Building a system comparable to a BA with premium sound?

[amillers123]

Hi all,

I'm currently looking at installing a sound system in a VY. If any of you have heard the sound coming out of a BA/BF with the premium sound option - that is what im going for. I have a budget of approximately $500.

Also, do you think it would be necessary for a sub? I'm not going for anything excessively loud i just want a solid system. If i was to buy a sub where would i be able to install it? I'm not really a fan of having the sub in the boot as i need the storage. The only compromise i could think of is building a false wall in the boot.

Thanks in advance, Jake.

[Stressball]

You want a 'premium' sound system but don't want to spend over $500? Probably possible... But good luck, especially if you're asking for advice here.

The premium BA sound system includes a 150w sub + amp to power it, plus a 6 stacker and colour display on top of the standard sound system, which is presumably 4 or 6 speakers.

I personally have not heard their system so I can't tell the sound quality, but you won't get too far with $500 unless you leave the sub and amp out. You're going to need to get some new fronts and rears for that $500 to make it some really good sound.

I would say, 6" component speakers in the front with the tweeters mounted either in the dash or in the door, either option should have the tweeters being pointed toward you. For rear speakers, 6" or 6.5" splits in the doors or parcel shelf would be decent, generally you want fronts to be better quality than rears anyway.

You could spend your whole $500 on just these sets of speakers if you want good sound, or you could go a bit budget and only spend $300... but you honestly aren't likely to get the sound you are expecting for such a low price, unless you have very low expectations.

Getting a sub and amp doesn't have to be expensive, but it will be the limitation of your new system if you do go the cheap way. It's not often the speakers will give up before the sub does, even if the speakers are only headunit-powered.

As for sub installation, there's not a whole lot of options for mounting positions in a sedan, you could try a shallow sub box mounted against the rear set, or you could have a box built to sit in the opposite side to your spare wheel.

I just noticed you've got a Calais, I haven't heard their sound system either but I would have thought it would be somewhat comparable to a BAs premium system. Personal preference may play some part, or it could just be inferior. What is it exactly that you want the new system to sound like? What do you want to be different about it?

[holdenboy]

The premium BA/BF sound system dosent go very loud, but i will admit at low to mid volume ranges it sounds pretty good.
I think you could easily replicate that by going with 6-6.5" component speakers in the front doors and a set of 6x9s in the rear parcel shelf for added bass output. I dont think a sub would be needed if it needs to be comparable to the BA/BF system.
This setup is similar to the $500 system i did in Planning a System on a Budget thread so have a look in there. If youre planning on installing it yourself then you have some extra cash left over, which i think is well spent on a smallish 4ch. amplifier to power the lot. This will give you extra bass and a higher overall volume (definately higher than the Falcons' system).
Heres a few examples of 4ch amps that are suitable:
Ryda Car Audio - Fusion EN-AM60040 4 Ch Car Amplifier($239.25)
Ryda Car Audio - Clarion Car Audio APX4241 4 Channel Car Amplifier($186.55)
You'll also need to factor in the cost of a wiring kit for the amp, and ofcourse speaker wiring and a facia kit for the VY dash to allow for a Single DIN head-unit to be fitted. So probably all up around the $120 mark.

Theres always the option of keeping your standard head-unit too. You'll also keep your steering wheel controls and that "stock" look some people prefer. The only difference being you'll need a good line out converter (LOC) to convert your speaker wires into RCA cables to run to the amplifier.
Heres a good one from Shopping Secure:
Shopping Secure - Car Audio Specialists - Caché coe6
Its the price of a decent head-unit but when powering full range speakers from a stock head-unit it pays to have a good quality LOC to convert the signals.

[HCVP]

Hey Jake, I also think that $500, will be cutting it short, by the time you add in wiring, instalation, and any other cost associated with it.
I have heard the Premuim stereo's in the BA's, IMO they sound ok for a factory setup, i think the main audible difference for most people, is the extra bass response..If that's what your hearing, and is making it sound better to you, then like Holdenboy said, a set of decent 6x9's amped, will definately help. Although your not keen on adding a sub, it would definately make a big improvement, even coupled with the factory speakers.

A sub does more than just "make noise shake things" a lot people look down at subwoofers, because of the way they are used by many people to mainly create as much bass as possible. A sub will play the lower frequencies that your components speakers are unable to produce. You could go out and buy the most exspensive speakers in the world, drop them in the front and back, you still won't be hearing the music as was intended by the artist, because they only have a certain frequency response. A sub is essential in any quality setup. In saying all that, would you consider adding a sub and amp to your factory system? Also at a later date, you could install an aftermarket head unit, this would allow you to run your speakers on a "high pass filter" assuming you don't know what that is, it cut's the frequencies being sent to your speakers, below any chosen point.Meaning you can get more volume out of your speakers without distortion. So long as you weren't after a "really loud" setup, then i think you would be pretty happy..

[danja]

I'd be looking at the Holden Premium sound system:
VY-VZ GENUINE HOLDEN, BLAUPUNKT PREMIUM UPGRADE (SEDAN) KIT

It's just about in your budget, is plug and play, and designed for the car. It'll probably be just what you're looking for.

[holdenboy]

Thats cool Danja, didnt even know those were available!

[HoZy]

My Dads calais has the Upgraded Audio system, Sounds pretty damn decent for what it is.

Cheers
Mat

[amillers123]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the quick responses. Yes, after doing some further research i now realize i was cutting it a bit short with my budget. Keeping the stock head unit does sound appealing as i am a fan of keeping the dash looking stock - as well as retaining the steering controls.

Would there be much of a loss in quality using the line out converters as opposed to getting a new head unit? Because as of now im leaning towards keeping the stock head unit and using the line out converter with an amp and just the four speakers, leaving the sub for later. Does this sound right?

Cheers guys for all your help, you've been great.

[holdenboy]

You wont loose any quality using a decent LOC (like the one i suggested), but you will gain by going upgrading to an aftermarket head-unit. Hope that makes sense

If we go back to your original question, you can easily get the quality and volume of a BA / BF premium sound system by using the stock unit. You will actually get a better sound and more volume with the system ive suggested (amp, front components / splits and 6x9s). It may cost you a little more than $500 though.


Maybe Danja's suggestion was more on the money, it will be fairly easy to install and will get similar results to the system i suggested.

[amillers123]

Yeah i think i will go with the system that you have outlined holdenboy. I'm gonna have to wait a while while i get some money together but i think ive at least determined how im gonna go about it.

Cheers for your help.

[holdenboy]

No worries, any more questions etc. dont hesitate to ask

[acarmody]

I'd be looking at the Holden Premium sound system:
VY-VZ GENUINE HOLDEN, BLAUPUNKT PREMIUM UPGRADE (SEDAN) KIT

It's just about in your budget, is plug and play, and designed for the car. It'll probably be just what you're looking for.

It must be a really premium setup if the tweeters are 100wrms! Good typo.

[Joe Bellissimo]

LOL nice find.