Need advice/help on bora sound

[Fury]

I recall there were 4 bolt holes there, I just bolted an MDF spacer onto the door frame.... Here's a pic i dug up, maybe shows it better then my memory.

Note: the pic is done before deadening.

[BI65ND]

Sorry to revive an old thread but the anti-speaker upgrading in this thread shocks me! Yes the speakers that come in the Bora may be good in terms of factory speakers as they are made in Germany, but if you want good sound quality then replacing them is the only way to go. Yes a new head unit will clean up the sound quality a lot, but there is only so much they can do with standard speakers. If you are not going to turn the volume up much then standard speakers are fine, but once you turn it up a bit they are awfully exposed. The bora speakers may not distort easily like ones you'll get in Holdens and Fords, but they have a lot of clashing between the mids, bass and trebles. They also have a distinct lack in grunt, dont have that same kick you get in good aftermarket speakers.
Depending on budget and the type of music you listen to theres many options. Focal and MB Quart make brilliant speakers, but will generally cost you a fair bit, they are both very colourful sounding speakers and sound awesome for nice clean tracks. If you listen to Rock music, Rockfords are awesome as well - especially the Power series. Very hard and powerful speakers, but they are not as crisp as others. Alpine Type X pros are a good all-round speaker if you have $1000 to spend on a set of splits. Eclipse also make very clear speakers but lack in bass output. I would never touch any speakers from Kenwood, Fusion, Clarion and the like. Pioneer as a budget brand are actually pretty decent value for money.
The system I will be building for my Bora will consist of an Alpine CDA-9887 source unit, MB Quart splits allround, T1500 Rockford sub amp, either my Alpine PDX speaker amp or a new one, and undecided on the two subs I'll be using at the moment.

[glidn]

hi guys i have just about finished my install in my Bora. It is all working except for one little hickup with one crossover were the brass coil sprung so i'm waiting to pick up the replacment one this weekend.

Anyway I have installed new MB quart splits in the front, MB Quart 2 way Coaxials in the rear, 2 alpine amps ( one for the splits and coaxial's) and one for the two 10" alpine subs.

I blew all my standard splits when i was running them with just a 12" sub, so i had to update.

My managed to fit my crossovers just behind the door handles and they fitted perfectly and i also didn't have to worry about running heaps of wires back through the door etc.

I will be posting up a forum with all the step by step photos soon.

But i'll post up some pics of where i put my crossovers for you now so you can get an idea.

How on earth did you blow your factory speakers? Only thing i can thing is abuse and Clipping.

I have had a set of standard speakers in the girlfriends GTI use to be FED by 150wrms per speaker. Did that for around 11 months, then install a small foot print amp in. Which is making 100wrms per speaker. Another 9 months have passed. Have not had one single issue with the standard speakers.

Not to be negative or anything, but maybe you should get some one else to do your install, clearly who ever did it before should not be allowed too.
Or is the problem laying between Radio and Chair?

[Mr ©harisma]

Agreed with above. Only time I have blown a speaker is from clipping.

Problem is the volume knob... funny how a quick flick can make some smoke.

[BI65ND]

I've blown a few speakers in my time lol. Most notable a 15" subwoofer in a soundoff. Was completely my fault though - knew it was going to happen. Sold my subs two days before the comp so put a $20 sub in my car for a bit of fun - running well over 1000W RMS into it, it lasted a whole 15 seconds hehe. It did pull 129.8 db before it blew though!

[glidn]

BI65ND - i'm being very serious in regards to the factory speakers.
Get a 9887 which gives you time alignment and Parametric EQ.

By using only this and around 85 - 150wrms on the factory speaker makes a world of difference. They do a hell of a better job than alot of aftermarket speakers. if you want to replace them that is fine, but expect to fork out no less than $500 plus for components they are that good.

Yeah the tweeters are bright but that is what the PEQ is for, or remove factory Cross-overs and build install your own. run tweeter on -3db and they are stunning.

I have been thru $50 components right thru to $1200 components being Infinity Kappa Pefect 6.1's. Great speaker nice mid, but comparing them to factory mk4 Phillips speaker (not from germany) i think from memory is chilli or mexico. I would happily have the factory speakers.

[BI65ND]

Yeah mate thats the head unit I have. Last set of speakers I had were Alpine Type X splits. And while they were a very good speaker, there were times where they were rather exposed, so I will be upgrading from those. Not certain on what I will be using this time, most probably something from the MB Quart range or Focals.

[glidn]

Yeah mate thats the head unit I have. Last set of speakers I had were Alpine Type X splits. And while they were a very good speaker, there were times where they were rather exposed, so I will be upgrading from those. Not certain on what I will be using this time, most probably something from the MB Quart range or Focals.

if you felt that the Type X were exposed you would be better off going with the likes of ID's components or DLS or maybe some Rainbow SLX265Deluxe.

As point of interest.

You will find the MB's very much in your face. The way to felt about your Type X's.

[BI65ND]

Where I meant they were exposed is that they cant handle alot of bass notes - as with most Alpine speakers. Only very occassionally, but enough to annoy. Love the colourfulness of the MB's which is why I'm leaning that way. Ive had top end Eclipse's before, and as much as they're a very clear speaker, they dont have much bass or colour to them. I work in car audio so have heard quite a range of speakers and personally love the sound of the MB's.

[Gravey]

i dont want to generalise but, i have found that most autobarn stores in adelaide are pretty poor installers, and have limited knowledge of anything other than the entry level equipment that they stock

yes they get the gear in ok, but quality and attention to detail isnt the best. would also stay away from sthrathfield and JB Hi Fi...

the golf/boras are relitivley easy to do a HU swap in, so i would suggest that you give it a crack yourself. if you have any questions post up here and theres plenty of people who can help out

in terms of speaker replacement i would upgrade your HU first like some others have suggested, you will be suprised how much of a difference it makes.

if youre dead set on replacing the speakers you will have to remove the door trims, drill out 4 rivets per speaker, make up some MDF spacers and then paint them, then put everything back together. you would obviously be running an amp, so would also recommend upgrading the speaker wire to a thicker gauge

theres also a few tutes on vw vortex which may help out

cheers, dan

I'd agree with this statement.....my uncle owns Custom Auto Sound on Marion Rd in Adelaide and has told me many stories of guys coming in to get Strathfield or Autobahn jobs fixed. PM me if you are looking to get some work done, might be able to organise discount

[Mr ©harisma]

Where I meant they were exposed is that they cant handle alot of bass notes - as with most Alpine speakers. Only very occassionally, but enough to annoy. Love the colourfulness of the MB's which is why I'm leaning that way. Ive had top end Eclipse's before, and as much as they're a very clear speaker, they dont have much bass or colour to them. I work in car audio so have heard quite a range of speakers and personally love the sound of the MB's.

If you like them, get them.

I would look into Morel / Oz Audio / Polk etc as well.

[BI65ND]

Polk?? Na wouldnt go them, very similar to Eclipse. Havent heard much morel or Oz Audio

I will be getting a set in the near future but got other things taking precendent. Coilovers and wheels are more important at the moment