New stereo makes auto headlights not turn off automatically

Don't have an answer for you, but I'd be interested in knowing where you got this done and the price range if possible.

Thanks,

Ken

 

I hope it sounds good for 3 grand What amp or amps did you use ? I'm thinking of doing something along the same lines and trying to decide on equipment and how much power.

Ken

 

Man 3 grand?!?!?!?!?

seems a little excessive to me... my last car i dumnped about 1 grand of audio equipment in, and it sounded great (new head unit, amps, suround, and subs). granted, it wasn't quite as nice as what i had at home, but thats comparing apples and oranges.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(savingtheearth @ Apr 26 2006, 12:22 PM) [snapback]245581[/snapback]</div>

Where is it located, and how much space does it take up? Pics?

 

Problem can also be that they used the illumination wire behind the radio as a ground. Very commom problem, as it tests as ground when the lights are off, but goes to 12v when they are on. The radio could be feeding back into this wire, not allowing it to rest at ground, causing your issue.

Any other symptoms happen to the radio when the lights are turned on or off?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(savingtheearth @ Apr 26 2006, 04:08 PM) [snapback]245789[/snapback]</div>

Midrange problems are pretty common with 6" separate set-ups. Usually the problem is that the crossover that comes with the speakers has a cut-off that is too low, not allowing the 6" speakers to play enough mid-range. Normally we used to install an equalizer (sometimes with DSP) so that the driver could "force" more mid-range into the system. Otherwise, you would have to create a custom crossover instead of using the one that comes with the speakers they installed.

DSP's can really vary on both price and quality. Myself, I think that a lot of them did not sound very good...and I preferred installing a good equalizer instead. A lot of the equalizers also have a separate sub control on them, eliminating the need for a separate volume control for the subs.

As far as adding a middle speaker...unless you have a head unit with a true center channel output, adding a middle speaker will ruin your left/right separation.

I live in Valencia too! What color do you drive...I will look for you.

 

If you're going to post a picture of your sub, could you post some pictures of how/where the equipment was installed.

Thanks !!

Ken

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(savingtheearth @ Apr 27 2006, 03:35 PM) [snapback]246329[/snapback]</div>

Well, that depends. The head unit you are using is where it all starts. I read your posts...and it looks like you are using your factory unit...is that right?

If that is the case, then anything you do will always be subject to the sound limitations of that unit. In order to get true surround or DSP you will have to start there...otherwise you are just buying something that imitates that sound.

This could also be a big factor with your missing mids. Factory stereos are dampened to remove all harshness and to give a smooth sound. Unfortunately, that doesn't work for a high end system. Amplifying that sound only increases its limitations.

Now, if you have switched the head unit, scratch all above...but you would still need to examine an aftermarket unit for its cababilities to deliver actual surround sound channels.

Sound deadening can work to better channel the sound into the car, but it helps more on the lows, then the highs and mids. Mids are tough to get. I used to install a completely separate 3" midrange speaker in the door to help. However, it was tough to keep them alive, as too much bass killed them, and too much high killed your ears. We practially had to adjust the EQ to every song, as the amount of mid range varied so widely from artist to artist and even from song to song.

If you need another good place to go, try Stereo City in Culver City. The owners name is Horst. He is an expert with crossovers (can build them from scratch!).

Years ago I work for a sister store that was in Woodland Hills (no longer there). Worked there for 7 years!

Tell him that Mike Smith, who used to work for the other store recommended you.

Good luck!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(savingtheearth @ Apr 25 2006, 01:54 PM) [snapback]245057[/snapback]</div>

My only question is, "Does the oil-canning effect on the roof from the high sounds levels reduce your mileage?" :lol:

Seriously, I would take it back to whoever did the installation. They have likely managed to get something "whacked" since your headlights don't turn off automatically. It's probably some kind of leakage around the headlight control relay caused by the new wiring. Maybe a ground issue (just a guess).

 

I'd suggest going with an in dash equalizer. You could even get one with
"spatial" effects like BBE. True 5.1 channel surround decoding won't be possible
unless you swap to an expensive head unit with the surround decoder built-in.
The tradeoff there is that you lose the steering wheel controls & integration with the MFD.
A nine or eleven band EQ can give you the subwoofer level control, fader, equilizer
pre-sets, and crossover cutoff adjustment all from right there in the dash.
There's a convenient space for it right below the factory radio (if you don't have the 6-disc changer there).

I've been thinking about adding one of these myself. I like to fiddle with the sound, and the
bass & treble adjustments on the base model head unit leave a lot to be desired.