Better audio sound in ‘72 SB vert

[mloret]

Hello! I currently have to front speakers mounted in kick panels powered by a JVC head unit. Right now the sound is sub optimal. I am wondering what the best way to improve the sound might be? I don’t want something that will draw too much power or rattle the car and annoy the neighbors. I thought about a rear speakers mounted tray but the top, when down, would sit on top of it. Any suggestions?
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Michael Loret

[jinx758]

Howdy ...

You need more power/wattage.
Also the placement now has them "attuned" so the best sound is aimed at your knees. Attenuation has a big impact.
Problem with convertibles is the sound waves are not retained by the "box" or chamber that an enclosed cabin provides.

There are very efficient digital amps now that can fulfill your needs. Don't skimp on quality. Read - reviews, not just from consumers.
Crutchfield & SMD Designs do actual testing. Parts Express is great for speaker design, home audio, & unbiased reporting.

Huge difference between Boss and MB Quart brands.

"A high powered system on low sounds better than a low powered system on high".

I installed custom high-end custom systems from 1993-ish to about 2022.
Not just trunk rattlers, some were listeners of Jazz, Rockabilly, & even Chopin/Mozart. Those were fun for me as they were the most challenging.

Bee-you-tiff-ful orange bug ... ! !

Good luck ... stay safe

jinx
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" It's not valuable unless you learn something from an experience. " Henry Ford

It's not unlike the same difference ...

My Craigslist rescued 100 footer :
1971 Standard Bug
1776cc dual port
034 distributor
38mm EGAS Carburetor

[mloret]

Thanks for the reply, Jinx. I was thinking of getting a small, efficient amp and using it under a front seat. What do you think?
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Michael Loret

[jinx758]

That should work.
Nowadays there are bluetooth amps that do not require RCA cords for the signal. As long as the deck in the dash or your phone connects to it.

Not sure what size speakers you have now - just make sure the RMS wattage is compatible with the RMS output of the amp.
S/N ratio (signal to noise) should be higher than 92. This is the amount of signal gets converted to heat. The bigger the number the more efficient it is.
The gain is NOT a volume control.

Go into the settings of the JVC & play with them till you get a nice sound for your style of music, at about 60% volume level. Turn the gain up slowly until the song distorts. Back off a hair & leave that alone. You should be able to increase volume control fairly loud without overdriving the speakers (distortion).
The speakers will be the limiting factor ... 5.25 2-way versus 6.5 3-way versus 6x9 4to 6way. Typically any of these types don't reproduce bass very well. I usually disable the speaker level bass output when adding a subwoofer. Even a small 8inch sub can compliment a system by taking the stress of reproducing low frequencies letting the others handle the mids, vocals, & highs. Subs don't have to be obnoxious but can round out a system.

Perhaps a small 4channel amp & 8inch sub behind the back seat could be one option.
Most can have 1&2 or 3&4 bridged to power the sub.

Lots of options & can be budget friendly.

Good luck ... stay safe

jinx


PS :
Sorry for long answer, I tend to geek out on certain things.
_________________
" It's not valuable unless you learn something from an experience. " Henry Ford

It's not unlike the same difference ...

My Craigslist rescued 100 footer :
1971 Standard Bug
1776cc dual port
034 distributor
38mm EGAS Carburetor

[Cusser]

I've used these external speakers in my 1971 Convertible since the late 1970s.

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1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297