I have ~ 2000 US to spend on a aftermarket sound system.

Basic specs:

6-speed sport package. I'm actually unaware of the exact sound configuration that comes stock on the car. So I was hoping someone could enlighten me as to what options I have right now.

My wants:

I don't need a new deck(i like the stock clean look).
I want clarity, yet I don't want speakers that are too bright. I used to have MB quartz Q series speakers in my other car but even using the EQ to tune the treble down, it was too bright.
I listen to mostly R&B, Jazz, etc. Bass is not neccessary right now.
I want good vocals basically.

Any ideas on system setups? I.e. what sort of equipment, brands?

THANKS A BUNCH.

The base stereo (that comes with the sport package) has 6 speakers and (according to the factory spec) a 100-watt amplifier if I remember correctly.

Even if you wanted to, you could not replace the stock head unit due to the integrated nature into the console and also, the radio control buttons that are built into the steering wheel. Not at the moment anyway - and it is not very likely that aftermarket companies will come out with an RX-8 specific radio anytime soon.

So, your options are to replace the (likely not too great) factory speakers with good aftermarket ones and eventually install a subwoofer and an amplifier if you so desire.
Even if you don't need thundering bass, I would still add a subwoofer since the bass is typically weak in such factory systems and the sound doesn't have enough "fill".
I think if you replace the speakers and add a (not too crazy) subwoofer, you should be able to get a decent sound. This is my plan anyway :)
As it was pointed out in another thread, the base stereo does not have a separate amp, the head unit powers the speakers.

As for brand recommendation, I can't help you there with specifics, since I'm no expert in this area. I'm sure others will give you some ideas though.

There, this is my (rather uneducated) opinion about this topic :D

the treble is pretty good on the bose set up
I would get mb quart tweeters
and maybe add a 8 or 10 inch sub
that would be way less than 2k as well

He won't have the Bose with the sport package.

Sport package comes with the base radio.

my bad
sorry about that

IMO if I didn't have the bose I would probably replace all the stock speakers but music is very important to me

I agree with you - that's what I'm planning too once I receive my car. In fact, I will do exactly as I wrote, except first I'll try to go with no extra amp and see how the system sounds with good aftermarket speakers and a (mild) subwoofer (that one would have a separate amp of course). I might even try how my existing amplified Bazooka (gasp!) sounds in the RX-8 :D

Actually, the Bazooka gives me the necessary bass fill in my current Probe GT just fine. I don't care for some thunderous bass that rattles the back of my car and annoys people around me :p

Tamas, I am doing the excact same thing also.

I have some brands picked out so you can see what I'm doing.

BTW, once my $500 from Mazda arrives is when I will be starting;)

Front- Infinity Reference component speakers. Kappas will be a waste of money with the stock head unit powering them....so reference will do just fine. They will no doubt be an improvement over stock. I will go 6 1/2 or 5 1/4, it depends on what I can fit. The tweeters will be flush mounted in the stock tweeter location. I could put these behind the plastic like our stock ones, but flush mounted might look nice yet look subtle enough. The cross-over boxes will be secured in the door.

Rear- Polk or Infinity Reference 3 way 6x9 speakers. Just a direct drop in replacement that should make the rear a little brighter.

I am going to use a modest amplified sub in the trunk. Like a bazooka, but maybe something different like a single 8 with a 150 watt amp.......nothing crazy. It will be a out of the box ready to go unit. I will use the speaker level imputs ( from the 6x9's) and I will rought power through the inner sills to the fuse block.

This will be more than enough for me. It also will only be on the $600 range.

Also- I'll be the first in line for the new XM commander when that comes out:D

Sounds good - and this brings some more questions.

- does anybody know what's the exact size of the stock speakers in the base stereo? Is the front 6 1/2 and the rear a 6x9?
- also, what is the easiest / best route to power the amp for the subwoofer? Is the mentioned path (all the way to the fuse block) the easiest? Where exactly is the fuse block, at the driver's foot well?

