I don't know how many on here are big car audio nuts, but I realized I forgot to share the updates to the audio system in my Volt. The original thread is here:
Upgraded the audio in the Volt
The Alpine amplifier is still doing an amazing job, I'm constantly impressed at how loud and clean it can play, based on it's relatively modest power output. I've occasionally heard some minor clipping, but only when I'm truly abusing it.
As I mentioned in my (year and a half old) OP, the factory tweeters were having absolutely none of the new-found power and range. They were shrill, distorted long before the door speakers even started to shine, and generally detracted from the listening experience. I identified the stock crossover point of the factory tweeter by reading the value of the capacitor attached to the factory tweeter. It was ~5,500 hz, much too high for what my mid's are capable of. I continued the theme of trying to keep everything as plug and play as possible, although I did sacrifice the factory tweeters in the process. Here's the final result:
I started by removing the factory tweeter from the A-pillar, and removing the plastic grille/cover from the tweeter body. I needed the grill as a spacer, as the Dayton tweeter has a larger dome and wouldn't clear the outer grille on the A-pillar trim.
Then, I clipped the spacer back into the A-pillar. The original locking tabs keep it in place.
For reference, this is the original tweeter after it's been stripped of it's grille and rear housing/connector.
Here's how it looks all finished up. I hot glued everything, and used the factory rear connector from the original tweeter as a tap. Again, all plug and play! I used a 12 microfarad cap to lower the crossover point of the tweeter.
Up close look at the finished product.
The Pyle mid-range speakers I originally installed weren't cutting it for me, so those got chucked and replaced with these:
I can't for the life of me remember what the brand and model of the mid's are, however they weren't expensive. The tweeters are Dayton Audio ND25FN-4, all of $14 each on parts express. I'm very satisfied with the result, which when paired with my single Image Dynamics IDQ 12" subwoofer and 900W Elemental Designs Nine.1 produces more than enough quality sound for a small hatchback. Thanks for looking!
Upgraded the audio in the Volt
The Alpine amplifier is still doing an amazing job, I'm constantly impressed at how loud and clean it can play, based on it's relatively modest power output. I've occasionally heard some minor clipping, but only when I'm truly abusing it.
As I mentioned in my (year and a half old) OP, the factory tweeters were having absolutely none of the new-found power and range. They were shrill, distorted long before the door speakers even started to shine, and generally detracted from the listening experience. I identified the stock crossover point of the factory tweeter by reading the value of the capacitor attached to the factory tweeter. It was ~5,500 hz, much too high for what my mid's are capable of. I continued the theme of trying to keep everything as plug and play as possible, although I did sacrifice the factory tweeters in the process. Here's the final result:
I started by removing the factory tweeter from the A-pillar, and removing the plastic grille/cover from the tweeter body. I needed the grill as a spacer, as the Dayton tweeter has a larger dome and wouldn't clear the outer grille on the A-pillar trim.
Then, I clipped the spacer back into the A-pillar. The original locking tabs keep it in place.
For reference, this is the original tweeter after it's been stripped of it's grille and rear housing/connector.
Here's how it looks all finished up. I hot glued everything, and used the factory rear connector from the original tweeter as a tap. Again, all plug and play! I used a 12 microfarad cap to lower the crossover point of the tweeter.
Up close look at the finished product.
The Pyle mid-range speakers I originally installed weren't cutting it for me, so those got chucked and replaced with these:
I can't for the life of me remember what the brand and model of the mid's are, however they weren't expensive. The tweeters are Dayton Audio ND25FN-4, all of $14 each on parts express. I'm very satisfied with the result, which when paired with my single Image Dynamics IDQ 12" subwoofer and 900W Elemental Designs Nine.1 produces more than enough quality sound for a small hatchback. Thanks for looking!