Speakers - weak rear signal?

[jorosz0309]

When I shift the balance to the 2 rear speakers, it's VERY quiet, as if it's not getting the same sound level that the front speakers receive. I understand the front has more speakers / components, but it is quite noticeable that the overall volume / quality from the rear speakers is much lower. For example, hit the 'reset' button to center the balance, turn volume to 12, and then shift completely to the rear. Severe difference, to the point that it seems like the rear speakers are barely contributing. Is this normal? Do your trucks do the same?

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[Trailrunner]

yep... same here. Interested to hear what folks have done other than a big install to improve it.

 

[2wheelfish]

Generally the tune in car stereos is to have the primary sound coming from the front stage. Like a theater, the sound is in front of you. The rear, like the surrounds in a theater, are just adding a slight enhancement for “rear fill” and are at a lower volume to not conflict with the front soundstage. Theres nothing wrong with your truck, and this is not unique to the B&O system, this is how most decent car audio is tuned.

The B&O system is good for what it is, a decent stock audio system built on a budget. Improving it takes upgrading, either by replacing the stock sub with a powered sub, or better using a Keyloc amp and separate sub (see “mega audio upgrade” thread), or best by replacing the whole system, but that’s a lot.

 

[jorosz0309]

Maybe I’m just old then. I understand your explanation about the “surround” and “sound stage” as I design and build home theaters and speakers themselves. Maybe I’m just a purist, but for music, I always turn surround off and listen in stereo and was hoping that in stereo the front and rear would get the same signal. But I do see the ever growing trend for “spatial” music, much the same as in home theater. But to that end, I’d say the “tune” is terrible for those sitting in the back seat and REALLY not user friendly for those with families and kids in the backseat. In other vehicles with full media platforms / screens, my wife and I put the sound to the rear for kids…and sounds great. It’s really disappointing that our rear speakers are practically worthless and have such little contribution. I assume replacing the door speakers themselves may help the sound signature, but would still continue with the lower volume based on the head unit “tune”.

I have already replaced the factory sub with a keyloc amp and JL sub.

 

[2wheelfish]

Unfortunately I think that the only way to change it might be to replace the amp. I could be wrong but I think as long as the amp is creating the signal, then there’s only so much you can do. Only thing I can think of is trying some really sensative speakers in the rear doors that might put out more sound with the same signal, but that’s just a guess. I have no idea what the stock speakers spec is.

 

[jorosz0309]

Unfortunately I think that the only way to change it might be to replace the amp. I could be wrong but I think as long as the amp is creating the signal, then there’s only so much you can do. Only thing I can think of is trying some really sensative speakers in the rear doors that might put out more sound with the same signal, but that’s just a guess. I have no idea what the stock speakers spec is.

yup, I suspect you’re right about both. Amp is ideally the primary way, but highly efficient speakers may find some added SPL. Measuring the sensitivity is kind of a pain, but it’s not hard to measure the impedance. If those speakers were replaced with a lower ohm load, and if more efficient, just a 3dB change is doubling the sound output when given the same factory watts. This spring when it’s warm enough to work outside I’ll pull the speakers and see what I can find out. I’ll probably end up changing those speakers. But if they’re already efficient, then I’ll probably explore other options like Mobridge.

 

[Sharpix]

Maybe put some JBLs or Infinity, In some of the lines the GTO, the actual impedance is 3 ohms, when stock speakers are 4 ohm. They should sound a little louder.
Or you are like me, i like a strong rear soundstage to fill all around me.

 

[av8r]

This is how it's done today. Sound stage is in front of you just like home systems, TV etc. Unless you want surround sound type staging (why would you for music?) this way makes more sense and sounds better.

 

[Hande]

I get sometimes, that rear door speakers and subwoofer go silent. Re-starting of the truck helps, has someone experienced something like this?

 

[Bon mot]

Maybe I’m just old then. I understand your explanation about the “surround” and “sound stage” as I design and build home theaters and speakers themselves. Maybe I’m just a purist, but for music, I always turn surround off and listen in stereo and was hoping that in stereo the front and rear would get the same signal. But I do see the ever growing trend for “spatial” music, much the same as in home theater. But to that end, I’d say the “tune” is terrible for those sitting in the back seat and REALLY not user friendly for those with families and kids in the backseat. In other vehicles with full media platforms / screens, my wife and I put the sound to the rear for kids…and sounds great. It’s really disappointing that our rear speakers are practically worthless and have such little contribution. I assume replacing the door speakers themselves may help the sound signature, but would still continue with the lower volume based on the head unit “tune”.

I have already replaced the factory sub with a keyloc amp and JL sub.

Wow! This is it. This is why I so dislike my sound system. I have no desire to be blasted with noise coming from the front speakers, always preferring to be enveloped with richer sound from behind while softening any shrillness from the front (distracting – can’t hear myself think). Audiobooks are garbled, even with the fader forward. My brain knows I’m not in front of a sound stage; rather, I’m driving defensively dodging potholes, snow berms, and chuckleheads. And I share the cabin with others, who don’t want to hear limp music/vocals in the backseat. Someone posted a while ago about an adjustment they made in Forscan that improved the sound – reportedly after the change their fader no longer worked, but they didn’t feel the need for that option as the sound was more balanced overall. If anyone has an idea where to locate that in Forscan, I’d love to know…

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