Upgrading VE Stock Speakers - How To

Have a look at both my cars and you'll see how it fits into the space really nicely. I've been told I could've put two 12" ones if spaced out just right but I like the one that makes it look factory.

I had to think about keeping my boot space, just incase if need to use the boot to transport a person or a pram(you know, the usual)

 

Where does the factory amp get its input from?

Is it RCA from the HU or just speaker wire?

Also has anyone mounted a HU into the little pocket, coin tray thing below the aircon controls?

 

am pretty sure its just speaker wire

 

Why do a lot of the write ups and videos show people tapping into the rear speakers when adding a amp and sub, why not tap into the sub wires?

 

Not all cars have the sub amp. No amp means no loom. On top of that, you often still need to get a remote source as the factory amp does not have a remote input, so you still need to run at least one wire from near the headunit so you may as well do all of them.

In the VF its a decent story as it has an independent sub control and a remote wire. Makes it worth tapping into the sub amp if present.

 

Thanks, makes sense

Is there any difference in the sound if taping into rear speakers instead of sub wires?

 

Is there any point in upgrading the stock speakers without amping them?

 

It gives you a warm fuzzy feeling that you have new stuff in your car

Seriously though, if the speakers are matched (ohms and watts) to stock, yes.
If higher ohms and wattage (and Sensitivity), no. (the speakers will sound quieter)

I upgraded speakers (4 ohms, 50watt) about 3 years ago and it may have sounded better but I suspect that was the placebo effect of my buying new stuff for the car. And maybe replacing 5 year old speakers with new speakers.

After reading countless threads on this question (and kicking myself...) I decided to amp them a few weeks ago, now it's better than stock (may much better is based on cost/quality of speakers, amp, LOC etc)

Regarding all the post I read on this topic, most all answered the question of best bang for buck, which was amping the stock speakers over non-amp after market speakers.
Also, sound deadening was often mentioned as great bang for your buck IF you were going for a full system.

I if had my time again (and a car worth throwing money at...it is an omega after all), I'd go half decent speakers for front and rear (ie nothing under $200 a set), decent amp and sound deadening for all 4 doors. then a sub when time / money permitted.

 

Great write up, extremely helpful!!!

 

Does anyone know how to pop out the pins for the front speakers from the wiring harness that connects to the side of the headunit?

I want to run the wires for the front speakers to a LOC then a amp and instead of tapping into the existing wires I would rather replace them so I can return to stock if need be

 

I have found a few that are 2 Ohm but most car audio stuff seems to be 4 Ohm. To save me pulling off my door trims, can anyone confirm that the Series 2's have the same impedance?

Also, jr, did you install the amp yourself?

 

Yep, with a bit research it was quite straight forward and painless to install under the front seat (http://forums.justcommodores.com.au...2006-2013/233140-best-place-amp-ve-wagon.html)
As you have a sedan, and assuming you'll probably replace all 4 speaker and (in time) get a 4 channel amp, so an amp in the boot on back seat or under side of parcel shelf would be the way to go.

 

So I'm completely new here, and like most ppl I love my music loud and bassy, but without compromising quality. I recently purchased an 07 VE Calais V 6L and the stereo sound quality is pretty good. Is there any easy to tell if the standard speakers have been replaced without pulling door panels off?

 

Hi,

Just my two cents worth here regarding some mods to the OEM system to my VE s2 Ute.

1. I had installed the Fusion 10 inch subby CS-AT1100, high level input connection. Sits nicely behind the passengers seat.

2.Sony 3 way 6 inch door speakers GT1638F, slotted straight in.

3.Centre speaker disconnected.

This arrangement made a BIG difference to sound for me on a budget price. Good punchy bass and crisp mids and highs. For my listening needs I did'nt go for an amp. Very happy. All professionally installed here on the Goldy for well under $500. It would be lots cheaper if the components are sourced and installed by the owner. The only bug bear is that I need to wind the gain right back on the sub when I'm playing anything other than the radio, but no biggy.

Hope this info helps anyone wanting to improve their sound with a cheap but effective way.

Cheers

 

Easiest way, shine a torch through the speaker grills, look to see if the speaker cone in either a paper (factory) or plastic (aftermarket).

 

Aren't the GT1638F 6 1/2 inch 4 ohm speakers ? did you suffer any loss of volume with them .

 

Sorry for the late reply Dayvo, those speakers are 4 ohm but I havent noticed a loss in volume. Still plenty of punch with windows down ect. The installer told me to install amps if I was'nt happy with the volume anyway.
Cheers

 

No worries mate ,I have a pair of them sitting in the shed somewhere. I went to Autobarn in Dandenong looking for a pair of 2ohm speakers and the guy tried to tell me that all VE commodores use 4 ohm speakers from factory .

 

Just checked the OEM ones that were replaced. They are marked as 2 Ohm as previous posters have stated Dayvo. The 4 Ohm Sony work fine, mids are fuller and the highs are a lot crisper than the Holden Originals mate. Cheers

 

Awesome Guide!