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

[GrahamB]

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.

PS Kenwood not Panasonic sub - corrected in my original post!

 

[Tomato]

Mine was just the basic standard stereo

I WILL admit it’s mellowed a bit but sound deadening needed, better sounding options out there and still way too shrill, I shouldnt have to turn the treble down to zero. Looks sooo cool though

 

[Tomato]

I need a sub too…

 

[GrahamB]

Mine was just the basic standard stereo

I WILL admit it’s mellowed a bit but sound deadening needed, better sounding options out there and still way too shrill, I shouldnt have to turn the treble down to zero. Looks sooo cool though

Maybe it will mellow further with time. Advanced In Car told me it takes about 30 hours for most speakers to fully bed in. I agree there are better sounding options if you want to spend more, but I still think the Alpine’s are pretty good at the price. The next step up would be adding DSP, amps etc. If you are going that far you I think you would really need to change the head unit and put a lot more sound deadening in. And at the end of the day its a van, so the baseline acoustics are not ideal.

 

[GrahamB]

I need a sub too…

Yes - given what you are saying about finding the system too bright, adding a sub with independent frequency and volume control will enable you to blend in as much bass as you want and I have personally found this substantially alters the overall sound balance (this was the case before and after adding the Alpine speakers). At a given sound pressure level you might find you tolerate the high frequency more when there is more bottom end thump to compensate. I find this working with EQ on my PA system (with big subs) in a live band environment so it makes sense that the same applies in a car.

 

[martyp]

Don't forget that it's a DSP amp tuned for the T6 or T6.1
You're probably not going to get the best out of the speakers without the amp installed.
I've got a 2019 T6 Caravelle Exec (I know, not a Cali) I installed them in yesterday and there's an improvement over the originals even though mine actually comes with larger drivers form the factory.
Because I have a T6 I had the choice of the larger alpines, but was advised by them to go for the smaller one (like the T6.1 ones) if I was installing the amp and sub so I'd get better midrange.
Amp and Sub arriving tomorrow.
My ears are no stranger to HiFi, my home system is Bryston & PMC so I know exactly what particular tracks should should like...
So far I'd say the soundstage has massively improved and it's put the sound higher up where it should be. Even with the smaller driver I've not lost any bass and have gained a lot of detail.
Hopefully the amp and sub will fill what's missing below 50Hz
I did add 2mm silent coat to the inner door panel, some on the outer skin and some of their foam (part of the starter kit for £17.99 on Amazon, one for each door)
Surprised that although everywhere else on a Caravelle (assuming the same on a Cali) has extra sound insulation over a Transporter or a Kombi, the doors only have some extra wadding on the door card. It was very quiet before, but it's even quieter now with more of an AUDI clunk to the door that a Golf clunk..

 

[66tim99]

Don't forget that it's a DSP amp tuned for the T6 or T6.1
You're probably not going to get the best out of the speakers without the amp installed.
I've got a 2019 T6 Caravelle Exec (I know, not a Cali) I installed them in yesterday and there's an improvement over the originals even though mine actually comes with larger drivers form the factory.
Because I have a T6 I had the choice of the larger alpines, but was advised by them to go for the smaller one (like the T6.1 ones) if I was installing the amp and sub so I'd get better midrange.
Amp and Sub arriving tomorrow.
My ears are no stranger to HiFi, my home system is Bryston & PMC so I know exactly what particular tracks should should like...
So far I'd say the soundstage has massively improved and it's put the sound higher up where it should be. Even with the smaller driver I've not lost any bass and have gained a lot of detail.
Hopefully the amp and sub will fill what's missing below 50Hz
I did add 2mm silent coat to the inner door panel, some on the outer skin and some of their foam (part of the starter kit for £17.99 on Amazon, one for each door)
Surprised that although everywhere else on a Caravelle (assuming the same on a Cali) has extra sound insulation over a Transporter or a Kombi, the doors only have some extra wadding on the door card. It was very quiet before, but it's even quieter now with more of an AUDI clunk to the door that a Golf clunk..

