Please Help: High-End car audio


Firstly, I hope those word aren't an oxymoron. I've got all Focal drivers with a Soundstream amp. I bought an eclipse head unit and in-dash changer and hate the sound. Its not bad, but for as much as I spent, I'm not happy about it. It just sounds thin and unlifelike. The factory cd player through the spkr-line level adaptor didn't sound that much worse. If anyone has any experience with some head units in the car that really sound nice I'd be appreciative. The most I can do is exchange the Eclipse gear or try an sell it. Is Nakamichi about the only other one? And just how bad are the tuners at the expense of a good cd player. My home system is a fanfare tuner with all Van Alstine gear. I don't expect my car to sound that good, but at least musical. And I won't buy McIntosh, too expensive and ugly.
ezmeralda114405
Personally I love my Pioneer head unit. It is a single CD player, and I run my front speakers (5 1/4" infinity Kappa 2-ways) off the head unit power. I run a pair of Infinity Kappa 6X9 (3-way) off of bridged alpine amps (100 wpc out of one amp to one speaker) and I run an alpine amp to a bandpass box. I run the 6X9 and the sub off of a pioneer EQ (the older thin style) but I just use that to control the sub power (and it has the sub cross-over and EQ controls just for the sub itself. With the balance set just right it really rocks. I have heard alot of others, but the combo of Pioneer Equipment, Alpine amps and Infinity Kappa speakers is great! I think Infinity Amps would sound great too, and there are some great deals as alot of them are being dis-continued.
I should add that I am 32 years old and it is not a "thumping" system, just good quality sound at HIGH volume.....
I've experienced some excellent results with Alpine headpiece; won 1st prize at Car Wars. This is not an all-noise rig either, very musical, loud & clean. Mix of ADS & Nakamichi speakers & crossovers; 750 watts RMS, +130dB SPL (I was not onboard during this measurements phase of the contest!).
If you haven't already the best thing you can do is have your door panels treated and maybe and floor if you're willing. The spray on stuff is more effective than Dynamat for door panels, but Dynamat will work well for the floor. Treating the car will smooth out the tonal balance and curb the slightly aggressive tweeters Focal uses. If you still have a problem with thinness, check out the Nakamichi head unit or look in to swapping your Soundstream amp for a McIntosh. McIntosh gear is warmer and fuller than most other brands. Good Luck