355 speaker replacement
355 speaker replacement
Author
Discussion

CraigW

Original Poster:

12,248 posts

312 months

Friday 16th October 2009
quotequote all
Hi all,

Love everything about my 355GTS aside from the speakers!

It has a high end alpine head unit with ipod connector but the sound is about the worst I've heard in any car.

Has anyone changed the speakers on theirs? Is it much of a job to get the door card off or a specialist only ?


What size speakers are they if anyone has changed theirs.

I dont expect unbelievable sound or anything, I threw money at my 348 and it never sounded much better but this is just so bad I cant stand it!

Cheers,

Craig

burriana

16,556 posts

284 months

Friday 16th October 2009
quotequote all
Shame you're down sarf Craig. I now have a bloody superb sound in mine, and it can go loud enough to drown the engine out without distorting yes

Not easy though. I have a power amp fitted somewhere tucked up behind the centre console, uprated mid-range in the doors and a pair of 6x9s on a custom fitted shelf behind the front seats. Custom fitted so well that you would never believe it wasn't an original part of the car, complete with pencil tray! smile


I have pointed Talkwrench this way. He did mine and may be able to give you some more useful info.

Edited by burriana on Friday 16th October 14:10

CraigW

Original Poster:

12,248 posts

312 months

Friday 16th October 2009
quotequote all
superb, v jealous, i love your car.

Cactussed

5,364 posts

243 months

Friday 16th October 2009
quotequote all
Al
Got any pics of the install?

Drew

burriana

16,556 posts

284 months

Friday 16th October 2009
quotequote all
Took one this evening but for some reason, the camera isn't talking to the Mac, which it was earlier today confused

burriana

16,556 posts

284 months

Friday 16th October 2009
quotequote all
Here we go smile



You simply will not get any decent sound just with bigger amps and better speakers in the existing positions. You need extra speakers.

Talkwrench

910 posts

263 months

Friday 16th October 2009
quotequote all
Its very tricky in cars like the 348/355/360 to get a truly decent sound without going down the custom build route.
With Als' 348 we tried power amps and really good door speakers with dash tweeters but it simply couldnt cut it with the combination of interior layout and rather louder than usual Tubi exhaust note (albeit a simply glorious note!).
There is no possibility of mounting rear speakers in any rear bulkhead space due to ECU's, fuel tank, etc etc. Meaty 6x9's in a custom built enclosure with their own power amp was the only way to go. The design of the enclosure is critical. It must be very rigid and match the drive units to get a clear, punchy sound.
The 355 poses a very similar problem. It is certainly possible to make a custom system for the 355. Its not a cheap solution, but not a cheap sound either - and it really does need to look as close to factory original as possible or it'll just spoil a lovely interior and look like a pimped up Corsa.
Email me and Im sure I can help.

burriana

16,556 posts

284 months

Friday 16th October 2009
quotequote all
Pencil tray was my idea though yes

biggrin

Cactussed

5,364 posts

243 months

Saturday 17th October 2009
quotequote all
burriana said:
Pencil tray was my idea though yes

biggrin
laugh

BrendonJ

730 posts

269 months

Saturday 17th October 2009
quotequote all
Craig I have a similiar setup to Al's except I have a slim sub fitted behind the the drivers seat (instead of 6x9's on the parcel shelf) and the combined sound is pretty impressive. Highway hifi in Edgeware Rd did my install and I can reccomend them. Give me a shout if you want more info or want to take a look at the install.


CraigW

Original Poster:

12,248 posts

312 months

Saturday 17th October 2009
quotequote all
thanks matey, my only concern would be if that leaves enough room for the targa panel.

BrendonJ

730 posts

269 months

Saturday 17th October 2009
quotequote all
fark knows, you can bring your targa panel over and see if it fits in if you want, Im in Notting Hill.

ferrari spider

1,107 posts

204 months

Saturday 17th October 2009
quotequote all
Hi mate, i would say that i own one of the best sounding exhaust set ups on my 355 spider and i still have an unbelievable sounding music system in my car
I am running a Sony head set with i-pod interface. Also 4 Pioneer tweeters, 2 6/12 in mids and a pair of JBL 8in subs in a custom box on the rear shelf. All ran with Phoenix gold amps. Even at high speed with the roof down, the sound of the stereo is mighty.The interea also looks very tidy even with all that gear in IMO. Chaz wink
CraigW said:
Hi all,

Love everything about my 355GTS aside from the speakers!

It has a high end alpine head unit with ipod connector but the sound is about the worst I've heard in any car.

Has anyone changed the speakers on theirs? Is it much of a job to get the door card off or a specialist only ?


What size speakers are they if anyone has changed theirs.

I dont expect unbelievable sound or anything, I threw money at my 348 and it never sounded much better but this is just so bad I cant stand it!

Cheers,

Craig

CraigW

Original Poster:

12,248 posts

312 months

Monday 19th October 2009
quotequote all
hi mate!

ok all, so mine does have the ledge behind seats, i think a box on it would make the roof sit more upright when stowed, might mock something up and see if roof still stows properly