Sound advice
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Wichita
Sound advice
Excuse the pun. 
I have some spending cash and I'd like to improve the sound system in the Aero. Basically I want new speakers. Regarding the dash speakers, wouldn't it be better to cut out those cheesy perf areas and put some new speakers and grills in their place? That OEM design has to be killing the sound I should think.
Should I install and amp? I don't want to get a *&^%$ woofer, just be able to hear music over the Aero's sound level.
I have some spending cash and I'd like to improve the sound system in the Aero. Basically I want new speakers. Regarding the dash speakers, wouldn't it be better to cut out those cheesy perf areas and put some new speakers and grills in their place? That OEM design has to be killing the sound I should think.
Should I install and amp? I don't want to get a *&^%$ woofer, just be able to hear music over the Aero's sound level.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,062
Likes: 35
From: Central Oregon
I changed the dash speakers for alot better aftermarket speakers, changed the middle 6x9's also, using same brand of speakers and added 2 12" subs, you don't need the subs if you don't like them, but adding a good aftermarket amp will make your speakers sound better and make them last longer. If your van has the OEM amp, make sure it gets disconected when you put in the new one.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,018
Likes: 210
From: SoCal
Most aftermarket speakers have some pretty sizzly high frequency drivers that will overcome most of the accoustical obstructions from the factory grills. The biggest problem with factory speakers seem to be that they resonate at certain mid-low frequencies that makes voices hard to understand. So almost any aftermarket speakers will sound better, and you can get acceptable response with a 10 band graphic equalizer. This is about the best you can do without a full spectrum analysis of the interior of the van.
BTW, if you get a system that can play loud enough to overcome the van's operating noise levels, you will find yourself going deaf on long trips.
BTW, if you get a system that can play loud enough to overcome the van's operating noise levels, you will find yourself going deaf on long trips.
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Wichita
Thanks guys. So was that a yay or nay on cutting the perf areas up front? I'm not even sure is has an amp. Do they come in the XLT's?
I plan to replace all 6 speakers. 13 years must have taken its toll on them besides not being of great quality to begin with.
I plan to replace all 6 speakers. 13 years must have taken its toll on them besides not being of great quality to begin with.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,062
Likes: 35
From: Central Oregon
I would not cut the perf areas, imho. My Areo is a 90 XLT, and it did have a OEM amp, I think it was in the passenger side next to the 6x9 speaker. When I had the after market sound system installed they disconected it.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,018
Likes: 210
From: SoCal
As I said, most aftermarket speakers probably have enough sizzle to punch through the stock grills, so you really don't need to cut them out.
If your van came with the "Premium Sound" package, it has an additional amplifier, and a graphic equalizer under the stock radio. If you're just replacing the speakers, you do not need to worry about it. But if you are also replacing the radio, then you should remove all of the stock components, as I don't think they will work well with aftermarket radios.
I haven't looked at the speaker circuits too closely, but the stock wiring goes through the switch on the window sill of the second row seat. So you may even have to install your own speaker wires to bypass the stock wires.
If your van came with the "Premium Sound" package, it has an additional amplifier, and a graphic equalizer under the stock radio. If you're just replacing the speakers, you do not need to worry about it. But if you are also replacing the radio, then you should remove all of the stock components, as I don't think they will work well with aftermarket radios.
I haven't looked at the speaker circuits too closely, but the stock wiring goes through the switch on the window sill of the second row seat. So you may even have to install your own speaker wires to bypass the stock wires.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 477
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From: Missouri
I dont know how crafty you are but if you get some acoustically transparent foam and fab up some grills you will like the results source for foam music store ( where they sell guitar/pa equipment) I have done it the high end is way crispyer sounding .
BTW crispyer may not be a word but just tryin to help
Come see us in the Mo. Chapter
Jeff
BTW crispyer may not be a word but just tryin to help
Come see us in the Mo. Chapter
Jeff
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Washington state
sound systems are a waste of money on me....8" howizers and 175mm Long Dicks lowered my top end hearing range to about 3kH....if i can't feel it i don't hear it
nice on a long Aero trip though....wife has high pitched voice
nice on a long Aero trip though....wife has high pitched voice
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Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Salt Lake City, Utah
I upgraded my sound system. I purchased a Clarion CD player. My advice on replacing the factory system, is to not cuy any factory wiring. When you install new speakers, eitherr get the harness adapters or run new wire. Leave the old wire alone. It is not very high quality wire. If you choose to use it, do not reduce your chances of good quality sound by cutting and splicing. Harness adapters are inexpensive, reduce almost all possibility of error, and ensure that the sound quality will be the best possible for your configuration. I did not cut out my front grills, though doing so would let you use a speaker with a stronger coil. I installed 135 watt speakers with satelite tweeters. They are the perfect size that if I installed then without screws, the grill would put minor pressure on the center tweeter tower and hold them securely in place. Sound is great. My rear speakers are the 6x9 I think 85 watt. The front speakers have far more power and better resistance to sound distortion. I could have cut the grill out with a dremel tool, but prefered not to do so if it was not absolutely needed. You do realize that that front dash cover is made of metal?
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Wichita
Originally Posted by 96_4wdr
sound systems are a waste of money on me....8" howizers and 175mm Long Dicks lowered my top end hearing range to about 3kH....if i can't feel it i don't hear it
nice on a long Aero trip though....wife has high pitched voice
nice on a long Aero trip though....wife has high pitched voice
Reminds me of Robin Williams "interviewing" an artillaryman in Good Morning Vietnam. He was shouting all his answers.Thanks for the tips guys. I'll leave the grills alone up front. I thought they were plastic Khanty. I'll looking at some 3 1/2" Infinitys for the dash and matching speakers midship and aft. I'll live with this before I decide if I need a new amp and/or equalizer. I'd like to try some speaker baffling and sound dampening where I can. Most of the noise comes from the tranny area and the door seals.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Houston, TX
Originally Posted by 96_4wdr
sound systems are a waste of money on me....8" howizers and 175mm Long Dicks lowered my top end hearing range to about 3kH....if i can't feel it i don't hear it
nice on a long Aero trip though....wife has high pitched voice
nice on a long Aero trip though....wife has high pitched voice
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