Aftermarket sound system recommendations, please

I've always rolled with the stock sound system in my S2000, M3 and now 911 Pork4S. I'm thinking I want to up the stakes jus' a lil' bit in preparation for summertime here in rainy Seattle. Here's what I want: -Powerful, but tight bass; I don't want the whole block to hear me, I just want to make it sound like it does in the car -Solid mids and highs -Minimal weight gain and trunk space sacrifice; I don't mind if the rear seats get taken away What do you guys recommend? I want to keep the interior looking as stock as possible. I want to hear and feel more of my music (tends to be heavily leaning towards hip-hop most days 2Pac, The Game, G G G G unit, Ice Cube, Biggie, Tribe). Can this be done in a quality manner under $2K total with labor/parts included?

And if you Seattle guys have any installers you recommend, please advise. I already got a line to Benchmark, but I know they're on the pricey side. Here's a sample of their work: http://www.benchmarkmotoring.com/gal..._997turbo.html

I made a fiberglass box that sits behind the rear seats. The box itself is very light and it holds 2 8" sub. The subs aren't going to wake up the neighbors (I used to have 15" sub in my previous car) but 2 8's are very decent and you can definetly feel the punch on your back. Here is what I have for my lows.

MB Quart makes speakers that fit the doors & dash perfectly. Then, get a JL Audio 10" sub or a couple of JL 8" subs. Run them through a good amp or two and you're golden. Oh, and replace the %$&# Becker head unit with something good.

insite, Do you know which MBQ model works perfectly for my '02 system? What's the pros/cons of going with one 10" or two 8s? What if I just went with 1 6"? What's a good head unit that's not too flashy looking or looks pretty stock?

Here's a distant pic of my stock system It's got two huge cubby holes and the display unit is like CDR220 or something like that. It's got no cd changer. I'm assuming my setup is just the basic factory setup.

Ben here's some links to what I did: Part One Part Two My brother had Stereotomy in Issaquah do his Turbo.

I want the same results as you, Rob. I read over your thread and knowing that I want an 8" sub or 6" sub in the back, could you give me a list of the components you used? I also want to keep the stock headunit for that discreet factory look. I love the fact that you spent far less than your bro, but it sounds pretty much the same. I want the same result. Less is more kinda thing.

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I installed a Nak CD-400 (I had it before in my S2k) in my C4S and replaced my Bose "subs" with CDT-CL5 drivers. The headunit alone makes a huge difference in sound. The CD400 has 24-bit DACs so a well-recorded CD sounds AWESOME with it. The problem with the CD400 is that it has no CD changer controller. There's the CD500 or CD700-II for higher end setup. The CD400 has amber display settings and it looks very stocklike unlike the other headunits out there that look like a damned disco hall.

LOL so it's not green right? Definitely not into the disco look and will go along with your recommendation if I decide I want to spend $ on an aftermarket headunit. P.S. I had no idea you had an S2000 before... awesome, brother!

I don't mean to hijack but I have installed several head units, in other cars, and was wondering how hard it would be for a novice to install one in a 996 with the premium sound option. You know, the one with the separate EQ/sound processor. How are they, the head unit and the sound processor, wired into together? Thanks

I am looking at something like this. CDA-9885 CD/MP3/WMA/AAC Receiver

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Very stealth, I like.

Ben -- Here's what I did: Audison 340 watt amp ( built in crossover - head unit powers rears ) Audison VSR - Sub woofer control in rear center console cubby Focal 5WS Subwoofers Focal Coaxial speakers in rear Focal Polyglass Component Speakers in dash I'm thinking for hip-hop you'll probably want a bigger sub, especially if you don't care about the back seats.

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I had an S2k (AP1 w/ comptech, cusco, H&R, etc), and E46 M3 w/ Brembos, Dinan Stage II, AFE etc... The CD400 has user-selectable display colors between green and amber for buttons and display, separately...so 4 combinations total. I'll take a pic of my Nak H/U and post it up online... matches the interior amber perfectly at night. More info on other Nak H/U's: http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?...&category_id=8

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You and I have similar taste in cars, not necessarily mods. Thx for your help.

