I Hate My System...

[EzekialPhoenix 10+ year member]

Just like the title says. I recently upgraded every piece of equipment in my car and I hate the way it sounds. I installed a Kenwood KDC-X869 head unit, Alpine SPX-177A 6.5 component set in the stock locations, a JL Audio e2150 amp powering the components, two Kicker S12L7 subs powered by a Crossfire VR1000D amplifier. I also have the Kenwood Excelon music keg. The components are much too "bright" or "high" sounding. I have adjusted the treble on the head unit and if I turn it way down, the sound is very "hollow". The subs sound like shit. They are extremely loud, but I now realize that at my ripe old age of 23, I just don't need earth-shattering bass anymore. I spent about $1500 on everything total and feel like it should sound better. I am looking for richer sound out of my components, not that "tinny" sound. I have tried adjusting the crossovers and I can't hear any difference. Maybe I just don't have an ear for it. Anyway, I am frustrated and looking for advice. I don't want to sell all my stuff and take a huge loss and start over, but I am running out of ideas. My subs are in a small sealed box and they still sound terrible (to me that is). Would installing kick panels and placing the speakers in those make a huge difference? What about a more powerful amp running the components. The JL Audio puts out 45 x 2. Can I tune the subsonic filter differently to try to get better sound quality from the subs? I need help. Please, ANY IDEAS will be hugely appreciated. I am so disappointed and I really love car audio. Keep in mind that I cannot build anything. I have no power tools outside of a cordless drill and I have no garage or work space to fabricate anything. Plus I live in the coldest shithole in the world, Minnesota. Thanks for your help.

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[Berry47 10+ year member]

For the brightness

`1. Check and see you can adjust the tweeter attenuation to -3 or -6 dbs. That should help alot.

 

[Berry47 10+ year member]

A more powerfull amp with just make it louder, not kill the brightness. Try to set the crossover at around 50 hz so you can get better mids out of you comps. THat might help.

I don't believe the l7's are great for sq but they should sound alright.

 

[ngsm13 5,000+ posts]

what type of box are the L7's in? also, check out the actual x-overs for the alpine comps and see if they have what Berry47 sed...helps a lot...my CDT's are -3 db. Also, ZERO out all the setting on ur HU...my bass, treble, and mid are all on zero. Then i adjusted my gains, lpf&hpf and setting accordingl on my amp...sounded a lot better. good luck, peace

NG

 

[limitkid7 5,000+ posts]

post something in the 'general comments' section of the forum and see if you can get someone to meet up w/you and maybe you two figure something out.. try playing around w/it, rather than just getting things from people stating what they 'think' could be wrong.