Perfect Stereo Settings
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 73
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From: Hicktown, Ohio
Perfect Stereo Settings
I have a stock stereo, stock speakers, two 12" subs, and a 1200 watt amp in my truck. I was wondering what would be the perfect settings for my stereo so I can get the most out of everything? I drive a 2002 Ford F150. Also, if I bought a new stereo, would I be able to get more output? Thanks.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2005
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There is no such thing as the "perfect" settings on any system! There are many things that come into play:<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com
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1) Type of music you listen to<o></o>
2) Your ability to differentiate tones (you may or may not be "tone deaf")<o></o>
3) Number of people in the vehicle when you dial your system in<o></o>
<o></o>
I could go on, and on....you will just have to sit and try and figure out what's best for you. I have literally spent hours trying to get my stereo set just right, and in the end I am never 100% satisfied. <o></o>
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In other words.....Good Luck!<o></o>
fficeffice" /><o></o><o
></o>1) Type of music you listen to<o
></o>2) Your ability to differentiate tones (you may or may not be "tone deaf")<o
></o>3) Number of people in the vehicle when you dial your system in<o
></o><o
></o>I could go on, and on....you will just have to sit and try and figure out what's best for you. I have literally spent hours trying to get my stereo set just right, and in the end I am never 100% satisfied. <o
></o><o
></o>In other words.....Good Luck!<o
></o>
Last edited by gistecknician; Nov 26, 2007 at 06:47 PM. Reason: I can't spell "the" when typing fast, always comes out "teh"...go figure
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,236
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From: Vancouver Island
The perfect setting would be whatever gives you flat or at least smooth frequency response. The factory sound will probably run out of power and clip before the subs do. It'd be better to have an active crossover so no bass goes to the factory amp and speakers. Then they'd play louder and last longer.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 700
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From: waterloo, iowa
Yeah, wouldn't it be wonderful if it was that easy? If somebody just told you what to set it to and it was done.
Naw, man, you're gonna have to sit down and just mess around until it sounds good to you.
Then when you think it sounds good, try another cd, you'll probably want to change it again.
and again
and again
Like gistecknician said, it'll never be perfect.
Naw, man, you're gonna have to sit down and just mess around until it sounds good to you.
Then when you think it sounds good, try another cd, you'll probably want to change it again.
and again
and again
Like gistecknician said, it'll never be perfect.
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 95
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+1
I used to be an engineer in the entertainment industry -acoustics was always a challenge
Humans are very sensitive when it comes to audio clarity -you will deal with a little visual interference but you will become quickly frustrated with just a little audio interference...
It does depend on the source quality and what you like. From what you describe you like it LOUD -you want a concert in your truck. My suggestion is to swap out your 12' subs for some EV full range concert speakers (they are not all that expensive)
I used to be an engineer in the entertainment industry -acoustics was always a challenge
Humans are very sensitive when it comes to audio clarity -you will deal with a little visual interference but you will become quickly frustrated with just a little audio interference...
It does depend on the source quality and what you like. From what you describe you like it LOUD -you want a concert in your truck. My suggestion is to swap out your 12' subs for some EV full range concert speakers (they are not all that expensive)
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Hicktown, Ohio
Alright then. Chuck was right, I do like it loud. I listen to country and rap, and just want to get the highest possible boom out of my subs. I was just wondering where I should have the bass, fade, etc, etc, etc.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,326
Likes: 18
From: Gilbert
Does your amp power all your speakers or just your subs? I was running a similar setup when I had my factory cd player in my F250. I ran all my speakers off the 1 amp (it's a 6 channel amp). I would put the volume at a "comfortably loud" listening level with the gain all the way down on the amp, then adjust the gain until it's at a level that doesn't clip your speakers...
Like others said, you'll never get it perfect. I have a Pioneer AVIC-N1 in my truck with so many audio settings that it drove me nuts adjusting it for each song or type of music so, as mentioned on the Ron Popeil Rotisserie infomercials, I set it and forget it....
Like others said, you'll never get it perfect. I have a Pioneer AVIC-N1 in my truck with so many audio settings that it drove me nuts adjusting it for each song or type of music so, as mentioned on the Ron Popeil Rotisserie infomercials, I set it and forget it....
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Lead Driver
Joined: May 2004
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From: Abilene Kansas
buy new subs then, cause u will never be happy if u try to get the max out of a sub. you never turn an amp up all of the way or else it will distort and sound like crap. i always turn them up 3/4 of the way max.
Matt
Matt
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,123
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From: Fort Smith
I'm guessing you are running an inverter to run your amp on RCA's, or you split the signal in the back and have wire inputs on your amp (you didn't specify your amp or subs). You also didn't mention how the power and ground are run on your amp. 
First thing I would recommend is changing the head unit to something with more variable controls and sub outputs on the head unit. There are too many to name head units out there that have 3 way control (front, rear, and sub controls), db control, etc. Most will push 25-50 watts per channel on front and rear, so you are good for what you describe you want there. This will give you the extra control for the sub.
We need to know now what amp and subs you are running and what your current wiring and settings on the amp are. Also, what type of box are you running?
Like others have said - there is no magic numbers we can give you to make it perfect. If we have the right info though, we might be able to get you close or help out some...
First thing I would recommend is changing the head unit to something with more variable controls and sub outputs on the head unit. There are too many to name head units out there that have 3 way control (front, rear, and sub controls), db control, etc. Most will push 25-50 watts per channel on front and rear, so you are good for what you describe you want there. This will give you the extra control for the sub.
We need to know now what amp and subs you are running and what your current wiring and settings on the amp are. Also, what type of box are you running?
Like others have said - there is no magic numbers we can give you to make it perfect. If we have the right info though, we might be able to get you close or help out some...
Last edited by CobraXP; Nov 29, 2007 at 05:15 PM.