Another radio Q.

[bjrogers86auto]

It's my turn to ask the radio pros a question.

I just installed 4 new Infinity speakers. I ran new wires to the front 2 but not to the rear...yet. The problem is at increased volume I get rice crispies(snap,crackle,pop) If I fade it to the front they are fine.

Is my assumption correct? New wires to the rear? On the rear passenger speaker wire the ground has two wires attached to the connector. Is this the common ground that everyone refers to?

I installed a Pioneer deck a few days ago and the system sounds mighty fine for under $400. Haven't yet bought a new window handle to replace the one I snapped. hehe.

Thanks for all the other posts...they have been a fantastic resource!
Brian.

[mightyart]

[wbx]

[Dogpilot]

Or a slight variation on Art's suggestion, string some spare wire to the speakers temporarily and see how that sounds.

Again, the wire for nearly everything in the vans is sub-par. So if you want good clean sound, a set of new wires, of slightly larger gauge or shielded wire would improve things without doubt.
_________________
Geology with a Syncro rocks!
86 Syncro Westy AKA "The Bughunter"
98 Disco I
08 Range Rover SC
08 VW Rabbit S
1951 O-1G

[randywebb]

also...

best sound can be obtained by situating an amp. near every speaker -- or pair and running high level wires to the amp -- or even better, digital cable with a D to A and amp right at the speaker

it is all about how much you want to pay and how satisfied you will be with what sound quality

[howdyhoss]

I am about to do this same project- new stereo, new speakers, new wires.

How much of a pain in the arse is it to run new wires? Any advice?

thanks!
Rob G
_________________
'87 Westy Vanagon GL- "Ruby"- Titian Red
'05 Subaru Outback

[Dogpilot]

In a westy the factory wire path is kind of a PIA. You can use the old wire to pull the new to the AC cabinet. Or, as my previous owner did, run wires along the path with the westy electrics to the rear bench. There an amp was installed on the hump over the rear heater, and two 9" ovals where installed in the bench face. This setup provides thumping good sound, but defaces a piece of cabinetry (I actually have a spare uncut facing). For long term at the campground quiet zone. I can still run the small speakers in the AC cabinet along with the front ones by de-selecting the amp and not powering it.
_________________
Geology with a Syncro rocks!
86 Syncro Westy AKA "The Bughunter"
98 Disco I
08 Range Rover SC
08 VW Rabbit S
1951 O-1G

[bjrogers86auto]

Thanks folks. I'll take a stab at running the wires up and over and if it gets silly maddening I'll find another route. I will run some wires back first though as a test.

As far as sound vs. expense...obviously they are directly related. This is my first season with the van and it's costing enough in the important areas to get by with a better than stock system for now. The deck and speakers have plenty of room for improvement so we can build on that.

Thanks again.