Im not very knowledgeable when it comes to speakers in general, but I would like to upgrade the sound system in my 98 civic coupe. I have started with a Sony(I know) 52x4 head unit, and I just want some decent stock replacement speakers. I dont listen to rap, so I dont care for mad tight low bass. I have used nothing but Sony/Pioneer speakers in all of my cars, and they sound decent to me because I dont crank it up high very often at all.

Is there any Polk/Alpine/Infinity 6.5 and 6x9 speakers that you guys recommend? I really dont want to pay $400 for speakers. Would it be worth it to spend the extra money on the better, more expensive brands, or should I just stick with some Pioneer speakers since I listen to mostly rock?

 

I've used Pioneers in the past. Those itself are good upgrades from stocks. If they ever go out, I'd probably go to Alpine next. I think it will depend on what your speaker budget will be. I don't think I'd get those competition speakers or whatever. For me, I love the sounds my Pioneers give out. Adding a sub and amp would make you love your system even more.

 

well I found Pioneers for really cheap, 6.5s for 47, and 6x9s for 50, not including shipping, putting out 220 and 230 max watts, which is more power handling each than ill ever need for all four lol. If I go with the higher end brands that I listed, I will more than likely be paying 199 for each pair. Although Polk is running a buy one pair, get another 1/2 off special, so I MIGHT look into those. Will the 6x9s sound decent without an amp? Should I just buy speakers with RMS output close to what my HU puts out?


Modified by STD ****** at 11:51 AM 9/3/2006

 

I would think the 6X9s should sound great since they will be larger than the 6-1/2" 2 ways I used. It will be an upgrade without the amp. It will sound good. If you add the amp, it will sound better. If you add the sub, you will be in heaven

Of course when you get the amp you'll have to tune it amp to meet your needs (setting crossover points, etc). Just do it step by step. I was happy with just upgrading my fronts for 2 years or so Only thing I didn't like was that the EQ I used, the bass would not sound as good for the low stuff (distortion). If I made the EQ level, of course it would sound good. When you upgrade to an amp and bass, you'll truly enjoy your music. Use the same speaker covers for the stealth loook

Also decide if you want to use component speakers or something like a 2-way, or 3-way speakers.


Modified by AoiGSR at 7:05 PM 9/3/2006

 

Ill probably end up using two or three ways for better clarity. The only thing that worries me is my stereo is rated at 17 watts rms, and all the speakers im looking at have an rms rating of atleast 60. This wont make it sound like **** at low volume levels, will it? Thanks for sharing your experiences.

 

Hrm... I am not sure about the specs if that will cause issues at low volumes. Maybe someone else will know about that. I think fcm on the board has a better idea on this.

 

Are you looking foward to running an amp for these aftermarket speakers? It would be the best choice to when upgrading to aftermarket speakers. If you want some factory replacements without modifications, Pioneer would be a good choice. If you want something better it'd probably be best to hook up an amplifier to them. Alpine/Infinity can be found cheap online depending your budget.

 

I think Ill be happy with the Pioneers. I just cant justify spending 3-4 times as much on slightly better sounding speakers.... and then buying an amp on top of it. I dont care for having my neighborhood hear exactly what im listening to with my windows up.

 

If you plan on just using the Sony HU to power your speakers then just about any entry level brand name 2way speaker, [like the Pioneers] will do the job without any problem, however you should check out the speakers you want at a car audio shop, bring your own disk, tell them you want to listen to some speakers, pop your disk in a HU, [a Sony like your if they have one] and compare some speakers, if you are going to install them yourself and you want to make the install as easy as possible, limit your choice to standard 6.5" 2way speakers that have a mounting depth of 2" or less, a standard 6.5" speaker uses a 5", and a little bit, mounting hole, an over sized 6.5" speaker uses a 51/8" or bigger mounting hole and mods will have to be made to install it.

The above assumes we are talking about a Honda/Acura door speaker, [mostly standard 6.5"] Pioneer makes a "universal" 6.5"... http://www.pioneerelectronics....onent 94

 

I have some 6 X 9 3-way Pioneer speakers in my Honda. I'm somewhat satisfied with them. They have really good highs and clarity, but they're somewhat lacking in the mid-range.
In my Toyota, I had a pair of JBL Power 2-way 6.5 speakers, and I loved those. Great full sound.

One thing I was told, and I'm not sure how much truth there is to it, but 3-ways, compared to 2-ways, lack much mid-range sound. So I would say go for the 2-ways.

Alpine, Infinity, and JBL make some really excellent and affordable speakers that you would be happy with.
And many speakers under $200 will run just fine with your Sony Head Unit.