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It's almost like I don't need additional bass since the music provides so much of it already do you know what I'm saying? Maybe I don't even need the dedicated sub in the back. I wish I could hear your sound system to set a baseline.

If I may make a suggestion to someone who has an eye for quality I don't have many posts but am well-researched when it comes to home and car audio, and have done a few installs in my own cars as well. Whatever you do Ben, spend the on speakers. MBs are not quite the same "ultra high-end" name as they were 10-15 years ago, but are very good compared to others nonetheless. Focal Utopias are one of the "holy grail" speakers, or check out top-line Rainbows if you want to drop BIG $$ (I'm talking 5 digits here). I've never owned either of these, but they are worshipped by those who have them. The question to ask yourself so that you're not disappointed later - do I want soft dome (silk) or metal tweeters? I once had a set of top-line MBs and found the highs were just too harsh no matter how I EQ'd the system, and so in subsequent installs -as well as in my home - I went with silk domes and have never looked back. With equally good amplification you can crank it and it just gets louder, not harsher. Of course, those who know will tell you that proper speaker placement is as critical as anything else, and there are many schools of thought around that subject. Actually, I recently installed a set of CDT separates in one of my other cars, and am very happy with them. They are also highly regarded, but I had to warm up to them since they have a bit more "bling" than I like (red or yellow speaker frames). If MBs fit your car best, then so be it, but they only come with titanium tweeters to my knowledge. Last thing, if you want to spend the extra, go for class AB amplification all around, even for your sub(s). I know that Class D (digital) amps are popular for the low-end/sub since the price/power ratio is better, but again you can't beat the sheer musicality of old-school, preferably US-made, Class AB amps...they pound out nice, tight bass which seems to be your preference. Try to compare if you can. Good luck with your system & enjoy the results. Paul

Sorry, forgot to notice your target of $2K including installation... So we forget about the Rainbows, but the same stuff applies - 1. Spend as much as you can on the speakers, and 2. Get some good amplification. Keep in mind that good doesn't necessarily mean big wattage. It's a small interior after all! P

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Yes, I was going to say, please consider my budget. I like Rob's approach because: 1) The car isn't a symphony hall 2) More with less And a 3) for me is that I am not an audiophile and even the source is usually just burned CDs from iTunes tracks. I just want more oomph behind the sound and bigger bass than what the stock system provides. I also don't like the harshness of the stock treble cuz it does the auto volume adjust as speeds climb and I end up turning it down a bit. I don't feel like I'm in a cocoon of sound with the stock system or any other system I had in any of my other previous rides. Low expectations, really, but would be cool if I ended up feeling like why didn't I do this sooner? I want a tight bass, not a boomy rock the windows bass effect.

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So you think 1 6" sub in the back would be fine?

Get two 6's or even two 8's and wire them to a 2-channel amp. Or get one 4-ch amp and use 2 for the main fronts and the others for the subs. Two subs don't have to give more volume, but they will give more impact for sure, even at lower volumes. Don't even bother with "rear fill", esp. on a 911 interior. If the sound is quality then you absolutely don't need to waste the $. The ideal in car audio is to achieve a sound stage in front of you, as if it's on the dash or the front hood. Rear fill does nothing to help, unless you have a sedan, SUV etc. and carry rear passengers regularly. Most good installers should concur with the above.

So MTL, you're actually recommending don't even bother getting subs in the back seats, just get the 4ch amp and use the fronts to get the same effect? Kinda like Rob's setup, though I think he is considering getting a rear sub? I value your input here so thx.

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You'd probably want to go with two subs, and not as small as 6". I'd go with two 8s to avoid the "midrangey" feel of 6" subs.

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Absolutely agree here. Ben, you'd simply want two fronts, and two 8's in the rear for your bottom-end. This could be done with a good 4-ch amp, or two 2-ch amps. It doesn't take much power to properly drive 8s. The key is to match the fronts & subs, because what you want to do is take the lower-frequency load off the fronts and just let them carry the mids & highs. For example, you wouldn't want to have 4" fronts and a 12" sub, because you'd end up with a frequency gap that would sound like -ss. This is how a crossover comes into play, and you should be able to find a 4-ch amp which has a built-in subwoofer crossover. if you're shopping at a place which installs too, they would likely suggest this to keep cost lower. That said, best-quality sound would come from two small dedicated amps - one for the front and another for the subs. Hey, I know you're not an audiophile listening to classical music, but good sound is good sound! A major benefit is being able to go for extended periods without listening fatigue.

