2002 P5 stock sound

[spacerabbit]

I have a 2002 p5 with the in dash cd changer/tape deck. I like the head unit very much, but I'm not as impressed with the sound quality.

Has anyone out there simply replaced the factory speakers and increased thier sound quality substantialy? Any recommendations on improving my sound without replacing the head unit? I'm not looking for crazy bass thumpin' sound, just good clean sound that is rich and full. Also, what size speakers does the vehicle take, it looks like the fronts are 5x7, are the backs as well?

Thanks for any advice

BT

 

[Natey]

Welcome to the party, spacerabbit

My very first mod was to swap out those bad paper-cone speakers for some Focals. It made a huge difference. The stock speaker size is 5x7 in the front doors, and 6.5" in the rear doors. Also, 6.5s will fit in the front doors with an adapter, no problem.
The HU in the P5 is made by (anyone correct me if I'm wrong) Nakamichi, so it's definately up to the task of putting out some good sound.
One suggestion: If you don't have a stock subwoofer, find one. I have an Infinity Basslink and although it doesn't bump the neighborhood, it sure does add to the music...ya gots ta have some low-end


Have fun!

 

[DaleK]

I added an outboard amp, as did Sir Nuke, and kept the factory deck. The deck is a good source, but the speakers suck, and the deck is not overly powerful. I am surprised that Eggy finds his Focals sing well enough without some extra power

Hunt around a bit, there is some really good info on this board and the 'other one' as well.

 

[GerardPRO5]

NOT nakamichi

the head unit is NOT made by Nakamichi.

per the Mazda shop manual:

Identification with Printed Numbers/Label Base unit
1. To identify the supplier name, compare the leftmost number of the ID code (4 digits), printed on the upper right corner of the LCD, with the table below.

ID# Supplier name
1 Panasonic
2 Clarion
4 FMS Audio

 

[spacerabbit]

Wow, thanks for all the good info guys The Protege community seems quite friendly!

 

[Natey]

the head unit is NOT made by Nakamichi.

Thanks.

I am surprised that Eggy finds his Focals sing well enough without some extra power

Check my sig

I have an Alpine F-400(100x4) under the passenger's seat.

 

[DaleK]

Check my sig

I have an Alpine F-400(100x4) under the passenger's seat.

I didn't notice- I have the sigs turned off for now due to the fact I check this board at work....

That's a nice setup to have - I really like the sound of Focal's products.

 

[P5LawnMan]

Spacerabbit ----See my mods , sounds great!!!! Stock head , with spare tire sub component fronts , 6x9 in rear.

 

[1sty]

Does no one look at my stickies any more?(sad2)

 

[DaleK]

Does no one look at my stickies any more?(sad2)

RTFS!!! DO A SEARCH!!!!

I miss Edwin.....

We love your stickies. Sorry I didn't refer to it earlier....(hand)

 

[DaleK]

RTFS!!! DO A SEARCH!!!!

I miss Edwin.....

We love your stickies. Sorry I didn't refer to it earlier....(hand)

Boy I just read this over and it sure didn't sound like what I thought it would......(puke)

I mean - 1st, you provide indispensable information which we should all consult before asking any questions...

 

[1sty]

What hapened to edwin?

 

[spacerabbit]

Think I've found the speakers

I looked around this weekend at speakers, trying to listen to ones that would fist my tastes in the sizes needed for the prot5. I think I've settled on these selections.

Polk Audio DB650's for the rear
Polk Audio DB570's for the front

I can get a super deal on polks, which is one reason I'm leaning to these, but also because I've had polks for my home audio setup with very good luck.

My question is if you guys thing the stock head unit will be enough to power these guys well? I'd like to get an amp, but it seems to really add to the cost of things to get a decent 4 channel amp with the ability to handle the line level control.

What do ya guys think?

Thanks again,
SpaceRabbit

 

[1sty]

Re: Think I've found the speakers

? I'd like to get an amp, but it seems to really add to the cost of things to get a decent 4 channel amp with the ability to handle the line level control.

Line Level Control?
That doesn't make sense. Line level is the RCA style inputs and any amp has rca inputs. NOw speaker level inputs can be found usualy on the amps that cost less. Its the more expensive amps that won't have speaker level inputs.
The alpine MRP-F240 is a great little 4 channel amp and will cost $200 retail. Witha power wire kit, speaker wire and RCAs or a line level convert your looking at about $300 at most. Install will be around $50.

The factory head unit will power the speakers just fine, not to there potential mind you, but it will get the job done.
I always liked polk and have been disapointed we don't have them at tweeter.

 

[spacerabbit]

line level converting, thats what I meant to say. Sorry about that. Car audio is a little foreign to me, I've always been more into home audio. I think I will try the speakers first, see how the sound fits my taste, then from from there. I'll look into the alpine amp you suggested though, see what I can find. I had an alpine head unit a few cars back that I really liked.

Thanks again,
Spacerabbit

 

[pro00]

I have the 6cd changer
and I added the aftermarket speakers
(RC620) component speakers
I saw a difference, but the HU wasn't putting out enough juice
the amp makes a HUGE difference
it makes a world of a diffrence

but careful man, theose bills sneak up on you like a mofo
no more audio upgrades for me for a while

 

[DaleK]

What hapened to edwin?

I just hardly ever see him post any more. Nothing more

 

[spacerabbit]

Ok, so I settled on these for my speakers

Polk Audio DB650's for the rear
Polk Audio DB570's for the front

and a JBL GTQ240 4 channel amp.

My last question is A. Should I attempt installing this myself, or is it best to have this installed since the amp seems to complicate things a little.

and B. Where is the best location to hide the amp, I'm assuming under the passenger seat?


Thanks alot guys, the forums have been a real help!
SpaceRabbit

 

[hellcat]

Under the seat is good, and letting someone else do the install and having a warranty is nice too.

 

[Iconoclast]

bout 2 12'' flame Q's and a 2400 watt amp...
...never installed- sold em...
...string of robberies in my area. plus i like to listen to my music when i drive, 4000 plus watts sucks the air right out the car and get you rear ended by emergency vehichles. when your colorblind flashing lights r hard to see during the day, and where im from, an ambulance hitting and runing anything(even people) is a day to day health risk.