2008 S80 Terrible sound Aftermarket speakers, amp, subwoofer

Post by **Dianna** » 27 Jul 2014, 20:29

First, let me start by saying I am no expert in this area. I simply know enough to be dangerous.

I am at a complete loss and am hoping anyone out there has had similar experiences or can at least tell me what could possibly have gone wrong. I purchased a used 2008 Volvo S80 recently and noticed that one of the front and one of the rear speakers was blown. Being someone that really enjoys the "concert experience" I wanted to correct this. I went to the Volvo dealership and they quoted me a price for the two speaker replacements. I thought I could "do better" if I upgraded to some high powered after market speakers, added an amp and also added a subwoofer. I thought that when it was all installed it would be similar to the other set up I had in a previous car that was phenomenal. (Below is what I purchased for quite a pretty penny!)

Note: I KEPT the factory radio because of all the issues I read about.

4 JL Audio C3-600 6 1/2 in
1 JL Audio JX360/4 70W x 4 Car Amplifier
1 Audio Control LCQ-1 (This takes factory radios "one" frequency and turns it into "multiple" frequencies. Per Crutchfield, the factory radio I had would need this????)
1 Subwoofer RF

To my shock and horror...when I picked up my car from the professional audio installer, the sound was SO subpar I was shocked. Not only could I not get anywhere near the volume, but no matter how I manipulated the Audio Control or Equalizer settings, I couldn't get any volume. I am also experiencing speaker flap even when the lowest frequencies are turned completely down. The audio installer says they are at a complete loss and did some research. They looked in their resources to see if the radio in my vehicle had microphones in the vehicle which were essentially listening to adjust the volume/bass etc. They said they did not find anything listed. They essentially threw their hands up and said I was on my own.

Has anyone else experienced this? I'm not sure if I should return all the after market equipment and just install the 4 original factory speakers. (If they will even take it back.)

HELP! Any advice or insight would be very helpful!
Dianna

jbkeene · Post by **jbkeene** » 30 Jul 2014, 06:28

sounds like they botched the install

if you deal with Crutchfield, you get comprehensive instructions that are based on an actual successful install

Post by **JDS60R** » 30 Jul 2014, 10:10

They usually use a line level converter off the speaker wires to feed the amp. If you cant get volume control their is likely an issue with the signal. Some amps now have inputs that will accept speaker wire feeds. If this is the case the amp is bad. Either way a person who understands how to measure signal strength will be needed. You can take it to a pro or go back to stock - that's up to you.

johnboneske · Post by **johnboneske** » 17 Aug 2014, 20:37

One more time of someone getting screwed...and the shop not assuming responsibility.

I'd also say you got screwed bad. Should have any issues especially when you put in a 4 channel amp. I would also assume the the sub is wired out of phase if it sounds that bad. I just got putting in my "system" and couldn't be happier! (yes, I put it in, not someone else)