I guess everything is OK as long I don't have to route the power wire through the firewall or some similar hassle :eek:

If you were powering a monster amp setup, I would go through the firewall to a special amp fuse...then to the battery direct. For the purpose of a simple small powered enclosure, I would go to the fuse block for power. There is a small fuse block right next to your left foot (us spec cars). That is where I intend to find power. Ground can go to a bolt on the metal area between the rear speakers (looking up from the trunk). Or anywhere that is conveinent and Metal. You should not need to run "remote" wire to tell the amp to turn on....most of the powered enclosures will have a auto on feature that senses the power in the speaker level inputs. The most direct rought for power would be behind the left rear seat and under the plastic sill that runs all the way to the fuse block. I'm sure other wires are already routed there.

The front speakers is a mystery to me as to what size thay are. The rears are 6x9s.

I would assume 5 1/4 or 6 1/2 would fit in the doors. Ive yet to see a forum member pull the door panel off....I will do it one of these days soon, I will let you know. Schematics are around this forum also. That might say...but I doubt it. Hope that helped.

Seeing as clarity and good vocals was my main concern. A friend of mine had suggested the following setups:

1. Horns setup

**pair of horns(600-800)
**pair of midbass(200-300)
**amp (low wattage/high quality) for horns(300)
**amp (medium wattage/high quality) for midbass(400)
**pair of EQ's for pair of horns(250 + 250)

estimated setup cost ($2000-2300)

2. Tricomponent Setup

**Set of Focal speakers or speakers of that quality or better or worse?(1000-1200)
**amp for components(600)

Estimated Setup cost ($1600-1800)

I'd like good quality vocals and clarity, i'm avoiding subs right now to simply cut costs. I"ll ad those in later. Any ideas on brands or my cost model?

I'd consider going with Alpine throughout...

for the rear parcel shelf...

SPR-694A Target Retail Price US $200.00/CN $349.00
6" x 9" Type-R Coaxial 2-Way Speaker

for the front doors...

SPR-176A Target Retail Price US $250.00/CN $399.00
6-1/2" Type-R Component 2-Way Speaker

For an amp... (you could go bigger)

MRP-F240 Target Retail Price US $200.00/CN $399.00
4 3/2 Channel V-Power Series Amplifier

NOTE: This amp allows for speaker level inputs - so you can wire the lot up with whatever you can drag out of the head unit, amplify it nicely and still have control of F/R fader via the deck.

A fair bit of installation is required and a fair bir of wiring will be needed.

On wiring *** Run cables for both active and earth from amp to battery - big ones - obviously via a fuse (This way you'll never get those annoying little whistles and the like).

Budget a day of labour and enusure high quality leads and speaker cable are used, maybe another $300 signal loss is the devil!!!

Add a sub later "to taste" if you need more thump. I'd consider a pair of 6.5 inch JL Audio 6W0 subs in a compact custom enclosure, sat into the dip in the boot - ported to one side. The amp (bolt it to the enclosure) for the sub doesn't need to be super clean and a harness for power and line could be taken from the other Alpine amp located under the parcel shelf. (I think the 6W0's would run to about $120 ea + plus budget $200 for the custom enclosure.

for the sub amp - maybe...

MRP-T220 Target Retail Price US $130.00/CN $279.00
2/1 Channel V-Power Series Amplifier

or a JL Audio amp may be good - but I'm not well versed in those.

A couple of things to remember - the sub need to have some form of variable crossover to ensure that you can independently vary the volume and crossover frequency. I have seen some sub amps that have a small wire remote with 2 knows to control this from the cabin ... but do you think I can recall the brand? :-( sorry!

Use a TOP QUALITY installer, something as minor as a panel vibration due to a lose speaker fitting will drive you insane.

Hope this helps.

Kev.

Why did I say Alpine?

Quality is good, both product and musical. The omly thing they don't address is small subs.

You eliminate compatibility problems when you stick to a brand, but you could find the same complete solution from JBL, Sony, Kicker - the list goes on, or you can mix components as long as you apply common sense.

The best thing is to take a favourite CD and try some systems in the big displays, but you'll only get a "relative" comparison as it'll sound very different installed.

Thanks.

Any other speaker setups people are considering or would suggest?

Has anyone taken apart their car yet? I plan on installing with my friend, he's works for a sound audio company so i think i'm in good hands. ALTHOUGH he has never touched and rx8 yet. So... has anyone done this yet? Any tips? warnings?

many have added subs
one guy re directed his tweeters
I dont think anyone has changed speakers yet

Originally posted by Jliu921
Thanks.

