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Thread: Unhappy with new front speakerrs / amp: vocals are high or clear

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    Jr Member sip's Avatar
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    Default Unhappy with new front speakerrs / amp: vocals are high or clear

    I meant to say vocals are NOT high or clear in the heading.

    I replaced by my front coaxial JL speakers with Focal components and a 2 channel Amp (MB Quart 100 RMS per ch.). The sound quality is really bad compared to before (JL fronts and no amp) . Mids and highs are flat, muffled and not very clear. Definitely not like the Focals I have listened to. Focals treble is generall little bright but mine is exact opposite. I doubt the speakers are defective. I played with my aftermarket head unit's audio controls and increased the treble and mids but I am not satisfied. I cannot adjust crossovers because the installer put them inside the door. The installer suggests I put a more powerful amp or a Line Driver to boost the signal. He said he could install a 'Line Driver' at the amp to boost the HU's signal for $200. The line driver he has is this: http://www.gotwirez.com/p/125/lcdss10-2.The speakers are here

    I appreciate any helpful suggestions. I really don't know what to do than hire another installer to trouble shoot.
    Last edited by sip; 12-07-2012 at 06:52 PM.

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    Sr Member stevenma188's Avatar
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    Default Re: Unhappy with new front speakerrs / amp: vocals are high or clear

    I think you need to pull the door panel off and adjust your crossover/amp settings.

    I think the "Line Driver" is a cash grab, and I would definitely adjust the crossover/settings on the amp before putting more money into anything.
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    Member leecheefoto's Avatar
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    Default Re: Unhappy with new front speakerrs / amp: vocals are high or clear

    Quote Originally Posted by stevenma188 View Post
    I think you need to pull the door panel off and adjust your crossover/amp settings.

    I think the "Line Driver" is a cash grab, and I would definitely adjust the crossover/settings on the amp before putting more money into anything.
    +1

    Leave your head unit flat first
    Then adjust the amp and the crossover at the same time. If the sound quality is near what you're preference is, then make adjustments to your head unit.
    Click to enlarge!

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    Default Unhappy with new front speakerrs / amp: vocals are high or clear

    Who installed it?

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    Jr Member sip's Avatar
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    Default Re: Unhappy with new front speakerrs / amp: vocals are high or clear

    20Hz Audio. The owner calls himself the best installer in Canada but he didn't do the job - his installers did it. I went there for convenience - closer to where I was working . Could it be a wiring issue like out of phase or not getting enough current to amp because of bad amp wire? Amp manufacturer recommends 4 gauge wire but he probably didn't use 4 gauge. I saw the wiring kit he had. It didn't indicate the gauge just the watts.
    Last edited by sip; 12-07-2012 at 08:29 PM.

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    Sr Member stevenma188's Avatar
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    Default Re: Unhappy with new front speakerrs / amp: vocals are high or clear

    The wire should say what gauge it is directly on the sleeve.

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    Default Re: Unhappy with new front speakerrs / amp: vocals are high or clear

    If someone has to call themselves the best installer, it means they are not the best.
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    Member leecheefoto's Avatar
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    Default Re: Unhappy with new front speakerrs / amp: vocals are high or clear

    Look at your battery or the amp and see what wire the gauge is, all wires must have some lettering.

    Could it possibly be your amp as well?

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    Jr Member sip's Avatar
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    Default Re: Unhappy with new front speakerrs / amp: vocals are high or clear

    Quote Originally Posted by leecheefoto View Post
    Look at your battery or the amp and see what wire the gauge is, all wires must have some lettering.

    Could it possibly be your amp as well?
    Will do. Amp is brand new so are the speakers. Amp is reasonable powerful (100 watts per ch.) and good brand name.

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    Default Re: Unhappy with new front speakerrs / amp: vocals are high or clear

    what head unit are you using?

    Are you sure the headunit isn't doing a bandpass aka setting the output to subwoofer?

    Try hooking up a different audio source like an ipod to the amp and see if the sound is still flat.
    If it sounds better the issue is the deck, if not the crossover is likely the problem.
    perhaps the woofer and tweeter wires got switched.

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    Jr Member sip's Avatar
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    Default Re: Unhappy with new front speakerrs / amp: vocals are high or clear

    Quote Originally Posted by midnitehour View Post
    what head unit are you using?

    Are you sure the headunit isn't doing a bandpass aka setting the output to subwoofer?

    Try hooking up a different audio source like an ipod to the amp and see if the sound is still flat.
    If it sounds better the issue is the deck, if not the crossover is likely the problem.
    perhaps the woofer and tweeter wires got switched.
    Head unit is a Kenwood DPX308U. It has a setting called 'Switch Preouts/ that switches preouts between rear output and sub output. I selected sub output. This this what you are referring to. Is switching preouts to subwoofer wrong?

    How do I hook up a Ipod to the amp?

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    Member leecheefoto's Avatar
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    Default Re: Unhappy with new front speakerrs / amp: vocals are high or clear

    Quote Originally Posted by sip View Post
    Head unit is a Kenwood DPX308U. It has a setting called 'Switch Preouts/ that switches preouts between rear output and sub output. I selected sub output. This this what you are referring to. Is switching preouts to subwoofer wrong?

    How do I hook up a Ipod to the amp?
    3.5mm to rca cable.

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    Sr Member peterm15's Avatar
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    Default Unhappy with new front speakerrs / amp: vocals are high or clear

    Try switching the pre out then. Seems like it could be the problem.

    My issue is they didn't seem to test it before allowing you to leave.

