I recently had Alpine coaxials installed on all four doors but left the factory stock tweeters intact. While the sound is an improvement over the stock speakers...it still sounds thin and harsh on the top. IN fact, the highs dominate. I was wondering...do I have too many tweeters in the front and should I swap out the front tweeters as well as the two front two-ways for a component speakers? Right now, the mid-range is weak because the highs are in your face.

 

As you may have perceived from my earlier inputs, I absolutely DO NOT advocate "upgrading" the front tweeters. Also, I thought from a previous post you had components up front and coaxes in the rear, however, as I've said multiple times, if you've resonances from your door panels (and stock, I guarantee you do), your sound will be a problem. Perhaps I'm talking some form of ancient Greek, but still, I strongly recommend damping your door panels so they don't resonate and wreck the sound.

Believe it or not, this isn't rocket science! Sound quality is absolutely dependent on the environment. Sure, you can ignore it, but don't expect satisfaction! Either take responsibility or shrug it off and accept what you've got. Asking the advice of a forum participant (regardless of their personal preferences) isn't necessarily a formula for success (unless your preferences happen to coincide with theirs) -- your personal goals have to come first, the preferences of your respondent have to come second !)

FWIW, I've a Kenwood HU and Alpine coaxial door speakers (no amp and OE tweeters in the A-pillars), plus Edead in the door panels. The sound is entirely satisfying (not perfect, but clean and not annoying), and as far as I'm concerned, it all depends on whose line you're buying into! My choice is what works for me. Good luck !

 

Well as it turns out...I went back to the installer, who not only swapped out the front coaxials but also dampened the door per my request....and now we are talking....harshness is gone...sonic bliss has found a home in my xB.

Installer was concerned that the coaxials might have been faulty and not to chance it, just swapped them out. So I bow to Trevor, you are indeed a wise man. I knew something was off. I really like these Alpines.

 

No bowing required, just make a point of standing for what you need (within reasonable expectations). Auto sound can't meet the possibility of optimal home sound (which also requires significant effort). I'm happy to have enjoyable sound in both my '90 Eclipse and my '08 xB. What matters is that when on the road, you're able to enjoy the music that matters most to you.

The best road system is one that allows you to enjoy even the less well reproduced programming. However, if the internal sonics of your vehicle are self defeating, there's really no hope. Good sounding components are critical, but a well behaved interior is no less important. I sincerely hope you enjoy your current system !