Need audiophile assistance

[Phylodog]

I upgraded the six speakers in my truck several months ago. Went with Polk Audio in the dash and front doors and Kickers in the back doors. My wife bought my a Kenwood DDX470 for Christmas which I installed last week.

It might be my imagination but it seems like the sound quality is slightly diminished with the new head unit. I'm thinking surely the Kenwood has more potential and it's quite possible that I need to adjust the audio levels to optimize the setup. The problem is that I know nothing about making these adjustments.

I know I'd like to have more bass and will be installing a sub when money allows. I'm considering something like a Kicker Hideaway for simplicity's sake, I'm not looking to rock the neighborhood, just want more bass.

Does anyone have any tips to help me adjust what I've got to get it sounding better? There are settings available that I haven't a clue how to decipher.

 

[BlkRamRt]

check your eq settings. most of the time they are set flat but you should be able to adjust to your taste.

 

[lone12star]

After I installed an aftermarket HU on my 04, I couldn't get any good bass no matter what, it was all highs and mids. But I was installing 2 10's anyways do it didn't matter to me


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[kkreit01]

I would have suggested a few changes:

1. Match all speakers. It would be best to have Polk in rear as well. That probably won't add bass, but it will help your sound to blend much better

2. Add an amp to power the front door speakers, and add a sub.

3. Get rid of dash speakers, and buy better quality component speakers for your front stage (only after you've added an amp to power them).

4. As stated above, play with your EQ settings on your new head unit. Some have "loud" or "superbass" options.

I've tried many dash speakers, combinations in my 430N system. In the end, I finally realized they were ruining my front stage. The extreme highs bouncing off the windshield sounded bad. I'd mount a good set of components, or high-quality coaxials in the front doors, and leave the dash speakers open/unhooked.

 

[audio1der]

I would have suggested a few changes:
2. Add an amp to power the front door speakers, and add a sub.

3. Get rid of dash speakers, and buy better quality component speakers for your front stage (only after you've added an amp to power them).

4. As stated above, play with your EQ settings on your new head unit. Some have "loud" or "superbass" options.

I've tried many dash speakers, combinations in my 430N system. In the end, I finally realized they were ruining my front stage. The extreme highs bouncing off the windshield sounded bad. I'd mount a good set of components, or high-quality coaxials in the front doors, and leave the dash speakers open/unhooked.

IMO #2,3 and 4 are great opinions. While there may be a sliver of value to #1 depending on WHICH Polk and Kicker speakers you ended up with and your personal tastes, spending more money to match them now is a moot point to me.
I think he's RIGHT ON about dash speakers, door speakers and amplifying them though. A good set of amplified coaxial or component speakers will not only have more bass, but provide a FAR better front stage.
Playing with EQ settings should be easy, and you may even be ab;e to default to factory presets if you're still not happy (so you don't have to worry about changing each setting back to where it started)

 

[autokraftgt]

Amp your speakers if money allows
Regardless, put some music in that you are really familiar with and get to know your new HU....it wont bite ya...

 

[Moparwillie]

Your setup is fine.
1. Check your speaker polarity.
2. Check your wiring to your receiver.
3. Check Ground.
4. Add an amp. This would increase the power to the speakers allowing them to use there full potential.

Your receiver can power your dash speakers and the amp would power the rest.