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O/T Ice advice for van
Wadders - 3/11/06 at 06:22 PM

Need a bit of guidance on beefing up the sounds in a VW transporter T5. Its got a Blaupunkt Alicante head unit running through standard speakers, which to be fair isn't too shabby, especially for a van, but its all coming from the front. So i'd like to add some rear speakers. Iv'e partitioned off the rear section (behind sliding door) so the space behind the seats is empty. Is it just a case of adding suitable speakers( if so which ones?) or will i need amps to run them? as you can probably tell i know sod all about car stereos so any advice/ recommendations will be appreciated.
Just to be clear, i don't want to compete with the local burberry brigade in bass competitions. But want a clear balanced sound.

TIA
Al.


john_p_b - 3/11/06 at 06:29 PM

first question would be does the head unit have rear speaker outputs? if so then no amp will be required. if there's no outputs then you might as well buy a new headunit and start from scratch.

as for which speakers...........depends what you want to spend but imo you'll never get a perfect sound due to it simply being a van.

i've got a little kangoo van with the rear partitioned off running a cheapish sony mp3 headunit standard front speakers and JBL power series 6x9's in the rear board. it's never going to win awards but it's loads better than just having front sound.


JoelP - 3/11/06 at 06:36 PM

great minds alan, i was thinking of fitting a guitar amp and an inverter into mine


Wadders - 3/11/06 at 06:39 PM

Van Halen?



Originally posted by JoelP
great minds alan, i was thinking of fitting a guitar amp and an inverter into mine



Danozeman - 3/11/06 at 06:42 PM

If its got rear outputs which i imagine it will have then a pair of 6x9s in the rear panel will work well.


JackNco - 3/11/06 at 06:47 PM

Speak to mattcranecustoms on here he does Audio installs


k33ts - 3/11/06 at 06:48 PM

quote:
[ which to be fair isn't too shabby, especially for a van, but its all coming from the front.
Al.


thats exactly where you want it to come from add a small active sub and put some passive cross overs on the front speakers that will give you a much better sound.


SALAD - 3/11/06 at 06:58 PM

I have some Pioneer 6x9's surplus to requirements should you choose to go down that route


MattCraneCustoms - 3/11/06 at 07:01 PM

Hi all. Best thing for a van would be a set of kenwood 6 x 9's, we used some on a stand, they last two seasons of rain and cold, and still go strong, so they are definately recommended. As said, if its a modern head unit you'll have rear speaker outputs, and pre outs for an amp if you want. Depends how much you like your music, I've got £900 front speakers running off an amp, rear 15" subs, and speakers in the tailgate of a 306. About 4000W in all (Plus a few monitors for good luck!). Spend the most you can though, and go for a decent brand, and you should be ok. Need any advice give me a shout, I've dealt with the "burberry brigade" many times fitting some pretty high end stuff.
Regards
Matt


MkIndy7 - 3/11/06 at 07:26 PM

If there's a "car/people carrier" alternative then there will probably be rear-outputs and even the wires in the loom. (in the Kangoo they come as far back as a connector at the side of the seat) to connect onto without too much wireing.

Maplins do 250W 6x9's for about £12 when there on offer and there more than good enough for a van and don't cost the earth to replace should they get damaged.
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=37987&criteria=Door%20/%20Shelf%20Speakers&doy=3m11

I'd place them lower down in the back board and not at ear level as you'd end up with most of the balance to the front, kinda defeating the object!


gazza285 - 3/11/06 at 08:24 PM

First thing I'd do is spend my money on a reliable van.


Not that I'm bitter about buying a very unreliable and expensive van or anything, but I thought VW vans were meant to be good, until I bought one. Mine did have a nice stereo though and a cracking head.

Cylinder head that is. I tried to get another from loads of scrappers, including VW specialists, they just laughed.


Wadders - 3/11/06 at 11:20 PM

Trust me they all fall apart once the warranty has expired which is why this one will be getting offloaded just before it runs out.




Originally posted by gazza285
First thing I'd do is spend my money on a reliable van.


Not that I'm bitter about buying a very unreliable and expensive van or anything, but I thought VW vans were meant to be good, until I bought one. Mine did have a nice stereo though and a cracking head.

Cylinder head that is. I tried to get another from loads of scrappers, including VW specialists, they just laughed.



gazza285 - 4/11/06 at 12:11 AM

I've got a Berlingo now and it's 'kin great, although the offside wheel bearing has just packed in after 149000 miles. Unlike my Transporter that was scrapped at 70k due to complete crapness. I'd just had to fork out for two lower ball joints, two trackrod ends, front discs, both rear springs and a set of pads to get it through the test at 68k, all at VW VAG prices.

Only VW I've owned and I bought it with a full VAG history and it turned out to be a pile of shite. I'm self employed and need a van for everything I do, and 1,000miles a week is normal.

Citroen every time for me, or Peugeot if I want a different badge.