Anyone fitted T6.1 Alpine 'Plug & Play' speakers?

[GrahamB]

I think the idea is to prevent sound being reflected and distorted by the door panel, which in turn affects the quality of the sound in the van. I don’t think it’s purpose is to reduce external road noise, but happy to be corrected on this

Yes as I understand it sound deadening is mainly to reduce unwanted vibrations and resonances in the door panels and fittings, so you get the best out of the speakers. I am not sure if road noise reduction would be noticeable. Very hard to compare without a back to back test but for the sake of £200 I specced mine to be done as the door cards were coming off anyway. Would be interested in how you find the sound when the speakers are burned in a bit.

 

[Kayleigh]

Yes as I understand it sound deadening is mainly to reduce unwanted vibrations and resonances in the door panels and fittings, so you get the best out of the speakers. I am not sure if road noise reduction would be noticeable. Very hard to compare without a back to back test but for the sake of £200 I specced mine to be done as the door cards were coming off anyway. Would be interested in how you find the sound when the speakers are burned in a bit.

I’ve not ordered any yet, as I’m waiting to hear the reviews on here. If I do get them I would definitely go for the sound deadening, especially its being recommended by the fitters.

 

[ChocolateEclair]

I added an underseat subwoofer at the weekend (Inphase USW300). A fairly easy job and the sound improvement is significant. Fits nicely under the drivers seat. I will probably also add the Alpine kit later in the year as well..

 

[GrahamB]

I added an underseat subwoofer at the weekend (Inphase USW300). A fairly easy job and the sound improvement is significant. Fits nicely under the drivers seat. I will probably also add the Alpine kit later in the year as well.View attachment 85119.

Nice job - looks neat. Does it have a remote?

 

[ChocolateEclair]

Nice job - looks neat. Does it have a remote?

Yes - on a very long cable. Gain, low pass filter, bass boost and phase are all adjustable. I made the adjustments and tucked it back under the seat.

It's powered from a fuse tap in the panel under the steering wheel - switches on with the ignition.

 

[66tim99]

Here's the bass bin to complement the Alpine in a 6.1, although Advanced in-car suggested I wait until I'd heard the door and tweeter upgrade first, as for many there's no need for more bass.
https://www.alpine.co.uk/p/Products/sound-systems-for-volkswagen/spc-d84at6

 

[ChocolateEclair]

Here's the bass bin to complement the Alpine in a 6.1, although Advanced in-car suggested I wait until I'd heard the door and tweeter upgrade first, as for many there's no need for more bass.
https://www.alpine.co.uk/p/Products/sound-systems-for-volkswagen/spc-d84at6

I looked at that one but I don't think the woofer fits under the seat, and I believe on a T6.1 there isn't a lot of space behind the dash for the amp.

 

[Saesneg Shaun]

For those that are pulling their door cards be aware the clips have changed between the T6 and T6.1

Correct part number
Here

 

[66tim99]

I looked at that one but I don't think the woofer fits under the seat, and I believe on a T6.1 there isn't a lot of space behind the dash for the amp.

This suggests it will fit?:
The included 180 Watt subwoofer with wooden enclosure for installation under the passenger seat adds powerful bass and is even compatible with the rotary seat of the California camping bus.

Note: this system is designed to work with an original Volkswagen T6.1 / T6 radio only. If you have an Alpine or other aftermarket radio, please select SPC-D84AT6-R instead.

 

[GrahamB]

Here's the bass bin to complement the Alpine in a 6.1, although Advanced in-car suggested I wait until I'd heard the door and tweeter upgrade first, as for many there's no need for more bass.
https://www.alpine.co.uk/p/Products/sound-systems-for-volkswagen/spc-d84at6

This suggests it will fit?:
The included 180 Watt subwoofer with wooden enclosure for installation under the passenger seat adds powerful bass and is even compatible with the rotary seat of the California camping bus.

Note: this system is designed to work with an original Volkswagen T6.1 / T6 radio only. If you have an Alpine or other aftermarket radio, please select SPC-D84AT6-R instead.

The sub box does look quite big for the available space and I doubt the amp would go under the seat as well. It would be interesting to see one installed.

 

[ChocolateEclair]

This suggests it will fit?:
The included 180 Watt subwoofer with wooden enclosure for installation under the passenger seat adds powerful bass and is even compatible with the rotary seat of the California camping bus.

Note: this system is designed to work with an original Volkswagen T6.1 / T6 radio only. If you have an Alpine or other aftermarket radio, please select SPC-D84AT6-R instead.

The USW300 I installed is 28cm x 20cm x 7.5cm (high) and is a comfortable fit. Restricting the depth is a fuse box and restricting the hight is the inverter.

The Alpine sub is 35.5cm x 33cm x 17cm (high) so although the width might be OK, the depth and height is too great.

I guess you might get it in if you move things around.

 

[66tim99]

The sub box does look quite big for the available space and I doubt the amp would go under the seat as well. It would be interesting to see one installed.

The installation instructions show it installed, and mentions the California, although you need to move stuff around to make it fit (see stage 4). Stage 14 shows the amp bolted to the sub box, so all under the passenger seat. I'd certainly pay someone to do it!
https://www.alpine.co.uk/fileadmin/user_upload/manuals//2021/SPC-D84AT6/IM_SPC-D84AT6_DE_EN.pdf

 

[ChocolateEclair]

The installation instructions show it installed, and mentions the California, although you need to move stuff around to make it fit (see stage 4). Stage 14 shows the amp bolted to the sub box, so all under the passenger seat. I'd certainly pay someone to do it!
https://www.alpine.co.uk/fileadmin/user_upload/manuals//2021/SPC-D84AT6/IM_SPC-D84AT6_DE_EN.pdf

Like I thought - it fits if you move all the various electronics out of the way. I didn't want to do that on my 1 year old van as I'm sure it affects the warranty.

