Replace stock speakers

[SHOinVa]

Fwiw... I have never had good luck just replacing speakers... usually any decent speakers require more wattage than what a factory amp can provide...

You truly need to match up the correct speakers with the correct amps...

Biggest issue with just replacing speakers is you tend to get distortion at the upper volumes if the amp is under or over powered... particularly with the high end frequencies since they are more sensitive to wattage requirements...

Not trying to scare you, but if I was dropping a grand on a speaker upgrade it better be spot on...

- Agreed, but a lot of people out here have said changing door speakers made a difference, anything more an you start to chase the rabbit which I am trying to avoid. Some things sound good but mostly it just leaves me wanting more, and everything I read says the speakers are the weak point. Unlike when I was much younger volume is not as important as sound quality, my vintage home speakers have six tweeter's and they sound amazing, only time its not loud enough is when I have had a few too many pops.
- They should be a direct fit no drilling or cutting involved, I watched him look it up and I looked it up also. I have not gotten to the SHO amp wattage yet.
- Speakers price seems to be all park, if not a bit cheaper, there is crazy mark up on speakers but everyone does it so there is no way around it if you want anything approaching quality.
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[StealBlueSho]

When I worked at Circuit City (remember that place!?!?!?) I got 70% or more off car audio gear..

 

[SHOinVa]

When I worked at Circuit City (remember that place!?!?!?) I got 70% or more off car audio gear..

And now for something completely different,

- Funny Story, When I first graduated High School I got a crappy job and a credit card, Now I never though we where poor but what I did not know is how well off my family actually was, my Dad is what he likes to call frugal. Anyway I took my brand new credit card and went too Circuit City an bought my folks there very first microwave, it was about a 100 pounds and the size of a small oven but I was so proud to get them something I thought they couldn't afford. LMAO I was so freaking stupid, So **** Yea I know Circuit City very well.

Now back to our regularly scheduled programming.
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[glockcoma]

1k for speakers with the factory amp is not worth it IMHO.
The factory speakers do just fine with the supplied power.
If they'll throw in an amp and wiring for the focal's then it might be worth it.
Focal has several different product lines. entry, mid-level and high end. I'm pretty sure the "integration line is the entry level.
http://www.focal-america.com/lines/
Those adapters just let you mount a 6 1/2" speaker in a 5x7 hole.
You can get them from crutchfield, amazon, eBay etc for about $15 a pair.
I've always been a fan of making them out of hdpe cutting boards from Walmart.

 

[Sgtmeatsauce1]

Ok, here's what I ended up doing. I called Crutchfield and used their recommendations. I bought 4 polk audio 6x8 speakers. No adapters, went right in, took my buddy 45 minutes. The rear deck was replaced with 6x9 (quad speaker, though only bass is used, this speaker supposed to excel at bass) did not change 3.5 speakers in front or rear or the tweeters (yet?).
Results, not sure what happened.
But everything sounds great, killer bass, highs can cause your ears to bleed. BUT, it now takes double the amount of volume to elicit the same loudness. Speakers are all 4 ohms. I can now turn all the way up and with windows down sounds great, too loud with windows up. Great overall sound. Cost 400 bucks for all 6 speakers and a case of beer and 1.5 hours to install. Wire adapters, for plug n play install came free from Crutchfield. Note: I had to change at least one door speaker which was blown when I bought my used 2013. I have the Sony system.

 

[Jeff2017]

Ok, here's what I ended up doing. I called Crutchfield and used their recommendations. I bought 4 polk audio 6x8 speakers. No adapters, went right in, took my buddy 45 minutes. The rear deck was replaced with 6x9 (quad speaker, though only bass is used, this speaker supposed to excel at bass) did not change 3.5 speakers in front or rear or the tweeters (yet?).
Results, not sure what happened.
But everything sounds great, killer bass, highs can cause your ears to bleed. BUT, it now takes double the amount of volume to elicit the same loudness. Speakers are all 4 ohms. I can now turn all the way up and with windows down sounds great, too loud with windows up. Great overall sound. Cost 400 bucks for all 6 speakers and a case of beer and 1.5 hours to install. Wire adapters, for plug n play install came free from Crutchfield. Note: I had to change at least one door speaker which was blown when I bought my used 2013. I have the Sony system.

I am not a stereo expert but it sounds like the polks take more wattage to drive, but as long as you can get the volume where you want it w/o introducing distortion all is good. Enjoy!

 

[Sgtmeatsauce1]

Yes they rated at 360 watts and the rears are Kickers rated around the same. Full max Vol and no distortion. I suspect also the need more power to run but can go much higher. I probably won't touch anything else, I not going to chase it, no simple fix. ..400 dollar learning experience. I thought by using Crutchfield and their knowledge I would circumvent the situation I am in. Overall it is fine for me, clear as a bell loud enough....

