Premium speakers in SL

[marleyfan]

I'm pretty sure this was discussed in another thread but darned if I can find it. In the SL with the Tech Package (Canada) what size and brand are the speakers. Is it just the sub that is a Rockfort Fosgate or is it all the speakers. Just trying to figure out how much it would cost to upgrade the four speakers (not the sub or the tweeters). To do that I need more info about what's already in there.

[ChrisAN82]

I just got my Versa yesterday and it have the audio package with the rockfor fosgate sound system. It sounds perfectly fine to me. I cranked it up nice and loud and it has good tone. I thought the bass might be a little bit more punchy since it has the sub, but then again it's only an 8" sub so you can't really expect too much. I haven't heard the stock system, so I can't really compare it to anything. But I do like it.

[marleyfan]

I don't think it sounds terrible. I just find the bass a bit muddy and it doesn't quite have the punch I was hoping for. I'm not going to install an after market sub and I don't think you can fit a 10" in place of the stock sub (or even if doing that would make a difference given the confined space). I was just thinking that a speaker upgrade for the door speakers would give a bit more punch. But I don't want to spend a ton of money. Knowing what is in there would help me decide how much I would have to spend on the door speakers to improve the sound and whether or not it would be worth it to me. I'm not planning on changing the head unit at this time either.

[ChrisAN82]

Yeah I see your point. I might consider getting some new door speakers too in the future. Perhaps this weekend I'll try to take the door panels off and see what kind of hardware is in there. I'll let you know if I do.

[Ever Victorious]

I'm pretty sure this was discussed in another thread but darned if I can find it. In the SL with the Tech Package (Canada) what size and brand are the speakers. Is it just the sub that is a Rockfort Fosgate or is it all the speakers. Just trying to figure out how much it would cost to upgrade the four speakers (not the sub or the tweeters). To do that I need more info about what's already in there.

The door speakers are 6.5" (I think... look it up on Crutchfield) and we believe the SL's door speakers are Clarion (the S's are cheap Panasonics).

I actually like the clean look of the installed sub in a Versa. If I had money to play around with my system, I'd actually consider buying the stock cover pieces and refitting an aftermarket 8" sub in that spot.

But the stock stereo does fine for me, and my money could be better spent elsewhere. Like a new fence for my back yard, or fixing the roof of my garage so it doesn't leak.

[motoguy128]

I dropped $150 on 4 Infinity 6-1/2" speakers for my S model. Huge improvement and overall worh the expense. Yes, the stock speakers are pretty cheap papercone/tweeter with foam surround. SOme Pioneers would have had some deeper base, but I like the clearer mids and highs of the Infinities.

[marleyfan]

Was looking at some Polk Audio's on Crutchfield. $100/pair. 66 reviews and 5/5 for every one of them. Something must be right. I just want to be sure that I'll see a sound improvement over what the SL comes with.

And like you EV, there's always something else I could spend my money on. My kids can probably get one more year out of those shoes.

[Jemdawg]

SL speakers are Blaupunkt, 10W x 2ohm.

[marleyfan]

Thanks Jemdawg. Do you know if the Polk Audio db 650's would be worth switching to? Will I notice any improvement without making any other changes at this time?

[motoguy128]

Seems strange that the SL speakers are 2 Ohm, because the S speakers are 4 Ohm... or at least are labeled as such ("4OHM, 20W, MADE IN MEXICO"). I didn't take a voltmeter to them.

It could be that the front speaker are 2 OHMS each since they are components (wired in a series). I'd be suprised if the rear speakers are also 2 Ohm.

I think you'll have good results with Polk speakers. I'm not a speaker expert, but I think the stock head unit has plenty of power unless you like your music loud.

Also, do not use any foam baffles behind them. They are 1/16" deeper than my Infiniti's. I used the shallow baffle and the window when rolled down rubs against the baffle. Not enough to jam the window, but if I could do it again, I'd probably leave it out.

[Ever Victorious]

Thanks Jemdawg. Do you know if the Polk Audio db 650's would be worth switching to? Will I notice any improvement without making any other changes at this time?

If you're keeping the stock head unit, that's a good question. the HU is 180W... most current HU's are about 200W RMS. Don't know if our stock HU is rated in RMS or P-P... (if it's P-P, then it's probably closer to a 120 W RMS).

What does this mean?

You'll get better clarity, and possibly a LITTLE more volume, but to get lots of volume you need to either change out the HU or get amps for the speakers.

[Jemdawg]

If you're keeping the stock head unit, that's a good question. the HU is 180W... most current HU's are about 200W RMS. Don't know if our stock HU is rated in RMS or P-P... (if it's P-P, then it's probably closer to a 120 W RMS).

What does this mean?

You'll get better clarity, and possibly a LITTLE more volume, but to get lots of volume you need to either change out the HU or get amps for the speakers.

You'd actually get less volume with those speakers. The stock HU is intended to power the four 2ohm speakers, by using 4ohm speakers the wattage is reduced because of the added resistence, thus lower volume. You would definitely get more clarity, but for about 69-99 bucks a pair, it's not worth it. You're better off changing the speakers over to a pair that handles at 2ohms.

[marleyfan]

Jemdawg. You obviously know your stuff so I value your opinion. Is there 2 ohm speakers in the $100/pr price range that you would recommend that would improve the sound my system. I'd love to do more but my budget is very limited at this time.