I can only opine on what I have done and the mistake that I made. I purchased a nice Sony Stereo because it had a very good sound quality, Bluetooth for phone and MP3 player and an Ipod jack in the front face plate. I love the radio and the sound but if I had to do it again I would rethink 2 issues 1 - I don’t like that the unit only glows "blue" and doesn't match the rest of the dash lights 2 - Bluetooth connection for the phone is basically useless due to road noise Hope that helps

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true true thx for setting me straight loud and mtl. So two 8s in the back means I need to add some sort of enclosure and give up my back seats correct? i'm just trying to have some knowledge beforehand so i can go to the installer with some sort of framework around what i want given my budget. So like Rob's setup + two 8s?

Ben - there's sub boxes that you don't have to give up your back seats. Some are removable too. Some ideas from here: http://www.caraudioinnovations.com/porsche.htm

the price keeps going up! can i realistically stay under $2K installed with the 2 8s in the back + what mtl is recommending?

I shoved an Infinity Basslink II behind the seat backs, it was wedged in there nicely. Had powerful bass but the bass was not low as I wanted. It would punch you in the back but couldnt reach those sub-40 HZ give or take frequencies well. Had a Kenwood HU and it sounded pretty good for a $500 total package cost.

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If it's an installer that's worked on 911s before, they can get pretty creative with where they locate the sub enclosure. But it can get expensive real quick wih custom installs so watch out for that. The reward is that once you hear a full system w/ a properly set-up sub, you will wonder how you ever went without it - I know I did. Rob's brother's setup is solid and most importantly, clean, esp. the amps up front. If you have the upgraded Bose system with the "subs" behind the rear seat like I do, that could be easily ripped out & replaced with a custom enclosure of some sort, without giving up the rear seats...the recent posts in this thread are proof. I may do that one day myself...the Bose system sounds OK for a stocker, but when I'm listening and some of the music sounds like it's behind me, it drives me nuts. Shop it a bit & see...take your car to Benchmark and see what they suggest, you're not obligated to use them in the end. They look like they know quite a bit on 911 installs, and like I wrote earlier, remember that the quality of component placement is at least as important as the gear itself. High-end shops don't make their reputation on the gear they sell, it's what they do with it. My advice - if it's a matter of a few hundred dollars more to get a proper install, just spend it if you have confidence in who you're dealing with. It's been said time & again, a good installer can make OK gear sound amazing, but high-end stuff installed all wrong will still sound like sh-t. Acoustics is both a science & an art.

mtl, I have a line into Benchmark. They seem to know what's up. I'm just wondering if my $2K budget is feasible. Else, I don't want to do it. I'm tired of spending $ on this car.

To keep budget down, you could even stick with the stock head unit - but I've only had my C4S for a month and don't know if it even has a pre-amp output which you need for running an amp or two. If you're using all digital sources (MP3, iPod etc.) then the head unit won't affect that much in the way of sound anyway, unless you're bent on changing the look of your dash. For me, it's about trying to keep as OEM a look as possible. On the other hand, if you're heavily into the iPod thing, then having iPod control and/or a jack on the faceplate is nice, but you'll have to weigh your priorities & act accordingly.

Just a lot of burned CDs, brother. Here's what the shop said in response to an email today: *************************************** This would be the best route but, I would go with the Alpine PDX amplifier. We will use the Bose enclosure for the 5 inch woofers. Now remember that we don’t cut or, drill anything in your car. OK, it looks like you have the standard system. The best thing to do without spending a tone of money would be to sound deaden the doors to turn them into an enclosure and replace the door speakers and add an amps that has solid power. I have done systems in these cars and replacing the 4 inch dash speakers is not worth it. It becomes very tinny and bright. www.benchmarkmotoring.com From: benchoi [mailto:benchoi] Sent: Monday, February 11, 2008 12:16 PM To: Benchmark Subject: Re: Stereo Something like this? Audison 340 watt amp ( built in crossover - head unit powers rears ) Audison VSR - Sub woofer control in rear center console cubby Focal 5WS Subwoofers Focal Coaxial speakers in rear Focal Polyglass Component Speakers in dash

