Speaker advice

[soc]

Before I start let me state that I know almost nothing about stereo's, speakers, cabling and anything related to audio. In fact my hearing for low frequencies is quite poor (medically proven) and I'm pretty sure I'm tone deaf...

Currently I have standard VW speakers with a standard VW gamma tape playing head unit. I'm in the process of sorting out a standard VW factory fit single disk cd player (want to keep the OEM look) and I'd also like to upgrade my speakers. I really like a deep bassy sound (probably why my hearing is crap) and would like to fit a combination of speakers that would let me play loud without distortion. Before you ask I'm not into that "boom, boom" rave type music - I'm more a rock person myself - ok I'm wandering now so I'll get to the point...

The Golf has 6 speakers (that I can see), 2 in the a-pillar (assume these are tweeters, even though I have no idea what a tweeter does), 2 in the front doors and 2 in the rear doors. I simply want to replace these speakers with ones that will give better sound with emphasis on bass (low frequecy sounds).

Can anyone suggest some good speakers or a good setup with this in mind? I'm not keen on a sub if I can avoid it and don't really want to have to get an amp -

Cheers
Shane

[Mustang]

Shane, not an area I know anything about, but a lot of the adudio manufacturers do customised speaker kits for particlar models. I'm sure there a kit out there for the golf Mk IV. Drop into a car accessories shop and pick up a few brochures.

[Mustang]

Shane,
Check out this link to the pioneer website.
Top of the column on the left 'select the right speakers for your car' allows you to select the exact model, and lists which speakers will fit, even has diagrams of the installation.


http://www.pioneer.co.uk/uk/product_ove ... _id=25-132

[CJ]

The best way of achieving a balanced sound is to split up the frequencies - componant speakers (mids/tweeters) will handle the mid range and high frequencies and a sub the low frequencies. If you don't want to mess about a with a sub, a good set of rear mounted 6 x 9's or replacement mid-bass speakers will do the job. The speakers in the rear doors are probably the same as the ones in the front - mid range only. Ditch these for the 6 x 9's. Theres no point in upgrading your speakers if you're not going to use an amp. Say you're head unit is putting out 20W RMS per channel and your speakers are rated at 50W RMS - when you start cranking up the volume on the head unit you're going to hear distortion when the volume is at 70% or so. Whats needed is an inline amp rated at say 40W RMS per channel (for each 4 channels in your case) if you're speakers are rated at 50W (always choose an amp with a lower output that the speaker rating).

The bottom line is, don't spend money unnecessarily if you're not willing to throw an amp into the equation.

To summerise, you need:

A 4-channel amp
A set of componant speakers (up front)
A set of 6x9s (parcel shelf) or mid bass speakers (rear doors)
Decent quality speaker wire
Properly rated power cable
In-line fuse

Check out www.caraudiodirect.co.uk for pricing info and some ideas.

CJ

[soc]

Thanks guys - I'll sort out the cd player and have a think about what to do wrt speakers.