Best 6x8 speakers for non-Bose system

[fourthmeal]

Just for fun, I looked up some average components in both the 6x8 (5x7) size, and the ubiquitous 6.5" size for you. All under 200 a pair.

Ideally you'd want to do components in the front, and possibly components in the rear, though matching coaxials would be sufficient IF ANY speakers at all. I reckon a CX-7 has rear passengers far more often then my MS3 however, so i concede that rear speakers may be necessary on this car...

6x8's

Alpine Type-S or Type-R

JBL GTO

Kicker


6.5's

Alpine Type-S or Type-R

JBL GTO

Kicker

Boston Acoustics S, SL, or SX series

CDT Audio (tons of options, decent all around)

Diamond Audio D-3, and D-6

Memphis

OZ Audio

Phoenix Gold

Polk Audio DB

RE Audio

Zapco i series.


Match a front pair with their coaxial counterparts, amplify with a decent 4 ch amp (or run a sub w/ either a separate amp or go w/ a 5ch instead of the 4), and you should be good to go. That and sound deadener!

 

[CX-7owner]

I don't think they want to go that extensive into the audio(as I didn't want to). I just got four tweeters and Four coaxials, one 2 12" sub box and one amp for the subs, +New headunit.
I had just two tweeters but the soundstage was bad in the back for the driver and people sitting back there.

 

[fourthmeal]

I'm not sure what "extensive" is to each person, but I've learned over the years that sometimes you have to do things a certain way to see any gains whatsoever. In the case of our audio system, this is true.

If you are going to improve on the factory system, I feel as though you have a few paths:

1. Just open the door panels, and sound deaden the entire door both inside and outside. Put the panels back on, and now you've got much better sound. Promise.

2. Do the same thing as option 1, but add some form of crossover that actually works...cheapest way would be to make your own but easiest is to source a crossover from partsexpress or on ebay (since people sell their crossovers to components all the time), and find one that suits the stock speakers pretty well. This isn't quite perfect, but it is WAY better then what stock starts out with. Again, far better then stock.

3. Do option 1 (see a trend here?), and invest in a decent set of components in the front, and coaxials in the rear, based off my list I made. Honestly if you listen to a bunch all around, you'll have a much better idea, but BB and CC aren't the place! Quality audio shops with good rooms is much better. Independent stores especially. Once you've found what you like, get a decent 4 channel (or amp up a sub as well with a separate amp or a 5ch, like I said before), and you're set.


Option 1 costs about $150.

Option 2 costs about $200.

Option 3 can run anywhere from $300 to thousands.


But a good system with all new parts (except for the very good stock head unit) can usually be built head to toe (including quality sound dampening, a quality box, wiring, etc) for about $700.

 

[chuyler1]

Quick summary after reading this thread:

1) Don't use 2ohm speakers on a stock system. The amplifier chip on the stock head unit has a very small heat-sink and if it overheats (due to the low impedence load) it will melt the solder on the circuit board and channels will simply stop working. It could happen in less than an hour at full volume but typically it will take months of use and then you'll start wondering first why there is distortion and then second why speakers stop working.

2) Listen to speakers because specs mean nothing. 1sty's suggestions are dead on. Go to an audio store and tell them your budget (say $300 for 2 sets of speakers). They will show you which models on their sound board fit your budget and you can switch between them to hear the differences. Make sure you bring a familiar cd to listen to.

3) Sound deadening as forthmeal suggested can make a big difference in bass response. A layer of Raammat BXT and a layer of Raammat Ensolite can really bring out the bass from your door speakers while reducing road noise.

 

[06Si to CX-7]

Yikes! I appreciate your expertise fourthmeal but I haven't got the funds or interest in building a complete kick-ass setup as what you've described. That said, I think that you're right on target with your advice on sound-deadening the doors. I think the stock speakers sound terrible though so I will upgrade all four speakers with something middle of the road like the Infinity Ref, and then use Dynomat or something for sound-deadening.

