I have a 2005 regular cab and limited room. I would like to try replacing the 4 stock 6x8 speakers instead of using subs in order to achieve a quality sound. I was also trying to avoid component systems, only because I do not want to do the necessary door panel modifications. I am 40 years old and past the phase of booming systems. I listen mostly to jazz, classic rock, and a little bit of contemporary country. I also plan to add a 4-channel 75W/channel amp. What is the best 6x8 speaker for under $200 per pair?

Okay, if replacing the four 6x8 stock speaker do not work, should I go with 8" or 10" subs? Where would I mount them? Remember, I'm not looking to go boom, just looking for quality sound.

Much thanks to my fellow F-150 owners!!

 

Bugman
I have a '04 RCab. I felt I needed an upgrade in quality sound. I realized that with a pickup one cannot have the space like a room within a house to achieve true stereo sound. Loud is not quality, it is just loud.

Switching from the stock front to back speakers with the stereo menu I realized the back speakers were too week to mate with the front speakers, that is, because the front speakers are right there where the driver/passenger sits.

I therefore upgraded only my back speakers to Crutchfield's Pioneer TS-A6870R, and added the rubber cup baffles. That did it. I can set my front/back setting at the mid point and the sound is great. The Pioneer speakers just plugged into the stock wiring of the RCab with the large cup like baffles shielding the speakers from outside interference.

 

Small and easy sub setup
These have great sound and clearity for the money

 

sorry, sbull...those look like crap. I'm totally not interested in 5x7 speakers....I said 6x8 and I mean 6x8.

 

Sorry man... I was offering my experience and opinion for an easy setup. Those are one of the best 5x7/6x8 setups you'll find for under 200 that is a direct replacement. If you want to get technical, 5x7/6x8's will not offer you the best sound quality in any brand.

 

Why not put components??? They sound way better and you could find ones to direct fit your door with no modifications.
I am in the same boat as you here, looking to replace the stock speakers. I was also gonna do 6x8's all the way around, but then found out that the components are way better sounding and just as easy replace as dropping in a 6x8. Maybe a little more work, with hooking up the crossover that comes with them and the tweeter, but it is worth it for the sound quality you will get.
I went to crutchfield.com to check out speakers and specs to see what would fit. They offer a ton of selections and you can compare speakers and read reviews. Not the best prices here, but a good research tool. Then just shop around for the best price.

 

Look down... I have won many SQ competitions with this setup. And this I had in a reg cab too. Yes it is a component set but EXTREMELY easy to do the mods necessary. (p.s. the hole is the exact size.)
http://s208.photobucket.com/albums/b...t=DSC_0094.jpg

 

As I said before I'm not interested in the boom, just good sound quality. With component speakers you have to be more specific. Most component speakers have a 6" or 6.5" woofer and then the tweeter and will need much modification to the doorpanels. However, Kenwood, Polk, and a few others make a component system that has a 6x8 form that contains both a 5.25" woofer and a ~1" tweeter. The problem is that I've only heard these systems at the audio store. My question to you audio gurus is.... would a component system like this sound that much better than a traditional 6x8 coaxial system?

Second question, most of 6x8 speakers take around 60 watts max. I've seen some that hold 100 watts max. What size 4-channel amp would suffice? Remember, no boom....just good sound.

Much thanks guys!

Low_e_Red: what year truck is that...it appears to be an '06, but the dashboard doesn't look the same?

 

Why ask for help when you are not open to the answers?

 

I'm with Drew on this one! I have a set of those so called "crap" speakers. They are one of the best sounding speakers you are going to get in that price range. Before you reguard something as crap, bugman, you might want to do some research. The Infinity Basslink also sounds great. If you want a great sounding system, then pony up the $$$ and rip the entire factory system out and start over. If you want a HUGE improvement over stock, which is what it sounds like you are looking for, then go to the JL's. You won't be sorry! The highs are great, the mids and lows are decent. If you run the basslink the mids can be brought out nicely and you can get your bass from the basslink. It won't even sound the same, even with just the JL's. Do yourself a favor and search around on Crutchfield.com. They have some pretty good deals and you will find that the 5x7 will fit perfectly into your location and sound just as good. JMHO!

 

If I am correct you can get components that fit in the factory location without modifications to door panels. The sound is definitely way better on a component system. Think about it, any good quality sounding audio system (home or car) has separate speakers for lows mids and highs. Go to a shop and listen for yourself. After hearing some, I made my choice immediately. The amplifier is based on what speakers you get and the ohms and power and all the good stuff.
"Boom" comes from huge bass, subwoofers. If you just replace your factory door locations, I don't think you are gonna "boom". Maybe the basslink like somebody suggested earlier or one 8" sub in a nice box would probably be good if you wanted a little low end thump.
Why not just do the factory locations and if you want more bass then add accordingly. It would be cheaper and maybe easier for you to decide after hearing what the replaced factory locations sounded like. All up to you, as it is ultimately your decision in the end. I was glad I came here and searched around a little when I wanted to find out a little more about what would sound good in our trucks, doing some research paid off. Listen to some of these these guys here because they know their sh*t. JMHO

 

Bugman. What you saw is my old truck and the Z2 when i had it in there. That truck is no longer the same...

But i have the 5x7 (5x7 and 6x8 are the same size. Its just how the manu measures it... Stupid Pioneer) JL components in a 2007 Ford F150. I am not a pound chaser. I am all about the Sound Quality. Notice my Signature. SPL (Boom) is one note (tuning freq) and SQ (clarity) is a flat 20-20 (20Hz to 20 KHz the sounds the human ear can hear). If you want them cool let me know if not cool too. They were 395 a pair when i got em. And the new C5's replaced them.

I have the components running off the JL 300/4 which is 75 watts per channel. Spks are 70 rms.

 

I guess the word "crap" was a bit strong, but I feel that I'm not getting what I asked for. The same thing happened at the audio store...I specifically asked for 6x8 speakers and they kept trying to sell me 5x7. I must profess that 5x7 is not the same as 6x8. A 5x7 speaker will fit in a 6x8 hole, but not vice versa. A 6x8 speaker gives you 13 square inches more surface area. Traditionally. more surface area is better for mid-full range. The new C5's are 5x7. I'm not sure what you mean by "SQ (clarity) is a flat 20-20" because the C5's are not 20Hz to 20 KHz. Can you explain? Also, can you slow down on the lingo, it took me a while to figure out what C5's were. I'm a bit slow.

 

of course components arent going to hit 20Hz, you need some serious air movment and stress-taking materials for that, which is why you add a subwoofer.

a 6x8 speaker WILL fit into your factory 5x7 location, as stated before.