hi,
i went to install my sub, amp, and my MB Quart Reference Series components today at Craftsman in Walnut, CA... when they finished installing, the MB quart sounded like dirt.... they checked the amp, crossover ... and then again the amp... couldn't find anything wrong, finally they changed the head unit to some after market one and it sounded alot better... well at least thats what they said... they concluded that the stock headunit (2002) was not enough to power them... my question is does anyone have similar problem with their sound system, i mean i'm not a big fan of fancy head unit ya know... stock will do just fine, but if that is the only solution i have.. then i have to go with it... any other ways around it to prevent me paying extra $300+ (student on a budget)
any feedbacks would be great!

thanks,
Mike

 

If you are using an external amp, which it sounds like you are from your post, then is garbage. Two things may be the problem.

1) The head unit may be sending a "dirty" signal, as it needs to be attenuated before it goes through the amp. This is why most recommend a new head unit.

2) They might not be using a line level converter before the amp. Some amps come with these in them, others do not. If yours does not, the speaker level signal coming out of your stock head has to be converted (attenuated) before it can go into the amp. If it still sounds bad, read #1 above.

 

hey Celeritas thanks for your help, i'll bring those two points to them on monday.. but they are pretty well known in the areas and has done alot of NICE cars such as NSX, Bmers, HUmmers, and even 3 lambos... therefore i'm pretty sure they know what they are doing... but again they are not perfect
anyways so i guess i don't have to spend an extra $300 on a head unit then... thanks!... btw i'm running JL 300/4 amp

thanks again
Mike

 

If they are a reputable shop, then they should already know what I mentioned. I also have a JL 300/4 amp. Try this, set the input voltage switch to high and reset the gain. This is the same as using a line level converter. It may already be set this way. How are they getting the signal to the amp? Did they just solder an RCA plug onto the speaker output off the head unit? Again, you should be able to get a decent signal off the stock head unit, but I will admit that an aftermarket unit will sound even better.

 

[QUOTE=Celeritas,Jul 10 2004, 10:48 PM] If they are a reputable shop, then they should already know what I mentioned.

 

Go for the new HU if you can. Having Quarts and JL running off the stocker is like a ugly girl in a hot dress.

 

ha i know huh!?... but a fine girl requires high maintenance...
well there are couple of reasons i decide not to go with headunit... money is a big issue... i don't really like headunit in general... and just wanna keep on a low profile, i dont' want to risk anyone slashing on my convertible top to get into my headunit and then lead to my amp and sub

Mike

 

any other comments??... please feel free.. i'm gonna take my car back there tomo morning... so any more comments, suggestions would be greatly appreciated...


thanks,
Mike

 

I run Quarts with an Alpine V12 5-channel with an Alpine head unit and they sound beautiful.

Maybe somethings wrong with the line level in the amp.

 

I'm with Celeritas, not having a dedicated line level output is doable, but not the best way to go. (also, not all Quarts are created equal, mine have an enormous pot-hole in the mid-bass area, but thats another story)