Hi guys, I know very little about car audio systems so please understand my very basic questions. First I have a 04 C5 coupe I would like to improve the sound quality by replacing the stock speakers. I have read the C5 sticky and it states

"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."


But reading through the post you guys talk about add a Component speaker up front and no speakers in the back. First what is a Component speaker. Second can i add one whit out modifying the door panel? Third, why no back speaker I thought more was better.

Thanks

 

component systems consist of (usually) 2 or 3 speakers. in a 2way setup you have a midrange driver, a tweeter, and an external passive x-over (send the right frequencies to the correct speakers) a 3 way setup has a midbass driver, a mid driver, a tweeter and the external passive x-over. The passive x-overs allow you to power all the speakers in the 'network' with one chan per side. this allows you to use better components and have better sound as well as varried mounting options. you can mount them in the stock locations if you want (i did this in my last install and it work ok)

no rear speakers is more of a preference. many believe; especially in a small sports car, that the rear speakers ruin what is called the 'sound stage'. basically it's being able to close your eyes (not while driviing ) and you can imagine that the band is in front of you and sometime localize where the instruments are. when you add rear speakers it pulls the soundstage behind you. Rear speakers are nice when you don't have an external amp and are just using the headunit's power. it adds spl (sound pressure/volume) to the aenimic system. When you add components and an external amp, spl is no longer as much of an issue when compared to the stock set up (it'll get plenty loud)

 

I understand some of what you posted For my needs I think I will keep the rear speakers. Can someone recommend a set of component speakers for the front. I would like something that would be very easy to install as in plug in the existing wires, screw into the existing location. Also since I realy dont now the difference between brands please recommend a 6.5 inch speaker for the rear.

Thanks again

 

not that easy my friend. for the front: just the 3.5" will fit in the factory opening and plug into the factory wires. when you go with a component you are going to need an amp for best results. the factory wiring will show it's true colors if you try to just splice a component system into them.

the rears are a different story. you can power those off the deck and use the existing wires. i recommend using stock speakers and fading them all the way down