Centre dash speaker in VE

[stitchvessv]

Does anybody know of an after market speaker that fits in to replace the oe centre dash speaker on ve ss' etc?

[1991_Vn2nV]

Just remove it mate, you're better off without it. Its a hindrance. Upgrade the in dash tweeters and front speakers instead.

[NickVR]

Yeah I agree the centre speakers are crap. Depending on size and if they can be bought, buy an aftermarket replacement and go halfs with someone else wanting to upgrade their centre speaker. Are they a 4inch or 6inch speaker under there?

[Luke0011]

the centre speaker is the sum of the left and right channels on the ve model, like all the other speakers in the car they are just a basic coax i think. I havnt actually removed one so i cant tell you what size it is. But to get the best out of your centre speaker, you need to run a 5.1 channel amplifier. The only one im aware of and heard is the alpine. which also used an alpine din mount centre speaker in a vz com. It sounded sensational. Like in good home cinemas and commercial cinemas they use centre speakers. It really helps the sound staging an imaging in your vehicle if set up properly. And of course because a car is the hardest environments to achieve optimum sound a centre speaker goes a long way to achieving this.

[1991_Vn2nV]

the centre speaker is the sum of the left and right channels on the ve model, like all the other speakers in the car they are just a basic coax i think. I havnt actually removed one so i cant tell you what size it is. But to get the best out of your centre speaker, you need to run a 5.1 channel amplifier. The only one im aware of and heard is the alpine. which also used an alpine din mount centre speaker in a vz com. It sounded sensational. Like in good home cinemas and commercial cinemas they use centre speakers. It really helps the sound staging an imaging in your vehicle if set up properly. And of course because a car is the hardest environments to achieve optimum sound a centre speaker goes a long way to achieving this.

Soundstream have a 6 channel amp that can be run as 5.1, but its not due here til first quarter 09.

[EnFoRcEr_001]

Sorry for reviving an old thread but does anyone know how to remove or disconnect the center speaker as it is the only problem i am having at the moment.

Cheers

[EnFoRcEr_001]

Ok i just had my audio system done for my VE and the ****ty center dash speaker is a 3 inch piece of crap. The installers disconnected the speaker and tried the standard system without it and it was definately noticeable as the sound was heaps clearer.

I would recommend a LC6 line out put converter for anyone looking to upgrade a ve system. i am happy with my results and i havent even put a subwoofer in yet.

[alien]

OMG, the VE's have a center speaker? Damn, i'm looking at doing a centre speaker for my car in future so i can watch DVD's from my head unit in 5.1! The Sony 2DIN head unit (the only one on their site) already supports 5.1 channel output and can even recieve TV!

[Luke0011]

Soundstream have a 6 channel amp that can be run as 5.1, but its not due here til first quarter 09.

Soundstream do not have a 6 channel amplifier

[1991_Vn2nV]

Soundstream do not have a 6 channel amplifier

I said it wasn't due until 2009. Part number is STL6.900. Its part of the new Stealth Series. Soundstream have new amps coming out their ears. Stealth series, D Tower Series, Rubicon series.

The 6 channel is a lot more than just a 6 channel. It can be a 6 channel amplifier or a 5 channel amplifier. It also has a center channel input and output to be used as a 5.1 theater amplifier. Finally, the crossover processing is very versatile, allowing the 6 channels to power a set of 3-way components with perfect crossover protection on all 6 drivers.

[Luke0011]

Yeah only reason why i said that is because i spoke to the soundstream distributor and he said they dont have one. also checked out the website and dont see a stealth series 6 channell amp. HOw did you find out about it???

[1991_Vn2nV]

I think I first heard of it from a Soundstream Rep from Vic (Richard). Heres the press release though off the Soundstream website Soundstream | Products » Multimedia » DVD Players » VDVD-160

[Luke0011]

Yes Richard is the distributer for australia. Hes a kiwi. Good bloke. I saw the link and your right it is a six channel, but not a true theater 5.1 or 7.1 amp. Which is what is needed to utilise the centre speaker in the ve for dvd's.

[alien]

luke0011, why not just get two monoblocks? One for the sub in the boot, and one for the centre speaker? And then a 4 channel amp for the other 4 speakers if your serious about sound Or just leave them from the head unit?

