TOP END DOOR SPEAKERS

[renner99]

PACMAN got me thinking that Ford wouldn't acutally put in "premium" speakers on the Exploreres.
I know that someone out there has replaced them and noticed a quantum leap in fidelity.
What are the latest and greatest door-mount, non-modification type speakers out there and give me an idea of what I'm going to have to spend on my wife to make her happy if I pump some bucks into speakers for MY car?

 

[Kris Guilbeaux]

I think that the Pioneer 6x8 3ways are the Best for $.... Plus they are easy to install. I installed a set in the front doors of my Moms explorer for her I had a friend time me while I did it... I did both doors in 10 minutes. And I am joking...



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Kris Guilbeaux
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http://www.tisd.net/~guilbeau/explorer.html

 

[The Godfather]

Personally I don't like the sound of 2 or 3 way speakers. If I was to do a direct replacement, I'd get a good set of separates(Orion, MB Quart, Eclipse or the like). Get a 5.25 with a 6x8 mounting bracket, which you can buy. Don't get 6.5s unless you want to make a custom made bracket. For the reas, Eclipse makes a 6x8. All they are is a mid speaker, no tweeter. There's no such thing as a better speaker in actuality, it's all what you think sounds good to you. I don't know what your budget is, but adding a 4 channel amp and replacing the head unit would really help. I've found the cheapest place to buy equipment is www.tms-electronics.com and www.autotoys.com. You can cut costs in half by ordering over the net. My 6.5s that I got for $150 are in stores for $250...and thats on sale. It's quit fast too, I ordered my speakers on Sat, I got them Wed.

 

[renner99]

KRIS:
What part were you kidding about - the time of the brand?

 

[pacman]

I have been out looking for better speakers for my vehicle, as you know. So far the best sounding option is the separates, but these require more $ and a special mounting plate or modifications to the door. The best for ease of install and $ has to be the 3-way Pioneers. I did a comparison at a local electronic store (which actually didn't have a very large selection of 6x8's, only 3) and I think the Pioneers ($99/pair) sounded better than the more expensive Boston Accoustics and Infinity speakers. As soon as the budget allows, I plan to purchase two pair of the Pioneers.

But don't take my word for it, go listen to as many 6x8's as you can. Find the one you like. Remember, try to listen to a source similar to what you have (most salespeople will let you listen to the speakers while connected to the best receiver and amp they have. Have them connect to a basic receiver or amp with only about 40 watts of power).

Pacman

 

[Kris Guilbeaux]

sorry that was supost to be I am not Joking...

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Kris Guilbeaux
--
http://www.tisd.net/~guilbeau/explorer.html

 

[renner99]

any modifications required? Is there a special door panel tool to remove the door panels?

 

[The Godfather]

I got a door panel remover. It kinda helps, but not more than a screwdriver. You will need a 5.5mm socket to remove the back speakers.

 

[DanielKelling]

After much research and talking to propably a hundred differnt sales personnel and dealers i found the best sounding/price are the new JBL Power 5x7 with detatchable tweeter. They handle up to 160w/channel adn sound great. I run 150/channel and mine soudn very crisp and clear while giving nice bass.

Later,
Dan

 

[mtxexplorer]

crutchfield has awsome infinity 5x7 kappa components that are super great if your willing to pay the 300 bucks+
just another idea for you.

 

[sprsvt]

I listened to some Pioneer 6x8 3 ways and the Cerwin-Vega 6x8 and there was no comparison. I had actually gone to buy the Pioneers, and listened to the Vegas as an afterthought. Compared to the Vega's, it sounded like all the treble was taken out of the Pioneers, although I know that wasn't true because I was adjusting the head unit trying to make them sound better. The Vegas are NOT cheap, almost twice as expensive at Best Buy.