Speaker Quality

[maxlaitinen93]

I purchased 2 sets (4) Kenwood Road series 6 1/2" speakers to replace the stock speakers in my honda fit. I understand they aren't the most expensive speakers but I assumed they would at least be a small upgrade from the stock speakers. They have been horrible, some of the worst audio quality I've ever heard. When mounting the speakers they did not quite fit flush with the metal door frame and there was a gap between the speaker and the door. Could that be what's causing the audio to be so poor? and if so what would be a good solution? I've heard of people using caulking insulation to seal the gap but I'm wondering if there's a better option. Thanks!

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/kenwood-road-series-6-1-2-2-way-car-speakers-with-paper-woofer-cones-pair-black/3190025.p?skuId=3190025

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[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

You can’t blame the equipment if the install *****.

 

[Jcsaudio]

The gap is definitely a contributing issue or what LosIsATool said. Also the polarity of the speaker is a big factory too so make sure you wire the + and - to the right locations from the HU.

 

[maxlaitinen93]

the polarity is definitely correct, how would you recommend I seal the gap?

 

[Jcsaudio]

the polarity is definitely correct, how would you recommend I seal the gap?

With a gasket such as this https://www.parts-express.com/parts-express-speaker-gasketing-tape-1-8-x-3-8-x-50-ft-roll--260-540

 

[winkychevelle 10+ year member]

Built a baffle to mount the speaker on. Painted plywood or MDF is fine. The use gasket tape or something like the stinger fast rings to seal the speaker to the door card.

Sound deadened and sealing up the door as air tight as possible can have a good effect as well

 

[maxlaitinen93]

Thanks, definitely will install these!

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

Thanks, definitely will install these!

you were better off with stock speakers. AFtermarkets require proper installation and acoustical treatments along with amplifier power and good processing power from your head unit. If you use a stock head unit Then thats also one of your main setbacks. Stock head units have a built in EQ curve thats specific to the factory speakers because of how sh*tty the factory speakers are. Now aftermarkets are designed to perform with a flat unmodified signal, but with a factory deck, you are putting that garbage EQ curve onto your new aftermarket speakers hence the garbage sound.

Signal processing and install is everything. Then comes power and speaker brand on the hierarchy of importance.

Two videos on proper door speaker install for you here.

 

[maxlaitinen93]

I actually do have a custom head unit - Boss Audio BV935 touch screen which I'm pretty sure has an amplifier built in

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

I actually do have a custom head unit - Boss Audio BV935 touch screen which I'm pretty sure has an amplifier built in

well we just found your other issue. Its a boss head unit. Dont expect any good sound out of that.

Head unit power is nothing I'm talking about real power. That boss head unit makes at most 10 watts rms a channel. Actual power is 150 watts rms per speaker on a real amp.

As for processing. That boss has a cheap 16 bit dac and overall poor sound internals so expect garbage sound right out the box. It also has next to nothing when it comes to audio adjustments, aka sh*tty EQ, no time alignment, weak crossovers etc so the sound has zero ability to get any better yes your bass treble EQ options do literally nothing to improve your sound vs a head unit with a real EQ. The industry standard for a decent quality head unit is 13 band or higher EQ, 4 volt pre=outs, 24 bit dac, time alignment and 3 way network mode capable.

Head unit choice, selection and tune literally makes or breaks your setup. You can have the most expensive 5000 dollar speaker in the world sound like complete and utter trash with a cheapo head unit and poor install with next to no power.

While a set of flea market speakers can sound heavenly in a proper install with a good audiophile oriented head unit tuned properly with good power.