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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!

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.

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.