 

[SHOinVa]

The factory speakers do just fine with the supplied power.

- Well it does leave me wanting something, stock system is ok but it should be better, if there is an easy fix why not.

If they'll throw in an amp and wiring for the focal's then it might be worth it.

- I wish if the price included a decent amp that would be a no brainier, but I don't think amp swap on the Sony is a easy thing.

You can get them from crutchfield, amazon, eBay etc for about $15 a pair.

- I figured it was something like that, it may be normal but it is also taking advantage of a customer. I hate that.

I not going to chase it, no simple fix. ..400 dollar learning experience.

- I agree it can turn into way more then you want very quickly, I only have the option of professional installer.
- So far 2 1/2 people say its not worth it and leave it alone, not what I expected but good information, I will defiantly get at least a few more quotes before I decide. Thanks Everyone
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[Chris Horner]

Well done. Glad you went that route @Sgtmeatsauce1 instead of dropping the coin that the shop wanted. Wow. I did similar - waited for the right sale from Crutchfield, replaced the door and deck speakers, took an afternoon to install them, and am happy. Yeah I know it can be better, but for a relatively small investment I'm quite happy with the results. Next up though is a powered sub to add real bass

 

[StealBlueSho]

Yup, that's why I recommend looking up online what they are tying to sell... audio shops are known for screwing over people... especially drop ins...

If you want help, let me know, I used to work on competition car audio stuff...you are in VA.. as am I.

 

[SHOinVa]

Yup, that's why I recommend looking up online what they are tying to sell... audio shops are known for screwing over people... especially drop ins..

LMAO EVERYONE in the automotive world does some degree of screwing, I would say when your paying a premium price for instillation its just greedy to charge someone $50 for "adapters", at very least charge hourly rate to make them or what they cost whichever applies.
- I know a lot of you guys are DIY folks I am not, and I don't know anyone I trust to start pulling my doors apart so I have to find a shop. Thanks for the offer StealBlueSho but your a bit of a hike for speakers, LOL Springs or DP maybe but not speakers.
- They seem about right on speaker price, they are full retail but no more, install is about $65 a door, throwing in the tweets. an then you have tax which is not there fault. There right up the street and they did a nice job on my tint.
-I am not saying you guys are wrong just letting you in on my thinking, I could get a great price form some other shop and they put $20 speakers in and tell me to have a nice day. For now I am in a holding pattern but I would love to hear from someone who swapped doors-tweets. Happy 4th all.
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[SilverSH0]

Ok, here's what I ended up doing. I called Crutchfield and used their recommendations. I bought 4 polk audio 6x8 speakers. No adapters, went right in, took my buddy 45 minutes. The rear deck was replaced with 6x9 (quad speaker, though only bass is used, this speaker supposed to excel at bass) did not change 3.5 speakers in front or rear or the tweeters (yet?).
Results, not sure what happened.
But everything sounds great, killer bass, highs can cause your ears to bleed. BUT, it now takes double the amount of volume to elicit the same loudness. Speakers are all 4 ohms. I can now turn all the way up and with windows down sounds great, too loud with windows up. Great overall sound. Cost 400 bucks for all 6 speakers and a case of beer and 1.5 hours to install. Wire adapters, for plug n play install came free from Crutchfield. Note: I had to change at least one door speaker which was blown when I bought my used 2013. I have the Sony system.

Sounds like a good setup. For reference, what's the sensitivity on the speakers you purchased? You obviously purchased speakers that have a lower sensitivity rating than the stock setup, but I don't know the sensitivity of the stock speakers (knowing sensitivity of your purchase would at least give a reference). When reading sensitivity, the numbers are going to be close but small sensitivity differences make a big difference in output. A difference of 3dB in sensitivity requires double the power for the same output. If the stock speakers are 93dB sensitivity and the ones purchased are 90dB, it requires twice the power to achieve the same volume. That's always something important because new speakers might require 400W and a new amp while a more sensitive speaker could only require 200W on a stock amp.

 

[SHOinVa]

I like to spend money just as much as the next guy, but the stereo world is insane.
- I'm going to start my own speaker company and they will be built in the Himalayas by Buddhist Monks who will chant Holy incantations while they hand build a limited number of speakers made from recycled musical instruments that where only played by virginal music students.
The stereo world is crazy and is not for me; the rabbit hole is always calling you, Anyway I Digress, Thanks everyone I got great advice, I found a shop who is pushing me too Phoenix Gold SX65's all six speakers, installed for $654.57 which is a much better price. I listened to a bunch of speakers in the shop including some $1000 ones and the Phoenix Gold SX65's are the ones that sounded the best. The thing that impressed me the guy set in the car, adjusted my system, and kind of got what I was looking for. I still have one more shop to visit but they seemed pretty ok to me. I will keep you posted.
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[Lostneye]

