52 replies to this topic

[Hammy of hamhouse]

I know this has been covered before , but some of the recommended bits are no longer available and I'm not sure which way to jump. I've the model with the 4 speaker setup , with little speakers in the front of the sills, but the sound quality is rubbish ! I'm looking for a direct replacement pair of rear speaker with a bit more "weight". I don't want to add a sub etc, or cut the dash top, but what do people recommend for a reasonably priced straight swap? Thx

[turbobob]

You are right. This has been covered many times. The vx is sh*t for decent sound. Get a decent set of 6 1/2 inch speakers for the rear. For me that is job done. But if you have front speakers there are plenty who recommend fitting decent front speakers too. I haven't done this myself as I don't see the need. But given the size of the front they are either next to or in the front pockets and will be tweeters. Or others have changed the left and right vents into something like 4 inch speakers. Also replace the shite standard blaupunkt head unit if you still have it Lastly there are people who have fitted an active slimline sub. Something that fits behind or number the seat. Again not for me, but there are others who have.

[ghand]

I have the standard size and a set of 6x9 s next to them, sod quality I like to feel the music, can't turn it full it hurts my ears but I am getting old.

[wantsum]

Fit 100mm speakers in front vents job done

[jameso]

Stand alone sub is best mod you can make to a vx audio wise.

[P11 COV]

I'm not a boom box chav (I'm over 50!) but I have put a small powered sub behind the seat. It is the best improvement on any quality stereo in the VX. It doesn't matter what speakers you put in the back,  due to what they are mounted in and the noise of the VX above 40mph anything will be useless. You need something to beef up the bottom end and only a sub will do that. A subtle powered sub will not turn the car into a boom box but will just make it sound like a stereo in a average decent car.

 

As for the fronts, they are just tweeters and add a little top end. Not particularly noticeable but do make a difference. changing these is pretty pointless too,

 

Fitting a powered sub it pretty easy too, no one will see it and I don't find it compromises space. I can  still get the soft top behind there.

 

This is like mine - Kenwood. Bit old now but there are plenty like it out there.

 

 

[H1 HWK]

Hey Hammy,

 

Like wise, powered sub behind the drivers seat on the parcel shelf yeilds a bigger improvement than upgrading the std rear speakers, but they should be done as well. It still wont be great, but will allow you to have some reasonable sound with the top off at speeds above 50mph. I picked up an old pioneer sub from ebay a while ago. Most manufacturer's do one or two models and they aren't that common, but keep an eye out.

 

Don't spend too  much, as you'll never get fantastic audio in a VX.

[turbobob]

The standard speakers are the worst thing to exist in this universe. The are fcuking woeful. The sound of me having a sh*t sounds  better than standard speakers. 

Really for the sake of £50 it's the first thing to change. Closely followed by the equally sh*t head unit. 

[phil.d]

Hi, as said above I fitted speakers in the front screen vents, and this gave a massive improvement for not a lot of hassle or outlay

[fezzasus]

I've been using my VX as a daily driver for the last three years. The following have helped to varying degrees.

 

1. Fitting MDF/plywoof rings behind the rear speakers. This increases bass a little and reduces rattles. (cost approx. fox £10)

 

2. Fitting front speakers into the outer dash vents. This increases vocal clarity as the sound is reflected off the windscreen at ear height. Having speakers mounted lower down in the sill pockets does not generate this clarity. (cost approx £40)

 

3. Fitting an Alpine imprint unit. This uses a laptop and a microphone to calibrate the delay, output and frequency range to the car. Definition and clarity were improved significantly. cost approx. £150 (only works with alpine head units) 

 

4. Fitting a subwoofer. This increases bass which competes with wind noise and engine noise, it fills in sound where it's missing the most in the car conditions. Am producing enclosures in the GB section. Price approx £150-300 depending what you go with.

[turbobob]

Don't tell me you still have standard speakers fitted? 

[Bumblebee]

Lol I still have std stereo and speakers

[scw02102]

Its not so much the speakers its the fact their is no bass, and this is due to the speakers mounting points

 

I changed my standard 4 speakers for decent expensive Alpine as they are known for good quality

Yes they have much better clarity and go a bit louder but there is still no bass and overall not exactly pleased

 

You will need a sub of some kind to make any real difference or build pods

 

Edited by scw02102, 23 November 2013 - 06:51 PM.

[fezzasus]

Its not so much the speakers its the fact their is no bass, and this is due to the speakers mounting points

 

I changed my standard 4 speakers for decent expensive Alpine as they are known for good quality

Yes they have much better clarity and go a bit louder but there is still no bass and overall not exactly pleased

 

You will need a sub of some kind to make any real difference or build pods

 

 

And that's why this is happening: http://www.vx220.org...sure/?p=1627212

[Harry Hornet]

The Bachelors and Vera Lynne, with Dusty Springfield when I am feeling funky seem fine on mine.....no need for any bass or upgrade....H

[coldel]

I replaced the rears with focal 165s absolutely perfect for a non amplified (well via the head unit) two speaker system.

[jameso]

The reason the bass distorts is not because the speakers are sh*t. If I turn the sub off in my car even with quite expensive focals there is still very little bass.... 17cm 2 or 3 ways are just not designed to produced the amount and width of bass required in the vx to overcome the other noises. That's why we have sub woofers... They are designed to produce bigger and wider low freq sounds. It's why audiophiles who spend 20k on a pair of speakers still buy a separate sub woofer. If 20ks worth of cabinet and 17-20cm speakers aren't up to the job a 60 quid pair of alpines isn't gonna be either lol. Like P1 COV says, the best value for money upgrade to a vx in terms of sound system is 90-100 quid on a stand alone sub. Do the rear speakers after.

[jonnyboy]

Totally baffles me why anyone tries to run a stereo in these cars. You can spend £100s to get at best a half decent sound overlaid with road noise and engine noise or just get some £25 Sennheiser push in headphones that both cancel road noise and give superb sound quality full of bass. Also double up as a very effective handsfree phone system. 

[jameso]

Personally I don't think wearing headphones is that safe when driving. But yes agree ur never going to get great sound. That's why I always recommend just install a sub so your bass doesn't distort and that's it.

[Hammy of hamhouse]

Yep, still completely standard system ! Perhaps I will look at slim subs. Meanwhile those focal 165's are bit expensive !! On an old thread someone mentioned jbl's ? Perhaps something like those with a small powered sub behind the seat is the way to go for me? Thx for the comment so far I agree a sound system is waste of time when pressing on but , sometimes in traffic I'd like some sound , the stNdard system can't do that !!

Edited by Hammy of hamhouse, 23 November 2013 - 10:18 PM.