Upgrading factory speaker question

[southpawz]

I am looking to upgrade my factory speakers in my 98 Sonoma... I know the sizes I need (4x6 dash and 6.5" doors) but I am wanting some suggestions on what type of speaker to put where.... More than likely I will go with Pioneer speakers

Should I put 3-way speakers in doors and dash or mix them up and use 2-way and 3-way (or even 4-way) and if so which type would you put where?

I am not trying to build a mega system I am just wanting to upgrade the speakers and I will also be adding a new reciever and maybe down the road I will add a small amp to push a single 10" sub to add alittle bass.

[sleepr_sonoma]

(Edit)A lot of people on here really like the Infinity 4x6 plate speakers (Reference or Kappa). The 6.5 is up to you whether you want to do a mid, midbass, or coax speaker.

Most people would tell you (myself included) to just unplug the dash speakers (and of course safely cover the ends). Then, buy a nice set of components and have the tweeter installed within a couple inches of the 6.5". I sorta regret putting my tweeter in the "sail" panel. It doesn't sound bad, but it doesn't sound as good as it could.

2.5" is about all the mounting depth you have in the door IIRC. My Type X 6.5s push that to the limit. Pioneer makes some nice speakers, along with Infinity and Alpine. There are other brands out there as well...The Pheonix Gold RSD 6.5" components were quite the rage this time last year, and they're quite affordable. I haven't heard a set but guess they sound pretty darn good.

[sleepr_sonoma]

Oh, if you decide to go the component route, it's normally advised you amp them, as well. It makes a huge difference. Factory power isn't really enough to hear them as they're meant to be heard. Just a thought.

...I realize you're just looking to replace speakers. Sorry I went off on all that

Edit: once you get beyond a 2 way setup things get complicated. Crossover points, slopes, speaker ranges...it's better to just stick with a simple speaker replacement if that's all you want to do.

[beaniebmx]

i have the pheonix gold 6.5 RSD's in my door. got a good deal on them and unhooked the dash speakers. they sound clear and have some bass for those without subs. im not big into subs and rattling my pants off, so these speakers do the job for low cost. better than stock but im sure theres better for more $$

[CommanderKidUT]

i like my pioneer's, personaly

[iroc2nv]

I too have the PG rsd 6.5 comps in my blazer. I have them amped with a RF P400 and they sound great !

[wolfwood09]

Pioneers are my speakers.. love it too..

[southpawz]

Thanks for the suggestions sleepr sonoma ....

What if I replace my stock reciever with one that say puts out 50W x 4 (20W RMS x 4) ....then I dont hook up the dash speakers and join the front and rear speaker wires together out of the new reciever and use them to power a set of component speakers in my doors thru a crossover ....would I realistically be getting 40w per channel this way? And do you think it would be enough power to get decent sound quality? I am thinking this way so I wont have to end up buying a 4 channel amp now and then have to run all the extra wires to the amp then back to the crossover then to the door speakers ...also this way as I get some extra funds I can always add a smaller amp just to power say one 10" sub for added bass later.

[southpawz]

Anyone used some Pioneer TSD1602R 6.5" speakers? They have built in crossovers in the speaker ...thought these might sound fairly good and I wouldnt have to cut any holes in my doors to add seperate tweeters like I would with the component type

here is alittle info on them : http://www.millionbuy.com/piotsd1602r.html

[silvercoat]

No aftermarket headunit will safely put out 50W RMS period

Doing Infinity's in the dash is not the best idea and is kind of a waste of money.

Do a set of compoents, 6.5 in door(need adapter) and tweeter in dash(make a plate from tracing out the factory 4x6, it takes about 30mins)

Use the factory wiring and wire your crossovers behind the radio.

Alpine Type S comonents or the Pioneer intro components sound amazing and you dont need to amp them, however if you do amp them they sound even better.

Ive been through this with about 4-5 S10s and they have all agreed on this thought.



LINKS

Alpine Type S
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....1994946 46675

Pioneer
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....2026489 96067

I am currently running Alpine Type R components amped with this kinda setup and couldnt be happier. I was in the same boat originally and wanted to do inifnity plates and doors but this was a much much better choice in the end.

[therule546]

If you are looking for a simple factory replacement just do coaxs. Buy the infinity plates and infinity reference or kappa 6.5 for the doors. Itll sound good off of the headunit and probably be exactly what you are looking for.

If you want to start a system then get a nice set of components and mount the tweeter within 2 inches of the mid. The pheonix gold rsd6.5cs is an excellent set of components to get you started. You will want to amp them. YOU CANNOT JOIN THE FRONT AND REAR SPEAKER OUTS ON THE HU. There is more to installing a set of components. You will have to install the amp, hide the crossover, and drill a hole to mount the tweeter.

Like I said before if you are looking for factory replacements just buy the coaxs you will be more than happy. I higly reccomend the infinity kappa coaxs for factory replacements.

[southpawz]

Well basically I just started throwing around ideas since I was wanting a new HU and figured I might as well replace the factory speakers while I am at it... I never fooled with systems much other than putting a HU in a few vehicles of mine but most of that was done in my teen years so alot has changed since then (pre-cd days...lol) I am just wanting to keep the install simple yet sound good ....my factory radio/speakers gets plenty load enough for me I have done some digging into the component type speakers and I can see where they would make a big difference in SQ but I am really not wanting to dish out the funds right now for an amp just to power them...

So should I do component speakers and not amp them or just buy 2 or 3-way speakers for the dash and doors and call it a day??

[C-Bo]

Check out Zapco i-force components for the doors and for the dash I would look for a good 4x6 plate like infinity makes. Possibly run an amp similar to a jbl 75.4.

[Sir Toad]

infinity kappas are too power hungry to run off a head unit...if you don't amp them it's a waste to buy them...might as well use references

[therule546]

Quote: Originally Posted by paint toad

infinity kappas are too power hungry to run off a head unit...if you don't amp them it's a waste to buy them...might as well use references

I feel totally comfortable running the kappa coaxes off a head unit. The price difference is minimal if you order them online. IIRC there is only like a 10 dollar difference when ordered through millionbuy.com

Now the kappa components are a whole nother story. The mids will handle gobs of power (100 watts plus), but the tweeter sounds stressed after around 20 watts(blew mine within a week) Replaced it with a PEERLESS 4 ohm 1 inch textile dome with grille with similiar specs and couldnt be happier. I can honestly say the mids are worth every penny of the 150 I spent on them, but because of the tweeters I cant say Id reccomend them to anyone, but the coaxs are fine.

To the OP if your stock speakers are plenty loud for you and you are just looking for a little better sound just do a nice set of 2 way coaxials. The 3-5 ways are a waste of time and money. Buy yourself a nice headunit that has all the features you want. If you crave a little more bass instal a small amp and an 8" sub and call it a day.

[sleepr_sonoma]

southpawz,

If all you want is a little better sound, then coaxial speakers are definitely the way to go. The aftermarket headunit will almost certainly put out more power than the stock one (most aftermarket headunits are between like 16 and 22 watts RMS). In combination with the better speakers, you should be set!

I would try unplugging the dash speakers and installing the new headunit and door speakers first. If you want more sound, add a set of dash speakers. I would try to do without them if possible, though.

[low&loud]

I am planning a "Mega system" for my 95 s10ext down the road.. When i brought it home the factory radio didn't work.. I put in a pioneer deh6100. memphis 4x6 in the dash and the 6" memphis mid bass speakers in the doors..
just to keep me going.

[90blueS10]

i have some memphis 4x6s in my dash, with the movable tweeter. and they sound great. good highs, nice mids.