Speaker upgrade

K81

in my younger max power days I loved upgraded head units, amps and sub boxes. Now I’m older I prefer things to look oem.

The last time I had any aftermarket audio equipment fitted was in 2009. I bought a new Brera and the speakers were awful. I had a alpine sub and amp fitted by safe and sound in droylsden.

The bass was obviously much bettter, but it didn’t sound very balanced.

Every car I’ve had since has had decent oem audio. The Volvo XC60 I’ve had on lease for the last 3 years is particularly good. The lease is up in 2 weeks.

I’ve just bought a 2016 VW Amarok. I love everything about it apart from the speakers. They just sound “tinny”.

I want to keep everything looking standard and would rather keep the existing head unit.

I have 2 decisions I need to make.

Which components do I go for upfront? It’s years since I’ve looked into speaker brands. I’ve havent heard of some of the brands I’m seeing.

Rockford, alpine, pg and jl were my favs. I’ve not got a clue how they compare to “newer” brands.

I’m also unsure if it’s worth replacing the coaxial speakers in the back doors? I know many people say it’s not worth it but I don’t want a sub in the back.

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks

cosmicma

have you considered an under seat sub unit which can be tucked away out of view without taking boot space up ?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kenwood-KSC-SW11-Underseat-Subwoofer-Radiator/dp/B00BO8O9XQ

sometimes all's that's needed s a little bass lift which can improve things enough to live with keeping everything else standard

K81

That looks like a bargain and reviews seems positive.

No removing door panels either.

Thanks

Arcam_boy

I had one of these fitted in my car recently...

Focal iBus 2.1 - 20cm 8" Under Seat Active Subwoofer, Active Bass Tube 2.1 System

I purchased it off that website and was a little dubious as its listed at £350 everywhere else but it turned up next day/sealed no issues at all!!

Its an 8" underseat sub with a 2 channel amplifier built it to allow you to power a set of speakers.

I've got this under the passenger seat using the stock headunit as a source and upgraded the front speakers to a set of mid range comps (hybrid audio unity). I've kept the rear speakers in but they've been turned right down so if you crank it up a little the rears won't distort as they're still driven off the headunit.

Sounds very very good indeed and miles better than the Sony (Ford) speakers from stock.

Like you I used to love tinkering with my car / audio etc when I was younger but had this lot installed by a pro this time as I couldn't be bothered messing about myself!!