My car is the sport model with no bose. Should I use 6x9 or 6 1/2 inch for the rear speakers? Thanks.

 

You can use either, the stock is 6x9 in the bose and the base radio systems. If you decide to go with 6.5, you will need an adapter to be able to properly mount the 6.5. Check out the speaker sizes sticky, that will answer almost all your questions.

here is a link to what you will need:
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Produ...142SA69&tp=919

 

Assuming the same speaker quality, is one preferred over the other(6x9 or 6 .5)?

 

no, not really. I went with the 6x9 becuase it had a low frequency response and I wasn't planning on running a big subwoofer. Also it was just easier to install. But if either of them is good quality, there isn't a huge difference. Take some time to listen to the speakers you want at an audio shop and see which ones you like better.

 

Would love to help, but need more info. Here are my thoughts;

Are you going to run an after-market amp or just bolt new speakers into the system? If you are just bolting some new speakers in I would probably go with 6X9's as this car was designed to accept them and it will be easier to install them. However if you are going to be running amps I would recommend getting a good set of 6.5's (Components).

Also, are you replacing the front speakers? If not, don't spend too much (get coaxial's for less than $100) on the rears. Most of the sound that you hear in the front seats of a car will come from the front speakers anyway, so the rears are not as important. So if you are looking for really good sound the front speakers are MUCH more important. If you are replacing everything I have many suggestions, post your intentions.

FYI this is the set up I run in my Protege5, have not messed with the 8 yet....
Alpine head unit
JL 300/4 for F/R speakers
JL 250/1 Sub
Diamond Audio M6 6.5 Component (Front)
MB Quart ??? (Can't remember model) 5.25 Coaxial (Rear)
JL 12W6 in custom ported box (Sub)

This set up could probably be duplicated for 2,500-3,000$ with install?

A bit long winded I know. Basically, I would need to know what your are trying to get out of the install before I could give you meaningful advice.

 

A 6x9 will produce lower frequencies better, round speakers produce higher quality sounds. So if your goal is to get a louder better quality stock system without subs and amps, get 6x9's. If youa re going all out, puttign amps and subs everywhere, put 6.5" comps.

 

Optical,

Found the DA's I was talking about.
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...Tweeters-.html

There are a ton of good audio sites out there, I have had good results price/service with this one. Look around and you may see something you like better. I can tell you that for this price you are going to be hard pressed to find a better speaker. Really need an amp though (as will most aftermarket speakers). You will find that most aftermarket speakers will need more juice than any head unit can give them.

If you are going to do the install yourself something similar to this would be a good way to go. There is a DIY on this sit that explains replacing rear speakers, looks time consuming but easy.

 

as long as we are somewhat on the subject: are there any kind of adaptors available for the front speakers?

 

Nope.

 

Lexan is a pretty good adapter for front speakers. You will need to cut it to size yourself though. Doors are not a good place for MDF due to water leakage.

I used 6x9's in the back because it was a drop in replacement for the Bose system, and since rear speakers are mostly for fill, Quality can take a hit. The fronts are going to be a nice set of round components though to be sure i deafen myself with high quality sound.

 

Agreed on both accounts. Use Lexan not the cheap ol plexi. I cheaped out the first time and ended up redoing it. The cheap stuff cracks very easy and honestly, was tougher to cut. (Just melted and reformed together right behind the blade)

I have been seriously considering replacing my rear 6.5"s with 6x9"s. First, no adapters needed. Super secure mounting versus vibrating plastic baffles. Next, I would cut out the tweeter(s) on the 6x9's. I'm well aware of the theories behind sound staging. I have tried running fronts exclusively and chose to use my midranges (not coaxils) in the rear. Looking to get a little more midbass out of my system. I know some quality 6x9"s can out do my quality 6.5"s here. And as mentioned, the decrease in overall SQ would be slight. The front stage is solid. These rears can afford that hit. Anyone else have thoughts on this?

 

Midbass can be a bitch. Expensive too. Best solution I have found is a really good set of 6.5 in the front doors. I used Diamond Audio M6's, but there a a bunch of great speakers out there. It just comes down to preference. Dynomat is key, at least one layer, with a good high current amp.

If your question was "would aftermarket 6x9's increase my midbase with no further mods?" I think the answer is I don't know. Get a set that is less than $100 and see if you like it. I doubt it will be worse (could be, but unlikely). I have always replaced my stereo as a whole, because making a combined stock/aftermarket set up sound good can be very hard. However I am thinking about putting a spare JL 12W6 and amp in my amp with no further upgrades. If I do I will be sure to post the results.....

 

My entire system is aftermarket. I already have quality components up front (Adire Audio Kodas) but I want more. Between the two 10"s in the back and the tweets in my face.... I need more.

 

Sounds like you have a good set up already. I went through the same dilemma about three years ago. Had good components in the car, but really felt like I needed a lot more mid base. I ended up getting a good shop to dynomat the front doors really well and that took care of the problem. You would not believe the difference that a bit of dynomat can make.

You should also make sure that you are not using more than one cross over in your system (ie. either the head unit or the amp but not both) as they will tend to fight with each other and F up your sound.

If you are still not satisfied with your sound after doing the dynomat and checking your set up then you can always get some better speakers. There are a few good companies out there that make 3-ways (usually something like 7 or 8in, 4 in, and tweet with a good x-over network). I think Focal, Diamond, and CDT would be a good start. All will be expensive. Diamond aprox 450.00, Focal 700.00, CDT $$$$.

Hope this helps. Let me know what you decide on.......Get Dynomat!