upgrade just speakers

[ktp1598]

Ok, that was Bas-akwards. This is much better.

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[ktp1598]

Sorry. Hit send too fast.

 

[Bryman]

Looks good! Do you think the Weathertech brackets will be sufficient to hold it in place? This might be a great solution for me too as I'd like to try AutoX and would like to be able to take the sub out easily.

Few questions - where did you pull power and signal from? Are you getting any rattles from the brackets?

Giggity.

 

[ktp1598]

There is a tiny bit of movement but not bad at all for regular driving. Don't know how well they'd do with spirited driving. Ground wire was run to the bracket between the seats. Power went to the battery junction box under the hood through a grommet where the clutch pedal would have gone. (I have an auto). Speaker level inputs. I did hear a small rattle with a lot of bass but it was minor. I think it may have been something in the back seat. Very satisfied now!
Oh and amp turn on went to the small blue/white stripe wire wrapped up with the speaker wires before the split in the trunk by the rear speakers.

 

[sandpiper]

There is a tiny bit of movement but not bad at all for regular driving. Don't know how well they'd do with spirited driving. Ground wire was run to the bracket between the seats. Power went to the battery junction box under the hood through a grommet where the clutch pedal would have gone. (I have an auto). Speaker level inputs. I did hear a small rattle with a lot of bass but it was minor. I think it may have been something in the back seat. Very satisfied now!
Oh and amp turn on went to the small blue/white stripe wire wrapped up with the speaker wires before the split in the trunk by the rear speakers.

Does the Blaupunkt turn on automatically when you turn o the radio or did you have to run a seperate wire to turn on?

 

[ktp1598]

I ran a high level input and it didn't turn on automatically. That might be a line level thing so I just ran a turn on wire.

 

[B.Crowder]

I ran a high level input and it didn't turn on automatically. That might be a line level thing so I just ran a turn on wire.

Thanks for the write-up and pics, ktp1598. I'll probably go the exact same route.

Did you ever investigate using the unused outlet that is supposed to be the pre-wiring for the 401A subwoofer?

 

[ktp1598]

Yes. Mine has a plug with 6 wires in it. I have reverse sensing so I wonder if that's what they are for? Can't tell where they go, looks like to the rear. Didn't want to tear it down any farther. Was just as easy to run the wires as I have them. I'll post a pic later tonight when I get home.

 

[smdandb2]

Awww yisss!!!

Just need my MS-8 and pair of Hertz HDP4 amps to show up. I still don't think those Mille tweeters will mount in the stock location though.

 

[transitmaster]

Awww yisss!!!

Just need my MS-8 and pair of Hertz HDP4 amps to show up. I still don't think those Mille tweeters will mount in the stock location though.

Damn that should sound great when you get it all in. Awaiting your assessment of the install. Take some pics!

 

[ktp1598]

Here's the pic of the harness in the trunk on the passenger side behind the side trim panel. I have reverse sensing so maybe that's what the top plug is for. 400A, no factory subwoofer.

 

[B.Crowder]

^ Now we need a picture from someone with a 401A subwoofer setup to see if those empty holes on the connector correspond to the subwoofer inputs.

I just picked my car up and to be honest, the 400A system doesn't sound that bad, at least to these old and non-audiophile ears. Maybe it was my expectations from the posts on the forums, but I certainly don't think that it is terrible or "one of the worst factory systems I've ever heard". It gets plenty loud enough for me and although it could definitely use more clarity and bass, it's not bad. I had thoughts about adding an amp and changing most of the speakers, but I think swapping the rears and adding a sub will be enough for me.

 

[ktp1598]

That was enough for me. I thought the radio was fine too, till I took a long drive. Plus, I had Pioneer and Sony in the car I had before.

 

[Reaper]

Scariest part was bending the rear plastic panels out of the way to remove the package tray. The tray is only held in by 2 push pins, one on either side in the front. I soldered 2 small wires to each speaker and used bullet connectors to connect to the factory harness. The factory plugs have to be cut off. Install is easy enough. Be very careful removing and reinstalling the rear-most screws as they're almost up against the glass. Just take your time.

Can anyone take a pic of the speaker cable / harness that connects to the stock 6.5" speakers?

Also, I'm considering picking up 4x JBL GTO638's or GTO629's to replace my front and rear base speakers. Is it worth looking into replacing the tweeters in the pillar or will they suffice with the upgrade?

It appears that the GTO629's are the latest version according to the JBL website (no GTO638 listed)?

 

[ktp1598]

Search Amazon and eBay for the 638's if you want those. I think the 629's are 2-way speakers while the 638's are 3 way. Buy new to make sure you get the bracket.

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