Hi all,

I'd like to upgrade the audio in my 2001 X. I've had bad luck with the Crutchfield speaker guide as far as what will fit in door panels without modification, so I wanted to reach out to the X owner community for experience/advice on what speakers fit nicely and sound good.

My intentions are to apply Dynamat or similar to the doors and install decent speakers using the OE wiring, then upgrade the head unit and perhaps add an external amp. Many years ago I would have done something crazy like separates with a crossover or whatnot, but I'm just not into that now. I'd prefer to have direct swaps that use the OE cutouts.

I *might* do some kind of sub arrangement in the rear or console (I think JBL used to make a console insert) but probably won't do that until I hear how a basic upgrade does. This isn't an audiophile platform after all.

Thanks,

Chris

 

I believe I had JL audio 6x9 in the door locations in my first X, but had them professional done also. I'm thinking it calls for 6x8s.

 

I would assume so in the front, but are all of the door cutouts/fittings in the X the same as those in a SD?

 

I'm sorry but I do not know. I can only assume so.

 

All of the speaker openings in the Excursion are 6x8, including the rears (6 total). I'm running Pioneer in my doors, but left the factory speakers in the rear location, partly because I didn't think it was worth messing with them and partly because the factory paper cone speakers tend to have a little more bass response than aftermarket speakers. I've always been pretty happy with Pioneer speakers, but I've had good luck with Alpine and Infinity, also. I'd say go to an audio store and listen to some speakers using the same head unit, then buy what sounds best to you. I would think most 6x8 speakers would fit since it's pretty much uniquely a Ford size. Depth may be the only issue.

 

I recommend converting the front two speakers to 6" round components set and get quality 6x8 for the rear four. JL audio makes the center console box and with the woofer being up front it sets the sound stage perfectly and makes it sound a lot bigger than it really is. At minimum get a four channel amp, bridge one channel to the sub and the other two to the front component set. JL audio make some awesome little amps that will fit comfortably under the front passenger seat. You will have ample room to set it up on risers to mount above the second row air vent for your feet. But its all about how much you want to spend. If you want quality sound spend the bucks on the front component set, jL enclosure and JL amp. The rear will just be filler.

 

Im looking at upgrading my factory ones as well. I've installed dozens of radio's in friends cars but don't know crap about what to use and why. Is there a specific reason why you recommend the 6" round over the 6x8 or 6x9? I was looking at getting 6 JL Audio 6x9's and cutting out the openings to let them fit.
I do have an aftermarket stereo but don't listen to loud music, just want clearer music. Thanks in advance

 

I am bad at explaining things but I will give it a try. Oval speaks flex. They do not move up and down at the same rate. In my experience round (components/ Separate tweeter not tweeter in center post) sound way better. Generally higher quality speakers and sound comp speakers are round and there is a reason competitors like for them to be round. You are also able to use the 6x8 or 6x9 space to install the speakers and the tweeter on the same plate making the instal clean and simple. I know a lot of companies include the plates for 6x9 or 6x8 with the component sets. Like rockford.
As far as subs the cone is a lot stiffer so you can get away with a square speaker etc. But for upfront/midhigh quality you do not want them too stiff.

Here is a quote from someone who explained it a little better.
"speaker drivers are pushed and pull from the center. If your driver is round you should get an even flex and distortion in the cone. If its oval, you have different distances from the center to the edges and this can cause uneven flex. So theoretically a round one with every other spec the exact same (surface area) should be able to perform better."


Before cutting for 6x9 check out components. 6.5" is ideal but you will still have to trim a little. If you want clear.... go round in the front and fade rears a little to set the sound stage to the front of the vehicle. From the front you will not notice the high end speakers in the rear. I recommend just some good quality 6x8 for the rears and save your self the time and money to invest in the fronts with a good amp. I would much rather have one set of great speakers in the front to set the stage than 6 decent ones. You will not notice the quality of the rears when you fade forward and have a kick A$$ component set in the front. Think of the rear speaker as surround sound. You just want a little.

 

Now that you said that, I did have 6.5 in the front because they put the tweeters somewhere on the door flush. I agree, components are the way to go.

 

6X8 for all speakers! I'm running Pioneer 4-way front and 3-way rear. I installed dynamite on the doors and they sound great! Also running a Pioneer radio. I've always found the sound is better with dedicated speaker wires!

 

Really good info here! was pondering the same question myself as upgrades are needed for my blown oem speakers

 

I just had 6 Infinity 6802 cfx (6x8 std fit) put in mine. This year's model is 6822cfx. Great speakers! I'm using a Kenwood 6903S, and a Kenwood 450.4 amp for the Infinity(s), along with a Cerwin Vega 500 watt amp into a Sony Xplod 10" for bass. It's great for Rock N Roll and Blues!

And speaking of flex, I don't use the door spkrs for bass, so little "flexing" to be worried about. I want at least a 10" for solid bass, anything less is a compromise IMO.

 

anyone have experience with Kenwood KFC-P680C speakers. its a component set for our 6x8 opening

 

I asked my "guy" if I should get Kenwood speakers to match the Kenwood components and he recommended the Infinity instead. Since they were last year's model, they were ~$110 a pair.

 

I am not an spl guy. I do not like a lot of bass. I have put together a few SQ cars though. Speaker flex is not just caused by bass. The best systems have range. Subs 10" about 80hz and down. What about 300hz and up... why are no good home speaker oval? I just do not understand buying anything concidered an upgrade that is not round at least in the front. But to each their own. Good luck on your system.