Just for imput (2007 ST)

[USFguy]

I'm irritated by the factory speakers yet I like the HU (It plays mp3 cd's and the radio which is all I need) Would I gain some quality by just putting in some new speakers? Or does the stock HU not put out enough power to handle anything else?

[aaronajb1981]

you will gain a little in the difference (some think its huge, others dont). Keep in mind its really only putting out about 7 to 10 watts of rms (continuous) power. a good aftermarket unit has the ability to put out about double that. If i was to replace my speakers i would do a set of co-ax speakers. ofcourse your best option will be seperates, but your lacking in the power to get the full potential out of them.

[Joe Dirt]

Agreed- you might notice a little difference, but you won't get in and notice a giant change. In fact, I know most factory speakers I replaced without replacing anything else usually led me to think "Well, that was a waste..." They were a little different, but not night and day. Or even evening and morning...

[Crutchfield Vlad]

Yup... When you change to aftermarket speakers they will sound better but with the factory radio's lack of power you will not get the same volume and bass response. You will notice better detail at lower volume. If you are interested in louder response I would recommend getting an amplifier to give the new speakers more volume. There are amplifiers that will work with the factory radio by getting an amp with speaker level inputs. If you are interested in a nice small one check out this Alpine PowerPack. It's 45 watts RMS.

We have some really good articles on our web site below about speakers.

http://www.crutchfield.com/I-rFORc11...akers_why.html

http://www.crutchfield.com/I-rFORc11.../speakers.html

[bjielsl]

Originally Posted by Crutchfield Vlad

....If you are interested in a nice small one check out this Alpine PowerPack. It's 45 watts RMS.

Installing this in my 2007 ST this week, I will update with pictures.

[jrford]

bjielsl reading your other thread well covered, nice.

Just to add my .02c here. I did the same thing but i started with a Basic Radio and then moved to an audiophile unit; this is an '04 Ex. BUT the reason why i'm working around the OEM radio is i have the rear DVD, Steering wheel controls, speed sensitive volume. There are aftermarket modules for each but its like $100 a piece to keep them.

Basic radio and aftermarket speakers sounded much better, i could adjust the bass and treble to sound really good. So a few years later . . .

I got a hold of an Audiophile unit with the sub output. Added the stock Sub and all that and with the original aftermarket speakers it sounded like poo. Treble was really bright, bass non-existent. In summary the top end radios are calibrated for cheapo speakers, anything better will toss the calibration out the window. Also the cut freq between doors and sub is a little off for my tastes. Doors are like cut 100hz-20Khz sub is like up to 35-100hz. To many low notes come out of the rear of the truck, and i couldn't hear it!!

I never could adjust it just right so i upgraded the Sub to a 10" and 200w sub amp. It sounds real good but still not great. You can find more of my experience in a thread 'upgrading an audiophile sub'. My Plan C is to go to a 5 channel and the old basic radio.

Just a side plug, a lot of the stuff i do get from Crutchfield by the way. . .its kinda of cool to see one of their guys here, any discounts for members - hint hint?

[Crutchfield Vlad]

Originally Posted by jrford

Just a side plug, a lot of the stuff i do get from Crutchfield by the way. . .its kinda of cool to see one of their guys here, any discounts for members - hint hint?

hahaha, Thanks for the shout out and yeah I'm working on that.