Designing system -- need expert advice

[bluevolume]

I've got a problem with the audio in my Explorer -- I think this is more of dealing with the acoustical properties of the vechicle than a system problem. Regardless, I am asking for some expert advice.

I've got an Alpine deck, 98?? something, pushing some Pioneer 2-way 6x8's (the ones with the white cones). I've also sealed the doors with the pipe insulation stuff.

The system sounds pretty good when using the radio (probably due to the dynamics compression that radio stations use), but with CDs and my wired MP3 player the low end is a real problem. Synthesized bass always sounds really 'boomy', and low end drum hits make a thud sound -- the best I can desrcibe it is like dropping a 10 pound steak into a cardboard box. I'm always turning the bass way down just to keep some kind of accuracy, but even at a "-2" i'm still getting a really muddy sound.

I've checked the wiring, polarity, everything is good. So what do I do here? I'm willing to replace the speakers if it is going to make a significant difference. Should I add some kind of electronic crossover or pass filter to the speaker lines? I can take some readings with a spectrum DB meter if that would help, but I'm thinking that someone here has seen this before.

I really appreciate any help -- and I'm willing to put some effort into hooking this up, so be as detailed as you want.

Regards,
Blue

 

[terdrocket]

Cheapest, easiest fix, adding on to what you have to achieve clean sound -

Buy a 4 channel amp w/ built in crossover (almost all have one these days) and a subwoofer (8", 10" or 12", doesn't matter).

No way around it. The only fix is to remove the bass from your front stage, power the front stage sufficiently, and run the low end to a sub.

 

[davesexplorer]

right on, dont make those speaks play too low, if I'm not mistaken youre alpine should have a high pass built in to it like 80/120 hz variable??

 

[EliteConcept]

yeah turn your bass down a little, to whereever it sounds best