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Comments
Specifications
Suggested Retail Price: $169.95 (paid $99)
Power Handling, RMS: 70 Watts
Power Handling, Peak: 210 Watts
Frequency Response (±3dB): 45Hz - 22kHz
Sensitivity: 91dB
Impedance: 4 Ohms
Mounting Depth: 2-1/2"
Rear - JBL P9633
Specifications
Suggested Retail Price: $229.95 (Paid $109)
Power Handling, RMS: 100 watts
Power Handling, Peak: 300 watts
Frequency Response (±3dB): 25Hz - 22kHz
Sensitivity: 92dB
Impedance: 4 Ohms
Mounting Depth: 3 -1/16
Tweeters - JBL P23T (Mounted in upper door panel)
Specifications
Suggested Retail Price: $99.95 (Paid $44)
Power Handling, RMS: 45 Watts
Power Handling, Peak: 135 Watts
Frequency Response (±3dB): 5kHz - 22kHz
Sensitivity: 91dB
Impedance: 4 Ohms
Mounting Depth: 1"
I also purchased a P80.4 Power Amp, but returned it. The "103" amp turned out to be fine with the new speakers.
You can check out the entire JBL Power line at:
http://www.jbl.com/car/series.asp?ser=pos
Personally, I think it's a waste of time and money. All modifications can be done utilizing the existing head unit. Plus, aftermarket units don't look very good in GM cars, for the most part. Maybe someday GM will join the rest of the automotive world,and begin using DIN.
I did notice, however, that this morning on my way to work, all stations had poor reception. I see that you are in NY and I am in northern NJ, so it may be due to weather conditions or something. I would give it another day to see if conditions change. Good luck, and let me know what happens.
The radio reception was fine until I got back into range from the trip. Ever since then, the reception has been mediocre. I haven't had any work done on the AMP as I already had the 103 installed upon delivery. (build date 4/01).
Not sure what or how that would affect the reception. I went to WI 2 months ago and had no issues with reception. If it continues, I'll bring it up to Service.
RR
It turns out that I had inadvertently disconnected the wire from the rear window antenna terminal, located on the window itself.
I don't see why your dealer tech would have been in that area, but it might be the cause. Maybe there is another connector located closer to the amp that became loose or disconnected.
Nightowl - Does the Helms manual show any likely locations?
I'll look at the connectors tonight to see what the deal is... geez, check tire pressures, antenna connectors, etc! Who says a brand new car is maintenance free?!
Everyone that sees my new car comments on how EASY it is to upkeep it. Most common phrase is "oil change every 3000 and you are set"... if they only knew.
RR
wash and vacuum weekly,
wax every three months,
rotate the tires every 3000 miles,
get your teeth cleaned twice a year,
and buy a birthday present for your girlfriend/wife annually.
I was wondering if there was one in the back of the car that could have been loosened or disconnected in Wilhannes' Impala.
Anyway, the Impala has a strange set up. The antenna is not directly connected to the radio. For those of you who don't know (and I didn't until I looked into this) the radio antenna is on the rear windshield of the car. On the left side, there are two connectors (not counting the OnStar antenna). The bottom spade connector is for the defogger grid. The top connector is the antenna. Both the radio antenna and the defogger are connected to a Radio Antenna Module. This item is also referred to the "antenna amplifier" in the body of the text. This module is behind the left hand rear quarter upper trim panel. Which means you can't see/test it unless you remove the panel. =P
The radio sends a Antenna Enable Signal to both the module and the audio amp (if equipped). This signal is connected to the antenna grid. I would have expected this to be connected to the module, not the directly to the antenna. The antenna is inductively coupled to the coax cable leading to the radio's antenna in. For some reason, the defogger circuit is sent through a coil in the module and is connected to the defogger grid. As far as I can tell, it is not electrically connected to the antenna circuit.
From the troubleshooting guide, a majority of the fixes are centered on this module. Bad connections, positive voltage, or a bad module.
So for those of you who are replacing the amp, if you can send an amplifier present signal to the radio, you can eliminate the need for line level converters.
I did inadvertently pull the connector from the antenna terminal on the window while installing my new speakers, so that might have happened to him, although doubtful. It could even happen at a car wash while cleaning the inside of the rear window.
http://members.cardomain.com/chevyimpala2000
Yes, it is now owned by the same company that makes the portable MP3 players, but with this unit, you can store and have access to your whole music collection at anytime. Quoting the site: "The Rio Car is designed to fit into your car dash. It's a single DIN sized unit, like most other car audio heads; and is pull-out removable, which is handy both for security and for connecting up to your PC to get music onto the player."
It is, in my opinion, absolutely the best music product available at this time. I have had mine since last Thanksgiving and love it. When I had it set up in my previous car, I could listen to whatever I wanted on my way to work, take it in with me to work and hook it up to my PC, listen on the way home, and hook it up to my home stereo if I wanted to when I got home, without missing a beat. Besides being able to dock it in the car, it has two RCA line outs to you can pretty much play it anywhere you have access to speakers.
Anyway, my dilemma is how to get this integrated cleanly into the factory setup without losing any of the functionality of the factory head unit and OnStar and not having to relocate anything. Where I install I have not decided, which is why I am seeking advice, but I would like it to be visible and accessable to me. Installing is pretty much just like any other single DIN sized head units, but I haven't really seen anyone do anything yet which I have been wowed by. I'm open to suggestions. Thanks.
One of those connectors runs to the CD Changer connector in the trunk. The other runs directly to the aux input on the back of the factory head unit.