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Roll up & tell them this - you simply want: 1. A solid low-end..modest but solid. 2. A simple front end with quality amplification. Personally I wouldn't bother with an upgrade at all if it doesn't involve aftermarket amp(s). Running a sub without an amp is wasting your time and $$. Component fronts (separate mids & tweeters) are more expensive to buy & install, but see what's available in a good quality coaxial too. That can save you a bit in both gear and installation expense. Coaxials used to be laughed at, but not any more, take a look: http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?..._ID=&sort=high I had a nice-sounding setup which was based around one small 4-channel amp. Two channels were for the fronts (R&L), and the other two were bridged to a single sub . So it can certainly be done for reasonable cost. Since Benchmark is experienced on these cars, they wouldn't have to re-invent the wheel in designing a sub enclosure, as time is money.

So that Alpine pdx thing is an amp right? i'll shoot off an email with your bullets.

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Definitely good advice from them on the dash speakers, not necessary if cost is an issue. Some would say they're not necessary period. Loading up a 911 cockpit with like 20 speakers makes no sense to me, they start to work against each other. The only thing about deadening the doors and creating a pseudo-sub enclosure is that you'd be back to 6" territory, as I doubt these doors can take 8" components, depth-wise. If they can, then strongly consider it as an option. But even a proper single 8" enclosed sub will give your system a kick that you just can't get from doors alone, even if they are all-out deadened. Or, you could take their suggestion, get some real good speakers in the doors with a good amp and see how you like it. It could very will fit your needs and would be a big improvement no matter what. Worst case, you may decide you want to add even a single sub later...maybe just ask them how much that would run you.

I got a Blaupunkt Hamburg MP57 head unit (Bluetooth, USB MP3), a cheap 2 x 120W RMS amp (forgot the brand) and MB Quart 6x9's, not the same a a decent sub but beats 2 6" subs. I have a 99 C2, I pulled the mini sub enclosures and the factory grills out of the doors and monted the 6x9's, no cutting required. The amp went in place of the factroy amp, some cutting on the wiring was necessary. The Blaupunkt head unit uses the same German DIN style connectors so swapping the head unit was plug and play, even the speed sensitive volume controll worked (until I disabled it..). If I would do it again, I might pick a beefier amp.

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Yeah, they look to be digital amps (class D), but apparently are better than I originally thought. This is a quote from Car Audio & Electronics on a PDX 4.150review, a well-known car audio mag: "All in all, I was very impressed by this amplifier. Although lacking a little in low-frequency performance, it had stunning sound quality in the low-mid to high frequencies, which is probably what it was designed for.... I think it's a good value, and perfect to drive a higher-end 4-speaker system." The only thing with Benchmark is that going by their website, their selection of brands is a bit weak. Don't do anything until you shop this somewhere else and get a feel for who you trust more. Sometimes you'd be surprised at how different an approach another shop may take.

Latest From: Benchmark To: benchoi Sent: Monday, February 11, 2008 2:23 PM Subject: RE: Stereo Given that you do not want to spend the money to build a subwoofer enclosure that looks factory (like the one I showed you when you were here,) your best bet is to go with what I was talking about. The Focal Components Sound deaden the doors (maximizes bass by creating an enclosure out of the door for solid output) 2ch Alpine amplifier I would consider replacing the head unit. This will give you a much cleaner signal into the amp and, you can get a cool IPod interface. I have done this in many application and it sounds great. It is not earthshaking Bass but, it is a quality sound with nice puchy bass.

Get some McIntosh gear...

