Speaker Upgrade - Worth It?

[ChestnutBrown]

My van has a few upgrades I wasn’t aware of when purchasing, so was half expecting to find upgraded speakers in the doors as I actually think the sound is pretty good.

Took the driver door card off but the speakers appear to be the stock riveted in ones, which is a surprise.

Given the above, if I was to upgrade to the Alpine’s for example, just how much better are they with the stick head unit? Would I need an amp too?

Would a sub and amp mounted under the seat also be a further upgrade that’s worth the spend?

I have the Discover head unit with CarPlay as standard in my T6 presently.

Finally, does this improve a lot if I also fitted the Alpine Halo 11 too?

It’s just a huge spend altogether, so want to get a feel for what’s worthwhile vs cost.

 

[Bigsidavies]

I’d just start with a speaker upgrade. I put in some Feelart stuff which I’ve been pleased with. It improves the sound massively when previously I couldn’t really hear the stereo over road noise at motorway speeds.
My intention was to get an amp and a new head unit, but I’m happy with where I’m at.
Many people seem to be fitting the Gladens in preference to the Alpine which I’ve heard described as a little on the bright side.
I have heard a couple of the full pro setups with new head unit, sub, dsp amp etc and the sound is quite unbelievable. Depends on what you want to achieve and your budget.
But also it’s very important to sound deaden and insulate both the door skin and the door card and metal interior trim panel.
There are trade members on here who will be able to guide you-Dav-Tec, Absolut5, Van Cave etc.

 

[doncarlyon]

I intend to upgrade the speakers in my 6.1 but so far have only sound deadened the doors and it makes a good difference.

 

[The Flying Scotsman]

My van has a few upgrades I wasn’t aware of when purchasing, so was half expecting to find upgraded speakers in the doors as I actually think the sound is pretty good.

Took the driver door card off but the speakers appear to be the stock riveted in ones, which is a surprise.

Given the above, if I was to upgrade to the Alpine’s for example, just how much better are they with the stick head unit? Would I need an amp too?

Would a sub and amp mounted under the seat also be a further upgrade that’s worth the spend?

I have the Discover head unit with CarPlay as standard in my T6 presently.

Finally, does this improve a lot if I also fitted the Alpine Halo 11 too?

It’s just a huge spend altogether, so want to get a feel for what’s worthwhile vs cost.

Save up a bit more and get the Gladens 8” custom made for the T6
Not cheap but worth the extra.
Fantastic sound
@Absolut5 do some great upgrade packages and supply the Gladens

 

[ChestnutBrown]

Thanks guys.

What I can’t work out is why my standard setup sounds pretty good. I mean I have no he bass turned up to one from max, with Mid and Treble sitting nearer the middle, but it is n no way drowned out by noise on the motorway or other roads. That’s listening with volume around half too.

I have sound deadened and thermos lined the rear and roof area, but have plenty left for the cab area next. Always planned to do that, including the doors, as there are rattles with the bass turned up on occasion.

I mean, they’re not audiophile in quality, but I would say far from poor tbh.

Will take a look at the Gladens I think, given the suggestion.

 

[Dav-Tec]

If you think the atockmapealers are good you'll be blown away with the gladen kit!

 

[ChestnutBrown]

Cheers guys.

With respect to the sound deadening, do you recommend removing the regulator panel and doing the full door behind it, or have you just done the regulator panel and door card only?

 

[Bigsidavies]

Cheers guys.

With respect to the sound deadening, do you recommend removing the regulator panel and doing the full door behind it, or have you just done the regulator panel and door card only?

I did the door panel with dodo hex. I didn't completely remove the reg panel, I removed all but the top fixings then I pulled the base away from the door and wedged a piece of wood in. I then fitted the dod sheets by passing the them up through the bottom gap and using my other hand through the speaker hole to push the panels onto the door skin. Was pretty easy, even though it sounds like a faff.

 

[ChestnutBrown]

Great. Thanks @Bigsidavies. That’s a great tip!

I have half a box of Dodo left, so should be plenty for both doors and hopefully the cab roof too. Fingers crossed.

 

[Bigsidavies]

Put a long sleeve top on - those door and trim edges are brutal.

 

[BoroBoy]

@Dav-Tec - Hi Chris, I am thinking of upgrading my rear speakers. Can you recommend some Gladens that would be suitable to replace my current speakers. Current speakers are Kenwoods.

 

[ChestnutBrown]

Put a long sleeve top on - those door and trim edges are brutal.

For sure. Found that out when doing some of the rear sections. Appreciate the heads up nonetheless.