2006 Package 2 Stereo Upgrades

First I changed out the stock door speakers with Infinity Reference 2-way speakers. These provided clear sound with better highs, and were more efficient than the stock speakers (same volume took lower volume numbers). However, the bass, which was what I wanted to enhance was still lacking. Even with the more efficient speakers, I decided the lack of "horsepower" in the stock amp was probably partly at fault.

A local shop had a New Old Stock Clarion 4-channel in, 5-channel out 500 wat amplifier still in stock. I had used one of these a few years ago in a Mercedes 560SEL and liked the performance and controls. We installed this amp, along with one 10 inch Rockford Fosgate Punch edge drive subwoofer in a very small sub box (at seven tenths of a cubic foot it's probably a tenth or two cubic foot too small, really, for the sub size, but that doesn't seem to hurt the sound).

The amp allows input of chanels 1 and 2 (front left and right) and 3 and 4 (rear left and right) which allows for retention of the stock balance and fader controls. These output at 75 watts per channel, with a paired fader for 1 and 2 and another for 3 aqnd 4 which allows for tuning the front to rear "center" balance.

The subwoofer out is 200 watts, with 3 crossover points. You can select between a low pass filter for the sub only (retaining full spectrum in the main speakers) or a combined low pass filter for the sub and a high pass filter for the main speakers (which takes the subwoofer frequencies out of the mix for the main speakers). Both subwoofer enhancement (basically tunable loud circuitry) and gain are adjustable for channel 5 into the sub.

This set-up has proven to be very nice. The Clarion is quite efficient, and I can't see any loss of mileage due to the added electrical requirements. I have been trying different tuning combinations and will probably settle on a 120 cycle crossover and no high pass on the main speakers.

I listen mostly to classic rock, jazz, classical, and occasionally even modern techno. I set up the system to have rich, natural bass without a lot of "boom." I hate the overdriven sound a lot of people like in their sub.

Everyone's idea of the ideal stereo is probably different. For me this system is proving to be pretty close to my ideal - but I have "infinity" ears and have used their products since my first high-end home stereo in the late 1970's (Infinity WTLC columns, Visonic subwoofer and Pioneer 1250 receiver - ah, the days of analog sound!).

 

I'll check the boxes (if they're still in the trash can in the garage - can't remember if that went out this AM). I believe they're the standard ones - they came from Car Toys in the Denver metro, so whatever they list on their web site is probably right.

For now. Infinity sells the tweeter from the component series by itself. I've seen them for about $40/pair new on Ebay ($99 at Car Toys). I will eventually buy a set. But the stockers aren't all bad.

Right - the references have the tweeter mounted in the center of the 6 1/2, and have a built-in crossover in the feed to them.

Oh, and I love your wheels! I just happened to take a look at your upgrades post a few minutes ago, in fact! Also the wood trim is nice - not too much.