My Adventures in Upgrading the Subwoofer and Center Speaker

[Frank 60th Anniv. Mustang]

These are available as singles, I'm not much of a sound guy. If any one has any opinions, please let me know.

Dayton Audio ND91-8 3-1/2" Aluminum Cone Full-Range Neo Driver 8 Ohm

While both are good options, something to consider from my research. The center dash speaker is primarily responsible for anchoring the front soundstage and reproducing central audio cues like lead vocals and dialogue when processing surround-sound or 5.1-channel audio. It bridges the gap between the left and right door speakers to create a cohesive image right in front of the occupants. comparing the Dayton Audio PS95-8 and the Dayton Audio ND91-4 as drop-in or custom mid/full-range replacements for a factory Bang & Olufsen system in an S650 Ford Mustang, the PS95-8 functions best as a wide-range driver with superior high-end detail, while the ND91-4 behaves more like a punchy dedicated midrange/woofer that handles lower frequencies better but lacks high-end sparkle.

Sponsored

 

[Sig Oris]

I'm not even close to being a expert on sound specs, but I'm going to say anyway, that it seems to me that higher wattage speaker has a lower sensitivity by default.

That said I originally thought a 74 db speaker has a higher sensitivity than an 86 db speaker, but it seems the opposite is true. Meaning I thought a 74 db speaker only needs 74 db of sound to react making it more sensitive than an 86 db speaker.

But the more I looked at lower wattage subs the higher the db sensitivity number was. So just looking for a lower wattage sub will get you more sensitivity. win/win.

My confusion on all this is why I bought the "wrong" sub first time.

Real world listening to this new sub has told me I was on the right track though. For what I have spent in the last few weeks at the vet for our sick kitty, $49 to try the new sub is a drop in the bucket. Hell, is $49 even a full tank of gas?!?

You and @glenng6 are dangerous to my dogs college fund

 

[Starship Enterprise]

Frank: Good info!

Sig: Your dog can always go to a community college....

 

[Frank 60th Anniv. Mustang]

It's great actually hearing music behind you isn't it? Do you have a rear seat folded down? that makes a huge difference too.

So, I dropped the one seat and, believe it or not, it was too much bass. Lol... can't believe I'm saying that! Perfect with seat up!

 

[Frank 60th Anniv. Mustang]

Stevo: Swapping the sub takes less than 1/2 hour. 3 easy to see bolts and the whole box comes right out. Easy unclip at the back. You will kick yourself you didn't do it sooner. It sounds THAT much better. Install that DD, the Pioneer turned out to be a very poor choice for the stock sub.

Zig: for the most part, that's good stuff. But yeah friggin AI can screw up a summary and details that is frightening think we are supposed to rely on this crap?

I've tried Stereo mode and it feels like mono compared to surround...

Though I agree with balance placement. I put it right at the headrests center.

ATM I have full Treble and Bass with Midrange at 0. too low midrange sounds muffled and too high sounds like a transistor radio.

If playing in surround setting, stick with an 8ohm center channel speaker if you are swapping that out. Dropping to 4ohm will potentially change the sound stage.

 

[Cobrakit]

So when all the dust settles, is it that the Redline is considered a better option for subwoofer over the Pioneer because its a better quality speaker and lower wattage?

 

[Starship Enterprise]

So, I dropped the one seat and, believe it or not, it was too much bass. Lol... can't believe I'm saying that! Perfect with seat up!

I'll have to try it with the seat up, but always loading groceries, etc in the car. Love the extra room!

If playing in surround setting, stick with an 8ohm center channel speaker if you are swapping that out. Dropping to 4ohm will potentially change the sound stage.

I got the 8 ohm center speaker. People who replaced with 4 ohm reported no issues, but I agree with you, keep apples to apples.

So when all the dust settles, is it that the Redline is considered a better option for subwoofer over the Pioneer because its a better quality speaker and lower wattage?

IMO the Redline or Hifonics sub is a better option not because of quality, but a better wattage and sensitivity match for the OEM amp.

There is nothing wrong with the Pioneer, it's just way over the reach in wattage capability of what the stock amp can do to fill it. The stock amp allocates only 100W to the sub, so how can that do anything in the 1300W Pioneer? Wish I went with the Redline or Hifonics first!

Sponsored