rollerbldes

I'm putting in 5x7 Alpine TypeS in the front, 6x9 Pioneer 4way in the rear. I have the non-bose audio system and I am wondering if I should get an amp.

Also, can anyone confirm that the rear speakers on non-bose audio system does NOT have a tweeter?

Tamas

iTrader: (1)

If I were you, I'd definitely put component speakers in the front instead of the 5x7. The stock size is 6x8 which will accomodate a 5x7 just fine, but if you don't want to do any trimming, a 6x8 component set is your best bet. An example is the Infinity 6800cs but there are other vendors with that setup too.
With minimal (and I really mean minimal) trimming and mounting plate fabrication, you can use a 6.5" component set in the front too.

For the rear, the Pioneers will do fine, but it doesn't make sense to invest too much into the rear speakers... a decent coaxial 6x9 (even two-way) pair is fine. After all, you don't want to put too much emphasis on the rear, that'll throw off the sound stage.

The non-Bose rear speakers indeed don't have tweeters. Just a crappy pair of paper cone speakers.

As for the amp - well, that depends on what sound are you after.
If you want to keep the cost down, just replacing all speakers (and going with an efficient component set in the front) you will hear a world of difference compared to the stock sound. I know I did.
If that is fine for you, then you don't need to add an amp - at least not for the four stereo channels.

However, unless you absolutely don't care for the bass, you will want to add a subwoofer sooner or later. To keep that simple and effective with just replacing the speakers, you can easily add an Infinity Basslink or something similar - that will give you enough bass, even too much if you're using the stock radio's amp.

rollerbldes

Thank yo Tamas for your reply.

I get employees discount at BestBuy which gives me more than 50% discount on speakers. The only component speaker they carry that fits my car is an alpine 5x7 component with 1" tweeter. I guess since you recommend components, I have my next question:

Will I need to use the splitter (crossover?) that comes with the components? And will the 1" tweeter from this fit into our car w/o modifications?

Tamas

iTrader: (1)

Yes, you will definitely have to use the crossover. You can mount that to the same place that's in the door for the Bose door amps. Take a look at this thread, and you'll see an example with pics.
As for the tweeters, they should be fine. You will have to take out the stock ones and cut a hole in the sail panel just like I did.
Astral's thread has a ton of useful info for you, with a lot of photos that should answer many of your questions.

I think you'll be good to go with that component set if you plan to keep using the stock radio's amp.

rollerbldes

I purchased this set today for $230 w/ tax incl. I'm getting them put in next Wednesday, will update on that. For now I'm waiting for my AuxMod to come in so I can hook that up myself.

avakiannl

iTrader: (1)

I'm on the same path as you rollerbldes. Just put some Pioneer 6" x 9" REV-series 2-Way Speaker with 350 Watts Max. Power in the rear. Yes, it needs an amp. Each one has a 5 lb magnet. The stock front speakers areat least 3x as loud as the new Pioneers in the rear.

Time to go amp shopping. I think the Pioneer GM-5100T 2-Channel Power Amplifier with 760 Watts Max. Power is a good match.

rollerbldes

OK.. so.. I got the speakers put in. Did NOT put in any amp of any kind. The sound is so incredibly better than stock its crazy. The highs and lows are so much better I get an audio orgasm every time I turn on the radio. It is really that much of a difference. Wow...

The tweeter was mounted exactly where the stock ones were.. Except they were hotglued on..

Tamas

iTrader: (1)

Told you so...

avakiannl

iTrader: (1)

I wonder why it won't drive my Pioneer speakers?

forbidden

Your car is allergic to Pioneer perhaps?

Butch Brown

Some speakers have 2 ohm resistance like Infinity Kappa 6X9's they will be driven easier than most car speakers which are 4 ohm speakers. I would expect the 2 ohm to work better without adding an amp. There are other factors, both the Pioneer and Alpine mentioned are 4 ohm but the pioneer are disigned to handle 80 watts and the Alpine 60 Watts so the Alpine will respond better under less power. If the output of an amp is 20 Watts at 4 ohm it will usually output 40 Watts into 2 ohm but some amps might overheat when driving 2 ohm. Matching components can get complicated.

RX8INCH

I say hook up an amp to the speakers... if your gonna spend the money... go all out..