[xbowner?]

I listen to all types of music. Sometimes rap sometimes old metal maybe even Billie Holiday. While listening to rap with good bass the bass just drops when I turn it up. Gone! Why? Is it the speakers or HU trying to protect the speakers from blowing?
Can't really afford to buy HU and speakers at the same time nor will I really add an amp. Which should be replaced first? Speakers or HU? I can do all the install myself so no going to a shop. Probably buy from crutchfield unless someone recomends someone else. Thanks!

 

[BrickPig]

AJ Gil was happy just by replacing the front and rear speakers. See this thread:

http://www.newscionxb.com/131-audio...llent-affordable-2012-xb-speaker-upgrade.html


If you have a little extra cash and/or want a bit more bottom end, add the special Bazooka subwoofer made for our cars:

http://www.newscionxb.com/131-audio-electronics/8844-just-installed-bazooka-xb2-subwoofer.html

Have fun and let us know how it all turns out!

 

[TrevorS]

I decided my biggest sonic problem was the four OE door speakers and so my first step was to replace them with Alpine coax (kept the OE tweeters since I couldn't hear anything wrong with them). Decided my next problem was the HU sonic quality and so tried three aftermarket head units and concluded that until I damped the doors, I couldn't make a choice. So, my actual second step was to damp the doors. The HU choice was then easy (Kenwood over Alpine, Eclipse, and OE) and the OE tweeters sounded better than ever. I much later decided to give the Bazooka sub a shot and am very glad I did -- a super cost effective solution with great sound. Good luck !

 

[xbowner?]

Thanks! That zooka sounds like a great idea. will let you know how it goes after the fact.

 

[amped performance]

i'd go with new door speakers. that and some sort of bass adder (bazooka or likewise.)

 

[TrevorS]

Thanks! That zooka sounds like a great idea. will let you know how it goes after the fact.

Perhaps this previously mentioned thread will be useful to you, if so, then great ! (FWIW -- I strongly recommend upgrading the door speakers before concerning yourself with a subwoofer,)

http://www.newscionxb.com/131-audio-electronics/8844-just-installed-bazooka-xb2-subwoofer.html

 

[xbowner?]

Just installed the woofer and sounds darn good for $179! Few songs have to be adjusted from "hear" setting to "feel" setting but overall i'm impressed. Got it from ebay for $179 shipped. It did not come with instructions but went to Bazooka's web site and found instructions there. Thanks for the input.

 

[xbowner?]

Oh, does anyone know what the switch on the back of the bazooka does?

 

[TrevorS]

Oh, does anyone know what the switch on the back of the bazooka does?

That's the subwoofer phase reversal switch. I initially tried out the sub in the front passenger seat and the original factory setting was fine, however, when installed in the rear corner, I had to reverse the phase for best bass response.

 

[xbowner?]

That's the subwoofer phase reversal switch. I initially tried out the sub in the front passenger seat and the original factory setting was fine, however, when installed in the rear corner, I had to reverse the phase for best bass response.

Sorry, I'm no audio pro. What does that mean?

 

[amped performance]

it changes how the sub fires. so that when the sub would normally be pushing out it sucks in instead

 

[BrickPig]

it changes how the sub fires. so that when the sub would normally be pushing out it sucks in instead

To elaborate on that just a bit:

Sound is created by your speakers by vibrating the speaker cone in and out in order to created a sound wave in the air. When all the speakers are "in phase" then all the cones move in and then move out at the same time for a particular frequency.

Due to car dynamics and cone-to-listener distance differences, the bass notes from the door speakers and the sub may or may not reach your ears at the same time. When they do they reinforce each other. When they don't they tend to cancel out, making the bass sound weak.

Bottom line: you can ignore all of the above technical explaination. Simply listen to your system, and select whatever subwoofer phase makes the overall bass from all the speakers in your system sound the best to you.

 

[TrevorS]

Simply listen to your system, and select whatever subwoofer phase makes the overall bass from all the speakers in your system sound the best to you.

Which is exactly what I had to do ! There isn't a huge difference between switch positions with the sub installed in the back, but the difference is real and worthwhile. I suggest whichever switch position gives strongest bass with the sub just sitting near the door speakers, use the other position when you install it. Still, it's probably best to confirm by listening regardless.