All Alpine System Owners!

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Podcast

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Hey all, have a question for you. I had a '13 with the standard non-Alpine system. It sounded great and had good full dynamics. My Alpine system sounds empty which I've seen discussed before. I don't need more sub but I could use more mid. What speakers are recommended for plug and play to fill the gaps better?

Also, the non-Alpine system was very responsive. I have a loaner today that has the non-Alpine system as well and the volume and mute buttons are very responsive and immediately you get results when using them. On my Alpine system there's a delay in the mute button when un-muting of a bout a full second before the sound comes back. Same is true for my steering wheel volume button, it has a very slow response time. Is this common for these systems? Is this due to the amps having a delay in power transfer?
 

adrianp89

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No issues with my Alpine in delay or sound. Sounds like something is wrong.
 
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No issues with my Alpine in delay or sound. Sounds like something is wrong.

That's what I was looking for. I've not had the opportunity to test another Alpine system only the non-Alpine systems so I didn't know if it was simply how they function or not. Thanks.
 

barr0208

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mine sounds fine no problems either than added some tweeters in the dash for better highs
 

rotwiler

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My 13 sounded muffled for the highs, I put in 2 ohm infinitys and jbl 2 ohm rear speakers and sounds great now.
 

deanoldo

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My 17 Alpine could use better mids. I also find the sub a little muddy, but nothing I can't live with. I have a similar delay as you. If I have the volume up loud, I can spin the volume knob and then put my arm back on the arm rest before the volume gets to zero. Nothing that really bothers me, but it's there.

Dean
 

TomT

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I definitely see latency when using the controls on my Alpine. It’s gotten worse with the latest software update as well.
 

rotwiler

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To fill in gaps on the alpine system, get 2 ohm infinity speakers for dash, in rear doors get either jbl or infinity 2 ohm. Don't get 4 ohm. I am sure those 2 upgrades will make you happy. The factory speakers are just full range crappy speakers with no separate tweeter. If you want better sounding mids, sound deaden all 4 doors and use closed cell foam to stop any rattle. Sounds great now, was unhappy with it when first bought the truck. I would leave front door speakers alone, they are just bass/mid bass and sound good when you replace the ones I talked about.
 

Witch

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I used Infinity Reference 3.5" s for the 3 dash speakers, and Infinity Reference 6x9 co axles in the front and rear doors

Way better sound from a quality aspect , very crisp, but still lacked low end IMO

Ended up using a shallow Pioneer sub in the factory box with LC21 line converter and Rockford 250 x1

upload_2018-2-15_8-15-50.png
 

GSchwizzy

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Hi All.

I was about to start a new thread... but found this one, which I think will be a good suit for my question/complaint (HA!).

I recently bought a used 2016 1500 BH with the 'Premium' Alpine system in it. I like the 8.4" interface overall... and love the all digital input aspect of the system (i.e. SD, USB, etc.). However, I was (and still am) quite 'underwhelmed' by the performance of the system in terms of 'sound quality'. I listen to mostly metal and hard rock, and while some bands/albums sound 'ok'... others just sound like crap and are very "muffled" and "dead sounding" as others have mentioned.

I'm coming from a 2010 Volvo S80, that had an AWESOME (true) Premium sound system in it... made by Dynaudio (Denmark). I'd put that up against anything... everything I played thru it (even occasional Jazz/Blues) sounded just terrific.

Anyways, I am looking to do an 'easy' and relatively inexpensive upgrade... just to the speakers (and maybe even sounded deadening the doors) and have seen a lot of different speaker brands/models mentioned... but with their being so ****** much out there, if someone can point me to some direct links to check out, I'd greatly appreciate it. I buy from Amazon a lot... and tried finding the 2 ohm Infinity series that someone above mentioned, but want to be sure they're the same ones.

I was hoping to 'not' have to do anything with the sound system... but it's wearing on me! :)

Thanks in advance for any/all help you guys are willing to share/provide. Much appreciated.
 

TXFireMedic

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Hi All.

I was about to start a new thread... but found this one, which I think will be a good suit for my question/complaint (HA!).

I recently bought a used 2016 1500 BH with the 'Premium' Alpine system in it. I like the 8.4" interface overall... and love the all digital input aspect of the system (i.e. SD, USB, etc.). However, I was (and still am) quite 'underwhelmed' by the performance of the system in terms of 'sound quality'. I listen to mostly metal and hard rock, and while some bands/albums sound 'ok'... others just sound like crap and are very "muffled" and "dead sounding" as others have mentioned.

I'm coming from a 2010 Volvo S80, that had an AWESOME (true) Premium sound system in it... made by Dynaudio (Denmark). I'd put that up against anything... everything I played thru it (even occasional Jazz/Blues) sounded just terrific.

