New Speaker/amp install questions

[dclark2171]

Hello, I love my new 13 LE. I have standard, non JBL stereo. I will be keeping head unit and adding an external amp, replace speakers and possible sub. I will have this done at a local, reputable car audio install shop. I have a couple of questions



1. Is sound dampening worth it? What differences in outside sound and with audio system. I'm not certain If I will be able to install a sub (I really do not want a large box). Will dampening slightly improve bass response from speakers?


2. My LE is right now squeak, rattle free. The vehicle is quiet as can be when it comes to interior noises (squeaks, rattles, etc). Even on bumpy pavement. Since the installer will be removing many panels, etc from interior, do you think that having all this done will increase chances of interior rattle noises (not rattle caused by cranked stereo)? I would hate my LE coming out sounding like a typical GM rattle trap.

 

[OldSchool1959]

Hello, I love my new 13 LE. I have standard, non JBL stereo. I will be keeping head unit and adding an external amp, replace speakers and possible sub. I will have this done at a local, reputable car audio install shop. I have a couple of questions



1. Is sound dampening worth it? What differences in outside sound and with audio system. I'm not certain If I will be able to install a sub (I really do not want a large box). Will dampening slightly improve bass response from speakers?

Only you can answer the "worth it" question. I have a '14 LE (with JBL) and it seems pretty quiet to me. Not Audi or Lexus quiet but certainly as quiet as my '02 Avalon. If I were going into the doors to do speakers, I would do some sound mat while I was in there. If done correctly, it will improve the quality of sound from your door mounted upgrades. Same if you decide to do a sub in the rear space where my JBL sub sits. If your sound shop wants to go crazy with Dynamat vs. one of the non logo versions it may not pay off in terms of sound for the $. There are several suppliers of sound deadening mat and butyl that don't spend tons of cash on advertisements. Also, wall to wall mat is unnecessary but strongly encouraged by some of those who sell it by the square inch.

2. My LE is right now squeak, rattle free. The vehicle is quiet as can be when it comes to interior noises (squeaks, rattles, etc). Even on bumpy pavement. Since the installer will be removing many panels, etc from interior, do you think that having all this done will increase chances of interior rattle noises (not rattle caused by cranked stereo)? I would hate my LE coming out sounding like a typical GM rattle trap.

If your installer does quality work this won't be a problem. If it's a high volume shop you might want to check their Yelp or recent other references. FWIW, pulling the door cards shouldn't induce any additional squeaks or creaks unless Bubba doesn't clip them back in right. Apologies in advance to any Bubbas who may be offended. Good luck and post your results here for others who come along...

 

[dclark2171]

That was the logic I was thinking. While they have the panels off, go ahead in install dampening. The vehicle is very quiet anyway, but if its only a few hundred $$ ,and I could improve bass response. I may not be installing a sub, just amp and speakers, so the dampening may help.

 

[Auntie Soshul]

I have an SR5 with the same audio system as your LE. One of the first mods I did to it was to replace all the speakers. While I had the panels off, I installed vibration dampener (Dynamat clone). Afterwards, I had no squeaks or rattles, and I'm not a pro by any measure.

As far as whether the dampener had an effect on the quality of the sound, I don't know. The new speakers made a world of difference, but because I installed the dampener at the same time, I don't know how much of the improvement can be attributed to the dampener alone. I will say, though, that the doors make a nice "chunk" sound when they close now, as opposed to before the dampener was installed. That alone is satisfying.

 

[dclark2171]

great info. What speakers did you install?

 

[Auntie Soshul]

(Sorry for the late reply - I've been offline for a few days) I used the Infinity Kappa 32.9cf to replace the dash speakers. There is extensive discussion about them on this forum. Here is a link to the main post.

In the front doors, I installed Infinity Reference 9602ix. These are 6x9 and have excellent, clear bass response. There are posts on this forum as to how to install them or similar speakers - you'll need to make or buy a couple of adapters.

In both the rear doors and liftgate, I installed Polk DX1650. These were pretty much plug and play, and have very good sound. I found them on sale at Best Buy for $39.95 per pair.