***Help, Circuit City guy**

[ROSB]

Hi Guys.

Here is my dilemma

I spoke to a Circuit City car Stereo installer and he said that
installing a set of 4 5x7 Infiniti speakers with an 4 channel amp
will not make my current stock setup sound better.

He said its because the cars stock stereo doesnt throw out enough
wattage.

Is he correct, I thought doing that option above Will make my sound a bit better.

[KpaBap]

you're adding an amp to drive those speakers, he doesn't know what he's talking about
i'd go for 6x9s but all the same...

[mp5jeff]

circuit city guy, that should explain your question of if he knows what he's talking about....now, not all are idiots but most are.

[II-Savy]

yea dude he's full of shit. If you ADD the 4 channel amp and the 4 new speakers it will sound better.

BUT if you have the stock stereo still then adding an amp could be a bad idea, MOST of the time stock stereos do not have the connectors (rca's) to add an aftermarket amp. Your new amp would have to have high power inputs to match up with the stock stereo....but doing that sucks. You want to go low level (RCA) into the amp.....which means aftermarket radio.

Maybe what he's saying is the stock stereo will not push the new after market speakers...they could be inefficiant (sp).

[ROSB]

yea dude he's full of shit. If you ADD the 4 channel amp and the 4 new speakers it will sound better.

BUT if you have the stock stereo still then adding an amp could be a bad idea, MOST of the time stock stereos do not have the connectors (rca's) to add an aftermarket amp. Your new amp would have to have high power inputs to match up with the stock stereo....but doing that sucks. You want to go low level (RCA) into the amp.....which means aftermarket radio.

Maybe what he's saying is the stock stereo will not push the new after market speakers...they could be inefficiant (sp).

yes, that sounds like what heis talking about, because I told him that I dont want to change my stereo to an aftermarket one.

I can still do the 4 channel amp and 4 speakers with the stock and amp and It Will sound better correct?

I think he was also saying that I wont be able to use the Full capacity of the amp and new door speakers...I told him as long as its better than the stocks. Im cool

[3junky]

yes, that sounds like what heis talking about, because I told him that I dont want to change my stereo to an aftermarket one.

I can still do the 4 channel amp and 4 speakers with the stock and amp and It Will sound better correct?

I think he was also saying that I wont be able to use the Full capacity of the amp and new door speakers...I told him as long as its better than the stocks. Im cool

I just finished an install of 5x7 infinity 6800cs (front) and 6802cf (rear) with a 40x4 RMS amp using high-level inputs, also 120 RMS to a 12" sub. It sounds 100 times better than stock, I promise you. Circuit City Guy is just trying to sell you an aftermarket HU without realizing there is no commercial dash kit out yet.. he doesn't know what he is talking about.

I agree that the system would sound another 100 times better with an aftermarket HU w/ 3 4V+ pre-outs and high/low pass etc.. but sticking with the stock HU for now is the only option w/o custom work.

Go for the infinitys and a 4ch amp, you won't regret it. But read up on this forum and use ebay to get the most bang for your buck. Good luck!

[jbass]

HI, i was in the same dilemna that you and i decided to buy a rockford fosgate amp (900w) with a 12" subs and 4 6x9 and I did not change the Head Unit. I just bought a special adaptor (which I dont know the name in english) that allows me to make it play all together and it does sound really better. (nana)

[El Ropo]

Wow, that's all I can say... wow.

Ever hear of a LOC? That's the little thingy that allows you to hook you your mazda3 stock head unit to your amp. I'd never suggest people use speaker level inputs unless they simply can't afford the $5 or $10 for a decent Adjustable line out converter (LOC).

When I was in the Mobile audio industry, I used to be like that CC salseman, I would personally suggest that people don't try to use the factory head unit in any way, shape, or form, because the audio quality was so bad back then (this was in the early to mid '90s). However, the audio quality of the mz3 head unit CD section isn't bad at all (tuner sux). So you can actually setup a nice system using the stock head unit, and enjoy pretty good audio quality in the process.

6 x 9s.. I would of never thought of putting them in the factory 5 x 7 locations, because of the plastic molded interior door supports. I'd be afraid of a real mess trying to get them to fit behind the door panels correctly.

I'd be interested in pics from anyone with a 3 that's put 6 x 9s in factory locations.

Back to the original poster's queston. Yes the salesman was talking out his @ss and IS clueless, avoid like the plague. Yes, it's possible to have a good sounding system using the factory head unit. The real weak link in the Mz3 audio system is the crappy ford style speakers. I'm not sure if they are part of the "20% ford", but they sure look exactly like the speakers I took out of my '93 Ford Ranger....

[3junky]

Ever hear of a LOC? That's the little thingy that allows you to hook you your mazda3 stock head unit to your amp. I'd never suggest people use speaker level inputs unless they simply can't afford the $5 or $10 for a decent Adjustable line out converter (LOC).

Yes, I have heard of an LOC. A decent adjustable one is about $40. Considering there is a dash kit coming from Metra in the next few months I didn't think it was necessary to spend the money on something I would be using for only a short time.