[1991_Vn2nV]

luke0011, why not just get two monoblocks? One for the sub in the boot, and one for the centre speaker? And then a 4 channel amp for the other 4 speakers if your serious about sound Or just leave them from the head unit?

Running a single 3" coaxial off a monoblock?

Monoblocks are not suitable for running a coaxial speaker regardless. They generally only produce a frequency response of up to say 250hz, instead of up to about 35,000hz like a class a/b amp. That and there are big differences in THD, damping factors, S/N ratio's, filters etc. Monoblocks are designed to run subs and produce bass, not to run a co-axial speaker.

[alien]

Thanks for picking that up VN2NV (i knew what i meant, no one else would though), i had only just woken up! In which case a mono for the sub and a 2 channel amp for the front but only pumping out one channel (the head unit has only one RCA connectin for the centre speaker). Or you could duplicate it and have 2 centre speakers (One front and one back)

[Luke0011]

Well a digital 5.1 theater amp is definatly what i would do because i am serious about sound

[EnFoRcEr_001]

guys regardless of the amp you are going to use the center speaker is not up to the job. It distorts with the slightest amount of decent levels of music put through it. on the ve's anything around half way or more that speaker gives way. So first the speaker will need to be upgraded before it can put to any good use.

[Phreddy]

It's not a true centre speaker - simple as that. It's a dual coil 3 inch POS - each of the coils is fed with parallel wire runs from the front left and front right channels.

So ultimately all this does is to detract from the stereo imaging of what you'e listening to! And it truly is a CRAP speaker.

Back to the other point - there is no "centre channel" processed inside the head unit. It's not a surround decoder. It's simply four channel stereo, like most car systems.

The best way to "upgrade" these is to get rid of the centre speaker, then evaluate replacing the door units, or even amplifying them. But removal of that centre speaker improves the sound by a leap as it is! A must as a first step.

(BTW - yes, I'm working on the true line-out adaptor for the VE units for those who are curious - not far off now...)

Cheerz!

[LUKE957]

The best way to "upgrade" these is to get rid of the centre speaker

how do u get to the center speaker??

[jjFarking]

Why on earth would you even want to have 5.1 (or greater) in your CAR?
To set it up so you can actually enjoy the true 5.1 surround sound, you need to either sit in the middle of the back seat, or stuff around with the head unit et al so much, that it becomes too troublesome to do, when you use it for normal music as well..
At least, that's how I see it.
Ultimately, music is still just good ole stereo & has the best audio response (THX certified gear doesn't need to go below 35Hz & anything over 20KHz cannot be heard by us humans).
What am I missing here?

[alien]

Why go 5.1? Well, really only useful if you've got a DVD player in there. In which case they usually have the 4.1 channel out as well as one out for centre!

[jjFarking]

I realise that, but what I mean is why surround sound like that?
It's a car after all. If you want to enjoy 5.1 surround sound, you should be at home (that is, not in the car ), where you can watch your movie from your favourite non-mobile chair, in the safety of your house, on the biggest screen you can afford to get, because that's the only reason for 5.1 (or higher) - movies (or games if you want to nit-pick )
That sorta thing
Again, the THX standard is actually inferior to normal (music) stereo..

[Chemhaz]

how do u get to the center speaker??

I wish someone would answer your question, I want to remove the one from my VE Calais V and see if i can pick up the front signal and install a processor like the LC6, BitONE or RF 3Sixty.

[dakman]

hey mate i just removed mine myself a fewdays ago, you have to take off the parts on the side of you roof above your window/ by removing the tab and undoing the allan key bolt and then pulling it off. then you have to remove the part covering the splits and then the centre part. (these only have tabs not bolts to undo, so you have to pull up on it gently so you dont break it.) then you can get to the speaker grill, put your fingers under it and lift up, once agian there is only tabs there and no screws so you will need a little bit of force. then when you remove that you have got to your speaker. i cut a speaker wire either side of the speaker as there is 2 sets of wires comming in and i taped them up, instead of pulling out the speaker and leaving the wirionng there as it would rattle and make an awful noise. then all you have to do it put all the bits of plastic back and your done. the centre speaker will not affect you bluetooth when disconnecting it or cutting it. hope this helps =]