2008 Vibe - Looking for help or advice with factory system

[VonDoom13]

Hello all,Love my new 2008 vibe, but less than happy with the "premium" sun and sound 7 speaker (single CD with MP3 playback) with sub and amp, especially in the high frequency ranges. Even though its got separate tweeters, it doesn't put out enough treble for me even at +6 Treble and -4 Midrange (I don't like setting the mid so low, but its the only way to hear the treble very well). It sounds to me like its cutting off the upper freuencies. I took it to the dealer and they say its fine of course.Trying to be brief, my questions are 1) I realize it's subject to personal preference but what do you think is the main cause of this lack of treble: speakers, factory amp, or HU? 2) If I get a new HU, anyone know what's the wiring harness for a 2008? Is it metra 70 2003? Besides the mounting kit and antenna adapter, is that all I would need, harness wise? I've search metra and scosche and other sites, but they all seem to stop at the 2007 vibe for information.I'd appreciate any input anyone could give. Right now I'm leaning towards a Pioneer DEH4000UP HU but if it's not going to make aa decent change, I probably wouldn't do it. If I was confident that I could just change the tweeters I would do it. I've read enough posts on here that seem to tell others you have to get all new speakers, rewire and probably new amp with the monsoon system though. Thanks for any assistance in advance!

[Kamikaze]

Others that know more about the audio components will be able to help you out more, but the same wiring harness should be used in the 08 as well as the 05-07's (not sure of 03-04)I've noticed on previous cars that even just a simple HU change made a decent difference in the sound quality, but at the same time yeah, you're only going to be as good as the amp and speakers are, so at some point, a better amp and speakers will probably be needed...for me I'm happy with the sound for being "ok" even though I know it could be much better. I personally think that the HU will make a really quick improvement. but obviously to really make it all beneficial a better amp and better speakers will make all the difference.

[Sublimewind]

How far do you want to take your quest for better sound? "preium" sound systems in "cheaper" cars always make me LOL... Some aren't that bad, but most suck as bad as any other... There are 3 places you could start, as Kami has already eluded to... HU, amp, speakers.. With your particular system, I would consider getting a components set (mid/tweeter with outboard passive crossover). Components with the passive crossover afford you much better sound as the crossover does more for the components set in terms of splitting the frequency range better for the proper speaker (highs to the tweeter and lows to the mid) There are some really nice components out these days that won't break the bank either, the one that comes to mind right now it the Phenix Gold RSD component set... They are getting RAVE reviews for a budget components set and I personally got a set for under 100$ SHIPPED on fleaBay, although I haven't installed then yet myself, so I can't personally comment on the sound. all the reviews I've read (I do audio BTW) have been great though... Another slightly more expensive, and quite a bit nicer would be the Pioneer TS-D1720C components.. again, getting RAVE reviews for the money.. http://www.newegg.com/Product/...17238Here is a review on them from Car Audio magizine, again getting great reviews.. http://www.pioneerelectronics....w.pdfThat is a good place to start, the biggest problem with upgrading the rest is the fact that you can't really use the factory stuff, you have to bypass all of it, unless you are simply replacing speakers... It's possible, and not difficult really, it's just a decision you have to make, if you want to walk that path... Lemme know if you do..

[kunkstyle]

Quote, originally posted by Sublimewind »"preium" sound systems in "cheaper" cars always make me LOL... Some aren't that bad, but most suck as bad as any other...Premium sound systems in expensive cars make me laugh. Except they charge more than cheaper cars and the sound still sounds like [insert expletive here]. I found that the Vibe didn't have a lack of treble, more so not a clean treble. So much that it gave me a headache when I had it cranked. The order I went, HU (helped a bit), new speakers (helped a lot), and sub/amp. My speakers are still driven by the M&T amp, so realistically you could upgrade the HU and speakers for a substantial difference for a fairly low cost.

[Sublimewind]

Quote, originally posted by kunkstyle »Premium sound systems in expensive cars make me laugh. Except they charge more than cheaper cars and the sound still sounds like [insert expletive here]. I found that the Vibe didn't have a lack of treble, more so not a clean treble. So much that it gave me a headache when I had it cranked. The order I went, HU (helped a bit), new speakers (helped a lot), and sub/amp. My speakers are still driven by the M&T amp, so realistically you could upgrade the HU and speakers for a substantial difference for a fairly low cost.Well, "we" know stock sucks, but that is the nature of the beast.... The "laymen" don't really know, so the "preium" package is sufficient... It's very possible that the OP's tweeters are blown as well..

[ragingfish]

I was less than thrilled with the stock system in the vibe. Don't get me wrong, it was decent for a stock system, but there was no "crispness" to the sound. I did a full switch out - head unit, amp, and speakers, and the sound was AMAZING. Crystal clear. But cost lots of $$$. Personally, I think your best bet, as has been said, is to hit the speakers first. I don't know if anything changed from 03, but my vibe had paper cones. Yup. Paper. How do you expect to get crisp mids and highs from paper? HA!My G6 with the monsoon premium sound actually has pretty nice sound for a factory system. Nice enough, that i'm leaving it alone. No idea what the cones are made of though. Probably paper too. But maybe it's "quality" paper.