Featured Alpine ilx-w670 with kta 450 but no bass??!!

[Lukew2026]

So I just had a professional company install the alpine receiver and powerpack system in my 2012 f150 after I installed 4 6x8 speakers. The sync system with factory speakers had enough bass to make the doors rattle but sounded horrible. With new speakers I had decent bass and some door rattle, but not much clarity. After head unit and “power pack” installed, I have great sound and clarity but no bass, none. The guy installing it made the comment that the mids could wash out the bass, but none at all??? What could be the issue? Should I bring it back to the installers or is this the type of system I bought? The alpine receiver had great reviews and also the power pack mounted to the back was supposed to help not hurt the sound.

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[CarAudio.com - Hal AI Bots]

So I just had a professional company install the alpine receiver and powerpack system in my 2012 f150 after I installed 4 6x8 speakers. The sync system with factory speakers had enough bass to make the doors rattle but sounded horrible. With new speakers I had decent bass and some door rattle, but not much clarity. After head unit and “power pack” installed, I have great sound and clarity but no bass, none. The guy installing it made the comment that the mids could wash out the bass, but none at all??? What could be the issue? Should I bring it back to the installers or is this the type of system I bought? The alpine receiver had great reviews and also the power pack mounted to the back was supposed to help not hurt the sound.

It sounds like you're experiencing an issue with bass response after upgrading your sound system. Here are a few potential reasons for the lack of bass:

1. **Speaker Type and Placement**: The 6x8 speakers you installed may not be designed for strong bass response. If they are primarily mid-range speakers, they might wash out lower frequencies. Check if they are full-range speakers or if a subwoofer is needed for better bass.

2. **Subwoofer Absence**: The setup you described does not mention a subwoofer. Adding a dedicated subwoofer can significantly enhance the bass response in your system.

3. **Settings and EQ**: Ensure that the EQ settings on your Alpine receiver are configured correctly. Sometimes, the bass is cut off or reduced in the settings. Experiment with the bass, treble, and mid-range settings.

4. **Wiring Issues**: If the installation wasn't done properly, there might be wiring issues affecting sound quality. Loose connections or incorrect wiring could lead to inadequate power delivery to the speakers.

5. **Power Pack Limitations**: The KTA-450 amplifier enhances power but may not significantly boost bass if the speakers aren't capable of handling it. It’s worth checking if it’s set up to drive the speakers optimally.

6. **Installation Quality**: If the installation wasn't done correctly, it could affect sound quality. If you suspect this is the case, it’s a good idea to bring it back to the installers for a check-up.

Consider discussing these points with the installers. They may be able to identify the issue and suggest solutions, whether it's adjusting settings, adding a subwoofer, or checking the installation.

 

[Lukew2026]

It sounds like you're experiencing an issue with bass response after upgrading your sound system. Here are a few potential reasons for the lack of bass:

1. **Speaker Type and Placement**: The 6x8 speakers you installed may not be designed for strong bass response. If they are primarily mid-range speakers, they might wash out lower frequencies. Check if they are full-range speakers or if a subwoofer is needed for better bass.

2. **Subwoofer Absence**: The setup you described does not mention a subwoofer. Adding a dedicated subwoofer can significantly enhance the bass response in your system.

3. **Settings and EQ**: Ensure that the EQ settings on your Alpine receiver are configured correctly. Sometimes, the bass is cut off or reduced in the settings. Experiment with the bass, treble, and mid-range settings.

4. **Wiring Issues**: If the installation wasn't done properly, there might be wiring issues affecting sound quality. Loose connections or incorrect wiring could lead to inadequate power delivery to the speakers.

5. **Power Pack Limitations**: The KTA-450 amplifier enhances power but may not significantly boost bass if the speakers aren't capable of handling it. It’s worth checking if it’s set up to drive the speakers optimally.

6. **Installation Quality**: If the installation wasn't done correctly, it could affect sound quality. If you suspect this is the case, it’s a good idea to bring it back to the installers for a check-up.

Consider discussing these points with the installers. They may be able to identify the issue and suggest solutions, whether it's adjusting settings, adding a subwoofer, or checking the installation.

Thanks for the help. To my knowledge:
1. I installed the speakers before the radio change. With the original sync system in, I had good bass. I could “feel” the speakers and bass. It’s not even close with the alpine and amp. So I figure it’s the new setup?

2. No subwoofer. I didn’t plan on installing one because the reviews on the alpine with power pack commented on good bass. So I was hoping not to need one. Mainly because of space which is why I went with radio mounted amp. Should I get one anyway? I have a f150 crew and keep stuff under back seat or flip it up and fill floor frequently. Only option would be under a front seat or behind back seat which is very little room.

3. EQ. I tried to use what I found on Google to set it up for more bass to speakers, but I’m not experienced with this and not sure what I’m doing. Where can I get help understanding and using the EQ?

4&6. I’m guessing this is the issue, but didn’t want to bring it back without some knowledge. I don’t want them to say I need a sub if it’s just incorrect wiring or setup. Some people had issues setting up the KTA-450 power pack because of it being “upside down” when installed? Which leads to point 5…

5. I thought the 50rms of the KTA-450 would be fine since it’s more than what original setup was. Again the reviews said the bass was good. But I’m just a truck owner and don’t have any experience in purchasing or setting up an audio system. Hoping I didn’t buy a bad setup because of lack of knowledge. Many say go to Crutchfield. And they say the setup is great??

 

[1aespinoza Premium Member]

if it’s just incorrect wiring or setup. So

Are you able to isolate every speaker area? Try fading forward to hear if bass improves. If not, balance to the left. If the single front left has more bass than the front sum, then it is an installation error.

 

[B E N]

What is the high pass filter set to?

 

[Lukew2026]

What is the high pass filter set to?

Unfortunately, I am a sound system illiterate. What do you mean by high pass filter set too?
I spoke with the installer and he said it had something to do with crossovers. That my 6 x 8 speakers when amplified wash out the bass for clarity. No 80 hz? And he said that if he set it to flat I would get more bass but ruined the speakers in the long run.
He recommended I get a small power amp sub to have bass. But that means running another power wire to my battery and running to amp for my system.

 

[Lukew2026]

Are you able to isolate every speaker area? Try fading forward to hear if bass improves. If not, balance to the left. If the single front left has more bass than the front sum, then it is an installation error.

So in my Ford truck, my front speakers are component with a little tweeter in the pillar. I don’t know how to explain it because I don’t understand what is going on, but I can hear the sound of the drums, but I cannot feel the drum if that makes sense.
I can fade to each corner speaker, front left or opposite back right. I can hear each speaker well and the clarity is great. But there’s no feel of bass.
I spoke with the installer and he said the power pack amp only increases the mids and high, and the crossover washes out the base. He said he could change the crossovers to “flat” and maybe I would have more bass but would lose clarity and in the long run, ruined my speakers.
He recommended getting a powered sub and putting it under a seat.

 

[B E N]

If they are crossed at 80hz you will not have a lot of bass sensation or pants moving vibrations, and it's likely you will feel like some of the music is missing. A subwoofer should get you the sensation you are looking for.

 

[Lukew2026]

If they are crossed at 80hz you will not have a lot of bass sensation or pants moving vibrations, and it's likely you will feel like some of the music is missing. A subwoofer should get you the sensation you are looking for.

Thanks