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you at another level of porsche baller budget i really don't even try to begin to keep up, the only "mac" i can afford is the iPOD Shuffle

FWIW, I have Focals in the dash with the mini-subs in the doors, but I can't hear much bass. Electronics are alpine head unit and alpine 4 way amp. I do have a fabspeed exhaust, which might be drowning out some of the bass. I've tried different settings without luck, but maybe I'm doing something wrong Eric

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Hey I don't even have an iPod! but in all seriousness, the suggestions above are great, especially for a $2k budget. Although I'd still say change the H/U to something with high voltage pre-outs so you don't have to buy a hi-lo converter instead of the suggestion of keeping the stock H/U

I'd tend to agree with your shop. If you're looking to spend $2k, go with a quality set of components and a nice amp. With the 996's you should be able to fit a 3-way system...tweet and 3.5" in the dash with 6.5" in the doors. I have a set of CDT's in my crappy Integra (the tweet and 3.5" are in kick panels, 6.5" in doors). They are powered by an old school Zapco amp along with 2 12" Eclipse Aluminum subs on another Zapco amp. Sounds pretty darn good...probably a bit much though--I'm too old to be shaking the neighborhood. Focals are very nice--I find the poly lines a bit harsh in the highs. Utopias are awesome though. I had some dynaudio comps that were great. As previously posted, watch out for the MBQs, the highs are super harsh. If you're looking for punchy bass, consider Image Dynamics as well. They make some 6.5" midbasses that are fantastic. I switched the deck out of my C4S to a Kenwood double din unit b/c I wanted the Nav--it actually blends fairly well (too bad the lights aren't amber). It sounds decent hooked into the Bose system--but nothing spectacular. I will say that I really enjoy having speakers in the dash--the soundstage is automatically up high. I may switch the amps and speakers in the future--but I'm too cheap right now. Good luck--car audio is addictive, I just don't have time for it!

My buddy has spent a ton of cash at benchmark. They sound like a great place. They do their best to be able to return the car to stock...ie no hole drilling. He has spent over $10K on radar and stereo stuff. With all the resources here on the forum, this would be a fun project to tackle yourself, unless you are really not into doing stuff like this. Mike

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I'm really not into doing stuff like this. Part of the gratification is just picking up the car and riding out with the results I want. It's kinda like cooking my own food... just doesn't taste as good as momma's cookin'. Believe me, I'd save a lot more dough if I did it myself - just not a part of my dna I guess. So I decided to go after a $4K setup (yea, they upsold me). I figure go big or go home and I trust that Bench will do a good job and get me the sound I need. So much for sticking to my budget, eh? I guess I shouldnt be sharing this with some of you vulture sales dudes out there! Alpine CDA 9886 Focal k2 power 2 Focal 4" mid 2 Focal 2" tweeter 2 Focal 6" bass drive 2 Focal Cross over Dual layer sound deadening (1 on vapor barrier and outerskin) Plates for each speaker that mount to the factory bolts Alpine PDX Wiring They tell me this head unit has a direct connection or some deal so the operation of the playlist is quick. I think I'll come to like this piece the most as I'm always burning CDs which isnt good for the environment, right? hehe I'll let you guys know how it turns out. I really do appreciate all your input. I love you guys. Really.

Benchmark is where I would go. Make sure who ever does the work knows where the car's wiring is located. Barrier replaced 2 or 3 wiring harnesses because an audio shop drilled through in the front. $10K for the harness and they had to just about dismantle the car. This happened a 2 different shops.

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Will do, Rob-Deezy. Shot off an e-mail to Bench. Thx for looking out

Ben, The system sounds sweet. I've been looking into an upgrade as well and have picked up a couple of used Audison amps and a 8" focal sub that I'm going to incorporate into a footwell enclosure. I am also interested in the Focal component speakers and have not found a tweeter/4"/6.5" in the K2 power series. I've only found the polyglass 165vr3 model which is below the K2 power line. Can you please share the speaker model #'s for someone with champagne taste on a beer budget? Thanks!

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I feel you on the budget thing, man. I like that Cristal, but def not like them ballers in the vids pouring it out all over the lounge table! Let me do what I need to do to get you the info you want and keep this thread on point. ATL! dirty dirty!

Alpine won't match your interior.

