08 Coupe Upgrade Question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
From: CA
08 Coupe Upgrade Question
Hello all,
I did an Evelyn Wood speed read through most if not all the audio posts here. Didn't find what I was looking for. The only upgrade to my factory (non-Bose) system is add a Infinity Bass Link to the back of the drivers seat in the storage area. I have since bought a new JL Audio Stealth Box from a friend, complete with the JL sub for $200.00 cash. Needless to say I added a single channel 400 watt amp where the Infinity Bass Link was and installed the JL box. I think it sounds great. I can now turn down the bass setting on the factory head unit and use the amp/JL box. I don't want to spend the cash changing out the factory head unit. My question is... finally.... would a aftermarket set of speakers in the doors like Pioneer Premier PRS720's or the like give me better sound? I want to keep my spending under $400.00 including the speaker adapter panels. Suggestions?
I did an Evelyn Wood speed read through most if not all the audio posts here. Didn't find what I was looking for. The only upgrade to my factory (non-Bose) system is add a Infinity Bass Link to the back of the drivers seat in the storage area. I have since bought a new JL Audio Stealth Box from a friend, complete with the JL sub for $200.00 cash. Needless to say I added a single channel 400 watt amp where the Infinity Bass Link was and installed the JL box. I think it sounds great. I can now turn down the bass setting on the factory head unit and use the amp/JL box. I don't want to spend the cash changing out the factory head unit. My question is... finally.... would a aftermarket set of speakers in the doors like Pioneer Premier PRS720's or the like give me better sound? I want to keep my spending under $400.00 including the speaker adapter panels. Suggestions?
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,035
Likes: 134
From: North Augusta, SC
I already have an aftermarket Nav unit installed, but I'm in the process of swapping out my factory amp/speakers for aftermarkets.
You can get custom cut plates for $45 shipped.
I went with Polk db6501 components for $120 shipped on ebay.
That leaves you $235 to spend on an amp (2 ch for just fronts, or 4 ch for rears also) and whatever other gizmos you'll need for the install. Or you could spend a bit more on the speakers.
I like having the rear speakers playing (many around here recommend against it), so I went with a 5 channel amp ($200 shipped) and some JVC CS-FX502 5.25's for the rear.
You can get custom cut plates for $45 shipped.
I went with Polk db6501 components for $120 shipped on ebay.
That leaves you $235 to spend on an amp (2 ch for just fronts, or 4 ch for rears also) and whatever other gizmos you'll need for the install. Or you could spend a bit more on the speakers.
I like having the rear speakers playing (many around here recommend against it), so I went with a 5 channel amp ($200 shipped) and some JVC CS-FX502 5.25's for the rear.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
From: CA
Thanks guys. I was wondering if just a speaker swap/upgrade without adding another amp would make a difference. I know a amp would make a world of difference, i'm just to lazy to run more wires. Actually IMO the sound I have now with the addition of the JL sub and everything else stock sounds pretty good to me (for the $ I have into it). I would like to get a bit more mid range and maybe a real tweeter/crossover setup in the doors.
Also, about the rear speakers. I have read that some folks say they are not needed and don't do much. My rears can really be heard. I have the front/rear adjustment set dead center. I would say I can hear the sound as 55% rear and 45% front. I would think about an upgrade to the rear as well. I'm looking for a link that shows how to access the rear speakers.
Thanks again.
Also, about the rear speakers. I have read that some folks say they are not needed and don't do much. My rears can really be heard. I have the front/rear adjustment set dead center. I would say I can hear the sound as 55% rear and 45% front. I would think about an upgrade to the rear as well. I'm looking for a link that shows how to access the rear speakers.
Thanks again.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,035
Likes: 134
From: North Augusta, SC
Just replacing the front 3.5" twiddlers with ANY aftermarket 2-way speaker is an improvement. The OEM speakers are just basic paper speakers without a dedicated tweeter. BA S35's and Polk db351's are popular choices.
I was going to wait until I was done with my entire install, but since you asked..... CLICK HERE
As far as I know, all C6 models have 5.25" speakers in the rear.
I was going to wait until I was done with my entire install, but since you asked..... CLICK HERE
As far as I know, all C6 models have 5.25" speakers in the rear.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 9,289
Likes: 16
From: Skippack PA
St Jude Donor '13
Yes, all C6's have rear 5.25's, both Bose & Delco systems.
The question regarding rear speakers isn't whether you can hear them or not it's what they contribute to the sound stage. Honestly if you can pick out the rear speakers you have it faded too much to them, all they really are intended for rear fill. I was skeptical of front speakers only but have found that concentrating on the front stage is the way to go for sure, I don't miss rear speakers a bit in either my vert or my Z06.
The question regarding rear speakers isn't whether you can hear them or not it's what they contribute to the sound stage. Honestly if you can pick out the rear speakers you have it faded too much to them, all they really are intended for rear fill. I was skeptical of front speakers only but have found that concentrating on the front stage is the way to go for sure, I don't miss rear speakers a bit in either my vert or my Z06.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
From: CA
Yes, all C6's have rear 5.25's, both Bose & Delco systems.
The question regarding rear speakers isn't whether you can hear them or not it's what they contribute to the sound stage. Honestly if you can pick out the rear speakers you have it faded too much to them, all they really are intended for rear fill. I was skeptical of front speakers only but have found that concentrating on the front stage is the way to go for sure, I don't miss rear speakers a bit in either my vert or my Z06.
The question regarding rear speakers isn't whether you can hear them or not it's what they contribute to the sound stage. Honestly if you can pick out the rear speakers you have it faded too much to them, all they really are intended for rear fill. I was skeptical of front speakers only but have found that concentrating on the front stage is the way to go for sure, I don't miss rear speakers a bit in either my vert or my Z06.
