Setup suggestions for 99 Sport

[migga]

I went to the stereo shop here the other day, and they told me i had 5x7s all around. And the guy wanted to sell me some Kenwood Excelon 5x7s for $99 a pair. (He also wanted to sell me $100 worth of adaptors to use the stock amp). But i always thought that components would be better. But since they are 5x7s....would i need to buy 5x7 plates? Or could i somehow use components? Aren't they virtually the same thing? I'm just trying to learn about my system, i can't even tell if i have a stock amp or not. I feel so lost with this car. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Migga

PS. I have two 10'' Fosgate HX2 subs already just waiting to be hooked up as soon as i buy a new HU and figure out the door speakers i'm going to use. I'm planning on running these with an 800a2 Fosgate amp.

 

[DocVijay]

Get components.

I just got a set of Boston Accoustics Pro Series 6.5 component speakers today. They just made some speaker plates out of MDF and mounted the two speakers to that. Then they bolted the plate to the door where the factory speaker spacer had been. The crossover was mounted in te middle of the door so it would fit under the panel. With the panels back on, you can't tell they are even there. Haven't had a chance to really listen to it, but it already sounds much better. The factory speakers don't even have tweeter!

I'm gonna install my new headunit tomorrow. It's a Pioneer single DIN, so I'm using an install kit to fill up the space.

The only problem is space. I can't use any of the cargo area, so finding an amp is going to be hard. Need power, but also need a small amp. If you can use the rear area, then it's no problem. You can fit whatever you want.

I'm still planning most of it, but this is a start. Go step by step. Then if you want to change something it's not that big a deal.

 

[migga]

So i can make 6.5 components fit in the 5x7 location? Is this only the doors or all around (2 dr Sport). If this is true would it be better to get two component sets, or get components for the fronts and 5x7s like excelons in the rear? Would the 6.5 components be better than getting 5x7 component plates? man i wish i had a decent shop down here that would help me out instead of trying to sell me garbage like Rampage. =o( Thanks for your answers and patience!

Migga

 

[DocVijay]

I'm going to put 5x7" coaxials in the back. THe back is not as important to me, so I'm not going to spend the extra $200 for the components.

I think the 6.5" components would be better, bacuse if you get a 5x7 plate, it will probably have a 4" or a 5.25" woofer. Might as well get the 6.5" and then just have them build a plate for both. They will fit. Also, some companies have components that you can put togehter. My Boston Accoustics Pro Series havea bridge that snaps over the woofer and has a plce for the tweeter. So it's kind of like a coaxial component. It's better than an ordianry coax though, because the tweeter is not mounted on the woofer like normal. It floats above it. MB Quart also has a system like this. I believe the Sony Xplod series also has this setup, but I'm not sure. Good luck.

 

[leenjen]

i dont have time right now to read through everything. but i noticed you have a 99 and they tried to sell you stuff so you can use the stock amp. that is a load of BS.
1998+ explorers dont have an external amp for the door speakers. they are powered by the headunit.

i think they are trying to rip you off that pisses me off when places try that sh**

 

[migga]

I kinda figured that when i looked back there behind the cargo area and couldn't find anything. So the best thing to do would be to buy an aftermarket HU and run new wire (16 gauge) to aftermarket speakers? Or should i buy a small 4 channel amp for that? hmmm.......

Migga

 

[leenjen]

if you are going to power the door speakers off an aftermarket headunit, there isn't really a need to rewire. the factory wiring ccan handle that with no problem. if you go with an amp, then you should rewire.

 

[migga]

Really? Cuz i saw this other post on this board where a someone said that they were going to up a Jensen 200w HU (which probably only really runs bout 18wx4) in his Explorer, and the guy said that the 22 gauge stock wires should be replaced. So is upgrading to bigger wire from the HU not worth the trouble? (if that makes sense). Cuz if its not a big difference, i'll just use the stock wiring and save myself a lot of time.

Migga

 

[leenjen]

the stock wires are fine for any headunit. most high power headunits are rated around 22-26 watts rms. 22 guage wire can easily handle that.

 

[jebdrup]

Stock Speakers

I made my component plates out of 3/4 MDF for the front and the back. The front are 5 1/4s and the back are 6 1/2s. I ahve pics of the whole setup. I will post soon. E-mail if you need help with any making these plates. They are easy just take your time and have fun. I just spent 4 1/2 days installing everything. I had a blast gutting my X out and building a custom encloser. Well have fun. C-YA
:smoke: :mattmoon:

 

[migga]

Why did you put the bigger components in the rear instead of the front? I thought the front sound stage was more important.....or is this all just really personal preference?

Migga

 

[DocVijay]

The front is more important.

All the competition rigs have massive front stage and a minimal rear stage. That's why they sometimes build custom floors in the front footwell with 10" subs.

Upgrading the rear first is back in the old days when you would throw a couple of 6x9's on the rear deck and call it a stereo system. Not anymore. You want the good stuff up where you are going to be.

I'll take some pics of my speakers this week and try and get my website updated with them.

 

[migga]

So what your saying is that the 6.5 components should go up front instead of the rear?

 

[jebdrup]

I like it.

The reason I put the 6 1/2 in the back was because they were to deep to go up front. They hit the window frame. I have them turn down on the crossover and the front stage up high then back. It sounds awsome for overall sound. I listen to a lot Tecno and Trace music and I set it up for that. I like bass but not as much as club type music. I hope this helps.:mattmoon: :smoke:

 

[DocVijay]

Actually that's a very good reason.

If they won't fit then of course you can't put them up front. Although ideally they should be. But if you have them adjusted so as not to overpower the fronts, that's fine.

 

[JT]

Migga,

I did a 5 1/4" Mb quart install, and made my own MDF plate

Check it out here

Mb Quart Install