Looking for a speaker set
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New member Username: TruebloodFlorida Post Number: 1 Registered: Dec-09 | I got a 97 pontiac grand am, the front two speakers are 4x6 and the rear two speakers are 6x9 and I am trying to find a good set up for my car. I've been researching speakers and stereos for cars for only a few days and I really don't have much of an idea of where I should start... any help would be great. |
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Bronze Member Username: BoomboomboomNew Zealand Post Number: 12 Registered: Nov-06 | Generally you want a set of component speakers in the front stage of your car. If it were me I'd do away with the 4x6 in the front and the 6x9 in the back. Look for a reasonably priced set of 6.5" matched components (mid and tweeter) for the front and leave the rear speakers unhooked for now. You need a good quality 2 channel amp for the front (or 4 channel amp so you can bridge two channels to each front comp speaker.) Component speakers require less power than a sub so you only need an amp that delivers 200 RMS or so (more is always better though as you have more headroom and can just turn down your gains and supply a little less power to the speakers. There is a huge range of component speakers from the dirt cheap no names to the highest end $1000+ models. It all depends on your budget. Generally the more you pay the better the comp speaker (there are exceptions of course). Generally though avoid the lowest end models and find something within your budget that puts out 80-120 RMS per speaker. Silk tweeters are generally softer sounding that metal type tweets so if at all possible try to listen to a few varieties if you can to see which you prefer. |
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New member Username: TruebloodFlorida Post Number: 2 Registered: Dec-09 | So how do I go about getting 6.5" speakers to fit into a 4x6 slot? |
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Bronze Member Username: Vai4meMichigan USA Post Number: 70 Registered: Dec-04 | I'm not sure if it's the same (probably not) but the 2004 grand am I last had was 4x6 in the front and I used the 6 1/2" conversion plates found for cavaliers to install the 6 1/2" components. Also my opinion differs from Darren's. I'd either keep the 6x9's you currently have or if your budget allows it - add new ones. 200 Watts RMS is WAY too much for most budget friendly component sets. If you were running a set of CDT HD's then I could see the need for 200 watts RMS...but were talking about a set of $400 speakers...However I do agree with his last paragraph somewhat...a lot of audiophile grade stuff is considered "no name" as most people haven't heard of it. My full opinion: Get CDT (they do have decently priced sets too - CL-61) or Pioneer Premier (D720C or C720PRS) series components on adapters if you can in the front. Get a decent 6x9 in the rear (6x9's can give you an almost sub like deepness that most 6.5" wont - especially given their location - in the door) Amp all 4 speakers with around 50-100 watts RMS depending on the speakers specs. (too many watts equals blown speakers - too little means sparse performance) - Here I personally like JL Audio slash series amps but they can get pricey. The head unit should also be a consideration as this is the start of all your sound...I'd recommend Alpine or Eclipse... If your budget is really tight you could stick with what you have as far as size, just make sure you check out as many user reviews as possible before going with one, and the standard rule of thumb usually stands - you get what you pay for. I'd have more advise about 4x6 but I don't like to throw out speaker recommendations unless I've personally researched them and/or used them. Grand Am Owners Club is a great place for vehicle specific information, and there are plenty of good guys there that can steer you in the right direction for how to install components in you car...and more. Hope this helps!  |
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Silver Member Username: Nick_belskyNorth Canton, Ohio USA Post Number: 130 Registered: Nov-09 | This is a section of the Good, Bad, and Ugly List of Car Audio. All about speakers: Main Speakers ---------------------- Highly Recommended Adire Audio Alpine (F1 Status components) Arc Audio Beyma Boston Acoustics Bravox (component sets) CD Technologies (CDT) Diamond Audio DLS Dyn Audio Eclipse Focal HI-VI Research Illusion Audio Image Dynamics Infinity (Kappa Perfect series) JL Audio (XR components) JL ZR component line LPG Max-Fidelity MB Quart Morel Rainbow Resonant Engineering Scan-Speak Seas Vifa Visatron Good Alpine Boston Acoustics (lower model lines) Bravox (coaxials) Cerwin Vega Crystal Earthquake Fusion Infinity (Kappa and Reference series) JBL Kicker Memphis Audio Pioneer Polk Audio Rockford Fosgate Questionable Planet Audio Avoid Audiobahn Boss Crunch Dual Jensen Powerbase/Powerbass Sony The full list of all equipment (including amps) can be found at https://www.ecoustics.com/electronics/products/articles/329117.html In the "Highly Recommended" Section, the recommendations are usually for the higher up models (not always, but in most cases). Do some research on the brands mentioned. Find speakers in your price range that you like, audition them if possible, THEN match an amp to your speakers... |
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Bronze Member Username: Vai4meMichigan USA Post Number: 82 Registered: Dec-04 | Thanks for that Nick...I have to constantly remember that not everyone is looking for the cheaper solution...The CL-61 is good bargain for the money, but not the best choice in CDT's lineup for SQ. I also agree with your statement on buying the amp after speakers for beginners. However, people who have experience can get away with the inverse...Building a system for my car now and I've already bought the 300/4 for my mains....which will be the aforementioned Pioneer Premier TS-C720PRS and TS-D902P...but I plan almost everything on paper before buying unless the deal is amazing...then I may buy it on principle...but now I've strayed off subject, sorry... Peter, if you do go CDT and have the budget, the HD series components are awesome. If you get the chance and have one near you go and listen to some of the speakers on the list Nick has posted up. We could talk specs all day but nothing quite tells the truth like your own ears. I've had guys hate CDT before because they liked the more "defined" sound of a different tweet...they are too harsh for my ear, but that's just me. As they say: "One mans meat is another mans poison." PS The Good, The Bad, The Ugly should be stickied at the top of every automotive forum on ecoustic! |
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New member Username: TruebloodFlorida Post Number: 3 Registered: Dec-09 | I really don't have anywhere but bestbuy to preview any stereo systems. The only local shop that I know of anywhere near me has a crap load of speakers BUT zero items at all to preview...so I don't know what to do about that |
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Silver Member Username: Nick_belskyNorth Canton, Ohio USA Post Number: 136 Registered: Nov-09 | It is a good list, but it is somewhat outdated. This was written over 2 years ago. While the info on there is still accurate, there are many brands that are not listed. Peter, you could try to find someone near you that has a set installed. Audition theirs if you can find someone willing to let you... |
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