Post HU-install random thoughts...
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Newbie
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4
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Post HU-install random thoughts...
So I just finished putting in my new Pioneer DEH-7800, and a couple of thoughts are in my head. First and foremost: what kind of bloody primate do they have torquing down the screws holding on the stock head unit brackets?!? I mean, c'mon! I ended up having to gouge/drill them out with a set of broken-screw extractors (Craftsman tools, ftw!).
On a more positive note: I find I'm fairly impressed with the quality of the stock speakers! I was planning on piecing out the stock audio system, and my first step was replacing the head unit. This is on an 06, without the SSL package, just for reference. Now admittedly, my ears probably aren't what they were ten years ago, but based on the short ride I took tonight, I may be in no hurry to replace the stockers. I was puttering around some back roads after the install tonight, listening to some old favorite CD's and getting a feel for the sound of the new unit. Totally informal testing, obviously, but I found myself surprised at just how much I was digging the sound.
I'm not saying things are perfect. I definitely wouldn't mind a bit more clarity in the midrange, for instance (I seemed to be losing things sometimes in thick mixes). But I was hearing some very nice mid-highs (Ed Harsch's Hammond organ work and the female backing vocals on an old Black Crowes album), and was quite happy with the definition and punch of the loping bass lines on some tracks from the Suzanne Vega: Retrospective album. I'm really looking forward to digging into the menus of the 7800 now: twiddling the eq, setting the time alignment lengths, et cetera, and seeing just what I can squeeze out of this setup. It's fun to be cheap sometimes
I'm interested to hear from other folks who might have taken the same path I have: replacing the head unit, but leaving the stock speakers. Anyone else pleasantly surprised to find that they don't suck? Or do you think I am just going deaf and/or senile?
Have a good'un...
-mwm-
On a more positive note: I find I'm fairly impressed with the quality of the stock speakers! I was planning on piecing out the stock audio system, and my first step was replacing the head unit. This is on an 06, without the SSL package, just for reference. Now admittedly, my ears probably aren't what they were ten years ago, but based on the short ride I took tonight, I may be in no hurry to replace the stockers. I was puttering around some back roads after the install tonight, listening to some old favorite CD's and getting a feel for the sound of the new unit. Totally informal testing, obviously, but I found myself surprised at just how much I was digging the sound.
I'm not saying things are perfect. I definitely wouldn't mind a bit more clarity in the midrange, for instance (I seemed to be losing things sometimes in thick mixes). But I was hearing some very nice mid-highs (Ed Harsch's Hammond organ work and the female backing vocals on an old Black Crowes album), and was quite happy with the definition and punch of the loping bass lines on some tracks from the Suzanne Vega: Retrospective album. I'm really looking forward to digging into the menus of the 7800 now: twiddling the eq, setting the time alignment lengths, et cetera, and seeing just what I can squeeze out of this setup. It's fun to be cheap sometimes
I'm interested to hear from other folks who might have taken the same path I have: replacing the head unit, but leaving the stock speakers. Anyone else pleasantly surprised to find that they don't suck? Or do you think I am just going deaf and/or senile?
Have a good'un...
-mwm-
Evolving Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Louisiana
I dont have an evo but on my lancer i used the stock speakers till my subs destroyed one of the back deck speakers.
IMO most of the stock speakers ive heard in cars are just fine for the average person, but i like how the music sounds on my buddy's fosgate component speakers. Guess it all depends on what your ears like.
IMO most of the stock speakers ive heard in cars are just fine for the average person, but i like how the music sounds on my buddy's fosgate component speakers. Guess it all depends on what your ears like.
