Dynaudio Amp from ECS

[triode12]

The cabin of an automobile has got to be one of the worst places to get good acoustics. There is hardly any stereo imaging to speak of as one is not sitting in the middle of the stereo field to begin with. Multiple drivers at odd angles/positions and inherent time delays caused by this would not allow for an accurate soundstage with pinpoint imaging. One would also have got to insulate the car from outside noise interference, but not to the point where you can't hear traffic (for obvious safety reasons). Even after you have done that, the most expensive ICE sytem will never rival a well thought out $1000 2-channel stereo home system. Added to this, most material played in cars these days are in MP3 or compressed music formats which are not of the highest SQ.

That is why I think spending more than a $1000 on ICE is a waste of money. Your ROI in terms of improved SQ will always be very low. Your money would better served by spending the $$ on other mods for the car rather than on ICE.

[adamk]

slightly OT, as much as factory system in the GTI is unbranded does anyone know of where the equipment was sourced from or if it was all developed in house ?

[kaanage]

I'm pretty sure VAG works with Blaupunkt

Even after you have done that, the most expensive ICE sytem will never rival a well thought out $1000 2-channel stereo home system. Added to this, most material played in cars these days are in MP3 or compressed music formats which are not of the highest SQ.

I would raise that to a $3000 stereo in a well set up room (very important factor completely overlooked by many) but that would be vs a $15000 car install when not running, parked somewhere quiet (and playing CD or some other lossless format).

That is why I think spending more than a $1000 on ICE is a waste of money. Your ROI in terms of improved SQ will always be very low. Your money would better served by spending the $$ on other mods for the car rather than on ICE.

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[poyta]

Thanks poyta and Corey. That was the type of answer I needed.

I was considering replaceing the stock speakers with JL splits and 2 ways. I really think the stock stuff is pretty good, but from what you've said poyta, you think it would be a big difference? And if I upgrade speakers, should I do the amp as well?

I think biggest bang for your buck that will dramatically improve the sound of the stock system is just add a subwoofer. I added an Infinity Basslink II to mine and its so much better - not incredibly loud because I'm still using the stock internal amp and the bass is not your typical DOOF DOOF with windows rattling but its adds a nice kick to the guts and fills in the bass spot thats lacking in a factory system.