splashchris

Hello everyone.
Thank you for providing an open forum for the exchange of enthusiast information. I have a question regarding how to tune the audio signal for best possible sound. After reading the posts I'm still not too sure where to begin.

The equipment installed is as follows:
Pioneer DEH-6600 head unit
pair 4x6 Polks(in dash)
pair 6.5" round Infinity w/ adjustable tweeters(rear)
pair 5.5" round Infinity w/ adjustable tweeters rear)

No amps, subs, eq's, or crossovers installed. I do know the DEH-6600 offers some crossover control functionality.

Additionally, I do not have a test CD or any measuring equipment, so the "tuning" will be done by ear. I just don't know where to start, except for making the assumption that everything should be set to flat or zero (no EQ, no Loudness, etc.).

Once I've got everything zeroed out, how would I begin? Should I start with the Bass, midrange, etc.?

I have listened to a few CDs with a set of headphones, so I know what sound I'm trying to reproduce (as reasonably close as possible). So far, though, I only end up with a somewhat muddy sound. I'm trying to get a nice bass punch, like the sound of a bass drum (but not boomy).

I suspect part of my problem might be the vehicle itself, a G20 Mark III conversion van. It's a full size van, with considerable customization on the interior (cloth captains chairs, sofa, cloth headliner, etc). Also, the distance between the front and rear speakers is such that in order to hear both at a similar level, I have to move the fader control towards the rear by 5 or 6 points off of center.

Thanks in advance. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Chris

splashchris

Thank you, Dukk, for the response.

I'm flaunting my newbie status here, so forgive me.

The Pioneer unit I have puts out "50 watts x 4 peak power: The internal amplifier pumps out plenty of power to your speakers for great sound." (source: circuitcity.com)

I've never had any experience with an amplifier, so my question would be - they really make that much difference?

I ask because after looking up a few amplifiers, the average output rating is arount 100 watts, double that of my head unit. How does the extra power improve sound quality if I'm listening at only moderate levels (well within the output specs of the head unit)?

Again, forgive the simplicity of my questions, as I am obviously quite new to car audio.

Thanks in advance,

Chris

slow/n\low

I would also add that sealing the speaker location to add some type of enclosure will greatly help tighten up the mid bass kick drum you looking to hear.

splashchris

Thanks again everyone, for your feedback. If an amplifier is the way to go, can anyone make recommendations for a 4-channel amp in the $250-$300 price range?

So far, I'm looking at the following:

- Infinity 7540A (111 watts RMS at 4 ohms)

- Audiobahn A4004T (50 watts RMS at 4 ohms)

The infinity has twice the power for only about $40 more, so my guess is that's the better deal?

Chris

SUX 2BU

iTrader: (1)

Another recommendation for a well-priced amp with clean power (I find anyway) is Concept.