Upgrading Mach460

DanM said:

I was looking at upgrading the Mach460 in my car. I was looking at using some Infinity speakers (probably 6x8s, as they seem to fit).

I don't have much info on the Mach460 amps and head unit. Can I use these? http://www.infinitysystems.com/caraudio/product.aspx?ProdId='REF6802CF'&Ser=REF&Cat=MEL ?? Will the speakers/amps toast themselves after a while?? I don't want to rip the whole system up .. I'm just looking for slightly better sound than stock. A little deeper and cleaner.

Is just upgrading the speakers the way to go? Or do you recommend upgrading the headunit? Or is there just nothing that can be done for the Mach...?

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Well, the Mach system's speakers are either "subs" as they call them, or tweeters - IOW, the system is bi-amped. The amps in the trunk run the 5x7's in front and rear, but they only receive low frequencies - the amp under the head unit (or h/u itself depending upon year) powers the sail panel tweets and the tweets in the rear...

So... in a nutshell, if you buy a nice pair of coaxials, you're not going to get the sound out of them that you'd think (no highs out of the 5x7').

You have many choices - none of which are cheap on a car with a Mach460 system.

I personally chose to just gut the Mach460 in my Mach-1 and replace it all. It was expensive - but way worth it to me..

Good luck!

Can someone give me direction on removing the mach 460 out of my Cobra?

2K1GtfromSC said:

Can someone give me direction on removing the mach 460 out of my Cobra?

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You have to buy a tool :-|

You need a tool to get the HU out. Here's the rest of the instructions: http://www.flemworld.com/Mach460/mach.html

2001+ is different

2K1GtfromSC said:

Can someone give me direction on removing the mach 460 out of my Cobra?

Click to expand...

1: Remove shifter knob
2: Remover shifter ring/boot assembly by lifting it straight out (unplug the plugs for the switches)
3: Remove trim panel around radio/ac - gently pry around edges from top down and remove - it's a bit stubborn around the A/C - because the vents come out with the trim piece.
4: Remove two screws holding the factory radio in.
5: Slide radio out.

See www.flemworld.com on how to get the rear amp rack/speakers out.

I replaced my Mach 460 HU with an Alpine 7894 that has 3 4V pre-outs. Overall, that made my system sound much cleaner and I have more control over the highs and mids. I have control over the lows, but I'm now not able to get as much bass as before. The Mach HU must have been desinged to get the most out of these specific speakers (maybe even a bass boost). I've turned the bass up all the way on my Alpine, but it is very lacking. Note that I'm not interested in entertaining the neighborhood, so I do mean that there is not enough bass to make it a pleasing experience.

However, I am now searching for a moderate sub system to put in the trunk so that I can acheive a nice solid level all around. I don't mind if it can get loud, but I've got to more lows to match the mids and highs. Since I'm not really looking for a mega-watt system, I'm toying with the choice between a bazooka-type sub (all parts inside one unit) or a custom setup (each part bought individually). I don't want to take up much trunk space, but I won't put anything in less than an 8" and preferably the 10".

I wish I knew what this combo sounded like. I do have a very reputable sound shop nearby that believes my system should meet my needs with the sub. I will probably go to them. Fortunately, my rear speakers can be geared more towards the mids and less towards producing lows, so that should increase the ability of my system now that I have a better HU. Just need the sub to fill the bottom end.

I've heard plenty of Mach's that have additional subs systems added and it improved the overall blend and sound a bit. However, it has to be much better with a stonger HU. All you need is the special connector to swap in a new HU.

OTHERWISE, you'll have to rip out the whole Mach system and start over. Granted, you will get a much better finished product that sounds great, but be prepared to spend a few $$$. I'm going the cheap route for now, plus all my new parts can be transfered to a new system should I go that route later.

Good luck. Sorry so long, but I'm interested in some other responses and the one's already given.