So much of what a person does to put together a system depends on several things. Such as how much importance they place on their audio enjoyment. We're all different. As an example, the overwhelming majority of people think that a stock system is adequate and sounds fine. Others are fanatical and spend thousands of dollars trying to sqeeze one more dB of SPL from their set-up, or they may tweek things trying to get a better SQ. And then there are those of us somewhere between those extremes. The answer to this question alone will go a long way to determining how involved you want to get and how much you are willing to spend, etc. Of course this hobby is a learning process, and upgrades in the future are inevitable. So whatever you get will definitely not be your last system.


Components are the way to go, IF you get the right ones. One pair strategically mounted for the listening position. There are some pretty low end components around that, in fact, are not as good as the MBQuart coaxs. So you have to beware. But one very good set will give you a better system than two pairs of coaxs, in my opinion.


I always recommend using a dedicated amplifier of reasonable quality. I would never recommend using a HU to amplify anything, IF you are concerned about quality playback of your music. And if you like it loud and clean, HUs are a definite NO NO. They simply are not CAPABLE of supplying the current and voltage necessary. For low to mid volume use they are fine. Anything else, forget it. If someone tells you something different than that, they are inexperienced in the area of car audio. A HU can play back what seems to be loud and clean to some people, so that is the problem. What is loud and clean to one person may sound like crap to someone more knowledgeable and experienced. If HUs were the answer, there would be no need for separate amps, would there?

As far as brands, I would advise listening to what you can. Go to a car audio competition if possible. Stick with something besides the "fleamarket" brands. Things like Blitz, Rockwood, Soundstorm, Xplor. Geez, there are so many. MBQuart is a great name in speakers. Those coaxs would sound good, but I would prefer some components mounted in a kick panel or custom made door pod. Boston, Focal, CDT, Diamond, are considered "high end". More mainstream would be Alpine, Rockford Fosgate, Phoenix Gold, MTX, Kicker. That list goes on, also. Most companies have several different "lines" of speakers that vary in quality, so you have to sift through that as well. Just plan your system so that it will be what you want it to be, don't cut corners on your installation or your equipment and you will be happy. UNTIL YOU FEEL THE NEED TO UPGRADE. It will happen. And always use your equipment within its design limits or capabilities. It is only a piece of electronic gear and if you abuse it, it will fail.

 

I bought these 6x8 4-way speakers for my 2004 F150.
Model JVC CS-HX6845.
The MSRP on jvc website is 99.95. I got them for 64.95 and free shipping from overstock.com.
If you're looking for 6x9's the model is cs-hx6945.
I haven't put them in yet I'm going to put in sound reducing mat like dynamat but its not dynamat its way better and a lot cheaper. getting that from ebay.


http://www.jvc.com/product.jsp?model...thId=68&page=1

 

What about Kenwood?? i was thinking about replacing both the front and rear with the eXcelon's in my '95 F150. my step-dad had them in his old 2k Expy, and they sounded decent from what i can remember.

 

I bought the pioneer 3-ways for my doors and 4-ways for the compartment behind the seat in my single cab. I also bought the pioneer 3600 cd player and the set up sounds great. Got it all off ebay brand new for about $200 for the whole set up. It sounds 100% better than the factory set up.

 

probably a little late for saying what im looking at to maybe give you an idea since its almost been a month.

i was looking at the pioneer rev's 2-ways
http://carstereoconnection.com/web/m...80R/detail.asp

i was told by a local dealer that these will scream pretty good, its what he has and he let me in his suv, all i have to say is crystal clear vocals and a unbearable level.

 

Will I need brackets to install 6 inch speakers?

 

You can find adapters online at places like sounddomain.com or you can make them yourself using 1/4" MDF. To find out how, search the speaker forum for something like "adapter" or "MDF".

 

I just pulled out my second pair of Infinity Kappas (6X8). The first pair started rattling, so I had them replaced under warranty. Installed the second pair, played great for a year or so, then noticed the driver's side speaker was rattling bad. Removed the door panel and apparently some water had gotten down to the front of the speaker and the tweeter had rusted off!!

Just installed a set of Alpine R-Series 5.25 component speakers and I must say these things blow the Infinitys away.

I purchased these speakers from www.ikesound.com for $125/ pair.

Will follow with pics.

AllBucDUp - be careful with the 6.5 inch speakers. The biggest issue you are going to have with them is the depth. Also make sure that if they are 2-ways that the tweeter does not protrude above the basket of the speaker.

 

Water will get on those too. The doors are made so that water gets in them and out the drain holes at the bottom. That is why the seal the door under the door panel. The only way to keep water off is to add a foam surround behind the speakers. There are old threads on this subject.

 

The water damage I am talking about was between the door and the interior panel, essentially on the front of the speaker. Regardless, after listening to the new speakers, I really think components are the best option. Before I could hardly hear the driver's side speaker because it was down around my knee - the tweeter on the Inifinity was adjustable, but not enough to make a difference in sound. Now the tweets are up higher and directed right at me - all is good!!

 

Sorry, my bad. Your right, having that tweeters up there makes all the diff. in the world.

 

Dupuis?
You just explained why it is that if a speaker is going to let go....why it's almost always the right front.

Good tip to know before I pull out the old and in with the new!

 

As someone who has listened to countless speakers, my advice is GO LISTEN TO THEM BEFORE YOU BUY. Just don't take someones recomendation and buy. All speakers sound soooo different. Goto Good Guys, Best Buy, etc. etc. and listen to all the speakers you can.(make sure the head units eq is set to flat) Many speakers sound horrible-ie tweeters too bright, to harsh, etc. Then once you find one you like, search for it online for a good price.