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Limited Speaker Upgrade Only (for now)

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4K views 22 replies 5 participants last post by  kkreit01 
#1 ·
I have a couple hundred bucks to start upgrading. I would like to do it in steps because of cash. Step 1 front speakers Step 2 amp speaker and clean up signal. Step 3 sub & amp.

So my question is what speakers can I run off the head unit effectively that will give me a noticeable upgrade until Spring? Budget is $300-$400.
 
#6 ·
Greetings,

Yes, the best way to clean up the signal and start to get better sound performance is to change out the headunit. The problem with the 430 series for example, it is manufactured by Mitsubishi and does not have any good audio quality too it despite what you might think of how well it sounds against your Explorer. Their will be excellent chance that the speakers you select might not reach it's potential due a lousy headunit signal. Which might mean you will back too square one.

Keep in mind for your grade path down the road which direction you want to proceed with. If you have the standard stock system then just replace the headunit and get the speakers. Get the amps later. You will not regret your decision.

Unfortunately, if do have the Premium Alpine Factory system, then you will pumping money into it very quickly in order solve all the problems. Here you have 2 routes you can take: 1 - install a traditional front, rear and sub speakers which is cheaper using good quality Class D 5-channel amp. Or, 2- keep it as a surround sound system.

When you get into using a standard LOC to tap into the factory unit, it does not translate the frequency to an accurate full range signal. The better LOC will cost 2x as much and the high-end DSP processors with built-in LOC's will cost even more for the product and labor. You will need to have amps at once. In addition, when using a LOC, you must get the subwoofer signal if you have one, the full range or midrange and the high's to get to the Full Range Frequency standard of 20 - 20,000 hz (cycles). With the bottom line, that full range signal has to be feed into a DSP unit. In my system, I went directly from the new headunit into the new DSP unit for the surround sound.

Speakers are just a matter of personal taste. From plain listening to audiophile critical listening.

Best for now and season greetings. :)
 
#7 ·
I see all you guys talking about focals so I get it but goodness those puppies are expensive.

I am going to bite the bullet and do the MS-8 and speakers. The MS-8 is on sale at Amazon for $460. Just need to find a good set of components - where can i get some focals for a fair price? ($200-$300)? I travel to Madison, WI often so I can hit them up.
 
#9 ·
Focals are on Amazon also. I am running the Intergration series. Spent about 500 total for front components and rear doors.

I agree with 1stJeep, a headunit is the way to go. If your just using the Mb8, you may get some drop out on the new speakers, meaning certain frequencies on sounds and music may disappear, as did on mine when I ran an Lc7i.

You can try to use the stock headunit and mb8, but full benefit will come from a dedicated amp, and head unit for complete control.

I know. I did the easy way, and the moment I bit the bullet and spent the money, the sound is so much better.
 
#11 ·
Alpine - how much did you end up dropping? Like I said i dont need this to be show quality. I actually dont mind the stock sytem that much so if I can clean up the signal a bit and improve on how that signal is sent to my ears, that should suffice for now.
 
#16 ·
Greetings,

Just as a reminder, the MS-8's internal amps are not that powerful. Therefore, I would recommend get a separate amp for the bass or bite the bullet and get a 5 channel amp for the fronts and sub. The internal MS-8 amp with quality speakers for the center and rears will hold its own. The other point, IMO, the MS-8 behaves better when the front speakers are in the active mode as oppose to using the passive crossovers supplied with the component sets.

If I were in your shoes, I would look for speakers first, then upgrade the electronics down the road. You will still be ahead of the game.

Best for now.:)
 
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