VXR8 E3 Speaker &/or Amp upgrade
Discussion
Aimed at E3 owners past & present & any others with valuable input.
I need to upgrade the speaker system in the VXR8. What fits. Need some serious bass. I know I'm the wrong age for that, but my head still thinks it's 18 unfortunately :-)
Is there an amp fitted? I have read that sometimes it's set at 50% or is my memory playing tricks.
If fitted, where is it?
Cheers buddies.
I need to upgrade the speaker system in the VXR8. What fits. Need some serious bass. I know I'm the wrong age for that, but my head still thinks it's 18 unfortunately :-)
Is there an amp fitted? I have read that sometimes it's set at 50% or is my memory playing tricks.
If fitted, where is it?
Cheers buddies.
JohnnieVXR said:
Aimed at E3 owners past & present & any others with valuable input.
I need to upgrade the speaker system in the VXR8. What fits. Need some serious bass. I know I'm the wrong age for that, but my head still thinks it's 18 unfortunately :-)
Is there an amp fitted? I have read that sometimes it's set at 50% or is my memory playing tricks.
If fitted, where is it?
Cheers buddies.
The amp for the rear shelf speakers is in the boot behind the battery. It's exactly the same as the E1 as far as I can see. Just remove the carpet covering the battery bay and you'll see the amp at the end of the battery facing towards the front of the car. Loosen the two screws at the top (don't remove them) and then slide the amp upwards to remove it. There is a knob you can twist to adjust the bass.I need to upgrade the speaker system in the VXR8. What fits. Need some serious bass. I know I'm the wrong age for that, but my head still thinks it's 18 unfortunately :-)
Is there an amp fitted? I have read that sometimes it's set at 50% or is my memory playing tricks.
If fitted, where is it?
Cheers buddies.
Interestingly, I checked mine a while back and noticed that it was already set to full base. But I think I have a fault with my amp and rear speakers.
Alternatively, Walkinshaw Performance in Oz used to list an audio upgrade package for the E3 on their site. I did some reading about it some time ago and the general consensus from peeps in Oz who purchased it was that it was a fairly good upgrade but a tad over-priced for what it was. Having just checked on WP Oz's site now it looks like they don't sell it anymore. I was tempted to ask WP UK if they could bring it into the UK. I'm sure they would look into it if you were to ask, but be prepared for a 4 figure cost.
pah250 said:
JohnnieVXR said:
Aimed at E3 owners past & present & any others with valuable input.
I need to upgrade the speaker system in the VXR8. What fits. Need some serious bass. I know I'm the wrong age for that, but my head still thinks it's 18 unfortunately :-)
Is there an amp fitted? I have read that sometimes it's set at 50% or is my memory playing tricks.
If fitted, where is it?
Cheers buddies.
The amp for the rear shelf speakers is in the boot behind the battery. It's exactly the same as the E1 as far as I can see. Just remove the carpet covering the battery bay and you'll see the amp at the end of the battery facing towards the front of the car. Loosen the two screws at the top (don't remove them) and then slide the amp upwards to remove it. There is a knob you can twist to adjust the bass.I need to upgrade the speaker system in the VXR8. What fits. Need some serious bass. I know I'm the wrong age for that, but my head still thinks it's 18 unfortunately :-)
Is there an amp fitted? I have read that sometimes it's set at 50% or is my memory playing tricks.
If fitted, where is it?
Cheers buddies.
Interestingly, I checked mine a while back and noticed that it was already set to full base. But I think I have a fault with my amp and rear speakers.
Alternatively, Walkinshaw Performance in Oz used to list an audio upgrade package for the E3 on their site. I did some reading about it some time ago and the general consensus from peeps in Oz who purchased it was that it was a fairly good upgrade but a tad over-priced for what it was. Having just checked on WP Oz's site now it looks like they don't sell it anymore. I was tempted to ask WP UK if they could bring it into the UK. I'm sure they would look into it if you were to ask, but be prepared for a 4 figure cost.
pah250 said:
Granby said:
If it is the same then the shelf speakers (subwoofers) are wired out of phase, just changing the wires over on the subs will make a big difference
Unless HSV fixed the phase miss-alignment issue between the E1 and E3 models...pah250 said:
Granby said:
If it is the same then the shelf speakers (subwoofers) are wired out of phase, just changing the wires over on the subs will make a big difference
Unless HSV fixed the phase miss-alignment issue between the E1 and E3 models...
kin ellI was lucky to get a car that the previous owner had fiddled with. Not a huge install - all speakers are direct replacements - no metal cut.