I truly miss the stock set-up in my previous new car, a 2006 Honda Civic Si...that thing sounded amazing! 8-speaker system with sub I think. I miss a lot of things about that car but oh well, the CX-7 was a compromise since we're having our baby any day

 

[CX-7owner]

Extensive to me, is wiring in a new 4 or 5 channel amp.

 

[HIBUHIBU]

Quick summary after reading this thread:

1) Don't use 2ohm speakers on a stock system. The amplifier chip on the stock head unit has a very small heat-sink and if it overheats (due to the low impedence load) it will melt the solder on the circuit board and channels will simply stop working. It could happen in less than an hour at full volume but typically it will take months of use and then you'll start wondering first why there is distortion and then second why speakers stop working.

2) Listen to speakers because specs mean nothing. 1sty's suggestions are dead on. Go to an audio store and tell them your budget (say $300 for 2 sets of speakers). They will show you which models on their sound board fit your budget and you can switch between them to hear the differences. Make sure you bring a familiar cd to listen to.

3) Sound deadening as forthmeal suggested can make a big difference in bass response. A layer of Raammat BXT and a layer of Raammat Ensolite can really bring out the bass from your door speakers while reducing road noise.

Hey chulyer1,

Good to see you here too. I know you visit diymobileaudio often too.

As for speakers,

1st, listen to them with flat response going into them. What I mean is that do not have any bass or treble boost when auditioning for speakers. Do not buy a speaker that has exaggerated bass or treble. Lots of companies over exaggerate treble or bass on speakers so it catches your attention. A good speaker should give you a flat response when fed with flat response.

2nd, be prepared to do a proper installation. A good sound system comes from 70% installation(does not need to be fancy, but PROPER) and 30% equipment and tuning. Like chulyer said, layer of rammat and ensolite can brig out alot of midbass from your speaker.
At the very least, make sure to use a proper adapter so the front of the speaker is completely sealed from the back. If you dont, cancellation between frequency occurs and you lose ton of midbass.

3rd, my recommendation of speakers will include Polk DB series, infinity reference, and JBL and everything fourth meal has recommended.. They all should sound fine with different taste to them. Just make sure to get the sound that you want. LISTEN and LISTEN!

 

[06Si to CX-7]

Listened to the Infinity Ref. speakers today at Best Buy and they sound great! BB wants about $25 more per set than you can find them online and they wouldn't price match... The Pioneer 4-ways I listened to didn't come close to the overall clarity of the Infinity speakers.

 

[1sty]

Listened to the Infinity Ref. speakers today at Best Buy and they sound great! BB wants about $25 more per set than you can find them online and they wouldn't price match... The Pioneer 4-ways I listened to didn't come close to the overall clarity of the Infinity speakers.

They wont match the net. but they also wont charge shipping for them or if they fail in a month.
Just because someone sells a speaker, or part, doesnt mean they are actauly a dealer for that product so buying online may mean you get no warranty. Just something to be aware of when you go e-shopping.

I am not much for BB as if a speaker fails after a month, you have to deal with Infinity with the matter.
Other stores will have the speaker swapped out or repaired for you at no cost or time to you.

 

[u812many73]

Im a big fan of Polk audio. good all around sound and excellent price. Circuit city sometimes runs a sale at buy one pair get the second half off. thats what i did for my p5. only cost me $150 to replace my stockies.

 

[chuyler1]

1sty is right. I will only recommend two websites for online car audio: www.crutchfield.com and www.sounddomain.com. They provide excellent customer service, they are authorized retailers, they will assist you with the install over the phone if you need help, and they will honor the manufacturer's warranty without any hassle. Crutchfield has been around for a very long time as a mail order catalog and if they sell the brand I want, I won't hesitate to buy from them. I'd much rather give them the business than Best Buy. They will also give you the wiring harness to connect your speakers to the factory wiring w/o cutting anything, a mounting kit if necessary, and a detailed instruction sheet on how to remove your door panel and install the speakers. It is worth the price of shipping to order from them.

 

[06Si to CX-7]

Going with the Infinity Reference speakers for now, hope to add a sub one day...thinking about the Infinity bass/amp enclosure that would fit under the passenger seat. Got to do everything in small steps now with baby boy here