will i hear a big differnce from a 5 1/4" and 6 1/2" speakers

[superxplorer]

same as above

 

[terdrocket]

Yes and No.

It depends on your application.
Are you going to just replace the factory speakers and be done? Or do you have an aftermarket head unit, amps and sub(s).

You can make a 5 1/4 sound fairly equal to a 6.5 if you are running aftermarket amps and sub(s) w/ a crossover.
Also,
Preparing the door correctly with sound deadening (dynomat or the like) can make a 5 1/4 sound much better than a 6.5 just "dropped in" w/ no sound proofing.

I prefer 6.5's. Just like with amplifier power enough is never enough, and too much is just right.
I went from running 60 watts per channel to my front components to 150 watts per channel. I have it set to top out at roughly the same volume, but its when I'm listening at that peak that the extra power shines through. The amp is barely breaking a sweat, while the previous amp was working pretty hard.
The same goes w/ the lower notes played out of a pair of door speakers. The larger cone will produce those notes with less of a "struggle".

 

[superxplorer]

hello

i am running an after market head unit and amp. i just dont think im gonna be able to put 6.5 inch speakers in the doors of my 97 explorer sport. what do u think. u think im ablle to put 6.5 in my car.

 

[terdrocket]

i just dont think im gonna be able to put 6.5 inch speakers in the doors of my 97 explorer sport

Yea its easy. Cut out a 3/4" MDF ring slightly larger than the stock speaker. Basically trace around the speaker and cut about 3/8" out side of the line. Then cut a hole in the middle for the 6.5" speaker. The speaker manufacturer will tell you what size mounting hole. It will be 6" to about 6 1/8". Sound deaden the door, mount the ring (you can usually use the factory screws in the factory holes w/ the ring predrilled in the right places), sound deaden the ring, and mount the speaker.

 

[superxplorer]

alrigh thank you

another question.

if im running my 4 speakers right from my amp should i just run new wires or use the stock wires.

 

[expo5.0]

yeah, its no problem to fit the 6.5s in the front if you have a rotozip and a drill.

i would go with 5.25 however of a high end component line unless you don't mind paying the little bit of extra money.

also, while you have the rotozip or jigsaw out make sure to also cut thin mdf pieces to seal the two large holes in your front doors- they will make an incredible difference in the way the speakers respond particularly when used in conjunction with sound deadening (sound deaden then attach the thin mdf with sheet metal screws)

i would leave the stock wiring in place until you run more than 50 watts or so, i am going to upgrade my own soon. it is easy on the passenger side, but will be tough on the drivers side because the "connector" thing that you'd think would be hollow and you could run your wires through actually is not like that. i may just drill a new hole in my door.

i personally am in the process of doing all of this and installing 3-way (6.5, 4, and tweeter) components. you need to use kickpanels or do a lot of surgery elsewhere to your truck to run 3-ways, but they will give the best of both worlds and that way you avoid asking this question. btw- i am running mine off of a rockford fosgate 500.2 amplifier so they'll have plenty of power

 

[superxplorer]

well im gonna be running my speakers off of a lanzar 4 channel amps. about 110 watts per channel it says. im getting a pioner rev cmponents in the front and in the back im gettng some kicker mid range speakers. wat you think with that. i would get kickpanels but i cant find them anywere for a 97 explorer sport. if you no anywere on were do get them online that be great. i would rather use kick panels then doing all that work.

thank you

 

[expo5.0]

q-logic probably makes them or its possible that the ones i have the molds for (for 95-97) might be made to work (thanks vairking).

which amp is it? is 110 max power or rms?

 

[superxplorer]

thanks

its the lanzar 415. wat u think ant the best but dont wanna spend alot of money.

 

[expo5.0]

hey- i love lanzar

everyone else seems to be against it, but i think they are alright and a great value.

that amp won't make that much power rms though- i would expect actual rms output to be closer t0 60 or 70 so buy speakers accordingly.


let us know if you don't find the kickpanels and i'll be able to help you find them or something

 

[superxplorer]

aight

im still looking for kickpanels. they all look to cost about 140$ is that worth it or should i just try to re wire my speakers. if you can help me find them that would be great.

thanks

 

[expo5.0]

get em from thezeb.com if you're going to order them. they all cost 149 no matter where you go.

only q-logic makes them. a friend (vairking) just copied some of them with fiberglass for me. i don't have time to try and copy them for you. i'd spring for them if you can.

 

[superxplorer]

alright thanks.

does it sound better if you have kick panels or something.

 

[expo5.0]

the imaging is better- it sounds like the sound is coming from in the dash if its done right (like its supposed to)

 

[terdrocket]

I was very unhappy with kick panels. I had 5 1/4's and tweeters in the kicks w/ 6.5's in the doors. Great mid bass / mid range w/ both speakers, but my big legs blocked the tweeter from imaging properly.
Damn Tree Trunks.
I removed the kicks, run the 6.5's in the doors and have the tweets in the oval, side, defrost vents. Sounds GREAT. Vocals from music like Sting come at me from the rearview mirror. But, I also run an eq with a listener positioning that aims the stage just about anywhere I want it.
Just experiment. Before spending $$$ on kicks, put the tweets on extra speaker wire and position them around trying out different locations.

 

[expo5.0]

good point man- if you block em with the way you sit- you won't be happy, nor will you be happy with them if you get them wet, dirty or step on the speakers. make sure they are something you want before you make the commitment

 

[superxplorer]

i think im just gonna take the time and just wire my new speakers with better wire. any tips on how to do this.

 

[superxplorer]

hey

hey everyone

could i just use these to mount my 6.5 inch speakers in the stock place.


here


will this work

 

[expo5.0]

no, the clearance won't work in our trucks unless the bracket is also a spacer, hence using the 3/4 inch mdf