I’m getting the speakers and door insulation fitted next Weds, but he advised me to hear them before fitting the sub and amp as well, suggesting most don’t feel it necessary, including him.
Looking forward to your expert review of the amp and sub soon…
Any thoughts on the rear speakers?
Or being able to keep the stereo on whilst camping?
(Welcome to this great forum too, nice one)

 

[GrahamB]

I’m getting the speakers and door insulation fitted next Weds, but he advised me to hear them before fitting the sub and amp as well, suggesting most don’t feel it necessary, including him.
Looking forward to your expert review of the amp and sub soon…
Any thoughts on the rear speakers?
Or being able to keep the stereo on whilst camping?
(Welcome to this great forum too, nice one)

I am obviously not most . If I turn my sub off, although I agree the soundstage and detail is better, it is still weedy at the lower frequencies without it. With it on it all comes to life, kick drum, toms and lower end guitars and keys just suddenly have loads more presence and tunefulness. The difference is night and day. I think you might find the same Tim, given your previous comment about liking a bit of bass punch. I am really happy with mine now, it’s had plenty of hours to bed in and its sounding great!

 

[andyinluton]

The spec on the alpine amp says it has USB connections as well as those to the head unit. I was wondering whether it could be wired off the leisure battery & use the USB input to stream from a phone etc whilst parked up without danger of flattening the starter battery.

Any thoughts?

 

[66tim99]

The spec on the alpine amp says it has USB connections as well as those to the head unit. I was wondering whether it could be wired off the leisure battery & use the USB input to stream from a phone etc whilst parked up without danger of flattening the starter battery.

Any thoughts?

I like the sound of this…

 

[66tim99]

I am obviously not most . If I turn my sub off, although I agree the soundstage and detail is better, it is still weedy at the lower frequencies without it. With it on it all comes to life, kick drum, toms and lower end guitars and keys just suddenly have loads more presence and tunefulness. The difference is night and day. I think you might find the same Tim, given your previous comment about liking a bit of bass punch. I am really happy with mine now, it’s had plenty of hours to bed in and its sounding great!

Pretty sure you’ll be right. No rush though, I’ll live with the speakers for a bit.
Be good to hear if you can actually get sub and amp under the seat.
I have to say the hour I had with the standard system sounded pretty good too!

 

[GrahamB]

Pretty sure you’ll be right. No rush though, I’ll live with the speakers for a bit.
Be good to hear if you can actually get sub and amp under the seat.
I have to say the hour I had with the standard system sounded pretty good too!

Actually the standard system isn't too bad, its certainly better than the utterly awful basic set up in my wife’s X1. But you will like the upgrade. It must be possible to get the amp and sub box under the seat, but the wiring and other stuff under there will have to be moved around. Whereas a standalone powered sub just slots in.

 

[GrahamB]

The spec on the alpine amp says it has USB connections as well as those to the head unit. I was wondering whether it could be wired off the leisure battery & use the USB input to stream from a phone etc whilst parked up without danger of flattening the starter battery.

Any thoughts?

It sounds like it might work but it seems a bit of a mash up. It would be so much better if the head unit could be made to run off the leisure batteries, so you could still use the screen for carplay and radio. I imagine its impossible otherwise someone would have come up with a solution by now.

 

[andyinluton]

I like the sound of this…

Ive just checked the details that I was sent - the amp you get as part of the T6.1 specific concert hall set up is the SPCD84.

The one I was told had the usb connection is actually the PDP-E802DSP & checking the spec sheet, the USB is for doing the set up, however it does have "Wireless connection with separate module (amp setup) for PC only, or wireless audio streaming (smart phone or PC))"
and
"Remote app for iOS and Android with basic control functions (Master level, Sub level, Preset recall, source selection)"

Which would imply you could stream to the amp & have volume control from your phone?

 

[GrahamB]

Ive just checked the details that I was sent - the amp you get as part of the T6.1 specific concert hall set up is the SPCD84.

The one I was told had the usb connection is actually the PDP-E802DSP & checking the spec sheet, the USB is for doing the set up, however it does have "Wireless connection with separate module (amp setup) for PC only, or wireless audio streaming (smart phone or PC))"
and
"Remote app for iOS and Android with basic control functions (Master level, Sub level, Preset recall, source selection)"

Which would imply you could stream to the amp & have volume control from your phone?

Ok - so that would improve matters because it sounds like you would be running the whole set up from your phone. I guess you could even run internet radio if you had a signal. A slight downside would be streaming over bluetooth suffers some loss of sound quality compared to cable connection via the dash usb-c. Its not a massive difference, but it is noticeable comparing them back to back.

