Has anyone upgraded the 6"x8" OEM speakers with aftermarket units? If it's like most speaker-only upgrades, it will probably just underscore the need for more power, but I wanted to ask the question. I don't plan to replace the head unit, and at this point, I don't foresee adding any amplification or subwoofers (although I may go that route down the road). I'm just looking to clean up the sound a bit and get a little more efficiency out of what I've got.

Those who have upgraded, is the mod worth the relatively-minimal cost? I can pick up a set of mid-grade Pioneer 6"x8" 3-way speakers at Wally World for less than $60, or something of better quality/higher efficiency at my local Circuit City/Best Buy for a few bucks more. I'm not looking for something to blow the neighbors away, just wanting to get some decent full-range sound and a little more clarity.

Is there any benefit to replacing the 6"x8" rear speakers behind the seat belts as well (mounted in the C-pillars), or should I just leave the OEM speakers in for fill and let the front speakers do all the work? I listen to CDs primarily, mostly rock/alternative/hip hop stuff

Finally, any challenges/issues with removing door panels?

Thanks guys!

 

If it were me... I wouldn't waste the money on those pioneers. They aren't going to be much better than stock on the stock head unit's power. Frankly, they aren't going to be much better than stock even amplified. Truth is, if you want better sound, you have to buy components, and a good clean amplifier to drive them.

People on here will tell you that 6x8 replacements sound great off head unit power, and maybe they do... to them. But unfortunately I've been around high-end car audio too long to ever settle for just a stock stereo. I lasted about 1 month with the stock audiophile stereo in my SCrew.

If you've got the 60 bucks just burnin' a hole in yer pocket... just do it. It will make a difference, just not a big one.

 

For what your looking for I think some drop in speakers would actually be about all you need. Keep your eyes out for speakers with higher efficiency ratings (90dbs or more), and sets that will work well off of low power.
As for the Pioneers, its kind of a hit or miss with them. Pioneer makes some fairly decent speakers, and some not so decent ones, you can pretty much tell which is which from the price on them.

I usually recommend ditching the whole rear stage, unless you have a crewcab, or, as in your case, you are just going to be running some un-amped coaxials. I just dont think a set of coaxials only in the front running off the stock HU would fill the cabin a whole lot, not to me anyway. You can try just sticking new speakers in back, and keeping the stock ones in the back; you might be fine with it that way, or you might end up swapping the back ones out a week later.

Have you tried deading the doors? It can even make the stock speakers sound somewhat decent, and even if its not enough, it will make your new aftermarket speakers that much nicer sounding

Heck, by the end of the year it will all come out for a complete kick butt stereo Once this bug bites you, its venom spreads through your viens like there's no tomarrow, you cant stop it