I'm looking to do a modest audio upgrade. Head unit and door speakers only. No need for amp and subwoofer.

Looks like the Sony DSX-GS80 is a good option. Plenty of power, no CD, looks decent, etc.

Does anyone have a good recommendation for speakers to pair with this unit? I figure I'll need to spend around $250 cdn (more?) for a decent set of speakers that can take advantage of the HU's power.
Any suggestions?

 

I've lived with my DSX-GS80 now for a few months. Overall, I like the functionality. While it has plenty of power for a single-DIN install, what I find I don't like is how the Class D amp sounds. Class D tends to be harsh with audio reproduction in the mid to high frequencies. So I would be careful not to pair it with "bright" sounding speakers.

Based upon my experience with mid to high end home audio gear, I typically would not use a Class D amp to drive speakers (they're terrific for subs). I thought I could use their EQ to help tame things to my preference, but I still find it often sounds harsh to my ears. How gear sounds is very a subjective thing and therefore YMMV. I am not sharing my opinion to dissuade you from purchasing one. The unit has a lot of great functionality, looks fantastic in the car, and I think well-worth the price.

Unfortunately, I don't have a recommendation for you on what to pair with it. I'm using some older Alpine speakers. I was thinking about asking the guys at Absolute Electronix who do the Sony touch-screen kits if they had a recommendation since they seem to be very familiar with Sony mobile products.

I would have considered one of AEs kits since the reviews seem to be very positive. However, I'm electing to stick with what I have for now because the Sony units don't natively support wireless CarPlay. (Sony does not currently have one that does.) I'm not a fan of having to plug things in when I want to use them on an e everyday basis. While I'm happy that that DSX-GS80 has two USB ports, I've never used them beyond testing them to ensure they worked when I did my install.

Good luck!

P.S. Since I posted my original reply, I thought I'd ask a guy I also know at Crutchfield if he had a recommendation to pair with the Sony. He said the following Polk speakers may help smooth the sound based upon my description of the sounds (based upon my ears and perception). I have no experience with Polk speakers, but thought I'd pass this along! Since I have a 2001, I don't have tweeters in my door panels which may also be why he recommended this particular model.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_107DB6...io-DB-652.html

 

Thanks for the reply!

Well, the Sony is on the way, so I'm committed there. I definitely don't want harsh mids/highs... so hopefully I can pair it with speakers where that is not an issue or can be controlled.

I'm looking at the Polk 6502 components, and the tweeters can be toned down via the crossover. They aren't the most premium speakers, but seem to be a popular and reasonably priced option. And if your Crutchfield guy recommends the 652s, then perhaps the component version (6502) is also a good match.

 

Nice coincidence on the speaker choice! The tweeters are silk dome on both units. Silk dome should in theory be "smoother" sounding than other materials and the ability to tune the component speaker could be helpful as well.

Please post your impressions of the pairing.

BTW, for my install I fed the Sony power using a direct power wire to the dash fusebox and grounded it to the meaty metal brace located to the right of the radio. The unit did work with the factory power harness (which has a 15AMP fuse), but I elected to be cautious about the install. I suspect it would be fine using the harness since that circuit is dedicated (as best I can tell) with a 15AMP fuse. However, I am glad I used a separate power feed in case I elect to add more to that circuit, such as a footwell sub. I also used the Modifry dash controller + speed control option which all worked great for me.

Good luck with your install! Enjoy!

 

6502 should be decent. I ran 6501’s for a very long time until one of the tweeters died

 

I actually just purchased and installed the MM6502's into my MY00 using door panels from a 2007. I did have to modify the plastic bracket to make it fit though, which took some time.

For the crossover, there is an empty black plastic piece in the door panel that you can put the crossover in. I used some 3M double sided tape for that and routed all the cabling alongside the door panel to make it look as OEM as possible. I don't have an amp and I'm using some cheap chinese radio (it's a temporary solution), and they sound really good, but I can definitely tell and amp, or just a better head unit, would really open the 6502's up.

I also ordered from crutchfield. Those guys are awesome. Be sure to get the recommended Metra 72-7800 Speaker Wiring Harness for easier connection so you do not to cut into the original wiring, that is if you intend to use the stock wiring. Do note crutchfield may tell you they won't fit depending on your year, but they do fit and can work, but like me you may need to modify the plastic bracket/bucket.
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I didn't even consider the MMs due to price and depth, but GJ getting them in there. Once you get a HU I'm sure they will sound awesome!

Yes, I also opted for the wiring harness -- it was a free addition, which was a nice surprise.

 

Curious to hear about your impressions on this unit once you receive it as I’m debating between that one or Alpine CDE-172BT with the KTP-445A amplifier.

 

I'm running 6502's myself off a Cerwin Vega B54 amp. Very surprised at the bass response for them being SO thin. No spacer needed by the way. The tweeters are still a bit bright even with them toned down on the crossover though.

 

When you changed out the head unit, do the dash audio controls still work? I’m thinking of changing my original stereo out in my ‘03 but want the controls to still work.