Upgrade!

[SuperProtege5]

I'm looking to upgrade the stock speakers in my car. It is my first car, so it's a learn-by-doing experience. I'm looking to get a quality set-up for the car without spending alot of money and having a "steal me!" look. On doing research, I have seen that in the rears, 6in speakers fit the best. However, the only company I have found that make speakers in that size is Audiovox. I would like to go with Pioneer's all around but the only sizes I find are 6 1/2 and 5 1/4 inches. I was contemplating the 6 1/2's but saw that cutting the rain guard. If so, what exactly needs to be cut. And yes I have used the search and no I didn't find my answers. Thanks to all who reply.

 

[chuyler1]

I'm pretty sure that most 6.5" speakers will fit in the rear. The only issue might be that you have to cut the thin plastic ring along the inside of teh door panel. Otherwise it might rub against the surround on the speaker. Front speakers are 6x8" and 5x7" will also fit (6x9 will not fit). You can also fit 6.5" or 5.25" up front by creating a baffle out of MDF.

However, please read the Rear Speaker Discussion before buying anything. Many of us (us being car audio gurus) do not recommend rear speakers. Your money would be better spent on a nicer set of front speakers (separates/components) and an external amplifier, new headunit, or both.

One option I suggest to newbies is a 4-channel amp, a set of components, and a small subwoofer. You can bridge the rear channels of the amp and power the subwoofer with them while using the front channels for your front speakers.

Also check out these threads...
Speaker Sizes, Harnesses, and Kits of all Mazdas!
NEW: The $500 Audio Challenge!!!!!
The $1000 Audio Challenge!!!!!

 

[grey]

I have a set of infinity component speakers in the front and a 10 inch kicker comp sub in the hatch and the stock speakers in the rear doors. And it sounds wonderful.

 

[SuperProtege5]

Well I want to replace the rear speakers with the same brand as my fronts. However, the size that I keep seeing that is certain to fit is 5 1/4 with a adapter from Crutchfield. However, I would like to have a 6 1/2 in the rear and was wondering if these would fit using the cutting of the rain guard since they are the same model as my fronts: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-IgVH4VGEg8i/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=400&I=130TSA1681

Thanks

 

[chuyler1]

Try this, remove one of your front speakers and see if you can get it to fit in the rear. If it doesn't fit, then buy the 5.25" versions with an adapter.

 

[SuperProtege5]

Try this, remove one of your front speakers and see if you can get it to fit in the rear. If it doesn't fit, then buy the 5.25" versions with an adapter.

I thought the fronts were 5x7's? How could they possibly fit in the rear if the rears are 6?

 

[chuyler1]

My bad, I though you had 6.5"s up front (which will also fit if you have a baffle for them).

 

[SuperProtege5]

So if I wanted to put 6.5's in the rear, what exactly needs to be cut on the rain guard to enable them to fit?

 

[chuyler1]

I don't think the rain guard has to be cut. You'll have to trim away the plastic ring that surrounds the speaker opening on the backside of the door panel. This normally lines up perfectly with the foam gasket around the stock speakers but it will pinch the surround on a larger speaker.

the plastic ring is thin enough that you can cut it with a swiss army knife or a razor blade.

 

[SuperProtege5]

Thanks for the replys guys.