All audio sources sound like AM radio on McIntosh?

[steve0827]

Hi all - just bought an '05 GT sight unseen and drove it cross-country (more on that in a separate thread). There are a few minor nits that I'm going to address, but the key one is that the sound coming from the speakers sounds terrible. It's like I'm listening to AM radio, even when trying to listen to FM radio or a CD. All of the speakers produce sound. The subwoofer provides plenty of bass (arguably too much, I had to turn down the bass on the EQ for my tastes). But the sound quality sounds like AM radio no matter the source. Any tips of what to look at first?

Thanks in advance.

 

[2112]

My system started sounding like total garbage, I replaced the crossover and door speakers with “Made in U.S.A." McIntosh components, 110% solved my problems. In fact, it’s never sounded better.

 

[steve0827]

Do you have links or info on the products used?

 

[2112]

No. Because they are no longer making them.

I found NOS units on eBay, I will get the part #’s for you.

You might be able to find better quality that fit that are not McIntosh.

 

[Submoose]

When i bought my car, i had the belts replaced, sometimes the way this is done by removing the sub and going between the seats to get to the engine….if the sub connection is not seated, it can make the stereo not worth turning on…check that.

 

[2112]

The American made Crossover is an MN492. The Speakers are MSS470 (kit that includes both Speakers).

Every thing is a direct bolt in swap.

 

[PeteK]

Mike, why did you replace the crossover?

 

[2112]

When I swapped out the speakers and it didn’t solve my problem, the crossover was next.

 

[Specracer]

If you can not find the OEM parts, I found a company that actually repairs car stereo components. In 2023, I had 2 A/D/S amplifiers rebuilt, from the late 80's (new capacitors). Maybe they could service the X-overs if needed? I didnt ask if they will "re cone" drivers (rebuild speakers)

Freeman's Car Stereo - Lake Norman (Cornelius, NC)

Visit Us At 19010 Statesville Road Cornelius, NC 28031. The #1 Retailer & Installer of Car Audio Systems, Car Stereo, Remote Start & Alarms, Marine Audio & Motorcycle Audio in the Lake Norman Area.

freemanscarstereo.com

As for replacement drivers, Ive bought various drivers over the years from these companies. They have a ton of choices, make measurements and choose your price point.

Speaker Components

Shop Parts Express for the highest quality woofers, drivers, tweeters, and every other part you'll need for speaker repair, or building your own speakers.

www.parts-express.com

High-End Loudspeaker Parts | DIY Speaker Components | Madisound

Premium loudspeaker parts from authorized dealers. Scan-Speak, Accuton, Mundorf, SEAS. Global shipping. Call (608) 831-3433 for free advice.

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And by contrast..... My stereo may not even work anymore. In 20 years it has has been turned on less than 5 times.

 

[Kpgarage]

The stereo is not actually meant to be used in the traditional sense. The reals tunes are three feet behind you.

 

[PeteK]

Since I don't have X-pipes, I do listen to the audio frequently. Although lately on trips, I've been using AirPods because they have noise cancellation, which cuts wind and road noise, making the audio much clearer at lower volume--which is good for preserving my hearing!

 

[steve0827]

.

 

[steve0827]

When i bought my car, i had the belts replaced, sometimes the way this is done by removing the sub and going between the seats to get to the engine….if the sub connection is not seated, it can make the stereo not worth turning on…check that.

Good to know. I'll check that. I find it hard to believe that the speakers would just go bad...I have older cars with higher mileage -- but maybe it's just 20 year old Ford build quality. My gut is that something is either not plugged in fully or there's a bad ground somewhere.

 

[Specracer]

I find it hard to believe that the speakers would just go bad...

Well speakers are moving parts, with adhesives that age just like us. But also dont ignore what 2112 said about his experience about the X-over.

 

[steve0827]

Well speakers are moving parts, with adhesives that age just like us. But also dont ignore what 2112 said about his experience about the X-over.

And by x-over, is everyone referring to the amplifier? Sorry...not familiar with all of the component names. And couldn't find a crossover/x-over in the workshop manual.

 

[ChipBeck]

Gentlemen,

I honestly haven't turned on my radio in over 10 years. I'll have to check to see if it sounds OK.

Chip

 

[mmlcobra]

Heffner twin turbo car.
Never tried the radio!
Best,
Mark

 

[jaxgt]

Car has a radio?

 

[[email protected]]

I thought it was supposed to sound like garbage. I haven’t turned on the radio in years due to the volume necessary to hear over the engine noise. If we manage to get cars together at an event, let’s attempt a sound system comparison. My sound system has always sounded like an AM radio signal and I just assumed that was a burden I would carry for my Fordternity.

 

[twobjshelbys]

My McIntosh sounded perfect with volume at max when playing comfortably numb which has a mix of high to low. No speaker flutter or overdriven sounds. Best radio i ever had. Was it worth 5k? Prob not but it was already there when I bought it