[Jemdawg]

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_4296.html

Those should do the job well. 2ohm aftermarket speakers are hard to find. Generally, the manufacturers make everything at 4ohms with the assumption that you are changing the entire system.

[motoguy128]

My volume level didn't change significantly with the Infinity's. To get the same level, I need to turn use only 1 or 2 levels higher.

I just have to disgree here. The speakers say 4 Ohm on them... so ummm... I think they might be 4 Ohm... since resistance is a constant value on a electronic device (at the same temperature).

[Jemdawg]

Actually, that would depend on what you are referring to. Resistance is individually indepentently constant, in other words, an amp varies in resistance depending on the independent resistence of the speakers, which will remain constant. The amplifier only boosts the electrical signal, and the added resistance will reduce that signal by half of what its known output is if the resistance is doubled.

Since you're running the speakers off of a HU which already has a low output, a one or two notch-less difference in volume is significant. You're losing your top two notches of volume in a system that already was un-amped and underpowered.

[motoguy128]

I checked the volume level again. I might have been mistaken, The mids and highs may be louder, but the bass is softer... but much much cleaner.

Level 6 - can carry on a conversation but still hear the music.

Level 8 - can still hear the enigine around town. Good level for freeway driving solo.

Levle 10 - can barely her the engine or road noise when cruising. It's probably over 85 decibles so I'm starting ot risk long term hearing damage according to OSHA.

Level 12 - The music is loud, but great for really hearing the music.

Level 15 - Very loud... but still clear

Level 19+ - Starting to rattle the windows and body panels.

I didn't want to go any higher without earplugs. I'm not sure how high the volume adjustment goes... but it's plenty loud.

I'm sure an amplifier will help provide peak power for cleaner bass at the higher volume levels, but for 95% of the population... it's a big improvement and there's plenty of power. I think an amp would be a good idea if you installed a new head unit. Installing and amp with the stock headunit seems a little time consuming for limited gains.

[Ever Victorious]

I think my HU is about 2 levels lower than yours... and I can tell you that max volume is 30, but the HU breaks up well before then.

[Jemdawg]

This just seems weird to me, I've never seen aftermarket speakers make louder volume than the OEM speakers. I'm not contesting your claim and calling it untruthful, but I haven't seen this happen yet.

[marleyfan]

I'm not looking for more volume anyway. I think it gets plenty loud enough as is. What I want is more "punch." Hoping I can do this through the speakers rather than the HU. Thanks for everybody's input.

[Jemdawg]

Yeah, I understand that.

A nice 8-inch JL W7 would add a nice punch too...

[dalversajock]

Great section on car audio. I'm thinking of upgrading my system - speakers,etc. but want to keep the factory HU. Where is the amplifier located on the Versa SL?

[Jemdawg]

There is no amp, it's just the HU.

[LF65]

Since we're all on the same subject here. Where could I find an in dash kit for a single din radio? I tried one that said it was universal for imports but it was just a little too wide. Any input on this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Guys!!

Versa SL Blue Onyx

[dalversajock]

There is no amp, it's just the HU.

I like the fact that you know your car audio stuff. I went to my local Best Buy and asked the sales guy what are my options in upgrading my sound system without changing out my HU. I really like my HU since it has everything that I need BUT I really wouldn't mind upgrading the sound by adding an amplifier. When talking to the sales guy, he discouraged me and told me that I wouldn't be able to add an amplifier because I want to keep my stock stereo. WTF? I'm sure I could still keep my HU and add an amplifier, right? I also talked to the guy who installs the car stereos and he said, 'sure you can add an amp'. So who should I listen to? Being that this is a new car, I really like my set up now BUT wouldn't mind a little more pump to it. What options do I have? Or do I have any options?

[Ever Victorious]

Both, actually. Best Buy carries RCA-style amps. You don't have RCA preamp outputs from the stock HU, so you have to find inline-style amps and tap into the existing wiring.

They exist, but I understand they're more expensive.

I'm with you... I like the stock head unit and its features. There is NOTHING aftermarket that will do everything it does at the same time (bluetooth, satellite, front ipod jack, and 6-disc in-dash changer with wheel controls) and I am NOT willing to compromise features. Furthermore, I'm in a neighborhood with an increased prowl risk. The best way to keep your stereo in my neighborhood is to keep your stock HU.

[Jemdawg]

From my experience, Best Buy sucks at car audio and I've never trusted them. For the most part, they're condescending and usually treat me like I haven't a clue at all. That's why I prefer Soundtraxx by my house, we can talk on the same level there. You can amp your speakers with the stock head unit. If the guys at Best Buy had any clue about it, they would know that an amp only needs a signal from the HU somewhere along the line, and you can buy adapters that allow you to tap into the signal from the speaker wires. You can browse through your options at http://www.installer.com. I really hope that the guys at Best Buy were just trying to rip you off for a sale on a HU, for the sake of all the people who are trusting them to perform installations on their cars.

I replaced my HU for better EQ, better control of my subwoofer, and 2 sets of RCA preamp outputs. I didn't use it for bluetooth or satellite, so this worked out well for me, but I can understand those of you who use the features that I did not. And I can understand anyone's frustration with trying to work around the HU and being told that they cannot.