Any other speaker setups people are considering or would suggest?

Has anyone taken apart their car yet? I plan on installing with my friend, he's works for a sound audio company so i think i'm in good hands. ALTHOUGH he has never touched and rx8 yet. So... has anyone done this yet? Any tips? warnings?

There;s a post dealing with removal of the rear 6x9's with heaps of pics on this forum - juyst have a little hunt about - tweeters too.

The doors will probably require a custom baffle of some sort, if so - this is where it could get a little tricky...

... to boldly go where no RX8 owner has gone before !!! :D

I'm planning on going completely JBL. It was between JBL and Alpine, but eventually went with JBL for reason of cost, size of crossovers and my preference for the Harman companies. Once, it's done, I'll see if it was worth it to switch out all the bose components.

I just went to a nearby hi-end audio speaker place. In terms of price and type of speakers I want.

But first I want to ask, does anyone know the exact dimensions of the front speakers?

Btw, if the size permits I decided on Focal K2 or K2pro's, amp undecided but mostlily running 150-200 watts/speaker. rating depends on size of speaker

I didint like Dynaudio, and my previous MB quartz q series were to bright.

Originally posted by Jliu921
I just went to a nearby hi-end audio speaker place. In terms of price and type of speakers I want.

But first I want to ask, does anyone know the exact dimensions of the front speakers?

Btw, if the size permits I decided on Focal K2 or K2pro's, amp undecided but mostlily running 150-200 watts/speaker. rating depends on size of speaker

I didint like Dynaudio, and my previous MB quartz q series were to bright.

The front door's large speaker cavity is documented as taking a 9in Bose sub/bass speaker.

There isn't a direct relationship between size and power and speaker efficiency plays a big part in the results you hear.

You need a lot of power to move large cones a long way - just think of the mechanics involved!

Focal are said to make good gear - I've never listened to them. Buy what you like the sound of. Too many people buy car hifi in the same way they buy red wine - higher price = better quality. There's a good chance you're wrong on both counts when you do this.

Wow, are you sure about hte 9'' speaker cavity? What about depth? Thats the main concern. As for the focals, as i said i went to the store and they were excellent.

But how could i double check actual dimensionS?

I saw my the inside of my doors with the panels off and yes, they are 9" speaker cavities. But then again, I have the bose. I have no idea if Mazda would make two types of door panels, one for premium and one for non-bose, but I wouldn't think so.

My car's having a little work done, otherwise I'd be pulling the panels off myself right now to measure.

The are a few posts that link to descriptions and pictures of the components in the standard and premium systems. I don't believe they contain driver dimensions though.

go here http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/rx8/rx8_main_flash.jsp?linksmart=19 and look at the system layout...

...that'll give you the best idea without the tin opener :D

Any other members with Sport Package or Base Package that have opened up their cars or have ideas on dimensions for the front speakers? I need to determine size to figure out if I can purchase the Focal K2P 's.

Maybe even k3p's??? haha=)

Originally posted by Jliu921
Maybe even k3p's??? haha=)

Would you then consider putting the Focal 690CV's into the rear parcel shelf for the rear fill?

I'd think really hard about this Focal thing too ... they're top shelf speakers, but you need to compliment them with high quality signal source and amplification too.

I thought you were talking $2K budget.

Well these are my estimates, keep in mind i have a focal distributor that can give me slightly over cost prices.

Front Speakers: 700 US dollars
Amp for Front Speakers: 800 US dollars

I will install rear speakers and subs later down the line.

Originally posted by Jliu921
Well these are my estimates, keep in mind i have a focal distributor that can give me slightly over cost prices.

Front Speakers: 700 US dollars
Amp for Front Speakers: 800 US dollars

I will install rear speakers and subs later down the line.

$800US is an awful lot for a two channel amp. You can get some absolutely amazing 2 channel amps for $500~600US

btw, onlinecarstereo.com have the K2p's for $499US and the K3p's for $799US. Bargains aren't always what they seem.

I agree with kev

I've been looking into the Focal speakers - they really do get some rave reviews!

