Best soundstage from stock locations?

[squeak9798 5,000+ posts]

Additionally, balance and level controls will have the same affect as time alignment. Time alignment is not worth your time, and there is no replacement for good speaker placement.

If you turn a simple balance control to lower the level of one side, it has the same effect as delay... one side will sound as if it is further away from you. Again, different means, but same effect as far as what you hear.

I think you need to read up on ITD and how it relates to our localization of sounds in the midbass/range area. Time arrival certainly plays a role independent of intensity ques contrary to what you suggest.

 

[azbass 5,000+ posts]

guys keep in mind, hes probably not an SQ competitor..

the stock locations would be easy to install, and sound fine.. and simple tweeking at the deck would be even better.

 

[BIG-SMOOTH 10+ year member]

guys keep in mind, hes probably not an SQ competitor..

I am definitely NOT an SQ competitor. Simply looking to put together a decent system on a relatively tight budget.

Here's what I have planned so far...

Head Unit: Clarion DXZ775USB

Front Stage: Pioneer 6.6" REV components (powered by amplifier)

Rear Stage: Pioneer 6.5" REV coaxials (powered by head unit)

Subwoofers: Image Dynamics ID8 (2)

Amplifier: Kicker ZX550.3

Deadening: 125 sqare feet of Raammat BXT and 8 yards of Ensolite

This will all be going into an '08 Hyundai Sonata.

So far I purchased the subs, amp and deadening material. I bought the REV coaxials, but I got the 6.75" premier models so I'll have to see whether or not I can get them to work in the 6.5" holes without much cutting.//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/crap.gif.7f4dd41e3e9b23fbd170a1ee6f65cecc.gif

 

[mavster 10+ year member]

Hmmm,

Don't even bother using the revs off the HU for the rear, go with the normal A series pios. Your just wasting money running the revs off a HU, they love power.

The 6.75" will fit perfectly in a 6.5" opening, just make sure to use the mounting clips Pioneer supplies. They look like silver brackets, put one over the rim of the speaker hole. Then drive the screw through them.

 

[mr burns]

Squeak 9798 speaks the truth. Balance control will attenuate all frequencies. Time alignment, used properly, when you have to work with stock locations is a Godsend.

 

[Gary S 10+ year member]

I think you need to read up on ITD and how it relates to our localization of sounds in the midbass/range area. Time arrival certainly plays a role independent of intensity ques contrary to what you suggest.

- I'm not saying time alignment cannot have some benefit in some systems, only that it's not a cure-all for speaker placement.

Time alignment would be better than attenuation for midbass/bass because it allows you to keep the same/higher output levels while still balancing the speakers/drivers, but it won't do a better job for mids and highs than better speaker placement would; it won't fix poor speaker placement for mids and highs.

Believing that you can put speakers anywhere and fix any problem with EQ and/or time alignment is a poor approach. Eq/time alignment should only be considered (but not necessarily used at all!) AFTER choosing the best speaker placement you can. This is what I'm trying to get across to these guys.

The correct approach is to choose the best speaker application first... it's of much higher importance.

I've been in and around the car audio business for 22 years, even worked for a little co. called JL Audio at one point.

Squeak is an expert on audio, and even though we may argue the fine points sometimes, I want you guys to know that you could never go wrong with his advice.

Another viewpoint on time alignment:

http://www.caraudioforum.com/vbb3/showthread.php?p=2131117&highlight=alignment#post2131117

 

[grampi 10+ year member]

Gary S

No one here is arguing the point that speaker placement isn't most important, or that you can completely correct deficiencies caused by poor speaker placement with time alignment. What I am saying is TA is a very effective tool for fine tuning a system and it's rarely possible in the automotive environment to place speakers exactly in their ideal locations. The ideal locations are usually either on the top outer corners of the dash with the speakers facing the occupants, or in the kick panels. Unfortunately, most of the time it's not possible to mount speakers in these locations. I've run into a huge problem with my own install at the moment. My mids require an opening that accept 2.8" of mounting depth, but my front doors only allow for less than 2.5". There also isn't enough room for custom enclosures on the dash or in the kick panels. If I can't find some raw mid range drivers that require less mounting depth than 2.5", I don't know what I'm going to do. I don't know why speakers have to be made so deep, or why doors are so shallow. It's almost like car makers and the car audio companies are purposely working against each other.