New Member - Questions
09-18-14, 10:48 AM
#1
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New Member - Questions
Recently picked up a 2003 in blue with <50K on the clock and I have a few questions:
Question 1: Why did I wait so long?!
Speakers need work and I feel comfortable doing the repairs thanks to the excellent help available on this site. However, with the fader to full rear, moving balance from right to left makes little if any difference - sound through both speakers is the same and rather tinny sounding with no bass. The front speaker balance works as expected with full range of sound although the 6x9s are crackling. Looking at the vehicle history shows radio repair way back in 2005 but no details. Any thoughts on this or suggestions for finding wiring diagrams?
Currently has 6 yr old run flats but Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 are on order and due in any day. Very interested in seeing how the ride changes.
Other than radio issue, everything works and runs like a dream.
Question 1: Why did I wait so long?!
Speakers need work and I feel comfortable doing the repairs thanks to the excellent help available on this site. However, with the fader to full rear, moving balance from right to left makes little if any difference - sound through both speakers is the same and rather tinny sounding with no bass. The front speaker balance works as expected with full range of sound although the 6x9s are crackling. Looking at the vehicle history shows radio repair way back in 2005 but no details. Any thoughts on this or suggestions for finding wiring diagrams?
Currently has 6 yr old run flats but Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 are on order and due in any day. Very interested in seeing how the ride changes.
Other than radio issue, everything works and runs like a dream.
09-18-14, 01:38 PM
#2
(this only applies to the 02-04 models...maybe the 05's, not sure. But for sure NOT 06+)
When the top is up, the stereo (intentionally) has the rear speakers out of phase. I think they were going for a "surround" type of effect.
Personally, I find it VERY annoying, and when I have the top up, I have the fader set almost all the way forward.
When the top is down, the stereo changes EQ settings, and the rear speakers are no longer out of phase (and the balance will work properly on the rears).
When the top is up, the stereo (intentionally) has the rear speakers out of phase. I think they were going for a "surround" type of effect.
Personally, I find it VERY annoying, and when I have the top up, I have the fader set almost all the way forward.
When the top is down, the stereo changes EQ settings, and the rear speakers are no longer out of phase (and the balance will work properly on the rears).
09-19-14, 05:29 AM
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Habious - Thanks for the reply and that explains what is happening. With the top up, the front speakers sound OK, but with the top down, the front main speakers are unusable due to crackling. Now that I understand what is happening, I'm feeling more confident that replacing the speaker foam all the way around will make a significant difference.
Here is what the manual says on page 170: "Your audio system adjusts to the optimum volume and tone quality automatically when you are opening or closing the retractable hardtop." Makes me think you could find the input and fool the car into always thinking the top is open...
430Keeper: very harsh on bumps and follows grooves and ridges in road. Just noticed that although they are the same brand and model, I have 2 different tread patterns on the front. On is US made and the other is European. Can't really tell what else is needed until I have the new tires installed.
After having numerous RX7/8's, my handling expectations may be skewed!
Here is what the manual says on page 170: "Your audio system adjusts to the optimum volume and tone quality automatically when you are opening or closing the retractable hardtop." Makes me think you could find the input and fool the car into always thinking the top is open...
430Keeper: very harsh on bumps and follows grooves and ridges in road. Just noticed that although they are the same brand and model, I have 2 different tread patterns on the front. On is US made and the other is European. Can't really tell what else is needed until I have the new tires installed.
After having numerous RX7/8's, my handling expectations may be skewed!
09-23-14, 01:37 PM
#6
Lead Lap
Welcome to the forum Bilque.
You'll find that as tires wear, they will tend to follow grooves and ridges more than they did when they were new. It is possible that this characteristic is accentuated with run flats.
You'll find that as tires wear, they will tend to follow grooves and ridges more than they did when they were new. It is possible that this characteristic is accentuated with run flats.
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