Print Page | Close Window

Why do I prefer factory fronts over aftermarket?

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=139183
Printed Date: March 28, 2024 at 10:31 AM


Topic: Why do I prefer factory fronts over aftermarket?

Posted By: phase1
Subject: Why do I prefer factory fronts over aftermarket?
Date Posted: July 11, 2015 at 12:12 PM

Some of these newer vehicles have a really nice punchy and tight sounding factory audio. The 2015 Ram for example, just a basic HU wired to some generic looking 6.5's, they are punchier than any of the aftermarket gear I've tried. Others with factory amplified systems, to me sound super nice without tiring.

I'm on my second set of aftermarket speakers, amplified with all decent gear and wires and I still cannot replicate that sound. They are flat and dull. I can toy with the HU's EQ but nothing that sounds all that great to me.

First I used Memphis 6.5 coaxials with an alpine amp, figured it was just a crappy speaker so I later got the JL Audio C3 component set. They are matched with using JL XD 500/3 as recommended by JL staff. I even sealed my door up using Fatmat so there wouldn't be any back wave leaks. I used Knukonceptz wires including silver cladded copper RCA's. Replaced the HU to a 6" touch screen with 24 bit DAC, time alignment...etc. I played with every setting, the EQ..etc but still can't quite replicate the audio that comes factory with some cars....why do some of these newer cars still sound so much punchier?

The one thing I know I didn't do was use some foam surround around the outside of the speakers, so I'm going to try that but can't imagine it would make much difference over what I've already done so far. I'm at a point where I just want to go back to the factory stuff but I got rid of them thinking they had to be sub par over aftermarket.

Should I try going 180 degree out of phase? I know OEM's use a non adjustable EQ setting....which frequencies are they boosting and cutting? I read that 80hz was the frequency that sounds punchy?



Replies:

Posted By: knudsen
Date Posted: July 14, 2015 at 6:47 AM
Hi Hoosier!

Did the factory speakers have just one driver? I mean not coax/triax, just one big cone? Those sound better, but with a more limited range. In my 99 Grand Cherokee, I took out the back door full range Infinity 6-3/4" and put in some coaxials... sounded like dookey. Put the old back in. They had more range, way better mids and low end. Maybe see if you can find a full range 6 1/2" and try that. I put 4 of the 8" variety of these in the back cargo area, on a blaupunct 4 x 50 watt amp https://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/MCM-AUDIO-SELECT-55-3230-/55-3230 They make my hat vibrate. All the punch a gal could ask for. Those might work nice, especially if you have some high freq coming in from other speakers. Or find a true full range, the above are woofers. Cheap and effective. This speaker gets very good reviews, seems everyone, including myself, is surprised by the great sound they produce. Mine are just sitting in the shipping box right now and still sound amazing. Can't wait to get a shelf made for the back. MCM is next door, Ohio, and stuff comes in next day when ordered ground (usually).

-------------
Build a man a fire, he keeps warm for a day. Set a man on fire he stays warm for life!




Posted By: racerjames76
Date Posted: July 14, 2015 at 7:34 AM

Most off the shelf speakers (think alpine kicker RF etc) all have capacitors on the side that block a lot of the bass frequencies. As stated above. They are not full range speakers. Most factory speakers are designed to give some punchy bass notes and very limited highs. These off the shelf speakers are really meant to be part of a total system where subwoofers and taking care of the bass and allowing the speakers to produce clearer mids and highs. It is also a sales gimmick to make you come back and purchase more equipment. posted_image 

Having said that I will always run a complete aftermarket system over stock!



-------------
To master and control electricity is perfection. *evil laugh*





Print Page | Close Window