mx5cartalk.com

G'Day and sorry to sound like such a novice.

My NB8A is soon to be back on the road (following a two year licence absence...oops!) and I recall having issues with the audio before she was parked up to hibernate. So I would be very greatful for any advice you experienced posters might offer. It is a 1999 with the standard system, and the optional 6 stacker mounted in the boot from new.

My issues were:

1. Not really enough sound/volume - particularly when at speed;
2. Passenger door speaker would randomly stop working;
3. CD player skipped quite often.

From a read of this forum/section I understand that the speaker issue is relatively common.

My questions are:

1. I would like to keep the original head unit - is it a decent one or should it be replaced?
2. If it is replaced, any suggestions as to suitable replacement? In particular, I would like to avoid 'cutting' dashboard as the rest of the vehicle is mint, don't want to touch it too much etc;
3. What about speaker suggestions or ways to get better or 'deeper' sound from them?
4. As above, but what options do I have if I retain the original head unit?
5. How about stacker options?
6. Can someone recommend a 'reliable' place where I can either (a) purchase any of your suggestions or (b) have any of your suggestions installed by someone who is, um, er, 'sympathetic' to my desire for originality? I am in Inner West Sydney.

Sorry once again for being/sounding like such a newbie. Given that I've walked everywhere for two years, I've saved a reasonable amount of $$ but don't want to spend too much - e.g. $1500 in total.

Can someone help me please?

Thanks

Advocate wrote:My issues were:

1. Not really enough sound/volume - particularly when at speed;
2. Passenger door speaker would randomly stop working;
3. CD player skipped quite often.

1: Due to road/wind noise? Is it distorting?

2: Probably a simple wiring issue. If you're game, take the door trim off and have a look at your connections. If they look good next step would be to check the connections at the back of the head unit itself.
If you don't think you're up to that, any car audio shop should be able to sort it out for you quite easily.

3: No idea if this is a common problem or not but I'd imagine it would be something to do with the stacker unit. No help from me here sorry.

Advocate wrote:My questions are:

1. I would like to keep the original head unit - is it a decent one or should it be replaced?
2. If it is replaced, any suggestions as to suitable replacement? In particular, I would like to avoid 'cutting' dashboard as the rest of the vehicle is mint, don't want to touch it too much etc;
3. What about speaker suggestions or ways to get better or 'deeper' sound from them?
4. As above, but what options do I have if I retain the original head unit?
5. How about stacker options?
6. Can someone recommend a 'reliable' place where I can either (a) purchase any of your suggestions or (b) have any of your suggestions installed by someone who is, um, er, 'sympathetic' to my desire for originality?

1: Depends what you want out of it. If you want DVD playback, a tv screen, blue tooth, etc; it probably isn't decent enough and needs replacing. If it does everything you want it to and you like it, then why change?

2: No issues at all fitting almost any head unit in to your stock dash. There won't be any cutting, just take out the old one and put a new one in its place.

3: Best advice I can you here give is what I always seem to be saying around here recently, go to a number of car audio stores and physically listen to as many speaker combinations as you can. From there, you can see what you like. Take other's opinions on board, but let your own ears have the final say.
Personally I found the aftermarket speakers that were in my NA when I first got it, absolutely horrible. I they were one of the first things I replaced.
You will hear the most difference in the whole sound system through you choice of front speakers, so you should spend the biggest portion of your money here. A good set of splits will set you back anywhere from $300 and up.
Amplifying them would probably be a good idea if you're serious about improving your sound (and your budget will easily cover this). A simple 2 channel amp would be more than enough and can be had for $150-$200.
Catch is by adding an amp, you will probably now need a new head unit. Again, it all depends on what you want here. MP3? CD Stacker? Phone input? iPod? etc...

4: You can add new speakers and an amp *and* still keep the stock head unit, but it is asking for the added complication of a line level converter. I'm personally not a fan of these but others swear by them.

5: Completely dependant on what you choice for a head unit is. Weigh it up as part of your head unit decision.

6: Not much help to you here sorry, being in Canberra an all. But almost any dedicated car audio shop should be able to sort you out here. Just explain what you want, budget, etc.


Any more questions, don't be afraid to ask.

The std head unit is nothing special...

You will greatly improve the sound from the current system if you install Dynamat to the inside of inner and outer door panels. Works very well

CD skipping, yep, again the factory unit is pretty ordinary in this regard, however the suspension system in the stacker unit can be switched for either horizontal or vertical mounting. The adjustment is fairly easy - the adjuster is on the sides of the stacker. Don't be too surprised to find that yours is set incorrectly. Many of those were added by the dealer during pre-delivery... I can't remember if it mentions on the side which adjustment is what though sorry, you might just have to experiment on that one.

As for where to get the work done, go to a specialist, car audio only, retailer. If you let us know where you are located someone here might be able to recommend someone in your area. If in Brisbane, Northfield Moorooka are very good...

Thanks to both of you for your very helpful advice.

I'm located in Inner West Sydney - but happy to travel anywhere in the Sydney area if I know I'm going to someone reliable.

Thanks heaps again!

Any time mate.

Keep us updated with your progress.

No probs

In Sydney, FHRX Studios have a very good reputation.