Mine has an Alpine KAC8404 in the rear, a pair of Kicker subs on the rear shelf, and Infinity components behind each of the door cards.
Haven't felt the need to look at it closely, but I think the am supplies 2x180W to the kicker subs only (?)
I've never listened to a std car properly, so I can't make any comparisons, but it does sound pretty good : although the OEM Harmonn Kardon system in mrs mik's Disco4 sounds even better.
Mine has an Alpine KAC8404 in the rear, a pair of Kicker subs on the rear shelf, and Infinity components behind each of the door cards.
Haven't felt the need to look at it closely, but I think the am supplies 2x180W to the kicker subs only (?)
I've never listened to a std car properly, so I can't make any comparisons, but it does sound pretty good : although the OEM Harmonn Kardon system in mrs mik's Disco4 sounds even better.
If you want a suitable 8" infinite baffle sub for the rear shelf.
Look towards marine audio stuff, they are typically infinite baffle. I know JL do 8" and 10" infinte baffle subs capable of handling a good 150w RMS.
As finding decent IB subs can be a pain in the arse. Also make sure you deaden the rear shelf and seal all the holes. It'll make a big difference.
Look towards marine audio stuff, they are typically infinite baffle. I know JL do 8" and 10" infinte baffle subs capable of handling a good 150w RMS.
As finding decent IB subs can be a pain in the arse. Also make sure you deaden the rear shelf and seal all the holes. It'll make a big difference.
I suggest visiting your local car hifi specialist. Look out for one local to you as a four master dealer. They will only deal with top end kit and really know what they are doing.
If you just want bass adding a subwoofer in the boot is relatively easy and not too expensive. For example a digital 500w JL amp is less than £200 and can be hidden away and will power up one monster sub or a couple of medium subwoofers. A descent sub and box would be £200-300. Fitting and wiring up is not that much work and would probable set you back a further £150. You can spend less and you can spend way more.
If you want to upgrade speakers there is a new range of speakers by audison called the prima series which are £100-250 and are amazing.
I have just upgraded my monaro with a completely stealth install and it was a major piece of work as literally the entire interior had to come out, but it sounds fab. Just don't get carried away
If you just want bass adding a subwoofer in the boot is relatively easy and not too expensive. For example a digital 500w JL amp is less than £200 and can be hidden away and will power up one monster sub or a couple of medium subwoofers. A descent sub and box would be £200-300. Fitting and wiring up is not that much work and would probable set you back a further £150. You can spend less and you can spend way more.
If you want to upgrade speakers there is a new range of speakers by audison called the prima series which are £100-250 and are amazing.
I have just upgraded my monaro with a completely stealth install and it was a major piece of work as literally the entire interior had to come out, but it sounds fab. Just don't get carried away
I suggest visiting your local car hifi specialist. Look out for one local to you as a four master dealer. They will only deal with top end kit and really know what they are doing.
If you just want bass adding a subwoofer in the boot is relatively easy and not too expensive. For example a digital 500w JL amp is less than £200 and can be hidden away and will power up one monster sub or a couple of medium subwoofers. A descent sub and box would be £200-300. Fitting and wiring up is not that much work and would probable set you back a further £150. You can spend less and you can spend way more.
If you want to upgrade speakers there is a new range of speakers by audison called the prima series which are £100-250 and are amazing.
I have just upgraded my monaro with a completely stealth install and it was a major piece of work as literally the entire interior had to come out, but it sounds fab. Just don't get carried away
If you just want bass adding a subwoofer in the boot is relatively easy and not too expensive. For example a digital 500w JL amp is less than £200 and can be hidden away and will power up one monster sub or a couple of medium subwoofers. A descent sub and box would be £200-300. Fitting and wiring up is not that much work and would probable set you back a further £150. You can spend less and you can spend way more.
If you want to upgrade speakers there is a new range of speakers by audison called the prima series which are £100-250 and are amazing.
I have just upgraded my monaro with a completely stealth install and it was a major piece of work as literally the entire interior had to come out, but it sounds fab. Just don't get carried away
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