Sound System Replacement Advice

[rey]

Hello folks. I've been doing some research the past few weeks on the best way to upgrade my sound system and I'm close to pulling the trigger. Before that, I want to ask you intelligent people for some advice. I tried going into a few local audio shops to get advice, but they were only willing to give me price quotes.

At the moment, I already have two Kicker subwoofers installed in the trunk and I'm going to keep those there. The upgrade project will be for the door speakers and rear speakers. I already purchased the speakers, but I still need to purchase wiring kits and an amp. It's also worth mentioning I have the Boston Acoustics factory system.

Now that I've covered where I stand, I can explain why I'm needing advice. I want to upgrade every speaker inside the car, including the center speaker. I know many of you prefer the speaker removed, but I simply don't. I unplugged it for a week and the sound just wasn't the same. I realize stereo sound only includes a right and left channel, but I like how sound gets bounced off the windshield and complements the experience. I know the stock center speaker is crap and causes distortion, but I figure I can fix that with an upgraded speaker. My problem is that I don't know how to wire it all to the new after-market amp. I know the FARK harness allows you to easily replace the door speakers and rears, but it gives no functionality to the center speaker. Are there any other ways to do this without losing the On-Star, Bluetooth, and factory chimes? What method can y'all suggest for me upgrade all the speakers, including the center speaker?

I have a limited budget, but I'm willing to spend the right amount on money on getting it right. I've had no success getting in touch with the guys from ********, even after multiple emails and PMs. Many people here have had great experiences from them, but I haven't.. and that's considering the fact that I purchased a few adapters from their site.... I know you friendly folks are always willing to help, so I look forward on hearing your responses.

Thank you for taking the time to read this!

[1LE Captain]

What amp are you using for the Kickers? Are you using the all in one boxes? Amp/sub box?

How loud do you like your music?

What speakers did you buy?

[rey]

Thanks for your reply.

For the subwoofers, I'm using a Kenwood KAC-8103D amp. It's an old, Class D 1000watt amp, but it does a great jump powering my two 10" Kicker CompR subs. They are mounted on a sealed box.

I like my music loud, but just loud enough for me. I'm not trying to impress anyone or compete with the car next to mine. I enjoy clear, loud music.

I purchased the following door speakers:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/cs-serie...ents&cp=1&lp=1

And these rear speakers:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/cs694-6-...kers&cp=1&lp=7

I haven't purchased an amp to power those speakers, but I will soon. (Disclaimer: I work for a big box retailer that carries these products so I receive a nice discount)

This is the amp I'll probably buy:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/cx-serie...0amp&cp=2&lp=5

[rey]

I also haven't purchased another speaker to replace the center speaker... Like I've said before, I want to keep it working.

[Brandywine5]

I know you said you are on a limited budget and this may be over the top but it's worth looking at. There are other DSPs out there as well. Honestly, I think you are going to need to drop some coin even if you don't use a DSP. I got a five channel out DSP and am using all of them for just front doors and sub.

Whatever you decide...do it once and do it right.

http://content.abt.com/documents/382...one_manual.pdf

[rey]

I wish a DSP was within my price range. I also wish there was a FARK like the one from ******** that included that center speaker.

[VeeGeeTea]

Originally Posted by rey

Hello folks. I've been doing some research the past few weeks on the best way to upgrade my sound system and I'm close to pulling the trigger. Before that, I want to ask you intelligent people for some advice. I tried going into a few local audio shops to get advice, but they were only willing to give me price quotes.

At the moment, I already have two Kicker subwoofers installed in the trunk and I'm going to keep those there. The upgrade project will be for the door speakers and rear speakers. I already purchased the speakers, but I still need to purchase wiring kits and an amp. It's also worth mentioning I have the Boston Acoustics factory system.

Now that I've covered where I stand, I can explain why I'm needing advice. I want to upgrade every speaker inside the car, including the center speaker. I know many of you prefer the speaker removed, but I simply don't. I unplugged it for a week and the sound just wasn't the same. I realize stereo sound only includes a right and left channel, but I like how sound gets bounced off the windshield and complements the experience. I know the stock center speaker is crap and causes distortion, but I figure I can fix that with an upgraded speaker. My problem is that I don't know how to wire it all to the new after-market amp. I know the FARK harness allows you to easily replace the door speakers and rears, but it gives no functionality to the center speaker. Are there any other ways to do this without losing the On-Star, Bluetooth, and factory chimes? What method can y'all suggest for me upgrade all the speakers, including the center speaker?