I like to spend money just as much as the next guy, but the stereo world is insane.
- I'm going to start my own speaker company and they will be built in the Himalayas by Buddhist Monks who will chant Holy incantations while they hand build a limited number of speakers made from recycled musical instruments that where only played by virginal music students.
The stereo world is crazy and is not for me; the rabbit hole is always calling you, Anyway I Digress, Thanks everyone I got great advice, I found a shop who is pushing me too Phoenix Gold SX65's all six speakers, installed for $654.57 which is a much better price. I listened to a bunch of speakers in the shop including some $1000 ones and those are the ones that sounded the best. The thing that impressed me the guy set in the car, adjusted my system, and kind of got what I was looking for. I still have one more shop to visit but they seemed pretty ok to me. I will keep you posted.
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Absolutely but for real sound quality it's a DSP that will do it for you moreso than high dollar speakers. I'll put my $40 a pop tweeters up against any high end brand you can think of without a processor to get the most out of them it's a waste of money.

And just like some guys buy new plugs and 3 bar MAPsfrom Livernois and some go to rockauto some of it is knowing what to buy where. Or some guys build slick over the top systems where the install is just as impressive as the equipment some just want it to sound good.

 

[2011TAURUSSEL]

SigMeatSauce wrote..........

Ok, here's what I ended up doing. I called Crutchfield and used their recommendations. I bought 4 polk audio 6x8 speakers. No adapters, went right in, took my buddy 45 minutes. The rear deck was replaced with 6x9 (quad speaker, though only bass is used, this speaker supposed to excel at bass) did not change 3.5 speakers in front or rear or the tweeters (yet?).
Results, not sure what happened.
But everything sounds great, killer bass, highs can cause your ears to bleed. BUT, it now takes double the amount of volume to elicit the same loudness. Speakers are all 4 ohms. I can now turn all the way up and with windows down sounds great, too loud with windows up. Great overall sound. Cost 400 bucks for all 6 speakers and a case of beer and 1.5 hours to install. Wire adapters, for plug n play install came free from Crutchfield. Note: I had to change at least one door speaker which was blown when I bought my used 2013. I have the Sony system.

Lets see....6X8 direct fit no adapters..........6X9 rear deck.........Wiring adapters for plug and play.......

I wonder who could have said that they would fit with that scenario............I wonder.......who could it be..........could it be........SATAN!!!!! or maybe 2011TAURUSSEL

I would have recommended the center 3.5" especially the rear center while you were doing the decks so you don't have to get back into the panel but not the end of the world. The center instrument panel is also 3.5 so since they come as a kit you use one for rear center deck and the other for front center instrument panel. If you decide for centers later let me know I have done them before and not overly complicated. Some very minor trimming and hardware involved with attention to detail but reasonably straight forward.

 

[SHOinVa]

LMAO You guys are funny, so many ways to get to Albuquerque and so many ways to make a wrong turn once you get there. I feel pretty good about replacing the four door's and tweets and see how I like it. In fact I asked the guy at the shop about doing the rear deck and he said do this first and see how you like it. If I'm wrong let me know but I think its a start and maybe a finish.
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[SHOinVa]

As I figured would happen this has turned into confusing swamp of what I need, what I want, and what they tell me I need. So I have a few questions maybe someone know the answers.

- First has anyone heard of Phoenix Gold Speakers, they are not unknown but I can not find a recent review on how they sound and if people actually like them. They look very well made but not sure how they sound in a car, every speaker has a personality.
- Is putting two ways in the door instead of component speakers and leaving or replacing the stock tweeters a good thing, I was thinking of replacing everything with two way speakers, in theory doesn't that sort of double the amount of speakers you have. (I went to another shop and they sort of talked me out of the component speakers with tweeters, I kind of got the feeling he just didn't want to mess with replacing the tweets).
- What does the cross overs do and are they important to how everything sounds.
- Lastly everyone wants to sale me padding, stuffing, rubber rings, etc what exactly do you need to properly install a speaker.
Good thing I am not in a hurry, it will all work out in time, Thanks in advance for any help.
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[Lostneye]

What are you really looking for in upgrading? A lot of this is subjective so as you said there are many ways to get to Albuquerque but the other thing is not everyone is looking to go there or NM for that matter. Sound quality means different things to different people. I consider myself an audiophile but really I barely have a toe in that pool. I suggest you listen to a few different speakers you are considering before buying, they will sound different on a sound wall in a shop or in a different car than yours but you can hear differences between them.

- First has anyone heard of Phoenix Gold Speakers, they are not unknown but I can not find a recent review on how they sound and if people actually like them. They look very well made but not sure how they sound in a car, every speaker has a personality.

I haven't heard any newer offerings from them. PG used to be great, fell off into garbage almost in the Boss audio league, and has currently been coming back with some decent if not higher end gear.