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    Jr Member sip's Avatar
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    Default Re: Unhappy with new front speakerrs / amp: vocals are high or clear

    I listen with them and complained. The installer admitted it was pretty bad but blamed it on the sub and offered to put the old speakers back. The owner said he cannot hear anything wrong - he installed the equipment I gave him correctly.

    I saw this in a review: "My only complaint was the tweeter , they are not mark very clear which wire is positive or negative , so I call tech support and I was told the wire with the red stripe was the positive ". Could it be a wire mix up like in the reviewer's case?
    Last edited by sip; 12-07-2012 at 11:25 PM.

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    Sr Member stevenma188's Avatar
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    Default Re: Unhappy with new front speakerrs / amp: vocals are high or clear

    ^How would we know? We would just be speculating. Why don't you pull the panel off and check?

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    Jr Member sip's Avatar
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    Default Re: Unhappy with new front speakerrs / amp: vocals are high or clear

    Quote Originally Posted by stevenma188 View Post
    ^How would we know? We would just be speculating. Why don't you pull the panel off and check?
    You are absolutely right. I have to find another installer because I don't know how to do it. I have seen this but not confident enough to try.
    Last edited by sip; 12-07-2012 at 11:53 PM.

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    Sr Member peterm15's Avatar
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    Default Unhappy with new front speakerrs / amp: vocals are high or clear

    It's easier then your making it out to be. You do not need another installer to do this.

    If you would like some help I'll offer. But your scared for nothing. Especially since its been removed before. It's VERY easy to do, if you have manual widows it's slightly more difficult but still easy with an $8 tool from Canadian tire.

    If they didn't bother making sure it sounded right it's highly unlikely they soldered wires which means you can easily unplug and switch polarity.
    Last edited by peterm15; 12-08-2012 at 12:26 AM.

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    Sr Member stevenma188's Avatar
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    Default Re: Unhappy with new front speakerrs / amp: vocals are high or clear

    Depending on where you are, I'm sure there is a member that is nearby that can help you out with this.

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    Jr Member sip's Avatar
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    Default Re: Unhappy with new front speakerrs / amp: vocals are high or clear

    I am in Brampton. If anyone can help I would really appreciate it.

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    Jr Member sip's Avatar
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    Default Re: Unhappy with new front speakerrs / amp: vocals are high or clear

    Quote Originally Posted by peterm15 View Post
    It's easier then your making it out to be. You do not need another installer to do this.

    If you would like some help I'll offer. But your scared for nothing. Especially since its been removed before. It's VERY easy to do, if you have manual widows it's slightly more difficult but still easy with an $8 tool from Canadian tire.

    If they didn't bother making sure it sounded right it's highly unlikely they soldered wires which means you can easily unplug and switch polarity.
    Thanks for your offer to help. They did soldered the wire. Installer told me. Will PM you.

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    Jr Member sip's Avatar
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    Default Re: Unhappy with new front speakerrs / amp: vocals are high or clear

    I got someone to adjust the amp setting and changed HU's audio controls. It is lot better now and I am happy with the set up. Thanks peterm15 for your offer to help.

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    Sr Member peterm15's Avatar
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    Default Unhappy with new front speakerrs / amp: vocals are high or clear

    No problem.

    Just goes to show you. The shop seems a little shady when all it took was an amp adjustment.

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    Default Unhappy with new front speakerrs / amp: vocals are high or clear

    I've met and worked with Frankie from 20hz a few times - he's a good guy and knows his shit. He has put together A LOT of crazy builds over the years - which have brought so much media attention, that may have swelled his ego.

    The shop itself is very good.

    The only thing I can see happening is that the installer claims (or thought) he did all the right steps - but clearly missed the tuning adjustment part LOL. Frankie can only go by what the installer claims - without physically re-tracing all his steps.

    Not trying to say that this install was acceptable - just don't think it should get the negative judgements its receiving.

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    Sr Member peterm15's Avatar
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    Default Unhappy with new front speakerrs / amp: vocals are high or clear

    Quote Originally Posted by Default User View Post
    I've met and worked with Frankie from 20hz a few times - he's a good guy and knows his shit. He has put together A LOT of crazy builds over the years - which have brought so much media attention, that may have swelled his ego.

    The shop itself is very good.

    The only thing I can see happening is that the installer claims (or thought) he did all the right steps - but clearly missed the tuning adjustment part LOL. Frankie can only go by what the installer claims - without physically re-tracing all his steps.

    Not trying to say that this install was acceptable - just don't think it should get the negative judgements its receiving.
    I get that.
    But as an owner of a shop it is his reputation on the line to make sure the job is done correctly. I'm sure he is a great guy with tons of knowledge and loads of experience. To me it speaks to his lack of caring for a small job ( the bread and butter) to make sure a simple thing like a setting on an amp is done correctly. Instead he suggests installing another piece of equipment that the op obviously didn't need. It's nothing against him personally. But amp settings is something that he could have figured out in seconds, and should have.

    Best example I have is I recently had tints done at audio haven. Jeff ( the owner) didn't personally do the job, but if the job was a complete botch it wouldn't come back on the installer. It would come back on Jeff. It's just the way it is. ( BTW the installer did a great job on my tints and I have nothing buy positive to say about audio haven. )
    Last edited by peterm15; 12-08-2012 at 11:10 PM.

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    Default Re: Unhappy with new front speakerrs / amp: vocals are high or clear

    while i've seen jobs done by 20HZ i agree with peterm15, something as simple as making sure the deck had the right outputs set and that the amp wasn't in band pass should have been on the checklist.

    worse so is that no one in that shop could hear the difference in SQ with the front speakers on a band pass, something that the internet figured out in 2 hours.

    20hz isn't the only frequency music is played on.

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