7 replies to this topic

[NKX]

Hi all,

just wondering if people can offer up any advice on the best bang-for-buck hardware to fine tune my system. Even though the 9833 Headunit has some neat features, and despite the fact teh AudioControl DSX handles the front stage reasonably well, and despite the fact that the install was very well done... I am finding my system a little out of balance and both lacking and having an abundance of random frequencies.

My system is described in the signature below - I am trying for a relatively low-cost decent sounding system (definately not SPL) and was concidering adding an Eclipse EQ-2102 or AudioControl EQL to help me out. Can I get some recommendations please.... should I just try and tune the gear I have, modify the installation for performance, swap out or add components, add an EQ, etc etc

Oh, and one more thing... do you think it wise to add another mid-bass driver up front? Was thinking of running active-4-ways up front with either a DD woofer or a Focal mini-subwoofer so I can further seperate the frequencies to seperate drivers up front.... I am finding the mid a little muddy in standard, and there is way too much bass & muddy mid when I put the subs out 180 degrees to get the time alignment right.

Actually, forget the topic heading... I am willing to accept any advise on how to better my system.

Thanks all.

[Pulse-R]

if you want to improve the quality of the sound, you may need an EQ, or perhaps just re-locate the speakers to sonically better locations.

3-ways are all you need up front. I use the Pioneer TS-C160R midbass, they play hard and clean down to 50Hz.

also time-alignment is important for midbass/subbass integration. If the 180 degrees isn't right, then you need some way of tuning the TA.

So, try moving the speakers, or replace the head unit to get one with optical out and a PXA-H701, or get the Equalisers.

one thing to remember... "You can't polish a turd".

you really need to be able to time-align the midbass and the sub to get clarity in the low midrange.

[MADTRAV]

AS pulse r states, i to would look at a h701 to compliment the gear you have, or maybe try different frfont stage.

[the_iano]

Whoa.....thats an awful lot of system you have there. Ever considered a less complex design?

Whilst I havent heard this thing, I doubt an EQ would make a huge amount of difference. With the amount of kit thats in the car, theres too many variables to take into consideration.

Simple = best.

[NKX]

Yeah - agreed. Today a sat down and worked out the best crossover points for everything I have, looked over the wiring diagram again, and started tweaking. The CDA-9833 has 6-chan digital time, 5-band parametric EQ, and a 2-way crossover (in my current config) built in - that and almost every amp I have has one parametric EQ setting each.... so I guess I have enough tweakage already. And except for the mid-bass/sub, the positioning of the equipment seems pretty good.

Today I played with the amps, headunit and DXS and I am feeling much better about the system. I reconfigured the headunits X-over point, tweaked the digital time correction for the subs, reset the parametric EQ, and played with the DXS. I have no idea why it was configured the way it was but the front stage has a subsonic filter set to 80Hz, LP @ 1kHz, HP @ 3.2kHz, and therefore mid is now 1kHz - 3.2kHz all with 24dB slope. This has brought the mid forward and cleaned it up quite a bit. Mid was playing far too low etc.

Will investigate going optical still not ruling out an EQ though. Keep the suggestions coming, this is good.

[Pulse-R]

talking of tweaking - I got much smoother midrange by setting the HP of the tweeters to 12dB slope.

[TEGBOY]

There is a set of Audio Control EQT's for sale in the sale section. Very cheap for what they are.

[~thematt~]

I agree with Ikerr here. Way to complex, too many features to tune, less chance of getting it right.

Check out this link
http://www.caraudioaustralia.com/forums/in...view=getnewpost

2-ways, headunit, 2 amps and a sub. Easier to get sounding good then 12 speakers...60 amps...and whatever else you have there You might also be surprised on HOW good they can sound.

I have an EQ, but its bypassed (switched off) because I firmly believe a sound system doesnt need one (I have it for the Optical inputs/XOvers). To fix the probs with your system being out of balance, fix the installation. More doesnt always equal better.