I've got the 9987. Couple of thoughts for you: One, spend time messing with the sound. There are many, FAR too many options for contouring and processing the sound out of that head unit, and they make a massive difference. Really. As in, a range from "This sounds like ***. I'm taking it back," to, "Best. Car. Stereo. Ever." It's worth spending time reading the manual, and then an hour in the driveway tinkering with it. The iPod interface is very slick, there's no doubt. But if you have a big collection, you're going to be frustrated by how long it takes to scroll through the artist list with that stupid rotary ****. It's all but impossible while driving in traffic. You might want to make some playlists. My .02 on matching the dash: I think mine looks best with the display turned off during the day, and the dim red setting at night (with that ridiculous disco animation switched off at all times, but then I'm old... ). The face of the unit is never going to fool anyone that it's stock, but I find it tolerable. Can post a pic, if you like.

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sir bruce, pls do post a pic. i'll do my best to cope with the fact that it won't match my interior. i tend to pay more attn on matching my cute outfits than some fancy stereo to some pos 996 interior. and i tend to stick to my classic hip-hop mostly so i'll def take up your suggestion and make playlists. i'm not one to have a huge library of music that i need to have with me all the time. when i'm in my car, i'm in a certain kind of party mood thus i'll have some bob your head type of songs ... for the ladies. HAHA so i was driving my car to work this morning and listening to my wonderful base system - it's actually pretty good. i'll have bench do the settings and just stick to it unless my ears are just way diff than theirs. HAHA best, ben

Here ya go, with apologies for the crappy pic.

that looks clean it's just too bad the 996 display looks like it's straight outta the 80s, i feel your pain

Bechmark did a good job on my car. Retained the stock head unit, and installed Alpine PDX 4.150 and upgraded speakers.

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how does it sound compared to stock?

Hey Ben. I'm in the begining stages of getting my system together. I just installed the Alpine IDA-X001 head unit and love it. I'm either listening to the i-pod function, or XM. IMO, no need for a CD function or changer. I've used Alpine components for years with never a problem. Regarding the Sub; I would go with the the largest diameter possible. I don't know if a 12" would fit anywhere, but I don't think you'll get the low's you like from a 6" or 8" setup. It's not about the volume, or earthshaking, but more about the quality and low frequency. I'd have one amp running the sub, and another multi-channel amp running the doors, dash, and rear. MB-Quart does make some nice component speakers which will fit it the dass, doors, etc. I have an 12" Alpine type -R sub in my WRX coupled with 6.5" front door, 5" rear door components and it's like a concert hall. I listen to a lot of rock, blues, old school disco and it's the system is amazing. I love my 996 and can't wait to have it setup correctly.Here is a link so you can check out the head unit. I hope this helps. http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/prod...model=iDA-X001

It sounds better than the stock system. There is no distortion at higher volumes, even with bass heavy tracks like Tupac and Snoop. My Spice Girls CD sounds awesome LOL

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im sold

update so the system is installed. they did a great job and the sound thru the ipod is better than thru the cd and the controls are as quick as if i was pushing buttons on the ipod itself. i don't need an enclosure as the door acting as the enclosure is enough bass to keep my head bobbin to the beats. i actually spent a little more and went with the 4x150 pdx. thx for your help guys.

I'd suggest a new head unit so you can enjoy the *massive* upgrades in input choices over the past several years, not to mention the quality of the actual signal to the amp. I used what was then the top of the line consumer Alpine head unit and have been happy with its low profile looks and plethora of inputs. I used Focal components in the dash and door locations. I used coaxials in the back seat area strictly for fill but would alter that if I were you. Instead of using the stock back seat speaker locations for a coax fill, try using the JL 6W0's. With some finagling you should be able to put them in the stock location for a stealth look. The advantage is no obvious box, no loss of space in the passenger compartment, and decent bass response. Granted, it won't thump you down the road but my experience with a single 6W0 was very good. I've been seriously contemplating this option myself. If you absolutely have to have the rear fill speakers, it would be very easy to fabricate a mounting location under the rear edge of the back glass (esp. if you don't have the rear wiper). Just my thoughts.

vip, i did get an apline head unit not sure exactly which one

I guess I should have read the whole thread before tossing in my two cents. Went back and read the system you decided on. Very nice. Need to toss up some pics when you get time.

hey ben, nice system man, please post pics when ur done since i think we'll be using a lot of the same components