Check Nathan's web page for the wiring diagrams of those connectors.
http://home.hawaii.rr.com/impala/CDchanger.html
Duane
Also looked at a 2002 LS and the amp number on that car is different yet. I read it off for the service manager and she wrote it down, but i didnt get a copy of the number for myself. i will try and get that number when i take mine in to get replaced.
Comment re: the 103 (new) AMP... I already had it installed on the 04/01 build date '01 LS. I also had the interior speakers replaced with Alpines. Sounds GREAT!
Anyone notice that the low volume bass is extremely heavier than at higher volumes. Does the AMP contribute to this or is it a "feature" of the RDS radio? I'd love an equalizer but if the AMP/Radio takes over the sound controls, it may be futile.
Thanks!
RR
An EQ might be futile, but I'm anything but an expert! Talk to the place where you got your speakers. If they don't seem knowledgeable, find the Delco repair facility in your area and talk to them.
Brad
In most car stereos that have this feature, it is manually switchable on and off.
I'm only guessing here, but it is an educated guess. :-)
So if the RDS radio is affecting the preamp signal, then an equalizer isn't going to do a thing... at least at low volumes and even at higher volumes - it won't help much sonce the signal leaving the radio is adjusted so the frequencies reaching that amp are VERY low. I wish there was an override to the 'loudness' on the radio. When driving with the windows lowered, I need more bass, windows up (volume lower), the sound is amazing.
The fact that the bass is so heavy at the lower volumes makes me think that Delco did a good job "governing" the radio. I'd be sure to damage a speaker or two if they hadn't implemented that. I don't think the factory amp is the cleanest one around in terms of power.
Thanks!
RR
I had mine replced today and the bass is outstanding.
Here is what I did. I went to my dealer and explained the situation and asked them to order the 103 amp (part # 10309548) which they did. I also called the GM customer Assitance Center at 800-222-1020 and explained the situation. They said they were not aware of any such problems. I did receive a file number of 05424125.
The new amp came in. I made an appointment to get it installed. Arriving at the dealership, I told the manager that he could test the old 104 amp and that it would test ok. I told him he would have to make a judgemet call saying the amp was bad.
I had the amp bypass in place and played a CD with lots of bass for the service manager. The rear view mirror vibrated and you could feel the bass. I then immeadetly removed the jumper wires (used in the amp by pass) and plugged in the amp. I played the same song. It was tinny, no bass and the volume was lower. After about 10 seconds he agreed to replace the amp.
The new a 103 amp is great. Rich bass at all volume levels. If you haven't replaced your amp yet on your 2000 imapla. Go for it. You'll love it.
If you call the GM customer Assitance Center refer to my file number of 05424125. I called them back after my amp was replaced so they could update their records.
Everyone take care.
I saw on a newscast last night the introduction of Satellite radio AKA "XM" radio.
It will be a subscription bases service which will host numerous genres and the benefit is no fading or distortion due to terrain or distance.
Pretty cool. I just wonder how a thunderstorm would affect it. I already see how the weather degrades the satellite cable systems out there.
GM is planning on availability next year, I think, (correct me if I am wrong) in the Caddy STS and other models.
$10/month for the service... just to listen to the radio! Geez! Good thing I don't live in the boonies!
Later!
RR
The intrigue probably sounded better because the tweeters were mounted on the doors by the mirrors.
Has anybody changed the amp? Or should i just go with a more efficient speaker to get a little more volume?
I like a/d/s but don't know if they will fit.I specifically don't like that the tweeter is down in the kick panel in the impala.
I didn't need a new amp, as I used very efficient JBL speakers. (I have the 103 amp.)
I believe roderunner used Alpines. I don't know how efficient they are, or if he replaced his amp.
Give a SACD disc a try.
Chris
SACD's are 24 bit 96 khz.
You can't make them but the hybrid discs are playable on a standard CD player.
SBM is Sony's Super Bit Mapping program which records more detail on the disc. This is why i am hearing better sound on my Impala Stereo.
SACD's have a more natural and relaxed sound than CD's. There is more detail and spaciousness and they are not harsh or fatiguing to listen too like Cd's can be.
I just wanted to give you a heads up that very soon, perhaps as soon as tomorrow, this discussion will be hosted only on the Impala Owners Club board. That makes a whole lot more sense than having it hidden away here on the "General" board.
If you are subscribed to this discussion, or if you find it by accessing the link to the Impala Owners Club at the top the Impala discussion on the main Sedans board, your method of finding your way here will not change.
Sorry for the confusion - thanks for hanging in here with us while we continue to try to make the Sedans board easier to navigate.
If anyone has any specific questions about navigation in Town Hall (or any other logistical issues), please drop by the Welcome to the Sedans Message Board discussion and talk to me about what's on your mind.
KarenS will host this discussion once it moves, but I want you to know that I've enjoyed following your conversations about the issues that many of you have dealt with. And I'll still see you in the main Impala discussion.
Thanks.
Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board
KarenS
Host
Owner's Clubs
PS> Don't be a stranger, Pat! :-)
Thanks
Thanks
I highly recommend replacing the speakers first. Then, if you still don't think it sounds good enough, replace the amp. You may find it unnecessary.
The speakers are definitely the weakest link in the Impala sound system.
You can also check out my site http://home.hawaii.rr.com/impala/ and look under the "How To" section. You might be able to find a lot answeres there. A link to the Helm website is in the "Accessories" section.
I'm going to replace my rear speakers with a set of Sony XS-V6945M 6"x9" 4-way speakers sometime in the near future. I just got to get around to it.
Of course, it can be subjective, and they may sound the best for you.