New Alpine Type R Speakers just sound ok - not sure why

[brownsfan019]

I bought a 2013 Optima and had a local shop install a new audio system. I got the car back tonight and was really disappointed in the bass output of the system. This is my first real audio upgrade, so I wanted to get some more information before I talk to the shop.

Setup:

• Kept the factory head unit (maybe the problem?)
• Installed Alpine Type R 6.5" component up-front, coax in back
• Installed Alpine amp
• Installed sound mat/deadening (maybe the problem?)
• No sub installed - obvious way to get more bass but I didn't want to go there unless no other options

My previous car had some cheap 6.5" Alpines that I got on clearance at Best Buy and could really put out some bass. I also installed a new head unit. There was no amp or sound mat installed.

I'd appreciate any input as to why I'm receiving so little bass from the current design.

Thanks!

[Ryan from Ohio]

How did they go from factory radio to amp?

Hi to low converter? A fancy converter like a JL Cleansweep?

It could simply be how they installed the speakers. Did the factory system have more bass? If so its probably in the adapters or lack of- possibly not sealed up correctly.

[JeremyC]

Brown's.

I doubt the problem is the equipment, its probably the tuning, (or the way its wired as Ryan said) and lack of a dedicated sub. Its VERY hard to tune a system without a sub to produce enough bass. And when you do a lot of times the output you are looking for isn't going to be there.

You could talk to the shop again, and see if they can swap out the 6/9s with a 8 inch mid bass in the rear deck, and it will give you more bass sound, but not a lot of feel.

Or you can add a sub.

I would go with the sub.

So how is everything set? Bass, x-overs, gains, bass boost, and everything else. I might be able to give you some pointers on tuning that will get it sounding better.