High Wattage Speaker Replacements?

[AdamsGuitar]

Hey all, I'm looking to pick up two pairs of high wattage (100W or so RMS) 3-way replacement speakers for my '95 EB (the JBL's are OK, but they break up a bit when cranked and have a strange distortion that happens occasionally when playing a CD or tape). I'll be purchasing an aftermarket amp to power them, but all I can find in the way of 5x7 or 6x8 are at most 40W RMS (for some Pioneers). Anyone know of something a bit higher? I installed a set of Kappas in my friend's Sonata, but they were 6x9's (why can't Ford just use a NORMAL speaker size?) and I can't find any 3ways in high wattage for the size in my X.

 

[leenjen]

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[AdamsGuitar]

Thanks! I was actually looking for 3-ways, but those could be OK. Anyone know how they sound?

 

[davesexplorer]

I personally like these, have a pair of Y20k's as rear fill for my audiobahn components

Y2057K
Y3K57
SY68F

http://www.thezeb.com/caraudio/ma_audio_fullrange_speakers.html

if you want 3 ways Pioneer makes em, but only 50 watts rms

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Id go with one of leenjens suggestions if i had more $$$

 

[AdamsGuitar]

Yeah, I know about the Pioneer 3-ways, but I want something with a bit more power. I guess I'll either go with one of leenjen's suggestions or some Infinity Kappa 5x7's (they're 2-way as well)

 

[WoodysX]

TheZeb.com has some Audiobahn 6x8 or 6x7 plates from last year 4 sale for $60, i cant get the hyperlink up now since the site is down for now, but look in there "hot buys last years clearence" when thezeb come back online.

 

[AdamsGuitar]

Does anyone know if it would be possible to rig up some 6x9's into the 6x8 mounting surface? I'm willing to modify it so long as the appearance of the door doesn't change.

 

[davesexplorer]

there are 6x8 to 6x9 adaptors available but i cant remember where to get them, try searching around.

 

[WoodysX]

AdamGuitars talking about puting some 6x9s (larger) into some 6x8 holders. Probally not possible, since the 6x9 are much larger than a 6x8. Your probally asking since they are much cheaper right?...The 6x9s will offer more bass but your better off geting some subs later down the line if you want some real thump.

 

[davesexplorer]

I totally agree, if ya want thump get some subs, and its kind of funny that were talkin about 6x9's, cuz i just remembered that i used to have a set of audiobahn 6x9, and they wouldn't even fit in a space for a 6x9, too big. So just remember to keep the speaker within the space that is available.

 

[AdamsGuitar]

I kinda figure, but no, I ask because

1) 6x9's are more readily available than 6x8's/5x7's

and

2) A friend has a set of Kappa's that are 6x9's that he'd sell to me for $100.

I have the JBL system in my car and I've replaced the factory sub with an 8" Rockford Fosgate Punch Z sub. Sounds better, but I need something with more thump, but I am absolutely not willing to take up my cargo space with a box (I have a portable workstation back there that I'm working on)

 

[leenjen]

Originally posted by AdamsGuitar
Thanks! I was actually looking for 3-ways, but those could be OK. Anyone know how they sound?

they sound excellent off an amp.
i would go with either of the first two. i have installed them in a few fords and mazdas and the owners were amazed. from my experience, the plates sound better in the front than the rear. they have amazing clarity. the 6x8s with the external crossover sound great no matter where you install them. some people like the plate speakers in the front and the others in the back. other people want all four speakers the same. either way, you get great speakers that can take a lot of abuse.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Putting 6x9's in the rear doors is easy. It it a lot harder on the front. You just need to watch the height of the speaker. I put 6x9's in my rear doors(Blau DVC 4 ways) But later took them out. The tweeter bar was too tall on them and made the door panel stick out about a 1/4 of an inch.

 

[AdamsGuitar]

Thanks. I don't think I could mount these Kappas, though, as they're a lot deeper than most 6x9's that I've seen. I've decided to go with the plate's in front and the one's w/ the crossover in the rear.

 

[AdamsGuitar]

Well, I just ordered a pair of plates and a pair of 6x8's w/ crossover. Anyone have an amp they can recommend for these speakers? Also, are these speakers going to be a big improvement over my current system (95 EB w/ JBL system)?

Does anyone know if there are wire harnesses available to adapt the current mess of wires going to my factory amp to allow me to hook them up to my new one, or am I going to have to rewire the car?

 

[SaleenEXP]

Originally posted by AdamsGuitar
Well, I just ordered a pair of plates and a pair of 6x8's w/ crossover. Anyone have an amp they can recommend for these speakers? Also, are these speakers going to be a big improvement over my current system (95 EB w/ JBL system)?

Does anyone know if there are wire harnesses available to adapt the current mess of wires going to my factory amp to allow me to hook them up to my new one, or am I going to have to rewire the car?

It'll be a night and day difference, much better and harder mid bass and very clear highs, you'll be happy.

As for the wires their available, on my 94' (after we set up my whole system and wondered why it didn't work, didn't know their was a damn amp hidden behind the panels in the cargo area) we ran the wires to the factory amp and bypassed everything, then ran the wires to my amp for my mids and amp for my subs. Go to a car electronics place and they should carry some.

 

[AdamsGuitar]

I don't think I quite understand what you mean. What I'm wondering is if I can use the existing wiring in my car or if I need to rewire (which I can do, I just don't want to do it if it's unnecessary).

I just bought an Alpine v12 amp from Circuit City (61Wx4 @ 4ohm RMS, so it should be nice) that I plan to replace the factory amp with.

Another question: I know it seems like an obvious yes, but do I need a new HU? It seems a shame to just toss something that fits in perfectly with the rest of the car's interior and can control my factory 6 disc changer.

 

[leenjen]

Originally posted by AdamsGuitar

Another question: I know it seems like an obvious yes, but do I need a new HU? It seems a shame to just toss something that fits in perfectly with the rest of the car's interior and can control my factory 6 disc changer.

your stock headunit wont work without the factory amp. so yes, you need a new headunit. but you would want one anyway. why spend money on four good speakers and an amp if you are just going to feed them a crappy signal? you can get an aftermarket cd player and cd changer or get a mp3 headunit and dont worry about a cd changer.
that amp will work great. the alpine V12s get great reviews.

 

[AdamsGuitar]

As far as the amp goes, that's why I picked it

But for HU and changer that sucks. I can understand getting a new HU, but is it at all possible to use my factory changer? That's an extra $200 I'm going to have to spend without gaining anything I don't have now.

 

[davesexplorer]

you could e-mail crutchfield and ask them if there is an adaptor availible to connect your factory CD changer to your new HU, I only say crutchfield, because they usually will help you out!!!