ICE Tune Up

[TVR6 0]

Chaps,

I have recently acquired an Alpine CDA 9853r head unit (one below the pretty bio-lite display one). Sounds great but naff navigation via the 'Glide Bar' (basic sound functions are buried behind menus) still a great player though.

Anyway, before it was stolen, I had a Pioneer headunit which frankly sounded great and was connected to some uprated Pinoeer speakers that the previous owner had installed. With the Alpine they now sound little shrill and not so warm. I'm looking for a recommendation on rears and front/mids and perhaps a nice 4 channel amp to beef things up but nothing too expensive

I already have an Alpine V12 amp running an Alpine 10" Type R Sub in the rear.

Thanks.

[dubloke 4]

use the settings on the inbuilt crossover to downsize the sound going to the speakers! and tailor the sub settings to a lower level so its not "killing" the rest!

[TVR6 0]

Dubloke, thanks, tried that at the beginning but honestly, the speakers are now the weak link. I'm looking for an upgrade and amp to run them.

Cheers.

[dubloke 4]

tbh then , u need a two channel amp and run the rears off the h/u. they only need to be rear fill anyway. i have a small kenwood amp if you're interested in going that route that would be more than capable. and get yourself some decent front components like the alpine SPR-176A . around a 100 notes from most places and a stonking set of components!

[TVR6 0]

I was told by a few 'experts' that the Alpine's were made for the Jap market and not in tune with our tastes?!?! Of course then I saw the cost of a set of JL Audios and Focals they were trying to sell me...

I may consider that although I like the sound of all four at the same level, the front alone sound lost somehow.

[dubloke 4]

not if you get the imaging right, and run some fader to the rear to compensate as the sub out is non-fading anyhow! you could go for ininity's instead which i use with the same sub as yours in dual voice coil model!

[mattverth 0]

Save the extra and go JL mate!

Two cars later, can't be wrong!

[TVR6 0]

Infinity's are another option...

Thanks Guys, much appreciated

[RIX 0]

change the head unit,alpines are crap,i know tere abit granny radio,but put a blaupunkt in and youl be amased,i have had that same alpine in mine just after the oe one,and then fitted a blaupunkt one,the sound was much better and the radio reseption was 10 times better,and that was with the std. oe 8 speaker set in the golf 4 gti.

all the alpine is good for is flashing some light.

[dubloke 4]

problem is, blaupunkt ergonomics and general look of them is a bit pants when compared to many other makes of aftermarket radio/cd ! alpines have one of the best sound reproduction in the audio spectrum, unless you really want audiophile sound and go for summat like a nakamichi! there are a lot of flashing head units out there with no other benefits, but alpines are not one of them!

[mattverth 0]

unless you really want audiophile sound and go for summat like a nakamichi!

.....Which is why I have a Nak unit. Plus, they are black, which looks good in the golf. And they look old, so less likely to get nicked. There are some good deals to be had on them on the 'bay if you look hard!

[VRVIRGIN 0]

Naks r the nuts,have to agree wholeheartedly with Matt here, high price means i don't have one. Pioneer are deffinately warmer sounding, which ever one. Alpine only worth getting if your putting in Amps and stuff. Didn't find the JL's that amazing for the price tbh, unless we're tlaking subs and amps. Alpines sound fantastic for minimal outlay inmho.