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I'm grateful for everyone's help here. I couldn't/wouldn't have done it without you. I'm new to all this so the guidance has been exquisite. It's the least I can do to loop back and share my results with you. Overall, the sound thumps and I can easily crank it to health hazard zone. I tend to listen to mostly rap with classical/trance thrown in here and there. I'm happy with the addition thump and pop. Without further adieu, here are the pics: Here's how the Alpine headunit sits inside the car Here's how the amp sits in the trunk (good for you C2 guys with the bigger trunk) Here's the Alpine PDX 4x150 sitting on a custom bracket Here's the wiring (looks clean) Rainbow Brite (iPod action is instantaneous and the connection is run into the glove box)

looks good man. how are you running the speakers? rears off the deck and everything else has its own channel?

correct -

Ben, looks nice. Has Alpine discontinued the user specified lighting choices or is that just something you haven't done yet?

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i haven't messed with it much other than the basic bass/treble/balance/fader settings. any tips? i don't mind the lighting now, but would prefer it to be all red.

Ben, The new system looks sweet and I'll bet it sounds terrific. Did you ever get a chance to check on the speaker model #'s? I'm looking to do something similar but can't find the 3 ways components in the Focal polykevlar line. Thanks!

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On my unit, you can adjust the key lighting in an (almost) infinite number of colors. It is in the setup section. Suggest you check Alpine's site for that model. You can probably also use Alpine's web site to create a preprogrammed setting for the specific speaker spacing. I also understand that some of the newer units will also allow user specific backgrounds to be created, assuming you want that bling.

I think only those six square keys can be changed. I have almost the same unit, and the secondary controls are all red, all the time. The big keys can be blue, red, orange, green... The manuals can be downloaded from Alpine's site. Any questions, just ask, cuz I've just been through the ridiculous learning curve on mine, which is only the next model up. Some of the settings are pretty subtle (time correction) and some actually make a massive difference to the sound (MX mode added about a thousand bucks to the sound, IMHO).

sir bruce, -how do i change the 6 keys to red? -the mids sound kinda hollow right now as i have a lot of bass... any way to hear more powerful vocals? i have no idea what mx mode is and how to get there any other tips?

Ben, your manual is here ... http://support.alpine-usa.com/produc...M_CDA-9886.PDF It looks like they may have taken the color change out. If its there, I didn't see it. Also, they've dumbed down the internal crossover settings a bit. I'd suggest reading the manual while playing around with the settings.

There should be a button called 'FUNC/SETUP' or something like that. Push and hold for a few seconds. Then, using the rotary dial, you can scroll through a bunch of options. When you get to the one you want, you press 'ENT'. So, for the dial colour, scroll until you see 'DISPLAY'. You'll get a some options on this menu for button colour, font (I think), dimming, etc. Just use 'ENT' to get into each sub menu, scroll to the option you like, and hit 'ENT' again. Then ESC. The same process applies to your sound problem, at least to get you started. Again, hold down the FUNC/SETUP button. Scroll to 'AUDIO', then ENT. Scroll through that menu to get to 'FACTORY'S EQ'. There is a series of presets you can listen to and choose from. For my car with my speakers, ROCK works best. This will, for sure, solve our vocal problem. (I think there's also a way to contour your own EQ manually, but it seems like a supreme pain in the ***.) MX, if you have it on your unit, is found by pressing A.SEL (don't ask me why), scrolling to MEDIA Xpander, and then picking the setting that sounds best. My car, my setup, it's level 2. I think it overrides your EQ. This made a HUGE difference with mine. Let me know how it goes for you.

Good clean install. I'm sure it sounds great!

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I just downloaded it and sent it to my hotmail for reference. Thank you.

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I usually like Rock in the other presets I've used in the past. I was perusing the manual before a business review with my boss and it looks like my unit has MX as well. I will tinker around with it when I get some time this weekend. This is great news as the vocals were a bit hollow-like for me, though with plenty of highs and low down boom. One thing, though... I'm assuming that the additional power requirements of the new system will drain my stock battery pretty quickly so I should do all this while the car is running?

Nice mod. Very nice system/install no doubt about it. Probably almost as good as a Bose.