- Is putting two ways in the door instead of component speakers and leaving or replacing the stock tweeters a good thing, I was thinking of replacing everything with two way speakers, in theory doesn't that sort of double the amount of speakers you have. (I went to another shop and they sort of talked me out of the component speakers with tweeters, I kind of got the feeling he just didn't want to mess with replacing the tweets).

Some people are happy with coax in the doors, which is all that really matters. Personally I would not as it will drag your image down with highs so low in the door and can get blocked by your legs, and bluredr it if keeping the tweets in the pillar. The factory system uses tweets in the pillars and mids in the door.


Also if only doing speakers keep an eye on the sensitivity rating. This is a measure of how loud a speaker gets with a certain amount of power, typically 1 watt/ 1 meter away. Higher numbers are louder and the scale is exponential, so 3db higher is twice is loud. Factory speakers while typically cheaply made usually have a high sensitivity rating. If upgrading to low sensitivity speakers they may sound better but you may lose a noticeable amount of volume.

- What does the cross overs do and are they important to how everything sounds.

Crossovers separate what frequencies different speakers play. You can easy fry a tweeter trying to get it to play too low, coaxial speakers typically have caps on them to protect the tweeters. Components will typically have external crossovers that usually keep highs out of the mids and lows out of the tweets and sometimes additional changes to improve the response overall. Some amps or DSPs(digital signal processors) have crossovers built in that let you tailor for the speakers/application.

- Lastly everyone wants to sale me padding, stuffing, rubber rings, etc what exactly do you need to properly install a speaker.

It's all in what your budget/goals are. for my front doors I have custom wood mounts for my mids, CLD(constrained layer dampener)i.e. dynomat type vibration dampener, closed cell foam, and MLV(mass loaded vinyl) to block sound from outside and the back wave of the speaker in the door. It makes a noticeable difference but adds weight and cost. I suggest you check out https://www.sounddeadenershowdown.com/ if you want to read up on how all three work.

 

[SHOinVa]

What are you really looking for in upgrading? A lot of this is subjective so as you said there are many ways to get to Albuquerque but the other thing is not everyone is looking to go there or NM for that matter. Sound quality means different things to different people. I consider myself an audiophile but really I barely have a toe in that pool. I suggest you listen to a few different speakers you are considering before buying, they will sound different on a sound wall in a shop or in a different car than yours but you can hear differences between them.

First Thanks for the reply that took time on your part and was most certainly helpful, I need to read it a few more time to digest properly.
Short answer to your question is trying an get a better sound out of the stock system without going off the deep end. The Sony System is not horrible but when I turn up the volume seems like the highs get very sharp and harsh, its not too loud its when it gets loud it falls way off performance wise. I know it will never be perfect and I don't want to spend that much on the stereo but I was hoping to replace the speakers a little bit at a time and make it better. The stereo shops I have spoken with seem to have there own agendas and like to hide mark ups in every item. The one Shop I really liked until they tried to sale me foam backing at what he said was cost, Amazon had it $10 cheaper. I think the first guy I spoke with gave me a reasonable set-up but then I talked to the shop manager and he figure he had one on the line an everything got upgraded. - So one last question Focal or Phoenix Gold do you like one better then the other. Thanks again an have a great day,
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[Lostneye]

No problem, glad I can help.

I did not like the factory Sony processing with the centers and ran it in stereo mode faded up front before I upgrading. If you think about it when you are a concert the sound is coming from in front of you not behind. Stock you will lose a little volume but personally that was the best sounding to me. Play with that stuff first and give it a few days for your brain to settle as most people are used to things sounding a certain way and the change takes time to get used to. If you like things faded towards the front I would focus most of your budget towards front speakers.

I think I may have understood regarding foam backing, do you mean the foam baffles i.e. boom mat or xtc that close off the back of the speaker? If so I do not recommend them, there is nothing wrong with the product but many times it can alter frequency response and **** your midbass. The inside of the door acts as an enclosure to some degree affecting how the speaker behaves. Putting them in side a small enclosed space will change how it behaves many times for the worse.

While you may find things cheaper on amazon remember 2 things, 1. amazon/ebay or whatever vendor is selling product online may not be an authorized retailer giving you zero warranty, also especially with Focal and some other popular models there are counterfeit speakers out there that look surprisingly good but not the performance or quality if the real thing and 2. many shops will charge more and/or will not warranty work if you do not buy equipment form them. Look at the overall cost, don't get hung up on individual prices for a quote.

Between Focal and PG, personal preference I have never been a fan of Focal, their high end stuff is really nice but way out of the price range you should be looking at for just a speaker upgrade, there lower end stuff doesn't do it for me. I haven't heard any newer PG speakers so I can comment. I would say try and listen to both and if both sound good buy whatever is more efficient.