Planning a modest audio upgrade for Maruti Jimny under Rs 2 lakh

For damping, I am not looking for quietness matching the BMW X5; just enough to do the audio upgrade justice.

BHPian RoadFiend recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

Hello all - request your advice:

I'm looking for a modest Jimny audio upgrade, leaning more towards SQ vs SPL.

I listen to rock and blues etc., from a couple of decades ago, and the vocals, guitars, instruments, soundstage matter more to me; and I'm almost indifferent to bass.

I have set a target budget of Rs 2,00,000.

Here are my current thoughts:

1. Head unit - I actually don't mind the stock 9" head unit but I'm ok with an upgrade. The Pioneer AP6650bt seems to fit flush in the Jimny and is probably a good choice?
2. DSP - I'm influenced by members here who've explained how critical the tuning is for a listener's preferences and also the unique geometry of a vehicle. Accordingly, we need a DSP. What would be a good enough model that allows for easy tuning with a mic and DSP's app?
3. Amplifier - Of course, a crucial piece! What can drive a 3 piece front component set with a two-piece rear component (or co-axial?) set, providing enough power? I am told some amplifiers come with good in-built DSP. I like my music clear, not loud. What amp should I consider?
4. Speakers - What's the cheapest combo of a 3 piece front component set with a two-piece rear component (or co-axial?) set that would do justice to having a DSP and an amp, and yet be well within my target budget? I would prefer a silk/cloth dome tweeter instead of metal(ic) as I find the latter too harsh.
5. Damping - What are the portions of the car that should be damped? I am not looking for quietness matching the X5; just enough to do the audio upgrade justice.
6. Wiring, harnesses, fuses - Anything specific to keep an eye out for. I assume power will need to be tapped directly from the battery? I also assume the above pieces are modest enough so as to not require any power components?

Yes, I intentionally left out a sub-woofer as I am hoping the mid-range drivers will have enough low-range woof (for my bass-fearing ears). If unavoidable, I'll request an under-seat one.

Is my budget reasonable? What brands should I consider? Mix-and-match?

And installers you'd recommend who are really good at tuning?

Here's what BHPian Sbk__Audiophile replied:

Your budget is a seriously good one brother. Let me give some suggestions on it.

Headunit - Pioneer 6650 BT. From your description, you're into SQ.

Let's say damping and Headunit set back you by 50-60K. Now it's your choice to go plug and play, passive or active.

I've seen Ousail F165 perform best at plug-and-play in Jimny.

If passive, choose a great 4/5 channel and then choose speakers which run best with them. Or choosing the speakers first and the amp that runs best with it also works. You can add a Standalone DSP later if you want to go active. You'll need to do wiring again in this case.

For Active, if you prefer a DSP-Amp go for Helix V Eight. It's an 8-channel Amp and has a 10-channel DSP so it can drive your front 3-way active and the rear all-in active. I've heard great things about it and it'll save you space. If you install from speedfreaks, check at Goldhorn also. Make sure you choose the speakers later in this case as they'll need to be much more sensitive to give similar output.

All these should come under the 2L budget. I always suggest getting the DSP/Amp the best you can initially itself. You can go 2-way active first with V-Eight and later add any midrange of your taste with good fabrication. Or you can go 3-way passive and later add a DSP as the Pioneer is a killer. Look at Ousail SQ165.3 in that case. They are handmade speakers and I'm using the set in 2-way active.

Cheers

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