Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio What do you think...?

I just installed JBL 4x6 in front and JBL 6x9 in rear doors. My mid and high range is excellent but my bass is weak! (2 way JBLs). What is the best deal for this? Bypass factory ampand run of HU (JVC CD S550) or go with a new amp/sub combo in trunk space?
Thanks!

I'm assuming you already have the JVC HU, so here goes:

-Bypass the factory amp and run front and rear off the HU. The factory amp is turd. That should help a bit.

-Just curious, but why did you put the smaller speakers in the back doors? If you are planning a sub/amp, then you will want the bigger speakers in the front since they will blend the front with the back much better.

-A sub/amp is one of the biggest inprovements you can make to a car's stereo system. Even a 10" driven by a 100W - 200W amplifier will add alot to your car's system. For this, you are looking at anywhere from $300 - $1000 depending on brand, materials, installation, and how high grade your parts are.

-And make sure you buy Bose stuff, they make the best clock/radios on the planet!

Yes, the 6x9's probably should have gone in the front. Before you change it, sit in the back seat and listen for a while. Is that enough bass for you? Play with the HU settings too. If not enough for your tastes, then a sub/amp will do the trick. Pick a budget and some goals (like how much trunk space, how loud, best quality). We'll help some more.

Oh, you might want to try dynomating the doors. Seems to help the bass response as well. But go with off brand to save a lot of money.

Gotta agree with the other two posters. Put the bigger speakers in front, dynamat the doors with sound deadener from www.mcmaster.com. I'll find the part number for you when i get a chance.

A sub as small as a single 8" can provide decent bass as a possible upgrade if you are still unhappy.

Thanks for advice guys. I tried to fit these 6x9 in front doors but they are pretty thick and tweeter part will touch inside if the door panel. But on back doors fits perfectly (6x9)-just extra hole for a speaker.
Question about bypassing factory amp...
First where is it?
Second who to bypass it? Just cut the wires and hook them amp over it?
Thank you.

I agree with the other three people that dynomat is one thing you should do as well as getting a subwoffer in the back. But as it seems to me you shouldn't be expecting to get low range bass out of the 4x6 or 6x9. That will lead to distortion as well as possible leading to blowing the speakers. I would just get good midrange and high's upfront with a little balance of low frequecy's and just use the sub in the back for the really low freq.'s-- I hope everyone agrees with me and that i am right?----
chris-

It is right behind the glove box. You can get a kit from crutchfield to bypass it. don't cut and splice.

Yeah, don't cut and splice, do it the Honkeytonk way!

cut all the wires, mix them up, then spend the next three weeks replacing blown fuses amd ptting out small fires...

Whooa! Thank you guys! Looks like on this forum we have only pros and only pros.
Yes I was able to locate factory amp but now here is my next question:
How the hell I am gonna remove the glove box door to access it? I tried pulling it or twisting but nothing...
Thank you!

Open glove box.
Pull on sides of box to the inside (plastic bends).

Should fall all the way down. That was enough for me to work with.