[krstofer]

This is a good thread. I always check the forum before listening to a salesman. If something can be done, Someone here probably has already done it or knows how it can be done.

Thanks!

[1sty]

circuit city guy, that should explain your question of if he knows what he's talking about....now, not all are idiots but most are.
2 problems:
1. why would you replace the rear speakers only and amp them? So much for a sound stage.
2. The Mazda 3 does not have any 6x9 openings, both models are 5x7's

[1sty]

Hi Guys.

Here is my dilemma

I spoke to a Circuit City car Stereo installer and he said that
installing a set of 4 5x7 Infiniti speakers with an 4 channel amp
will not make my current stock setup sound better.

He said its because the cars stock stereo doesnt throw out enough
wattage.

Is he correct, I thought doing that option above Will make my sound a bit better.
He's a damn moron or is trying to screw you into buying a new headunit when one is not needed. I would find another store. Once the amp is installed, it will take over powering whatever speakers it is connected too. Since its a 4 channel there is a few ways they could be setting up the system. It woulod help to know what each channel will be powering.

[1sty]

Yes, I have heard of an LOC. A decent adjustable one is about $40. Considering there is a dash kit coming from Metra in the next few months I didn't think it was necessary to spend the money on something I would be using for only a short time.Check out www.davidnavone.com (http://www.davidnavone.com) very good LOCs
If your thinking of swapping out the head unit anyways, then just get an amp with speaker level inputs for now and call it a day. Also keep in mind you can sell the LOC or keep it for future installations.

[1sty]

the audio quality of the mz3 head unit CD section isn't bad at all (tuner sux). So you can actually setup a nice system using the stock head unit, and enjoy pretty good audio quality in the process.
DING, DING, DING...we have a winner. Although I'd argue the quality if alot of units was good even in the mid 90's, I certainly agree that many stock units can be setup to produce equal SQ to most aftermarket units. The main downside to using the factory unit is that its just not flexable and has a lack of features.

6 x 9s.. I would of never thought of putting them in the factory 5 x 7 locations, because of the plastic molded interior door supports. I'd be afraid of a real mess trying to get them to fit behind the door panels correctly.

I'd be interested in pics from anyone with a 3 that's put 6 x 9s in factory locations.


Why in the world do people do this. For the extra time money and door modification, its simply not worth it. A 6x9 is not going to take the place of a sub and will produce only slightly more bass then a 5x7.

[II-Savy]

IMO LOC's suck giant balls. (yupnope) It's the cheese way to do it. (pukey) LOC's also add distortion. Maybe a better more expensive one is less so ....but still it's gunna add distortion. Low or line level output is the best way to go for amplification. Best cleanest sound.

[El Ropo]

Yes, I have heard of an LOC. A decent adjustable one is about $40. Considering there is a dash kit coming from Metra in the next few months I didn't think it was necessary to spend the money on something I would be using for only a short time.

This is what I got, and they work great, with very little added noise or funkiness to the audio signal.

Decent Adjustable LOC (http://www.caraudioexpert.com/productView3.asp?productID=2695)

I've got two of them to preserve fader control to front and back seat. I cranked the gains on the LOCs all the way up, and turned gains on my amps way down. Wow, sounds very good, considering I'm still using factory head unit. I don't know if I'm willing to lose the cool steering wheel controls, or the display and lighting effects just yet.

(thumb)

[II-Savy]

"with very little added noise or funkiness to the audio signal"

In my personal opinion even a little is too much. Distortion blows speakers. Any component you add to a system that adds "noise and funkiness" is a huge negitive. This is not the way to acheive(sp) clean sound. It's the hacker, cheese, ghetto way to do it.

Man I like those new Mazda 3's though. The wagon is kick ass! I like the blue.

[krstofer]

I don't know if I'm willing to lose the cool steering wheel controls, or the display and lighting effects just yet.
(thumb)

I feel the same way. While I have this great Kenwood HU from my Civic, I love the look of the 3 interior. I really don't like the look of what some people have done to replace the HU. I got an add on for my musig keg and a remote that I will mount inthe ashtray compartment. I pretty much will have everything I need without compromising the look of the car.

Krs

[3junky]

This is what I got, and they work great, with very little added noise or funkiness to the audio signal.

Decent Adjustable LOC (http://www.caraudioexpert.com/productView3.asp?productID=2695)

I've got two of them to preserve fader control to front and back seat. I cranked the gains on the LOCs all the way up, and turned gains on my amps way down. Wow, sounds very good, considering I'm still using factory head unit. I don't know if I'm willing to lose the cool steering wheel controls, or the display and lighting effects just yet.

(thumb)

I think I might try this out. The only complaint I have about my current setup using HLIs is that the output seems to be low, as in the gains are almost all the way up on the amp and still pretty quiet at 27 on the radio (which is about as high as it goes w/o distortion).. Since it will be another $400+ to get the aftermarket HU in when you inlcude the dash kit, the wiring harness, and a SWIX for steering wheel controls, it may be more than a few months before I can afford it.

[El Ropo]

"with very little added noise or funkiness to the audio signal"

In my personal opinion even a little is too much. Distortion blows speakers. Any component you add to a system that adds "noise and funkiness" is a huge negitive. This is not the way to acheive(sp) clean sound. It's the hacker, cheese, ghetto way to do it.