 

[Philfox3]

Any chance on an update on the Alpine SPC-106T61 speaker kit please ?
I’m holding off buying it due to suggestion that the tweeters are too bright but note that some of you have had them long enough to burn them in ( if that’s the correct term). I have a Coast with the standard fit composition radio, can adjust the treble during the initial burn in. I don’t intend to change the head unit or to add an amp/sub so just wanted a bit of a steer. I’ll be listening to the radio and tunes on Apple Music via my phone.
Worthwhile upgrade or not ?
Thank you Phil

 

[GrahamB]

Any chance on an update on the Alpine SPC-106T61 speaker kit please ?
I’m holding off buying it due to suggestion that the tweeters are too bright but note that some of you have had them long enough to burn them in ( if that’s the correct term). I have a Coast with the standard fit composition radio, can adjust the treble during the initial burn in. I don’t intend to change the head unit or to add an amp/sub so just wanted a bit of a steer. I’ll be listening to the radio and tunes on Apple Music via my phone.
Worthwhile upgrade or not ?
Thank you Phil

I would say yes, definitely worth the upgrade for improvement in sound quality. You get more detail and instrument separation if that is what you are looking for. I have honestly not noticed much change due to burn in, but its no doubt very gradual. In my opinion the base system is bright anyway (mine is the pro version). So if you are going for it, maybe consider a sub as well, this balances the overall sound and reduces the volume needed from the door speakers and this can cut vibration in the door cards. Definitely add sound deadening when the speakers are changed, it is worth it for the same reason. DAB or FM radio or iPhone are fine as sound sources, using a cable connection rather than bluetooth is slightly better from the phone. Hope this helps.

 

[66tim99]

Any chance on an update on the Alpine SPC-106T61 speaker kit please ?
I’m holding off buying it due to suggestion that the tweeters are too bright but note that some of you have had them long enough to burn them in ( if that’s the correct term). I have a Coast with the standard fit composition radio, can adjust the treble during the initial burn in. I don’t intend to change the head unit or to add an amp/sub so just wanted a bit of a steer. I’ll be listening to the radio and tunes on Apple Music via my phone.
Worthwhile upgrade or not ?
Thank you Phil

I agree with Graham, a worthwhile upgrade for more detailed sound. Advanced in-car in Poole fitted mine and recommended a stage 1 (2mm) sound deadening. I still find a bit of door vibration with bass at higher volumes, so I would go for stage 2 sound deadening (pic attached) if I had my time again. I would also consider installing the companion Alpine sub woofer under the seat, which would free the door speakers from bass duties.

 

[Philfox3]

I would say yes, definitely worth the upgrade for improvement in sound quality. You get more detail and instrument separation if that is what you are looking for. I have honestly not noticed much change due to burn in, but its no doubt very gradual. In my opinion the base system is bright anyway (mine is the pro version). So if you are going for it, maybe consider a sub as well, this balances the overall sound and reduces the volume needed from the door speakers and this can cut vibration in the door cards. Definitely add sound deadening when the speakers are changed, it is worth it for the same reason. DAB or FM radio or iPhone are fine as sound sources, using a cable connection rather than bluetooth is slightly better from the phone. Hope this helps.

Thanks Graham. That’s really helpful.

 

[Philfox3]

Thanks both. I was going to say ‘sound’ advice but didn’t want to milk the quips.
I’ll get the speaker kit ordered. I will sound deaden the doors and see how it goes from there. I’ve noticed a treble reduction setting on the equaliser on my iPhone too with the option on the composition radio you could dial all the life out of any music track.
Thanks for taking the time to reply and helping me to make up my mind.
Phil

 

[GrahamB]

Thanks both. I was going to say ‘sound’ advice but didn’t want to milk the quips.
I’ll get the speaker kit ordered. I will sound deaden the doors and see how it goes from there. I’ve noticed a treble reduction setting on the equaliser on my iPhone too with the option on the composition radio you could dial all the life out of any music track.
Thanks for taking the time to reply and helping me to make up my mind.
Phil

View attachment 98704

No problem Phil, good luck with it - let us know how you get on. FWIW I don't tend to use those EQ functions on the phone. They can help a bit with headphones but when you're connected to the van its going to have a more noticeable and tuneable effect using the head unit controls.

 

[This Eva]

Anyone going to Busfest that will allow a member to listen to their installed system ?

 

[GrahamB]

Anyone going to Busfest that will allow a member to listen to their installed system ?

Not going to Busfest but happy to demo mine if anyone is nearby Bournemouth/Wimborne and wants a listen!

 

[ChunkyMonkeyDude]

I have installed this kit to our van and can say that after the initial OMG that's very treble intensive stage they do mellow. The sound after that is a lot better than the original speakers. hope that helps someone.

 

[Philfox3]

It helps me. Thank you Phil