So, lots of stuff already posted about upgrades of all sorts. Just for grins, I decided to see if some of this can be quantified. So, using my trusty Radio Shack SPL meter, I set forth to measure.
The RS SPL meter is only rated 50Hz to 10kHz, so I first set out to see just how bad it is beyond that range. I hooked up a pretty nice set of Sennheiser superaural headphones directly to the headphone jack on my Sony CD player/recorder (yes, people actually had those, back before every computer sold had CD burning capability). I sandwiched the SPL meter mic between the earmuffs, and tested. I found (assuming my CD player and headphones have reasonably flat response), that the meter sensitivity is only down a dB or 2 at 30 Hz. It is down 3dB at 10kHz, down an additional 3 dB at 14kHz, and down a total of 10dB at 20kHz.
OK, so next, I took the meter for a little ride. 70 MPH on I-635, eastbound, at Plano road exit (fairly new asphalt), I measured 90dB (C weighted). 40MPH on Spring Valley eastbound approaching Preston (noisy concrete) I measured 92dB.
Finally, I sat in a quiet garage, and measured the frequency response of the stock, base stereo.
Settings:
Ignition setting: ACC
Bass and treble =0
Volume = 17 (set to 90 dB SPL at 1kHz)
Meter chest high (gotta be able to read the display!)
Meter settings: C weight, fast response, "Max" (gives max reading obtained in the 'fast' sample period, about 1 sec)
Source: "Digital Recording" brand hearing test CD
I see now why I tend to leave the bass at "-2". The system is definitely tuned for, er, how should I say this.... a 'younger' perspective on music tonal balance. How's that for keeping it PC
More to come.... But not right away. Gotta prep my Typhoon for selling first.
If anyone in the DFW area wants to run this test on their (Bose, upgraded, etc) system, we can arrange that.
Also planning to use a mic and oscillioscope to find the max SPL without visible distortion.