[rock climber]

Hi Guys,

Got a weird speaker question. I’ve gone through a few different sets of front speakers and I’m having a hard time getting something to sound decent. I’ve never really had trouble in the past, so I don’t think I’m very picky. Just wondering if there is something weird about the T100 that makes sound system set up trickier? The problem I’m having is the speakers sound harsh and hurt my ears I turn up the stereo.

I tried Polk coaxials first, then I tried a different Sony head unit. That didn’t work so I tried some sony speakers that were better but still harsh, so then installed a 4 channel alpine amp. That helped a little but no much. Now I have some Focal auditor component speakers. These are my first componenets and the separate tweeters are nice and the highs are cleaner, but overall the sound is still harsh.

I went to a local car audio shop and tried a few different speakers that all sounded nice in the shop, but so did all the ones I have tried in my truck already.
I’m willing to spend a little more if needed, but I have a hard time justifying over $200.

Any ideas?

 

[Zembonez]

I love my MB Quart 6.5s

Not horribly expensive and very smooth.

http://mbquart.com/

 

[BamZipPow]

You need to clean up yer listening environment if you really want better sound. Sound dampening will greatly clean up yer listening environment. You'll hear the things you need to hear. Also, tuning yer system with a good sound analysis and EQ will git you to a better spot.

 

[rock climber]

Also, tuning yer system with a good sound analysis and EQ will git you to a better spot.

Thanks Bam! How do I go about doing that?

I've played with the EQ on my stereo, but usually I just make it worse. I did set up the gains on the amp using test tones, so It's at least sort of close

 

[BamZipPow]

Thanks Bam! How do I go about doing that?

I've played with the EQ on my stereo, but usually I just make it worse. I did set up the gains on the amp using test tones, so It's at least sort of close

Ideally, one would use a RTA (realtime analyzer) along with a pink noise generator so you can see where the "hot" frequencies are. This will allow you to see what frequencies will have a tendency to be accentuated in yer environment. Use yer EQ (parametric or linear) to flatten some of thos frequencies so the other frequencies can be heard more cleanly. It will take a few tries but with the available tools at your disposal fer yer smart phones and tablets, you can come a whole lot closer than just trying to do it by ear.

 

[SC T100]

This may sound counter-intuitive, but have you thought about going back to a decent-quality paper cone speaker? My speakers sound too harsh as well, and they are cheap synthetic cones. I've often wondered if a decent set of paper cones would sound much warmer, even, and less harsh. The problem is they are actually kind of hard to find in my experience.

 

[rock climber]

Thanks Guys!

Bam - I looked into the analyzers and I had no idea such cool toys excited. I'll definitely try that. I'm hopefully getting a new T100 soon since mine is all rusted out, and when I do, I'm going to pull the seats and redo the carpet, padding, etc... So at that time, I'll clean up the listening environment, and put tons of sound deadening everywhere. There are threads about some concrete paper so I'll use that since it's so much cheaper than dynamat.

Another question. I'm wondering if it's worth it to amp the rear speakers. I have a 4 channel alpine amp that has 45 watts per channel so if I get some of the speakers I've been looking at, I'll need closer to 100 watts rms. I can either get a new amp, or bridge my current amp.

Right now my rear speakers aren't amped because my head until only had 2 outputs so I can't test and see what a difference amping the rear speakers will make. I have the fader turned +3 to the front already because the rears wash out the fronts, which makes me wonder if I want the rears amped at all.

Also, are there certain head units that just sound better than others? Mine isn't bluetooth and I'm going to leave it in the old truck, so I'll be getting a new one.

Any other ideas?

 

[noahrexion]

You almost don't even want the rear's honestly (assuming you're using those focal components amped in front). You might try to see what it sounds like with almost nothing or nothing (faded) in the rear.

Are your components now (in front) a 100w RMS speaker and you're only giving them 45 watts? What kind of amp are you running? Model?
I am sure that if you get a nice speaker, properly amped and fill out the front sound stage with a little bit of bass then you'd love it. The rear speakers don't even matter. Where did you install your tweeters? Have any pics?

 

[rock climber]

You almost don't even want the rear's honestly (assuming you're using those focal components amped in front). You might try to see what it sounds like with almost nothing or nothing (faded) in the rear.

Are your components now (in front) a 100w RMS speaker and you're only giving them 45 watts? What kind of amp are you running? Model?
I am sure that if you get a nice speaker, properly amped and fill out the front sound stage with a little bit of bass then you'd love it. The rear speakers don't even matter. Where did you install your tweeters? Have any pics?

Right now, I have the Focal auditors so they are 50w RMS I'm using an Alpine MRP-F300 to run the front only. I have a JL Audio 320W amp for the sub and the rear are infinity 6X9 non amped.

I did play around with the fader a lot and I like it better with the rear filling out the sound, but not overpowering the front.

I'll get some pics of the tweeter install, they aren't the best, basically high up on the front door right next to the dash. I'll [put them in a different spot on the new truck.

 

[BamZipPow]

My 1993 T-100 SR5 regular cab had stock speakers near the roof on the B pillar. I'm surprised they didn't have some sort of option like that fer the xtra cab. That might be something to consider fer the rears but on the C pillars.

 

[noahrexion]

I'd love to hear your setup, sounds like you've a decent quality vs. cost package. Could very well just be the speakers themselves - but there are tons of good 6.5" components that 50 RMS would make sound excellent.

 

[rock climber]

I'm digging my old thread up from the dead to give an update. I've been playing with my car stereo settings a lot more and I found the fix! Mine has time alignment in the form of seating position. I switched it to front left and it made a huge difference. I was really disappointed in the sound before and it's amazing now! Such a small thing that made it sound so much better!

 

[XLE2011]

The analyzer is a good start. As far as speakers go, I like all the brands you mentioned, but my preference is Focal formerly JM Labs. I have Focal/ JM Labs in my home theater system and 2 other cars and you can't beat them.... only problem is Focal is $$$$$$ premium stuff.

I absolutely hate the pre tuned premium JBL junk in my camry.