I have a limited budget, but I'm willing to spend the right amount on money on getting it right. I've had no success getting in touch with the guys from ********, even after multiple emails and PMs. Many people here have had great experiences from them, but I haven't.. and that's considering the fact that I purchased a few adapters from their site.... I know you friendly folks are always willing to help, so I look forward on hearing your responses.

Thank you for taking the time to read this!

Since you live in the US, you can visit SonicElectronix.com for audio parts on your car.

Before you do, get the FARK harness from ********. You'll also need a 4 channel amplifier. If you already have the Boston Acoustic package in your vehicle, then you wouldn't need to upgrade the speakers yet. The only reason your audio sound weak is because the GM Amp is only 240W, it's barely enough to power your premium audio set.

Afterwards, if that is still not enough, get yourself a subwoofer set (box, wiring kit, sub speakers). Also, you'll need a Class D mono amp to drive your subwoofer.

If that is still dissatisfying for you, then you'll need to change out all the speakers in your vehicle (this is the most work you'll have to do compare to the earlier options). You'll need to get speakers brace/adapters, which can be provided by either ******** or Sonic Electronix.

Nonetheless, change out your default amp with the FARK harness first and go from there. This way you don't need to blow a big chunk of money for something that you may not want in the end.

[VeeGeeTea]

Originally Posted by rey

I also haven't purchased another speaker to replace the center speaker... Like I've said before, I want to keep it working.

You don't need to replace the center speakers as it makes no difference in sound quality.

[GITUSOM]

You sound dead set on keeping that center speaker but I am not sure why. Sure it adds some sound at the level you currently have, but when you add an amp to your other speakers and crank them up, do you really think that little 3.5" speaker is gonna do anything? No sound system in any vehicle I have ever sat in had a center speaker like we do. It's pointless and quite frankly, adds a ton of unnecessary work to upgrading the system. Put a Fosgate R6004D on those speakers, half the price of JL and sounds great. It's what I have and love it. If you want to fit the factory spot, go with the R4004D.

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[Caddyroger]

If you dead set on the center speaker get a 5 channel amp and use the 5th channel as the center speaker.

[rey]

Originally Posted by VeeGeeTea

You don't need to replace the center speakers as it makes no difference in sound quality.

I appreciate you taking the time to give me your advice. With that said, I think you may have misunderstood my whole problem. I know I can purchase the FARK and improve the system drastically by installing a new amplifier, but I want the center speaker to work. I realize many people disagree with having it installed, but I want it.

Any ideas on how I get it done?

[rey]

Originally Posted by Caddyroger

If you dead set on the center speaker get a 5 channel amp and use the 5th channel as the center speaker.

How do I go on about the wiring and still keeping the factory sounds? I want bluetooth, OnStar, back up sensor sounds to all work.

[rey]

Originally Posted by GITUSOM

You sound dead set on keeping that center speaker but I am not sure why. Sure it adds some sound at the level you currently have, but when you add an amp to your other speakers and crank them up, do you really think that little 3.5" speaker is gonna do anything? No sound system in any vehicle I have ever sat in had a center speaker like we do. It's pointless and quite frankly, adds a ton of unnecessary work to upgrading the system. Put a Fosgate R6004D on those speakers, half the price of JL and sounds great. It's what I have and love it. If you want to fit the factory spot, go with the R4004D.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

Thank you for your advice, but as I've said before, I want to keep the center speaker working. I've had it off and the sound is okay, but nowhere near as rich. I understand there is no such thing as a center channel in our cars without high-grade sound processors, but I feel the center speaker helps. Oh and yes, that 3.5 speaker will do much to complement the experience.

With that said, any suggestions?

Thank you.

[GITUSOM]

You've never sat in my car if you think that center speaker does anything. But obviously it's your car and your choice. Really my only suggestion would be a 5+ channel amp. Your choices for that center speaker are pretty good although you will have to probably buy a pair as i am sure you are aware.

And as you said, no FARK for that. Will be manually wired.

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