How To: Disconnect Center-Speaker on Sony 9 Speaker System

[Altis]

If you guys want to make an actual improvement to SQ, replace the capacitors to the front tweeters... the stock ones are limiting. You'll increase the dynamic range of the system, introducing new levels of high frequency ranges than will actually improve clarity (rather than the illusion of clarity by reducing the high midrange frequencies; the result of this mod).

Sony claimed to have designed this class D digital amplifier specifically for this car (although they're now using the same one in the Escape), and the speakers are all Sony (despite wherever they may be made... everything's like that..).

[Justintoxicated]

Originally Posted by Altis

If you guys want to make an actual improvement to SQ, replace the capacitors to the front tweeters... the stock ones are limiting. You'll increase the dynamic range of the system, introducing new levels of high frequency ranges than will actually improve clarity (rather than the illusion of clarity by reducing the high midrange frequencies; the result of this mod).

Sony claimed to have designed this class D digital amplifier specifically for this car (although they're now using the same one in the Escape), and the speakers are all Sony (despite wherever they may be made... everything's like that..).

I'm surprised they are made by sony because the subwoofer isn't hideous.

[MyThIc3LiTe]

Originally Posted by Justintoxicated

I'm surprised they are made by sony because the subwoofer isn't hideous.

Well we also have to bear in mind the size of the car, that does wonder for conveying bass response

[Gemini8026]

Originally Posted by Altis

If you guys want to make an actual improvement to SQ, replace the capacitors to the front tweeters... the stock ones are limiting. You'll increase the dynamic range of the system, introducing new levels of high frequency ranges than will actually improve clarity (rather than the illusion of clarity by reducing the high midrange frequencies; the result of this mod).

Sony claimed to have designed this class D digital amplifier specifically for this car (although they're now using the same one in the Escape), and the speakers are all Sony (despite wherever they may be made... everything's like that..).

Could you please clarify on this statement ? What values did you experiment with, and what are the stock values?! This seems a LOT easier then doing what I am THINKING about doing :)

[gybryant]

Reading this post, I ran out to the parking lot with a scredriver and disconnected the center channel. Psychoacoustics may be to blame, but I am very happy. I've hated that center channel since I bought the car. The soundfield is definitely expanded and the overall presentation sounds less muddy to me. Now if I can only do something about that (what I believe to be) underpowered amplifier.

[hand-filer]

Originally Posted by gybryant

Reading this post, I ran out to the parking lot with a scredriver and disconnected the center channel. Psychoacoustics may be to blame, but I am very happy. I've hated that center channel since I bought the car. The soundfield is definitely expanded and the overall presentation sounds less muddy to me. Now if I can only do something about that (what I believe to be) underpowered amplifier.

Another happy audiophile.
I have a hard time understanding how some people do not find this simple mod to be an improvement. Maybe it's their choice of listening material.
Maybe the prolonged exposure to mediocrity becomes the norm.
Whenever I make a change to my home system I give it a few days before I pass judgement.

[Kabigon]

Originally Posted by hand-filer

Another happy audiophile.
I have a hard time understanding how some people do not find this simple mod to be an improvement.

I tried this "mod" a long time ago and the system still sounded like crap (tonal balance wise).

The *highly* pronounced upper midrange was fixed by altering the tweeter crossovers.


You should keep in mind that how we perceive sound is subjective.

What sounds great to you may sound like garbage to someone with a better set of ears than yours.

[MyThIc3LiTe]

The only redeeming part of the Focus was the smaller interior space so the system could flood it with sound easily.

My 8 speaker, non subwoofer Lincoln sounded a hell of a lot better than this 10 speaker system.

[Dysan911]

Originally Posted by hand-filer

Another happy audiophile.
I have a hard time understanding how some people do not find this simple mod to be an improvement. Maybe it's their choice of listening material.
Maybe the prolonged exposure to mediocrity becomes the norm.
Whenever I make a change to my home system I give it a few days before I pass judgement.

You didn't remove the center channel on your home surround sound did ya?

[hand-filer]

Originally Posted by Dysan911

You didn't remove the center channel on your home surround sound did ya?

Hah, pretty funny. No it's a dedicated 2 channel stereo system with tube separates and a turntable as a source.