If the urge is to go Focal, what about the Utopia 180W's instead of the K2P's ??? Add the 690CV's to the rear parcel shelf and plant one of their mutha subs like the 38WX out back! WOW!

You'd obviously want top quality amplification ... biggest issue is the crappy deck in the dash that's so neatly integrated and limiting in terms of signal quality - would seem a shame to go all out on speakers without doing something about it :(

Back on subs though (and the only real decision I've made thus far) is to go with a JL Audio 10in dual V/C in a custom enclosure that will fit tightly into the boot recess (+ velcro) - I've got the spare tyre. I'm going to err on the side of modest bass response.

As a passing thought - I really don't like the centre speaker, but the factory placement of the tweeters provides a poor sound stage. Oh what to do with that...?!?

the center speaker seems non functional to me

Non-relevant to this thread exactly, but ... since you guys are so helpful i'll let you in on the great news. GOT THE CAR TODAY! YAY! its freakin awesome. But yeah tomrorow taking the car apart. Let you know then.

Congrats!

Top stuff!!!

I've been without mine for over a week and it seems like months (thinking about it - it's only 6 days, but it seems like forever!).

uhmm i know this isnt the pictures forum, but... since you guys are the only ones i've talked to... heres two pix.

another one.

Is that you in the mirror? :D

most be him

There are two differetn people in the reflection, if you guys want to see a pix of me, i'll post one.

Hmm, well i'll post one, but my gf has somehow forced me into embarrasing myself by posting this picture... Please understand shes 24, but highly FOB(taiwanese).... So she does things like this.. you'll see below.

hmm slight background,

Gf and i have been together for about 3 years now and recently because she is a taiwan citizen she has had some problems coming back to the united states. Basically she was living with me for about 2 years herei n the united states. After which she got her visa revoked.... Sucked because we followed all the laws and filed applications and balblblblal. But eventually she had to go back to Taiwan. This was about July, I spent 2 months in Taiwan with her. Came back after to continue school. And came back to GET MY CAR OF COURSE...

SO we've been painfully dealing with this new seperation. ANyways thats my speil if anyone cared. Explanation for the collage... her way of venting her emotions aroudn this situation.

Originally posted by Jliu921
hmm slight background,

Gf and i have been together for about 3 years now and recently because she is a taiwan citizen she has had some problems coming back to the united states. Basically she was living with me for about 2 years herei n the united states. After which she got her visa revoked.... Sucked because we followed all the laws and filed applications and balblblblal. But eventually she had to go back to Taiwan. This was about July, I spent 2 months in Taiwan with her. Came back after to continue school. And came back to GET MY CAR OF COURSE...

SO we've been painfully dealing with this new seperation. ANyways thats my speil if anyone cared. Explanation for the collage... her way of venting her emotions aroudn this situation.

Being kept apart by international politics sucks! You have my sympathy.

BTW, Australia's a nice place :D

Kev.

my girl made me one of those collage things
their pretty cool IMO

It's nice to put a face with my exhaust Jeff! ;)

I used to work with Matt Borgardt of Image Dynamics so I know alot about horns in cars and how to install and tune them. I currently have horns in my Civic. I also used to deal with Focal alot and have tons of experience with them too. I even have a few Focal and Image Dynamics pieces lying around the house. My home speakers are Voigt pipes that I built. Each one is 6' tall yet only has one 6 1/2" Focal per cabinet. Damn nice sounding through my Zen tube amp. If you want a good price on focal products just skip the shops and go check out

Zalytron (http://www.zalytron.com) great Focal prices and good service. If you want ID stuff call me.

awesome i'll check it out.

Am I thinking of the right person with just the name confused? Right now I am a little confused. Over the summer I sold my GSL-SE exhaust to a JLIU in the Bay Area. Weird coincedence if it is 2 seperate people.

Hey John Liu,

nice GF! :D

rgds
Tobi

I cant imagine how many different jliu's there are out there. Cause... liu is a very ancient chinese name, and the number of liu's out there is pretty huge. And j is pretty common for a guy. John, Jesse, Jeff, Jerry, Jim, i mean... tons... -_- I'm pretty sure i didint buy a car recetnly from u =0...

Hey John, :D

your picture does say "John", so better be careful next time! ;)

rgds
Tobi