Audio upgrade for SX4 ZXi

Ok, before we start, the primary reason why I am not posting this query on the "other" forum is coz regardless of your requirements, the discussion always veers towards what others want to recommend

With that, here is the question:


The stock HU on the SX4 seems like reasonable kit, but the speakers are far from it.
And although I am not looking for audiophile quality sound by a far shot, I just want it to sound clean

The front speakers have bad mids, and am hoping a simple upgrade to components from decent Polk or JBL should take care of that...

The bass is even worse, and that's coz the rears are 6" regular speakers in the rear door.
unfortunately, the rear parcel tray is metal and can't put decent ovals there!

What choice do I have now?

PS: To dissuade the "other" forum style comments, let me reiterate:

- NO, am not changing the HU (coz I lose steering mount audio controls by doing that)
- NO, am not mounting ovals - am not cutting the metal parcel tray at least till the car is a year old

Cut the tray Cut the tray

6inch regulars should give pretty good sound only. Try looking at Blaupunkt TH series if they are still available, components in front and coax for rear. I find the sound more neutral than JBL which is a bit bright (though that can be adjusted in the x-over)

Get damping if possible too

Please do audition all speakers before you go ahead.

I checked out soo many, got bored.

One that I felt was good - Focal 165.

One that I need to still hear - Illusion Electra EL61/ 62.

You may not find JBL to most people's liking in the stock locations.

I am in a similar situation as I am changing the Swift ZXi stock speakers in the stock locations.

if you want better mids, then JBL is out of the question, and probably polk too. Look for something laid back, like the illusions (given that you are in pune, and that everyone and his brother recommends illusion, probably easiest would be to PM Amey or someone with a pair of illusions to try them out)

alternately, if you have the option, you could try out other brands like DLS etc

Czar uncle? Where is the thread in the Show-off section first?

Where I say! You want me to copyright my photos and post them online for you?

As for your queries - I have no clue but whenever you figure it out, let's get started on my gaddi also!

Cheers!
Payne

abe, since when did I transform into a Uncle....

Anyway, let's do it one of these weekends... Am still wondering though if a rear door speaker can deliver decent bass, and if not, would a bass tube be a good idea or bad!

Oh, and as for auditioning everything greenie, I am a f**ggin lazy a$$, don't have the patience to do all of that :')
So hoping to get somewhat definitive answers right from this thread :')

a) Front components seem like relatively easy to choose, anything I get (Polk/Illusion) will be a distinct improvement over the current set

b) The rear coaxials seem to be the PITA point

^^ If you do decide on a bass-tube, take mine! Please! I hardly pump up the volume to make use of that darn thing in my boot!

6" in the rear door can do well. A friend of mine had an i10 with bull components all round.The bass was really nice ( with Bass boost enabled) As long as the installation is well ( properly made spacers, at least the proximity of the speaker/door panels = damped), it should be adequate.

the OE nippon speakers on the SX4 can't be too good

of course, dont expect subwoofer grade bass

Bass tube is pure boom boom. Get it if u like that . SPL without definition.

I also intend to upgarde player (double DIN with no usb) and speakers as well of my zxi. Whether audio controls in steering can be retained after change in player ? Please suggest

No re, you very well know I don't..
In fact my all time fav speakers are my KEFs which many perceive to be woefully inadequate on the bass SPLs
Catch is how do I get reasonably defined bass on 6/6.5" coaxials?

No saar, I don't, nor do I want that!
just want reasonable quality bass... the OEMs on the rear neither have quality bass, nor SPL

In fact the OEM fronts are components and aren't particularly bad.... but the rears are screwing it all up


so to rephrase and simplify
what 6/6.5" coaxials to buy for reasonable quality bass... Don't need thump (read SPL)