Hi everyone,
it's great to share with like minds and experience. I own a 1988 cavalier convertible, The question is anyone familiar with the above average speaker placement for this car? Quality sound and front imaging is important to me, i do understand i loose a lot of sound with the top down but i'm open to suggestions to keep some kind of front imaging. rear fill and subs are not an issue here.
thx
budahbar
You can just replace your stock speakers with after market speakers, and get an after market head unit. It will be loader and better quality sound.
What are you looking for..........................
PRND321 Till I DIE
Old Motor: 160whp & 152ft/lbs, 1/4 Mile 15.4 @88.2
M45 + LD9 + 4T40-E, GO GO GO
i think he is looking for the radio equivalent of high def. in his vert.
very hard to do.
I would look into some custom kick panels with component sets, that will direct the sound where you want it,
Hey guys thx for your response to my issue. I guess i want to achieve close to an equivalent sound quality as if i had an enclosed vehicle. impossible perhaps but how close can i get by placing speakers via components within the right locations. ya kick panels has been suggested what about within the dash, with the speakers facing upwards towards the windshield?
I like listening to Maria Carey's voice and funky jazz both are clear sounding, so i want to achieve quality, crisp sound.
Are there any pics on this site, show casing some great ideas?
thx
budahbar
i would try going to the generation gap forums, or searching peoples registries via the members button.
The windshield USUALLY deflects the sound over your head, so not the best for quality. there are members here with custom fiberglass dash mounted components, but not in something your age. Check out member menetti, and there is another good one in the interior forums.
With an open air vehicle, you are going to have to direct the sound right where you want it, it can not be reflected like a closed car. (even with the top closed....the fabric absorbs the sound)
Quote:
I guess i want to achieve close to an equivalent sound quality as if i had an enclosed vehicle.
You won't, at least not in a 2nd gen Cavalier convertible.
One, the top has no liner and the rear window is plastic. Your ambient noise level is much, much higher than that of a hardtop. Subtle highs will be drowned out.
Two, the lack of a solid rear deck makes the rear speaker placement very awkward. The 4x6 speakers (ugh...) sit almost where the driver's left/passenger's right shoulder blade is with the seat in the back position. The configuration of the well/top mechanism makes it impossible to move the mounting points without removing the rear seat.
Three, forget the trunk too, unless just to remote mount an amp/changer/satellite receiver. The top motor and backseat reinforcement will distort all sounds, save for any god-awful distorted bass sounds.
Best advice, as Trey said, new speakers + head unit and call it done. A 2nd gen Z24 convertible just wasn't made for high fidelity sound.
1989 Z24 Convertible - Dust Covered
2006 tC - Dust Covered, but driven more
I got great advice from Kromer Radio in Toronto. They have experience with Porche, Lambo and many others including 2nd generation z24. Up front sound imaging can be and will be accomplished.
Those who say it can't be done will learn something new
later