I also connected the input to the rear speaker wires that are in the connector blocks under the seats so there was no need to go anywhere near the dash.

 

[GrahamB]

They’re in…finished tomorrow then we will listen!

View attachment 85067

View attachment 85068

View attachment 85069

What’s the verdict @Tomato - are you happy with the upgrade?

 

[Tomato]

What’s the verdict @Tomato - are you happy with the upgrade?

Sorry to say it really isn’t good, tweeters way too shrill, horrible noise, turned treble down still awful. Bass no good either. The pillar tweeters look awesome but really painful sound. Better solutions out there…my teeth and ears hurt

 

[paul_f]

Are you using android auto/Apple carplay?

I find the sound quality with that awful on the T6. Even Bluetooth is better.

 

[GrahamB]

Sorry to say it really isn’t good, tweeters way too shrill, horrible noise, turned treble down still awful. Bass no good either. The pillar tweeters look awesome but really painful sound. Better solutions out there…my teeth and ears hurt

Oh dear thats not good. How long have you played them for - maybe they need some more burning in time?

 

[GrahamB]

Oh dear thats not good. How long have you played them for - maybe they need some more burning in time?

Also - what source input are you using?

 

[Tomato]

Are you using android auto/Apple carplay?

I find the sound quality with that awful on the T6. Even Bluetooth is better.

Tried all variables, DAB, FM, Apple and Bluetooth all similar

 

[GrahamB]

Tried all variables, DAB, FM, Apple and Bluetooth all similar

Can I ask @Tomato if your van has standard or Pro Media? Just wondering if the amplification and EQ setup makes any difference. I am genuinely interested because mine is due to be fitted tomorrow - you have given me second thoughts!

 

[66tim99]

Can I ask @Tomato if your van has standard or Pro Media? Just wondering if the amplification and EQ setup makes any difference. I am genuinely interested because mine is due to be fitted tomorrow - you have given me second thoughts!

I’ve bought the kit too - just waiting for my California (with pro media) then they’ll be fitted. Gets great reviews, surely not all are biased.Advanced in-car even said he doubts I’ll want fit the Alpine bass bin once I’ve heard it...so underselling there.
Gutted to read this bad review.

 

[GrahamB]

So I took the plunge and went ahead with getting the Alpine set up fitted, with sound deadening in the doors, by Advanced In Car in Poole. To my ears, there is a marked improvement in detail, presence, soundstage and instrument separation. Overall the midrange is much more present, vocals come through very well, and I am hearing stuff (especially percussion) which wasn't there before. I am still getting used to it, so time will tell and it may take a few more hours of burn in to get get the best out if it. I still find I am using the EQ to dial down treble

 

[GrahamB]

So I took the plunge and went ahead with getting the Alpine set up fitted, with sound deadening in the doors, by Advanced In Car in Poole. To my ears, there is a marked improvement in detail, presence, soundstage and instrument separation. Overall the midrange is much more present, vocals come through very well, and I am hearing stuff (especially percussion) which wasn't there before. I am still getting used to it, so time will tell and it may take a few more hours of burn in to get get the best out if it. I still find I am using the EQ to dial down treble

…and add a little more bass, but that is my preference and I think the Discover Pro set up is inherently on the bright side. I am happy with the system though for the price, and it works well with the Kenwood sub. Very happy with the advice and service from Tim and Rich at Advanced In Car, they really know their stuff - highly recommended.

 

[66tim99]

…and add a little more bass, but that is my preference and I think the Discover Pro set up is inherently on the bright side. I am happy with the system though for the price, and it works well with the Panasonic sub. Very happy with the advice and service from Tim and Rich at Advanced In Car, they really know their stuff - highly recommended.

Thanks I’m sure it will bed in more over the coming weeks.
I’ve paid a deposit to Advanced in-car for the Alpine set up as they were very low on stock and didn’t know when they’d get more in with the shortages. I’ll have it fitted in early November when my California is delivered.
Tim recommended I didn’t order a new sub too - reckoning most find no need for a sub as well, so to listen to the installed Alpine and then decide. Feels like I’m in safe hands when I’m not being up-sold. He’s also recommended a camp site nearby (he needs the van by 8.30am for fitting).
Presume you think the sub is necessary?

 

[GrahamB]

Thanks I’m sure it will bed in more over the coming weeks.
I’ve paid a deposit to Advanced in-car for the Alpine set up as they were very low on stock and didn’t know when they’d get more in with the shortages. I’ll have it fitted in early November when my California is delivered.
Tim recommended I didn’t order a new sub too - reckoning most find no need for a sub as well, so to listen to the installed Alpine and then decide. Feels like I’m in safe hands when I’m not being up-sold. He’s also recommended a camp site nearby (he needs the van by 8.30am for fitting).
Presume you think the sub is necessary?

Yes I agree, I think it makes sense to install the Alpine’s first and then decide if you want the extra bass punch. I wasn’t aware of them tbh before I fitted the sub. I wouldn’t say the sub is absolutely necessary, but I do think it sounds better with than without. I like the extra tunefulness and kick/tom thump you get at low frequencies. But everyone’s ears are different.