[updated:LAST EDITED ON 11-Sep-02 AT 09:57 AM (EST)]I`ve GOT to replace those crappy stock speakers in the doors of my 80 F250 and was wondering what you guys think are good replacements for a door type enclosure ? Let the opinions fly . I`d like to spend a couple hundred bucks or less . I`m going to be running about 50 RMS per side . Thanks

Jeff

 

I am assuming you already have an amp (50 watts per channel). Before i can make any recommendations please tell me what equipment you have (HU, amp, etc.)

John

 

JVC 980 MP3/CDR HU , Alpine V12 amp ( about 50x2 RMS ) . I`m also wondering what I can stuff behind the seat for bit more bass . Its a reg. cab and I know my options are quite limited . Thanks



Jeff

 

I am running Infinity Reference Series Component 6.5" they sound great, I am driving them with a MTX 4300x 4 channel amp bridged to two channels (180rmsx2).

For subs I used 2 10" JL Audio 10W3 in sealed truck boxes that I made, I drive each one of those with a Rockford Fosgate Punch 360.2. When you turn it up loud enough it makes it hard to read road signs.

 

I would recommend getting a component set.

Everyone will have different opinions on which components they like, I would recommend these two.

Focal Polyglass

Crystal CSc60t's

John

 

I would use a compnent system, but keep in mind that if you want to save a bit, you can get fairly good sound out of a set of 2-way speakers.

something that was not mentioned already was this: door/wall/dash mounting locations are so big and vary in shape so much, that the acustics will not allow the speaker to perform at it's maximum ability. To resolve this problem you can either put dynamat behild the speaker, or my personal choice get the XTC Foam Speaker baffles from crutchfield, they will in addition to providing the right acustuical enviroment protect your investment from moisture. I put them in my Aerostar both in the dash and in the wall panels, and the difference was definately good. A big increase in bass, and overall clarity of the music at high and low volumes as well. And the price is really good, I think around 7 bucks for a pair, though i could be wrong.

Another thing you may consider to prevent distortion is Bass blockers. for 6-1/2 inch speakers you shouldn't need more than a 150hz bass blocker. all it does is keep sounds below 150hz out of your speakers, because 6.5 inch speakers really were not designed to produce sounds that low, the result is much clearer sound, and if you use a sub(s) behind the seat you'll have plenty of bass.

as far as brands it depends on who you ask, I have A whole pioneer system in my Aerostar and it sounds really good. Also I have Orion subwoofers on a 500watt pioneer amp and they flat out kick ***! Go on www.sounddomain.com and read the reviews on various 6-1/2inch speakers, and pick the ones you like most.

-Mike-

 

Thats some good advice . I`ll look into those before I mount some speakers . Also a good is idea are those 150 cutoffs . Thanks for the advice , I`m going speaker shopping tomorrow
The only thing that bugs me is how good are those behind the seat bass enlosures ? Going to do the job ok ???


Jeff

 

Behind the seat bass enclosures will provide filling bass...don't expect it to be overwhelming.

You have received some good advice so far and your headed in the right direction.

I have installed bass blockers for other people and IMO I think they are a waste of money. Buy some crossovers and you will be able to adjust them to your liking.

Have fun shopping!

John

 

yes behind the seat subwoofer enclosures will sound good, as long as you buy a good brand and brake it in properly.

John makes a good point about the crossover, However, if you are using it with door speakers, I am going to assume that you have the speakers hooked up to the HU and not a separate amp. In this case you have to use a set of PASSIVE crossovers, meaning that they go inline with your speaker wires, and are essentially the same thing as a bass blocker because most PASSIVE crossovers are NOT adjustable. The difference between a Passive crossover and a Bass blocker is this: a passive crossover will usually have a high pass and a low pass side allowing you to hook up a tweeter and mid/sub to it and get the right frequencies to each speaker. I would only reccomend you to get crossovers if you decide to use a compnent system, of course they come with crossovers though. If you use two or three way speakers I would go with the bass blockers, because the hig/low pass capability would be wasted on 3 or 2 way speakers...


If you get a sub(s) to go behind your seat, get an active crossover only if your amp doesn't already have one built in. My pioneer amp has a built in 80hz lowpass crossover, but that wasn't enough for me, so I just went to radio shak and bought a 10 dollar Active crossover, that goes as low as 40hz, and has bass boost ( it is adjustable). It works well enough for me. An active crossover is meant to be used between the line-level RCA output of your head unit and the line-level RCA input of your amplifier. not directly connected to the speakers like a passive crossover. if you get a highandlow pass active crossover it can be used with door speakers that are run off of an external amplifier.


Good luck with your choice, and I hope you enjoy your new speakers!
-Mike-

 

Some of the best 6 1/2"s you can get are:

Focal
MB Quart
Diamond Audio

But if you want an awesome pair for a very reasonable price...
check out these speakers. They are DEI Studio models. It is a 6.5" component set and is rated very well. Price is about 150.

If you want a Coaxial, go with the Diamond Audio M3 series. They are
awesome for the price!

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 26-Sep-02 AT 10:31 PM (EST)]u could always get a good component set from Infinity, JBL, Focal, try getting 2 DD 6.5" and a good set of intinity tweeters. next is to make custom kickpanels outta fiberglass. http://www.wes.nissanpower.com/photo.html has a great step by step how to on making them. that sould really give u a nice kick and sound nice.

depends on how much "kick" u want. u could go with a nice set of 10" subs from eiter Rockford fosgate, alpine, infinity, JL, etc.. and cutsom build a box for them behind the seat. i reccomend 10"s mainly they sound nice, and dont take up as much space as 12"s do. u should really get a new amp it u get any time of subs perferably Rockford Fosgate, JBL, alpine. hope this helps.