My Stereo Upgrade in the Exige

[Imolas54]

Headunit - Alpine CDA9857
Front Speakers - Infinity KAPPA 42.7I 4" 2-way
Rear Speakers - Alpine SPR-17LP 6.5" Type R

Headunit- Kicks ass over the stock pos, easy to use, ipod control easy to use and easy to connect. If you have a video ipod it's a tight fit w/ the cable in the storage cubby. But it fits w/ the cables bent a little, since the replacement cable on $30 each really not a big concern.

I have no idea what people are talking about when they say upgrade the unit the speaker will sound better, it doesn't sounds like the same old crappy speakers with the new unit.


Front & Rear Speakers- Updated the speakers in hopes of better sound, the front Infinity speakers fit just fine, I decided to put it using the stock grills as i do not like the exposed speaker look, it's the stock size as I don't need to have bass coming from the front anyway.

Rear Speakers, this speaker JUST fit w/ the supplied spacer, I didn't have to do any cutting, just 3 new screw holes which would be covered when the stock ones goes on anyway. Took out some foam in the back and removed the passenger seat to make my life easier.

Speaker upgrade maybe increase the highs about 20%, bass 0%, maybe it's the combo of speakers I have or maybe I just expect more for my money, it's not worth the upgrade.

Next-up I may need try and amp to power the 4 speakers, but I think a sub is what's needed in the exige/elise system. All others should be done on a secondary basics....

Pics below....

[teekster]

Nice job. I sense that some of your dissapointment may be alleviated by external amplification and a proper subwoofer. The forum is a good source for discussion on different approaches to this problem.

IMHO, it is just wishful thinking when people say they got a dramatic improvement in sound by switching the HU alone.

[Imolas54]

Originally Posted by teekster

IMHO, it is just wishful thinking when people say they got a dramatic improvement in sound by switching the HU alone.

couldn't agree more.

[Stormy320]

So wait - your saying based off your experience to upgrade the stereo, but don't bother with the speakers?

[Imolas54]

I am saying, if you need ipod connection and a more user friendly headunit, upgrade the radio.

Don't bother w/ the speakers if you are not going with the amp route.

[peck555]

I so disagree,the head unit that comes with the car sounds much better with replacement speakers,than the incredibly cheap speakers that are included with the car will sound with any combination of components because,the speakers that are included are very limited in reproduction of frequency response,and bass,as well as having a very limited ability to play loud enough to hear over the sweet music of the engine.
My two cents

[Imolas54]

we must have a different definition of "bass", i can't see 4"/5.25"/6.5" speakers producing any significant bass. With all the road noise, I could not tell any gains in frequency response....

[fedoelise]

Originally Posted by Imolas54

we must have a different definition of "bass", ....

Bass is a feesh

[purplepeopleeater]

Has anybody found speakers to replace the stock speakers that were more powerful but lighter in weight. Trying to caculate a better system weighing less to help with a possible amp. Looks like the new touch screen clarion right now

[teekster]

Originally Posted by Imolas54

I am saying, if you need ipod connection and a more user friendly headunit, upgrade the radio.

Don't bother w/ the speakers if you are not going with the amp route.

There I would disagree. Most of what your car stereo sounds like comes from your choice of speakers. Here, you definitely get what you pay for.The folks putting in Focals, JLs and other relatively high end speakers are going to get a much better sound than those who are installing the low end Polk dB series or Alpines. They, in turn will get better sound than the sucky Blaupunkts that came with the car, even with the stock HU.

When you are talking about the high end speakers, they generally will need quality amplification to get the best out of them. Amplification also benefits lesser speakers.

If weight savings are a serious concern, don't go overboard with the high end stuff.


BTW, Imolas54, whomever sold you that combination neglected to tell you that your 2 Ohm Infinity speakers will fry the little amp in your head unit. Those speakers REQUIRE an amp that is 2 Ohm stable.

[Imolas54]

thanks for letting me know!!! they are coming out tomorrow!