I recently had installed a SoundStream Reference 604, 4 channel amp, a pair of MTX 10" 6000 series subs and MB Quart 216's this past week. I remember the amp came with instructions that stated that it could be installed as "High Current 1/2 ohm performance" or "High Power 4 ohm Performance". Does anyone know what this means?

The reason for this post is that it sounds like a symphony with a street person conducting! Granted, the Quarts sound volumes better than the stock ones. But the bass sounds very muddy and slightly behind the music in timing.

I kept the stock head unit because I am waiting for the new Alpine CDA-7878 coming out later this month. It's MP3 & sattellite radio ready, looks pretty nice, and boasts some nice specs. I am ASSUMING that the basis for these problems lies in the soon-to-be-replaced head unit. At least that's what the fearful folks at the istaller told me. Even the salesperson wrinkled his brow when he heard it for the first time, and admitted it didn't sound near like everyone expected.

Any opinions out here? Anyone else do the same and have it sound mcuh better after a new head unit?

Thanks,

Roadstir-VA #404

ps Install data...pair 10" subs mounted flush with trunk floor. Amp mounted on forward wall of trunk. Quart mids replaced door speakers and tweeters installed stealthily in A/C vents. (invisible and nice imaging) Even though in vents I lost no clarity. 1" titanium tweeters are very hot and this location helps quiet them down.

 

Nice! I haven't done anything to enhance the sound in my car yet, but I met another owner (red/black) in our area who installed Infinity Kappa speakers. They sound MUCH better

 

If I had to guess, the bass is muddy and behind the music because of the location of the sub. That combined with the location of the tweeters is going to create a very unusual soundstage.

 

I think that usually when timing is off with a subwoofer, it's because the polarity is reversed. I don't really understand how it works, but I think if you reverse the leads going to the subs (connect the current + one to the - terminal, and vice versa) it should fix the timing problem. As far as muddy bass, it could be any number of things, but the first thing I'd check is the settings on the amp, such as the crossover. If you have frequencies of 120k and above going to the subs, it could cause it to sound as though it's distorting or very muddied. If that's not the fault, you might bring it to a more boutique stereo shop, and ask a technician there. Most would be willing to talk for a few minutes if you don't go in when it is really busy. Good Luck