I am planning a full audio upgrade for my GTV but need some help with regard to component selection and suppliers. What I plan to do is the following:
1. Replace the head unit with a single din touch screen Bluetooth unit possibly with R/F remote.
2. Source a compatible bezel. The facelift GTV has the facelift 156 radio installed so a bezel would be required.
3. Upgraded front speakers.
4. Upgraded rear speakers.
5. Subwoofer or 2. Nothing bigger than 2x10" subs because the boot is only that big.
6. Installation hardware and protection devices (Fuses, trip switches, cap) yes Paul we disagree here but we can discuss :thinking:
7. Amplifiers.
8. Signal processors if required.
This will be a slow build so there should be plenty of time for discussion. Any help with any of the items would be valued. I do have a list of "wants" but it would require lots of months between purchases because they are that expensive!
aperbag:
Hi Ian
First - a disclaimer - audio taste is highly subjective. but here are a few suggestions which you probably already know -
Decide what you want from your system, because the solutions will be different - Audiophile sound will be different to Clear and Loud - surprisingly, audiophile need not be expensive to sound really good.
My own experience is that good audio sound requires -
* a decent signal producer - iow a good head unit
* front speakers offering a good frequency range (which almost invariably requires at least good front splits with separate external cross overs),
* mids - correctly positioned for your car - does the GTV have space in the passenger side panels
* 'tight base' (2 x 10 inch enclosed sub has worked best for me - with a separate sub control [via the amp]). Tried band pass (their frequency ranges are too specific to cope with a range of music) and vented single 12" sub (not nearly as tight) as a closed 2 x 10").
* proper speaker cabling (gauge and impedance to suit are critical)
* a good amp - again, outside the usual brand names - Rockford, JL etc, there is some good stuff that we do not regularly hear of but the audio folks know and trust and these days they are small and fit in tight (but ventilated spaces).
* installation - think carefully about whether you want to do this yourself - specialists are just that because they know their $hit - the problem is finding one you can work with and trust not to rip you another ring and, will work sensitively with your baby (not break panels or panel clips etc)
I have never needed to use a capacitor but then I have never needed ear splitting volume or bass. Also, its annoying not to be able to use your steering wheel controls, so if your GTV has these and this matters to you, you may need an interface for this.
The Alfa's factory install (like most cars other than high end models with very very expensive audio systems) is mostly crap in all respects making the already compromised in car audio dynamics way worse. Fixing the above makes a HUGE difference.
My experiences are with a 155 and 156 GTA. I have had aftermarket systems in them for years and tried various things. They both work well in my opinion and have been trouble free for years - and I mean - trouble free. I put this down to the installer - Shafiek Modack, he is a quiet, geeky, perfectionist, one man show who operates out of the Diep River (Cape Town) office park - Car Hi Fi Centre - 0832310454,
[email protected]. I have used him for many years. He has been around for a long time there and has worked on some very high end cars and knows Alfa's. It helps that he is also a general audio installer and fixer (home theatre etc) - he knows his ohms and frequencies. Even just chatting to him may be helpful to your build. Good luck!:thumbup
