Speaker/Amp Replacement

[GreenXLT]

I recently got a 1992 XLT, and realized pretty soon that the back right speaker was having problems. Whenever a song that has any base at all comes on, the speaker makes a deep rumbling sound. Also, to make things worse, all the speakers have been letting out a lot of static. Anyway, I was looking to uprade the speakers, and while Im at it, upgrade the amp and sub. I looked around on some of the net stores, but I was a little confused as to what brands I should look out for and which ones I should go for. Im not looking for a 1000 dollar setup that will blow the roof off the truck, but something that will upgrade what ive got now. If anyone has any suggestions of speakers (size,watts, brands,etc)/amps/or subs that worked well in their explorer, please tell! thanks!

 

[Stephen S]

Welcome to the site GreenXLT!!!
There are so many ways you can go with this. I believe that there are 5x7's in the doors. I've got Infinity Reference 2-way 5x7's in my doors now and I have been pleased with them. I had Boston Acoustics 2 ways in my Ranger and I liked those too. Pioneer makes a good sounding speaker, and the list goes on and on. You can put just about anything you want in there. It just depends on what you like and what you can afford. As for the sub, you might want to look into a new enclosure for the cargo space in the back. I think you can get an 8 or even a 10 in there with an MTX setup. As for the amp, if you are willing to go with an external one, there are many options. I've only had experience with Rockford Fosgate, MTX, and Kenwood. All have provided good service. You may want to consider upgrading the head unit as well, it'll make a world of difference. Hope this helped a little bit.

 

[mrsteve]

The headunit is the heart and soul of any car audio system make sure you upgrade that. Then go with a decent speaker for the rear and a better sounding speaker (may be separete components) for the front. As for the amp and sub question. Do you wanna keep all your cargo area free? In other words, do you still wanna utilize the right rear panel for your sub location? If that's the case go with an amplified MTX Thunderform. You can get them for around $400 which includes the inclosure, sub, and amp. This should put you right at $1000.

Any questions lemmie know,
Steve

 

[Psyclopse]

As far as replacing the original speakers in their original locations, go to crutchfield.com and enter your vehicle information. Once you do that, it will display all the speakers that will fit, and the brands they carry are quality stuff- Pioneer, Kenwood, Sony, Infinity, Rockford Fosgate, Polk, etc. I don't think you'll go wrong with any of the speakers they are selling. As far as a sub, I think they sold something that goes in that little cargo area in the rear on the passenger side. I'd put the sub there- that space is pretty much useless anyway and you won't loose any room in the rear. As far as amps, once again, the ones at crutchfield are good.

What I want to know is how you will be able to stop playing with the audio before you reach $1000??? I have put a limit on my systems in the past, but like any addiction, I blow it (but I always end up with a cool system).

 

[PekingMan]

MTX, MTX, MTX. These are the best amps I have ever used. Plus, they are VERY afforadable, especially their performance. I can also speak highly of both Infinity Kappa and Pioneer speakers. I have used both. While the pioneer are good, the Infinitys are better, but more expensive. However, you won't be disappointed with either. Both are MUCH better than anything stock. If you want to go all out, though, Boston Acoustics are the way to go. I heard some of those in a friend of mine Ford F250, and, wow. They will be mine, oh yes, they will be mine. Hope this helps.

 

[GreenXLT]

Thanks for all the help! I've been looking around at crutchfield.com, and was wondering if it was better to replace speakers or headunit first? I will probably replace the speakers since they are having/causing most of my problems, but should i replace the hu also?

 

[mrsteve]

You'll notice a increase in sound quality on the stock speakers with a change in the headunit, although I'd do it all at once.

Steve

 

[JTang]

Do a search on here for the static problem. The last two most informative posts pointed to the wiring right behind the head unit. One case was where the lever that changes the temp gauge from hot to cool was rubbing the wires in the back and exposing them. Another was that the pins in the harness that connect to the back or the radio start coming undone, so you have to push them back in and fix it somehow. Worth a try. Unfortunately, the static you hear is very common in the early Explorers.

In your situation, get the speakers first. The rumbling is probably because they're just too old and they're losing their suspension for returning back to the original position, thus being pushed too far.

I too support MTX. They're not as cool as they used to be, since they're more mainstream now, but they can be pushed really hard, are extremely reliable, and tech support from MTX is awesome. I asked about their old competition Explorer, and they gave me the number to contact the owner. I asked them for new amp screws and feet, and they hooked me up immediately for FREE. I asked for catalogs, I got them in a week. E-mail responses from them come in a couple days. I wrote and thanked them for all their support one time and the President responded (whether or not it was really him, I don't know, but either way, they didn't have to). This is in contrast to tech support from another big name audio company that gave me a response after two months, the problem still not quite resolved.

 

[Byrd91]

For a budget system I would have to recommend Crunch amps. I got a 75x4 RMS for only $120 and I love it. The door speakers are 5x7, or 6x8, both fit the same. I have Pioneers in the front and back. For a sub I have a single Boss RD-10C and it gives me plenty of bass for the $60 it costs. I have all speakers and the sub running off the Crunch. All told this is what my system cost:

Pioneer HU - $180 + $15 for harness
Crunch V-3004 amp - $120 at onlinecarstereo.com
Pioneer 3 ways - $50 on ebay, sweet deal
Pioneer 2 ways - $50 at walmart
Boss RD-10c sub - $60 at sounddomain.com
$25 on supplies to build sub box
$30 on wiring

Total - $530

For $530 I have a complete system that will play as loud as I will ever want it to. The best part is I did the whole install myself, its such a good feeling.