Hey guys quick question, I am going to be getting S-Pod headrest speakers. I have an aftermarket head unit putting out 4x50. I have installed plenty of speakers but never a components system before. Am I correct in my understanding that instead of running the wire direct to the speaker it goes to the x-over which then have outputs going to the tweeter and woofer separately? Also I will not be getting an amp, do components require you run off an amp? Thanks for your help

 

Yes, you wire them from the HU/Amp output to the input on the crossover, then there are two outputs on the crossover, one for tweeter and one for woofer.

Some component sets run fine off HU power, some won't sound very good at all on HU power. All will sound better off an amp.

 

Components in the headrest?

 

2000-2005 seats are open in the middle of the headrest, so people use S Pods to put components in that space.

 

I understand what s-pods are and I already think they ruin imaging, but geeez with components you really are going to have issues blending those highs in naturally...

 

Agreed. I prefer very little rear fill, but a lot of people just want audio systems they can here, without any concern for imaging, etc.

edit: corrected spelling

 

Not sure I follow what you guys are talking about imaging and whatnot. Are you saying it would be better to have coaxials in there? Do ou think the system sounds better with only 2 speakers? With the top down I feel like I need to turn volume up til distortion. Coaxial would be easier but I assumed components would be better...

One a second note I remembered I have an amp lying around which originally came in the car with a sub (I didn't want this since I Autox regularly). I am now thinking of putting the amp against the wall behind the drivers seat since I have plenty of room with where the seat is positioned for me. Anyone have mounting tips for mounting the amp there? Looks like its just sheet steel behind there, maybe a simple self taping metal screw with a pilot hole? Opinions?

 

I prefer the front speakers only, or at the most the rear speaker being powered below the fronts, or faded to the front, etc. Helps with the soundstage. However, if you just want sound, s pods are fine. Depends on personal taste/desire.

 

4x50W max on an aftermarket HU typically will be equivalent to somewhere form 4x12 to 4x20 W RMS, which is the figure (RMS Watts) you see on amplifiers. If you amplify your front speakers to 50WRMS or more per speaker, i would think the imaging issues from s-pods would reduce your sound quality. (ymmv)

turning on the rear speakers makes my stereo sound noticeably poorer; i have 100W per speaker on each midbass and tweeter, and i have it equalized and time aligned. sound coming from the rear interferes with the corrected, phased sound coming from the front speakers, and it makes the stereo system as a whole sound audibly poorer to nearly everyone that listens to it, not just to me.

if you can't hear the music in the first place, volume is what you are interested in and quality of sound obviously comes second, as evidenced by the fact that you are now willing to turn the volume up to the point of audible distortion. in that case, s-pods make sense as they will increase the volume. an amplifier will be considerably better; that's what you're really wanting. i would install the one you have laying around and then see what happens before shelling out money for s-pods. there are a few threads here with similar installs to what you described.

 

Thanks for the input, I think I am going to throw that amp I have behind the drivers seat since I don't need that room anyways (if someone else wants to drive and doesn't fit then too bad haha). I have everything figured out except for a good way to attach it. Should I simply use self tapping metal screws on the top 2 corners? I haven't been able to find much in searches regarding this, thanks