C5 - replacing door speaker recommendations
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: Downingtown, PA
C5 - replacing door speaker recommendations
Can someone set me up with a solid speaker recommendation for my 1998 convertible. I am looking to replace the door stock speakers with 3.5" after market replacements. I am looking for:
(1) ease of installation - will fit directly into existing brackets.
(2) sound quality, obviously I am not an audiophile as I am only replacing the door speakers but I would like to achieve a crisper heavier sound when jamming to the Who, Led Zep and VH.
Also, if someone can point me to a set of install instructions, I would appreciate it. Hoping to bang out this little project next weekend.
(1) ease of installation - will fit directly into existing brackets.
(2) sound quality, obviously I am not an audiophile as I am only replacing the door speakers but I would like to achieve a crisper heavier sound when jamming to the Who, Led Zep and VH.
Also, if someone can point me to a set of install instructions, I would appreciate it. Hoping to bang out this little project next weekend.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,682
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
Originally Posted by Stonecutter908
Can someone set me up with a solid speaker recommendation for my 1998 convertible. I am looking to replace the door stock speakers with 3.5" after market replacements. I am looking for:
(1) ease of installation - will fit directly into existing brackets.
(2) sound quality, obviously I am not an audiophile as I am only replacing the door speakers but I would like to achieve a crisper heavier sound when jamming to the Who, Led Zep and VH.
Also, if someone can point me to a set of install instructions, I would appreciate it. Hoping to bang out this little project next weekend.
(1) ease of installation - will fit directly into existing brackets.
(2) sound quality, obviously I am not an audiophile as I am only replacing the door speakers but I would like to achieve a crisper heavier sound when jamming to the Who, Led Zep and VH.
Also, if someone can point me to a set of install instructions, I would appreciate it. Hoping to bang out this little project next weekend.
#2. If you are not planning to replace your head unit or at least add an amp, you will not notice that much of a difference by replacing just the speakers. A 2 way 3.5" might give you better high end response, but the rest of the frequency range will be about the same.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: Downingtown, PA
Originally Posted by leolufse
#1. is not going to happen unless you want to replace just the 3.5" mids in the bose assemblies. Even your most common 6.5", and 5.25" speakers are not a drop in. You will need to fabricate a mounting plate. Most common is to use 1/4" mdf.
#2. If you are not planning to replace your head unit or at least add an amp, you will not notice that much of a difference by replacing just the speakers. A 2 way 3.5" might give you better high end response, but the rest of the frequency range will be about the same.
#2. If you are not planning to replace your head unit or at least add an amp, you will not notice that much of a difference by replacing just the speakers. A 2 way 3.5" might give you better high end response, but the rest of the frequency range will be about the same.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 10,295
Likes: 4
From: Downers Grove IL
St. Jude Donor '15
Adding the 3.5" speakers helps a little. It does raise the high end. However, the main problem with the Bose system is that is has virtually no low end. Adding a sub helps a lot. What you'll find is that it's better to replace the entire system to achieve good sound. Mine gets ripped out next spring!
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 295
Likes: 0
From: Escondido (North San Diego) California
Both the 3.5" 'twiddlers' and the rear speakers are pretty much lower-end speakers. I don't think they're even Bose branded. I think the only Bose thing is the wacky sub in the door. To answer your question, yes, you can replace the 3.5's and 5.5's in your vert's rear location. The mounting holes should match most aftermarkets, but many aftermarkets come with adaptor rings for different hole patterns.
Alpine, Pioneer, Kenwood, and Sony all make decent aftermarket speakers that will fit the bill and not break the bank.
Here's what's in the FAQ:
How Can I get better sound while keeping the bose head unit?
Upgrade speakers
The easiest way to get better sound from the stock head unit is to simply swap out the in door 'twiddlers' with after market 3.5” speakers. You also have the option of swapping out the rear speakers with 5.25” speakers for the frc/z06 and convertables, and a 6.5" speaker for the coupes.
Alpine, Pioneer, Kenwood, and Sony all make decent aftermarket speakers that will fit the bill and not break the bank.
Here's what's in the FAQ:
How Can I get better sound while keeping the bose head unit?
Upgrade speakers
The easiest way to get better sound from the stock head unit is to simply swap out the in door 'twiddlers' with after market 3.5” speakers. You also have the option of swapping out the rear speakers with 5.25” speakers for the frc/z06 and convertables, and a 6.5" speaker for the coupes.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg MB.
I'm right in the middle of replacing the 3.5" fronts and 6.5" rears in my coupe and the rears have Bose stamped right on them. The fronts will be Rockford Fosgate which I had laying around and MB Quarts for the rear I'll give a report when I'm done.