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Honestly? My system was a huge disappointment when all the settings were defaulted. Once I messed with it, it became fantastic. The difference is that big, and the MX mode was the biggest single contributor. Yeah, I'd have the engine running while you're messing around with it. I ended up installing a way-over-spec battery in mine along with the stereo for reliability's sake, but that's me.

Bruce, can you e-mail me your vitae?

Ben's new system would sound AT LEAST as good as a Bose. Cost is not a means of comparison, since manufacturer's rape us when it comes to OEM sound. Take a look at the 6-disc CD changer in the Tequipment catalog - anyone gonna tell me that thing is worth almost a g-note?? Ben, don't be too concerned about your battery juice, it would take quite a while at very high volume to run it down. On the other hand, I wouldn't run the system for an hour + without having the ignition on myself... I have tweaked & EQ'd an 800-watt (RMS, not peak watts) system w/ sub from battery power alone for a good half-hour, and that was on quite a small battery which wasn't in great health to begin with.

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Why, are you hiring?

Thx, MTL. All I know is, I had the Harmon/Kardon premium sound option on my '04 M3 and the aftermarket setup I've got in my car now absolutely kills it through and through. And I did absolutely no tweaking outside of turning up the basic bass setting everything else factory setting on the Apline headunit. I looking forward to seeing what the Bruce tweaks do for my ears. And I believe ls911 being his smart **** self was being sarcastic.

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It hands down better than a Bose, I give, I give. Just giving C-unit a tiny bit of caca. I do like Bose and paid the price here not that long ago. Had no idea there was such a strong anti movement? The factory set up is not so good but plenty good for me since I don't thump much anymore. What I really really would like is that muffler sound. Soon I will have it, still in research mode.

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You know

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did you just call me c-unit? LOOOLLOOLOLOL my boys call me that

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Did you just call me ****? Lol lol...my wife calls me that all the time

!

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I should have read between the lines - sorry I was just in the car at lunch, and the Bose is really a decent sounding system as far as OEM goes...not sure about the H/K in the 3-series but do know that their non-H/K system sounded like complete ****e. It's just that for the same $$ you can get SO much better in the aftermarket - some would say that about wheels too, but it's such a personal thing.

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It's all good I Agree with you on all including wheels, mufflers, etc....

Ben, are you still happy with your setup? Is there anything you would change/add now that you have had the system for a bit? I ask because I am getting a near identical system installed in about two weeks. Thanks

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I am 80% happy with the setup. The 20% that needs to be there is that I need to get that IMPRINT option setup on my headunit (per BruceP). I think the main diff between Bruce's Alpine HU and mine is the IMPRINT piece where for me I need to buy the phyiscal module to add-on and in Bruce's it's a software upgrade option. I can only trust Bruce's opinion that it makes the mids and highs sound more powerful. For the type of music I listen to which is heavy on hip-hop, I think I do need an enclosure to get the lows that I want. Otherwise, the system is powerful and the bass kicks and the iPod functionality is nice to have. Speed is super quick and it's like I have to adjust my ears because the mids/highs are so much stronger/brighter than the stock system. It just needs to be reshaped in the car as it sounds kinda scattered. I wish I could tell you guys yea I spent my $3500 wisely and the system is the fuqin **** go for it... but I don't want to waste your guy's money and I want to stick my guns of candor. It's not all there... I need to spend an additional $2K to get it where I want it. That enclosure is pricey since I want it custom and clean. I guess I am more of an audiophile than I thought.

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I just called my installer and secured an CDA-9887 with IMPRINT for $369. I found it on the web for about $330 but would rather buy it from him. I hope the IMPRINT technology is as good as it sounds. I went through the online tutorial on the Alpine site and it looks to be what home theater receivers have been using for the last couple of years, room calibration/level correction. The hardware for IMPRINT is around $200. I just read on Crutchfield that you can rent the calibration hardware and microphone for $50. Thats an idea.

yea good action on that. i think i may liken it to.... and this is conjecture since i haven't heard it with imprint yet, but i trust bruce's ears... kinda like listening to your home theater in concert hall mode v. pro logic.. where the dialogue comes from the tv v. all around you. i want the true version of dialogue/mids coming at me v. this all around me scattered type sound that i got going right now. it's subtle, but enough for me to notice and want to address at some point.