Speaker question???

[RichInMich]

Wow, you've put together a pretty extensive list there! Thanks for sharing the parts you're using - it's definitely going to save me a lot of time in researching what's out there. I have a good friend who has a 2013 Limited with the same sound system, so he's going to be interested in this as well.

FWIW, I have tried listening on direct USB connect with my phone, and have the same issue. I'll try the CD, that is actually a pretty good suggestion (not sure why, but I guess I forgot that these things have CD players haha). Maybe the phone is doing something goofy in the translation, not sure.

My Galaxy S3 phone is quirky sometimes with SYNC - when listening to it via USB (as opposed to Bluetooth), the car will suddenly start thinking I only have one song to play, and if I skip to the next track it just restarts the track I'm on. That's why I went BT for now, at least until I can figure out what is going on there.

Thanks again for your help - will report back when I get moving on changing the speakers out.

 

[2011TAURUSSEL]

Rich, if you need some install photos let me know I just installed the center speaker today... so I am done. I think I will go download that Bob Seger song from Amazon and add it to my USB collection. I have two USB for the slots. I have music on one and Comedy on the other. The dual USB ports come in handy don't they.

 

[RichInMich]

Wow, I never thought about that - filling both USB slots with different style of music! I was keeping one open for when the kids get in the car and discover their phones are low and need a quick charge! I'd love the install photos - especially how much better those Kickers perform than the stock surrounds. I'll PM you my email address.

Thanks again!

 

[2011TAURUSSEL]

No Kids in my family except me......I use the USB for music and comedy. I did get a RCA input that converts to MP3 for the rare person that may have a ipod or mp3 player. I use the rear 12V outlet for my phone charger and also have a twin USB charger for if we need to charge two phones at once.

 

[LotusDriver]

Take a look at my thread here...

http://www.shoforum.com/showthread.php?p=1306913#post1306913

I am trading in this car, and buying a 2014. I will sell this system that I built complete, if anyone is interested.

 

[Wild13SHO]

Thanks 2011TAURUSSEL. I installed the Kenwood KFC-5794PS and the Power Acoustic NB-2 speakers in my 13 SHO and it was the best $100 modification I've ever made. Huge difference in sound quality.

 

[2011TAURUSSEL]

Wild13SHO wrote...

Thanks 2011TAURUSSEL. I installed the Kenwood KFC-5794PS and the Power Acoustic NB-2 speakers in my 13 SHO and it was the best $100 modification I've ever made. Huge difference in sound quality.

Glad they worked out for you. Have you done the rear decks yet or found a significant enough difference with the doors and tweeters to stop there.? For your next project I recommend the Kicker 11DS35 for the center instrument panel. They come in packages of two so you will have a spare or pay it forward to someone else. Mine were about $28 from Amazon. Semi easy install but takes some minor trimming of the instrument panel mounting circle. If you are so inclined to do this send me a PM with email address and I will send photos..

 

[RichInMich]

I finally got around to replacing the door speakers - went with Infinity all around, and WOW what a difference. The only regret is that I didn't do the two surround speakers (front and back) - I think there's some "tinny" stuff going on when I get certain high/mid sounds that I suspect is coming from the factory surrounds. That will have to wait until spring, but for now the system is incredibly louder and now has quite a lot more bass than before (not that I particularly care about that part, though).

I still get an occasional "drop" in levels, though, in some songs (What I've Done by Linkin Park for example right at the beginning). Could this be from the amp not being able to handle the output? It's almost like the amp is trying to auto-level the music, particularly when it goes quickly from a low level to a quick high/loud level (sudden drum sequence after mostly-vocals, etc).

 

[SHOdded]

Are you in stereo or surround mode? Not enough power in surround may be enough power in stereo. Could certainly be the power protection kicking in, dropping levels. Would try playing in stereo for comparison first, though.

 

[RichInMich]

Funny you mentioned that - I found that playing in Stereo actually sounds better than in Surround, which seems backwards to me. But it still does happen (the sound cut off), but it's far less severe as in Surround mode. So it sounds like it's an amp issue, then eh?

 

[SHOdded]

Certainly seems like a power-related issue. Solution would be to either get new amps feeding your speakers, significantly more efficient speakers, or both. More available power = less distortion = better sound, generally speaking. From what I gather, the wiring isn't the limitation in these cars, though you could opt to upgrade that as well.