap so that is probably bottom of the range stuff. If you need the bass tight and fast go for the 10". Go for a mid range 10"Rockford run of a properly powered amp you wont be dissapointed.

Steve A

Thanks for your replies so far.
Not having gone down this route before I do think it strange that so far none of the dealers have offered or indeed when i suggested have taken me up on the idea that whatever I am looking for then it should be tested in my car to start with.
I get the impression that I am expected to shell out say £400 on a bit of kit and they will install it...am i being unreasonable in thinking that various components should be tried in the car then I can choose what I want?
So far the demonstrations have been in the dealers showroom which clearly is totally different accoustically from a car + the glass panes on the window displays all vibrated with the bass.....or sat in the dealers car which had a totally different set up to what I am thinking...ie 2 x 15 inch sub woofers in the boot.

So is my expectation level too high?

chiark

Steve,

In an ideal world, dealers would do that. If you find one that does it - stick with 'em!

Nick.