I recently purchased a 2017 VW Golf SE, which comes with the Fender® Premium Audio System with 8 speakers plus subwoofer. Sounded pretty good for a stock system, but I generally allow $2-3000 for stereo upgrades on a new car. I found a new car audio guy with a real good reputation.
Surprisingly, he suggested adding only the JBL GT-BassPro12 12-Inch (300mm) Car Audio Powered Subwoofer System, which he had in his own car. He thought that the Fender system, which I had paid extra for, by purchasing the SE rather than the Sport version of the Golf, and the JBL sub/amp would be all I would want.
I was glad to not spend the extra money, but was skeptical of the result, because in past systems I have had two 10" subs in their own enclousure with a separate sub amp, as well as after-market speakers with another amp, or with multiple amps, in one system, as well as Alpine or Kenwood head units with built-in eq.
At first listen I was somewhat underwhelmed, although it does sound pretty good on some CDs(I still have CDs). I listen to several "types" of music. Hip-Hop(which I have very little of) and standard pop and heavy metal sound pretty good, and probably even benefited from the deeper sound of the 12" sub over the 10s" I am used to. But the majority of what I listen to is punk and indie music. Most of this I had trouble with, having to adjust the sub levels, and bass levels too much, sometimes on different tracks on each album.
I contacted the installer and he suggested experimenting with the bass boost and the crossover levels, which I am now doing. He also said he can still put the tens in and a separate amp, and use what he already installed to do it.
If I had my old system to compare it to, it would make it easier, but I don't. This set-up sounds so good on certain kinds of music, I hate to take it out, but, so far, it does not live up to what I wanted for most of my music.
1) Does my current set-up live up to a "high end" system? It just seemed to me, that paying less than $500, while a good thing, would not be as good-sounding as the $1000 or so I figured I would spend for 2 subs, box, amp and installation. And this is the best car I have ever had, so I want the best car audio system I have ever had to go with it.
2) Whether I stay with the 12" or go with 2 tens, how good is the Fender speaker system compared to upgrading to better speakers? My last system had: Morel Dotech Ovation 4
Morel ADMW 6, 3 Way Add On Kit & Morel Tempo 2 Way 6X, with Rockford Fosgate T400-4 Amp.
3) Since VW head unit does not have any EQ, would adding EQ make a big difference, or not be necessary?
Sorry this is so long, I hope I can get some expert opinions, thanks!
