Since I always have something to do, this time I decided to improve the audio quality in my DS4. I have standard audio, meaning no amplifier. There may be a few issues, but the main one is the speaker mounting in the front doors. These mounts are unusual for PSA cars and need to be modified. The rear has three screws, so there shouldn’t be any surprises there. I plan to replace the standard speakers with Focal aftermarket speakers designed for PSA cars. The speakers have the same connectors as the factory speakers, so changing the wiring harness isn’t necessary. The speakers are Focal IS PSA 165 front speakers and IC PSA 165 rear speakers. However, I’m not ruling out the option of IS PSA 165 front/rear. The whole thing will be complemented by soundproofing the doors, which will improve low frequencies. I also have plans for a tweeter in the front (A-pillar), but I’ll write more about that after I’ve verified it. The last photo is a preview of this.
Great project! Are you changing or adding an amp also? Or does the standard unit have enough grunt to power the new speakers?
Following as very keen to see this outcome
For now, I have no plans to add an amplifier; testing will be without changing the unit. The results will be subjective, as everyone has different expectations.
As for the front tweeters, the Peugeot 308 T10/408 has the same A-pillar covers as the DS4 (and the Astra L too). It’s enough to look out for number 9832170280 or 9832170880 (right or left pillar cover). The results will yield different answers – gray, black, Astra, P308, DS4, with/without Focal. The conclusion is the shape and mounting of the cover is the same, only the finishes are different.
So I bought the black A-pillar covers from the P308 with Focal speakers to test. There is a different angle of the tweeters and this may have an impact on the audio stage and at the same time there is less light gray in the interior.
How do you know so much stuff about DS automotive DNA ?
I’ve been using PSA cars for a long time (actual car is 9-th). The knowledge came with time. Well, maybe I helped a little, because I like DIY. Along the way, I also made some contacts at PSA and with people who do this outside the dealership network.
As for the pillar covers, I noticed a similarity and searched for more information, such as the OE part number, and that’s how I found a common part.
Changing the rear speakers is simple. Remove three screws and the speaker can be removed. The Focal IS/IC PSA 165 should fit in the rear doors without issue.
The front doors are where the problems begin. Dedicated PSA speakers won’t work here. The speaker is integrated into the plastic that mounts to the door. There are no screws holding the speaker in place. 3D printing or reusing the plastic from an existing speaker will be necessary.
More info by @AvatarPL about front speaker trim here: DS4 front door stock speaker - woofer - basic audio (no Focal)
On the occasion of my speaker replacement, because my DS4 is the Performace version with Alcantara finish, the A pillars will also have graphite Alcantara. Black would be too obvious as a choice.
The decisions have finally been made.
The setup consists of:
4x Focal PSA factory woofers
4x Focal tweeters
4x Focal 12dB/oct passive crossovers with 0/-3/-6dB setup for tweeter
4x door damping.
My requirements are not as high as @AvatarPL , so this should be enough to get started on my audio upgrade journey.
I chose the PSA factory Focal woofers because they have front-firing protection and the same specifications as the Focal aftermarket setups.
The A-pillar cover from P308 fit, of course.
But if someone just wanted to replace only them, there are three problems:
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The wires in the no Focal plug are inserted differently, and for the PSA Focal tweeter, they should look like this:
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For the tweeter to work for a long time and properly, you should at least add a 63V 10 microF capacitor to the + cable. Without this, the tweeter could be damaged at low frequencies. However, a passive crossover is generally recommended.
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The Focal tweeter has higher efficiency than a standard tweeter, so replacing just those drivers won’t improve the sound. It’s going to be weird. The woofers should also be replaced because without it the midrange and bass will disappear
Now I need to mount the tweeter in the C-pillar
The speakers have been replaced. For now, I’ve replaced the tweeters and woofers in the front and the woofers in the rear. The sound pressure has increased by about 2 dB, so it’s better (2dB is approx… +50%). The 2 dB increase is due to the greater efficiency of Focal speakers, which are around 93 dB. Standard speakers are around 90-91 dB.
The tweeters have also improved the soundstage.
I still need to add tweeters and crossovers in the rear and soundproof the doors.
Replacing the front woofers requires making new spacers. Unfortunately, I don’t have a 3D scanner, and that would be the best way to 3D print the spacers later, as the angles are variable. Doing it manually is a real hassle.
