New Alpine Type R Speakers just sound ok - not sure why

[brownsfan019]

I bought a 2013 Optima and had a local shop install a new audio system. I got the car back tonight and was really disappointed in the bass output of the system. This is my first real audio upgrade, so I wanted to get some more information before I talk to the shop.

Setup:

• Kept the factory head unit (maybe the problem?)
  
• Installed Alpine Type R 6.5" component up-front, coax in back
  
• Installed Alpine amp
  
• Installed sound mat/deadening (maybe the problem?)
  
• No sub installed - obvious way to get more bass but I didn't want to go there unless no other options
  

My previous car had some cheap 6.5" Alpines that I got on clearance at Best Buy and could really put out some bass. I also installed a new head unit. There was no amp or sound mat installed.

I'd appreciate any input as to why I'm receiving so little bass from the current design.

Thanks!

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[SounDrive Pro Seller]

If you want bass, you need a subwoofer.. Simple as that. The sound deadener won't decrease bass, if anything it'll increase it. It's also likely that they have the amp set up to not output bass to not damage the door speakers.

 

[brownsfan019]

If you want bass, you need a subwoofer.. Simple as that. The sound deadener won't decrease bass, if anything it'll increase it. It's also likely that they have the amp set up to not output bass to not damage the door speakers.

Thanks for the quick reply.

This is my first venture into higher end equipment, so I'm learning as I go.

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

how is the deadening job on the doors? are all gaps sealed off? here's an example of what i'm talking about


also tell us the settings on your amp and head unit(if it has special HPF LPF settings)

 

[pickup1 5,000+ posts]

They probably turned the high pass up so you could turn it up and not pop the speakers.

 

[CrossoverOre 10+ year member]

also try this. put on a song that has some decent bass notes. then fade front to back and balance side to side. If it gets more bass output when you have it to one side or front to back then the speakers are out of phase.

 

[brownsfan019]

They probably turned the high pass up so you could turn it up and not pop the speakers.

I'm guessing this is probably the main issue. I did not have time to check out the amp settings, but this is what I'm leaning towards.

also try this. put on a song that has some decent bass notes. then fade front to back and balance side to side. If it gets more bass output when you have it to one side or front to back then the speakers are out of phase.

I did this quickly this morning and could not notice a difference moving the sound around the car.

how is the deadening job on the doors? are all gaps sealed off? here's an example of what i'm talking about

I could not tell you if the deadeing job was good or not, that was completely new to me.

Going to check the amp when I get the car back and will see where it's set at.

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

well i think it would be best if you just get an 8 inch or 6.5 inch sub if space and money is an issue for you. If everything's done right and the bass level is still not good enough than the only option is to add a sub.

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

Also every door speaker has a foam factory seal. If you install new components, than you must rebuild that factory seal or else the sound gets real sloppy in mids, bass and highs. I suspect that the auto place didnt do a good job of deadening or recreating the seals. If there is no seal, there's no chance of you having any decent midbass.