Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio New Owner-Where's the problem?

I just got a new Contour SVT on Saturday. The stereo doesn't sound too good to my ears. So the question is, where's the flaw? Is it the head, the amp, or the speakers? What are the specs on the system anyhow?

Thanks

Overall, I would say that all of the things you mentioned are on the weak side. I think the order of the upgrades I would make would be:

Head Unit
Subwoofer/amp
Speaker Upgrades
Amp for front speakers


Dave

The biggest single improvement is a high power head unit bypassing the factory amp to the stock speakers.

I've replaced the POS 'premium' speakers with the Pioneers and applied Dynamat Xtreeme--that helped A LOT. I'm installing a Pioneer DEH-P3100 this evening--I'm looking forward to hearing how much difference that makes on top of the speaker upgrades.

New speakers helped quite a bit, the Dynamat helped some more, the new head unit and bypassing the 'premium' amp...WOW!

HU install was a piece of cake--just remember to eject the CD from your old unit before taking it out of the car (sorry Gwen!). Only trouble with the door speakers--removing screw covers without damaging them (small price to pay). Oh, and don't let Crutchfield sell you speaker 'baffles'--they don't fit and they don't help (Dynamat works much better and keeps the door resonance down).

If you want your car to sound better than an '86 walkman with low batteries, you need to get rid of all the Ford 'premium' POS components (I wonder if there is a bored lawyer out there who would like to file a class action lawsuit over OEM 'premium' systems--it seems like false advertising to me). You can get MUCH better sound for under $400 installed. Or, if you want a thumper, a bit more.

Oh, BTW, I have some 'premium' components for sale...anyone want a CD HU, Amplifier, and 4 speakers? Ford charges $275 for the 'upgrade' from the standard sound system. How much do you think an honest man can get for them? Wait, I think I see the decimal point moving...

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1999 Contour SE Sport MTX75 Toreador Red/Greystone
Born on 01/21/99, Adopted new 08/30/99; 19k & counting.
Current MODS:
Mobil 1 5W-30, Bosch wipers, Gorilla locks, Cup Holder, Cargo Net,
Pioneer DEH-P3100 CD HU w/ TS-A6855 in 4 doors w/ Dynamat Xtreme.


[This message has been edited by DiodeBoy (edited October 04, 2000).]