I've always felt the same way as you do, but when I saw the purty lights and display, and steering wheel controls for the stock system, I changed my mind :)

FYI, I've got a friend who used to compete. He worked at a car audio shop, and was sponsored to build his comp systems and run them all over the midwest, at all the major Iasca sound offs, and all other major sound comps around there. He says my system sounds pretty darn clean and balanced.

Heck, I used to be in the business too, and I think it sounds pretty good myself :p

[1sty]

A good loc tht is properly setup will not add any distortion. I have even seen factory head unit in SQ comptitions. Hell many serious competition vetermins don't even both with aftermaket equipment in there daily drivers any more. LOC installs certainly have there success and failures and some cars simply can't be used with them (factory amplified systems are a nightmare). Other then that I have heard and installed several systems withe LOC that came out great with no hint of distortion.

[ROSB]

I just finished an install of 5x7 infinity 6800cs (front) and 6802cf (rear) with a 40x4 RMS amp using high-level inputs, also 120 RMS to a 12" sub. It sounds 100 times better than stock, I promise you. Circuit City Guy is just trying to sell you an aftermarket HU without realizing there is no commercial dash kit out yet.. he doesn't know what he is talking about.

I agree that the system would sound another 100 times better with an aftermarket HU w/ 3 4V+ pre-outs and high/low pass etc.. but sticking with the stock HU for now is the only option w/o custom work.

Go for the infinitys and a 4ch amp, you won't regret it. But read up on this forum and use ebay to get the most bang for your buck. Good luck!

Hey Thanks!!!

I will mostly do that setup like yours, but I was thinking just an MtX 10inch sub though.

[II-Savy]

Well it seems your sound system will look pretty good.

[theice]

Well it seems your sound system will look pretty good.
II-Savy must work for Circuit City.

Obviously, ROSB does not want to destroy the interior of a brand new car to put in a HU when its unnecessary.

[II-Savy]

lol no way. I have a family and house n crap to worry about.

If you looked inside that little adapter you'd see why. There is a wrong way and a right way to do things. Adding ANY distortion is bad period.

Also I'm suggesting he "destroy the interior of a brand new car". Wait for a kit to do it right.....and seriously is any of this neccessary....no but we still want it. :)

[sndsgood]

get a high quality loc and you won't get any distortion, not enough to be heard by ear anyway. loc's are just like anything , you get what you pay for. i'll be using aloc on my 3 and once the install is done i'll be competing with it in usaci and see how well it does. it's not distortion the kills speakers, 9x out of 10 its clipping the signal. and that doesnt nessicarily have to do with feeding a signal a small amount of distortion.


running a loc isnt a wrong way of doing something. its the best way of doing it without purchasing a headunit with rca outputs. that doesnt make it wrong. i could take a loc and some moderatly price audio equipment and have it sounding better then allot of kids who think the name on the equipment is everything. installation is more important the the equipment your running.



and for the original poster, take some advice, don't shop at the b.b and c.c. stores. go to a real audio store and talk to people who know what they are doing.

[El Ropo]

Great stuff on the last post, and I have to add that this is one of the more entertaining, and enlightening threads I've read on this forum :)

Thank you all for your input!

[1sty]

it's not distortion the kills speakers, 9x out of 10 its clipping the signal. and that doesnt nessicarily have to do with feeding a signal a small amount of distortion.
dis·tor·tion http://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/JPG/pron.jpg (https://secure.reference.com/premium/login.html?rd=2&u=http%3A%2F%2Fdictionary.reference.com%2Fsearch%3 Fq%3Ddistortion) ( P ) Pronunciation Key (http://dictionary.reference.com/help/ahd4/pronkey.html) (dhttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/GIF/ibreve.gif-stôrhttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/GIF/prime.gifshhttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/GIF/schwa.gifn)
n.

The act or an instance of distorting.
The condition of being distorted.


A statement that twists fact; a misrepresentation.
A change in the shape of an image resulting from imperfections in an optical system, such as a lens.
Electronics.


An undesired change in the waveform of a signal.
A consequence of such a change, especially a lack of fidelity in reception or reproduction.

Clipping is distortion. (poke)

[krstofer]

[/list]Clipping is distortion. (poke)

I always thougt clipping was when you kicked someone's leg while they were walking so they trip or fall down. (dunno)


(laugh)

[sndsgood]

you can distort a signal without clipping the signal.

[1sty]

you can distort a signal without clipping the signal.THis is true, I was simply stating that clipping is distortion and not that distortion is only clipping.

Much like a square is a rectangle but a rectangle is certainly not always a square.

[p5tom]

A good loc tht is properly setup will not add any distortion. I have even seen factory head unit in SQ comptitions. Hell many serious competition vetermins don't even both with aftermaket equipment in there daily drivers any more. LOC installs certainly have there success and failures and some cars simply can't be used with them (factory amplified systems are a nightmare). Other then that I have heard and installed several systems withe LOC that came out great with no hint of distortion.

CAN U GET IT ONLINE? WHERE?