Anyways, I am looking to do an 'easy' and relatively inexpensive upgrade... just to the speakers (and maybe even sounded deadening the doors) and have seen a lot of different speaker brands/models mentioned... but with their being so ****** much out there, if someone can point me to some direct links to check out, I'd greatly appreciate it. I buy from Amazon a lot... and tried finding the 2 ohm Infinity series that someone above mentioned, but want to be sure they're the same ones.

I was hoping to 'not' have to do anything with the sound system... but it's wearing on me! :)

Thanks in advance for any/all help you guys are willing to share/provide. Much appreciated.
http://www.ramforum.com/threads/alpine-audio-speaker-upgrade.118195/

Read through this
 

GSchwizzy

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One other side note... the biggest 'issue' I have with the system, and it being labeled as a "Premium" system, is the sub-par 3-band equalizer in the Audio options. Worthless.

Ok, rant over. I feel better. :)
 

TomT

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You can swap out the speakers for better ones (the factory ones are complete garbage) and that will definitely get you better sound. If having crappy EQ capability is an issue then your only solution for that would be either a new head unit or going with a complete system upgrade that includes a DSP.
 

adrianp89

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You can swap out the speakers for better ones (the factory ones are complete garbage) and that will definitely get you better sound. If having crappy EQ capability is an issue then your only solution for that would be either a new head unit or going with a complete system upgrade that includes a DSP.

I believe the DSR1 will allow you to use the 32band eq on each channel with the factory Alpine.
 

Mbrigh3

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I am in the middle of upgrading parts of my Alpine set up. I swapped out the Alpine sub for the shallow mount pioneer sub but that pioneer is so under powered by the alpine system that I had to buy an independent amp for it that I hopefully get install tom.

I also wanted to be able to control the sub instead of overall bass. I think the speakers sound Alpine speakers sound fine on my Ram but I am a guy who prefers bass over treble. Shoot... when I go see an I-max movie I have to wear ear plugs because the highs from those speakers hurt my ears lol.


Note: Dont buy the 8" pioneer sub unless you plan on giving it an independent amp not worth the money.

Anyways this is my project that I hopefully get installed tom. I already have the pioneer installed but ill list it below.

-Pioneer TS-SW2002d2 8"

-Amp for the sub: Pioneer GM-A3702 500w Max 190RMS

-Sub controller: Scosche LOC90 Speaker to RCA Line Output Converter
 

GSchwizzy

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Thanks for the info guys (especially TXFire)... this helps a lot. Sorry I didn't see that other thread, I just picked this one since I thought my question applied.

The only other question I have is... isn't anyone that installs 2 ohm speakers worried about damaging the factory head unit? I don't "think" it's rated for 2 ohm speakers. Not 100% on that, but just a guess. I'd be worried about overheating and/or the over-current protection tripping, etc.

So... what is the reason for going to 2 ohms? More power??? Not judging, just asking. I always thought 4 was the 'norm', but I'm old (well, older) and have been out of the car audio game for quite awhile... LOL!

Now it's a matter of deciding what to buy. Ugh.

Ok, this is my last question... a friend of mine at work recommended Memphis Audio 6x9s for the doors. Anyone heard of those or installed any? He was a big JL guy, but this is all he'll install in his cars... including his 68' Impala he's almost done restoring.

Thanks and take care!
 

TomT

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Yes, 4 ohms is the norm for car speakers but the factory speakers in the Alpine system are 2 ohm. They probably did this to get more volume out of small wattage.

As for Memphis 6x9s in the doors, I would put them lower than JL. I also doubt they have a 2 ohm version.
 

GSchwizzy

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Thank you for the information Tom... much appreciated.


I might just try upgrading the door speakers, and adding in some sound deadening material first... but my **** retentiveness will likely kick in and will want to upgrade the rest of the speakers (i.e. dash and head liner).

Can someone tell me what sizes the dash and headliner speakers are, and if the cover in each area just 'pop' off? I'd hate to try prying and crack/break them...

Thanks much. Take care!
 

adrianp89

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Yes, 4 ohms is the norm for car speakers but the factory speakers in the Alpine system are 2 ohm. They probably did this to get more volume out of small wattage.

As for Memphis 6x9s in the doors, I would put them lower than JL. I also doubt they have a 2 ohm version.

Come on Tom! You know better than to just compare "brand names". Way too many variables here.
 

TXFireMedic

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Thank you for the information Tom... much appreciated.


I might just try upgrading the door speakers, and adding in some sound deadening material first... but my **** retentiveness will likely kick in and will want to upgrade the rest of the speakers (i.e. dash and head liner).

Can someone tell me what sizes the dash and headliner speakers are, and if the cover in each area just 'pop' off? I'd hate to try prying and crack/break them...

Thanks much. Take care!

for the install of the dash speakers.
 

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