Kenwood DNX-7140 not good for quality audio????

[migs647]

Ok guys... I really need your help on this one.

The car:
2008 Mitsubishi Evo X MR

My old setup:
Alpine CDA-9885
JL Audio G6600
CDT Audio CL61 Components
CDT Audio Neodymium 6.5s
No sub

My new set up:
Kenwood DNX-7140
JL Audio G6600
Exile XPe65 Components
Exile SX65c Coaxials
Polk MOMO 10"

Both set ups have the same wiring.

The Problem: I feel like there is no mid-bass on the new system. I can't figure out if the issue is with the deck or the speakers.

The original set up had so much mid bass. It was clean, punchy, could feel it. The new set up feels like there isn't anything there. I've tried all different crossover points. I've tried turning crossovers off. I've tried disabling the sub. I've tried all types of different music. It just feels super weak.

I know how to set up my gains according to the pre-outs, so I know that is good. I've tried different frequencies for the crossovers on the amp.

My question is... could the Kenwood DNX-7140 with 2-volt pre-amps be the issue? To where the amp has to work that much harder to get clean audio out, that it's missing the mids? I was 100% satisfied before, now I'm not satisfied at all. Maybe the Alpine has more audio processing than the Kenwood.

I've heard that it's very difficult to get the double din Kenwood decks to produce quality audio. Is this true?

I know that spending ~$1200 on a deck and for it to not keep up with a $200 deck is very disappointing. I've been told these speakers crack, but I've only heard them on a boat which was breathtaking.

If anyone has any advice I'd really appreciate the input. Thanks in advance...

[hergy916]

The XPE speakers are not really great mid bass speakers. Their light and slim design make them very install friendly, but I wouldn't count on them for great bass response. They do a good job musically and are pretty durable, but always seem to be lacking in the mid bass frequencies. The X-Tec speakers however are a different story. Yes, they are more money, but they have great mid bass output and you can really beath the hell out of them. They are loud and clean. Sorry, may not be what you want to hear, but this has been my experience with them as well.

[migs647]

Wow, thank you for a response.

I actually upgraded to the Kenwood DNX 9140, changed my wiring, messed with all the crossovers endlessly. Still haven't fixed the issue. I'm fairly confident that you are correct on the XPe not being able to produce a good mid bass. I'm actually going to meet with the Exile boys in a few weeks and see what they have to say about it.

I had some CDT e61 neodymiums in my old car with the same amp and they did awesome. I really wish I would have kept them. Maybe Exile will be able to help me out here, cause the way it is now all I have is highs pretty much, and I have to turn my equalizer treble way down so I can get the other ranges to keep up. I'm at a loss of what to do at this point. We'll see what they have to say.