[AWM3]

My base stereo 2009 US model 335 sound pretty bad as everyone agrees. I'm working on gradually trying to improve things. So far I've replaced the subwoofers with 4 ohm SRS8s and added a second amplifier to drive them. The next issue I want to address is the blurry undefined sound that the mid to high frequencies have especially at higher volumes. Would like opinions from Technic and VPE especially, and any others that think they know, whether this blurry sound is more due to the crummy factory amplifier, or the cheap speakers, or both. Thanks for any advice.

[Technic]

Originally Posted by car62

My base stereo 2009 US model 335 sound pretty bad as everyone agrees. I'm working on gradually trying to improve things. So far I've replaced the subwoofers with 4 ohm SRS8s and added a second amplifier to drive them. The next issue I want to address is the blurry undefined sound that the mid to high frequencies have especially at higher volumes. Would like opinions from Technic and VPE especially, and any others that think they know, whether this blurry sound is more due to the crummy factory amplifier, or the cheap speakers, or both. Thanks for any advice.

You can start by removing completely the OEM amp and replacing it with either a 4- or a 6-channel; the 4-channel would complement the SWS-8 amp, the 6-channel would power the whole system with one amp.

That should quite improve that lack of definition that you are complaining about up to a certain point. If you still are unsatisfied then replace the front speakers with highest grade components that you can afford and keep the rear OEMs if your budget is limited.

[AWM3]

Originally Posted by Technic

You can start by removing completely the OEM amp and replacing it with either a 4- or a 6-channel; the 4-channel would complement the SWS-8 amp, the 6-channel would power the whole system with one amp.

That should quite improve that lack of definition that you are complaining about up to a certain point. If you still are unsatisfied then replace the front speakers with highest grade components that you can afford and keep the rear OEMs if your budget is limited.

Thank you Technic for your as usual excellent advice. A total ampectomy and replacement is planned as soon as your wiring harness adapter kit is available. For curiosity I tried comparing the sound of an original CD played in the factory head unit to the sound coming from the iPod interface. There is a noticeable improvement in the sound on the original CD as compared to the iPod. I have my iPod settings on the maximum resolution for importing CDs. I would say that playing the original CD improved the sound about one third of the way to what I'm looking for - significant but not the total answer. And after so many years of carrying CD wallets around and changing CDs, I don't want to give up the convenience of my iPod.