Questions about installing front speakers.

[SEBBA]

Hey all,
I've been thinking about upgrading from the less than great stock speakers to some descent aftermarket speakers. I just have a few questions, I'll try to keep them as organized as possible. Sorry if some of these have been previously answered, I did a couple searches and couldn't find anything that was concise enough for me.

1) Are Infinity's the best aftermarker speakers?
2) I read that the front speakers are the only speakers I should change and that the back is just "fill" is this true?
3) What is the recommended speaker size for the least amount of fitting?
4) What depth speaker should I use?
5) Do I need any additional wiring, or can I just attach the speaker wire that was connected to the stock speaker?


Once again, I'm sorry if some of these have been answered, and thanks ahead of time for whoever helps.

Regards,
SEBBA

[yippieguy]

>>1) Are Infinity's the best aftermarker speakers?

There are many good brands out there that will sound great. You'd be surprised at what your factory speakers can do with a decent powered new head-unit. <wink wink>

>>2) I read that the front speakers are the only speakers I should change and that the back is just "fill" is this true?

If you're trying to do it on a budget.. replace the fronts only.. the rears DO help with imaging a little (they bring the sound-stage up off the front floor a little).. from my experience, rear speakers can usually be left factory even if you upgrade the fronts. If you're building a casual "daily driver" system that you want to sound GOOD.. that's what I'm talking about here.... as long as we're not talking about competing in spl contests!


>>3) What is the recommended speaker size for the least amount of fitting?

6.5 inches are the factory cutouts (in the coupe at least) You might need to install a donut ring mount spacer if any part of the replacement speaker doesn't quite fit into the opening. I'd go as big as will fit (6.5") so you can get the most bass as possible.

>>4) What depth speaker should I use?

All of the brands that I tried out, polk, alpine, sony. all seemed to fit in the coupe just fine. Though all had WAY less bass than the factory ones.

>>5) Do I need any additional wiring, or can I just attach the speaker wire that was connected to the stock speaker?

If you're not going with an after-market amp, I don't see why the factory stuff won't work. You'll have to solder on new wire connectors to mate with your new speakers... ensure you keep an eye on the polarity ( + and -) of the wiring from the old to the new speaker)


From my experience, most after-market speakers are power-hungry. There's a good chance your new speakers, if used with the existing deck, will not play nearly as loud as the factory ones (with their tiny magnets and efficient design). Upgraded speakers will perform best with an amp that can give them real power.

I connected a new alpine deck (16Watts x 4) to my FACTORY honda speakers and they sound GREAT. .. could use a little more treble.. but overall.. an impressive upgrade and I'm actually struggling with the decision to add an amp and install my _infinity_ component system that I already own. :/ the bass from my factory speakers is really decent.. WAY more mid-bass than my infinity 6.5 components could ever do.!! (I'll just add a little 80uf capacitor to them soon to kill the sub-bass from hitting them)

Anyway.. 'sall I got :)

[bikinpunk]

I would've responded sooner, but I didn't have time.

Originally Posted by SEBBA

1) Are Infinity's the best aftermarker speakers?

No. There's truly no "best" because companies come up out of nowhere all the time with new products. That's the most honest answer. A complex answer is that it's all relative to your install, and your specific likings. Your tastes will change time after time, so I dont think anyone ever achieves a "perfect" setup.

Other brands to look into that you may not have heard of:
Seas, morel, dyn, cdt, rainbow, focal, mb quart, jbl, boston acoustics.

If you're looking for suggestions, give us a budget and how you'll be powering your speakers (headunit, or aftermarket amplifier).

Originally Posted by SEBBA

2) I read that the front speakers are the only speakers I should change and that the back is just "fill" is this true?

Once again, relative to your tastes, but many SQ guys don't touch rear fill (rear speakers). The biggest reason for this is that it pulls away from the front stage (front speakers).
Having said that, I personally see no need in having rear speakers (other than stock, if you wish to leave those in) simply for the fact that powerful front stage will not be assisted by rear fill in such a small car as ours. You should put your efforts to what's in front of you first. Then, if later you have achieved musical nirvana up front; focus on the back.
I wouldn't fool with amplifying rear speakers either unless you do a 5.1 surround in your car.
When you truly get into the "audiophile" side of car audio, you'll see what I mean about never being truly happy with your front stage.

Originally Posted by SEBBA

3) What is the recommended speaker size for the least amount of fitting?

Your door speakers accomodate 6.5" stock. However, the stock speaker has a mounting ring that acts as a spacer. It brings the speaker out about 0.75". Enough for the speaker basket to fit comforatably. If you go aftermarket you'll need to make your own mounting ring. MDF will work just fine and you can use a jig-saw or router to cut the circle out. Pretty simple. FWIW, I think I've only heard of one person who's had a speaker that would fit right in without a spacer ring.

Originally Posted by SEBBA

4) What depth speaker should I use?

Read above answer. If you go with a spacer, you'll be hardpressed to find a 6.5" diameter speaker with a total depth that would cause it to hit the window. I still have about 1.5" clearance, and am only using a 0.5" MDF ring.

Originally Posted by SEBBA

5) Do I need any additional wiring, or can I just attach the speaker wire that was connected to the stock speaker?

You can do this, yes. However, you'll have to cut the clip that is on the end of the stock wiring. If you don't plan to put stocks back in the door then that’s fine. If you do, then I suggest leaving enough room on the plug side of the cut so you can connect the plug back to the factory wiring.

[sikassdrummer]

focal makes the best 6.5's I have ever heard and have the greatest ratings but they are on the expensive side

[bikinpunk]

Wow, old thread just got dug up. :)

[lostdaytomorrow]

Originally Posted by sikassdrummer

focal makes the best 6.5's I have ever heard and have the greatest ratings but they are on the expensive side

Which focal's have you heard?