Getting ready to do an install on my wifes S..... I've got all the goodies (new Alpine 9851 HU, modifry dash control interface, Alpine SPS 171 Components for the doors, Kicker 650.4 to power the components and a 10" Infinity Perfect 10 subwoofer sitting in a Wlaruent V2 box -- and of course -- top of the line wiring)

My question is this.... The rears -- how much leg room am I going to lose if I put something behind the seats? I was originally planning on going with S-PODS with speaker powered by the HU, but a lot of people are saying it's "too much" right behind your ears. So I was thinking of doing the spearks behind the seats, but I'm 6'2" so I'm worried about leg room.

How much am I going to lose (if any) -- and based on what I already have system wise -- what would you guys/gals recommend for behind the seats knowing that the HU will be powering them?

THanks -- I love this site!

 

check this out
lucid speakers

 

I think your seat is going to hit the rool hop before it would hit the pannel that the rear speaker would be mounted into... I guess it depends on the angle you have your seat at? The little hooks that are in that same pannel stick out farther than my rear speakers also... I dont see you losing any room

 

Umm- I didn't even think about the hooks back there... good point. Well - if I'm not going to lose much (if any) leg room.... what are the best speakers to put back there? I'm just going to use the HU (18 watts RMS / 50 peak) to power them.

I found some nice Boston Accostic S55's or perhaps some infinity Kappa 52.7i's....

Any input on which speakers?

 

You should go and listen to them with your favorite music. Make sure you turn the amp off at the store and run them off the HU.

 

You are wise to be concerned about leg room. Some rear panel speakers will reduce legroom, or rear lean up to an inch (depending on grille thickness). Even if they don't your seat will be pushed all the way back against them muffling the sound. Also, most people who post opinions about S-Pods being too close to your head have never heard them for themselves. I'm NOT just trying to sell S-Pods here, but un-informed "know-it-alls" are simply killing my business, and giving bad advice. Ask an S-Pod owner or, if you want an HONEST opinion from someone who is not a big fan of my product, ask John(darknight1999). He has addressed the pro's and con's of S-Pods FAIRLY, several times.

 

Mark -- I'd love to actually here the S-pods, but I don't know of anyone in my area (Maryland) who has them in their S. Some people say they don't like they way they look, however, I think you make a great product.

I am just trying to add a little more "music" to the S for my wife. I'm dropping major $$'s one the system so far and spending another $250+ for Spods and then have to buy speakers too -- might be out of the question right now.

I definitely don't want to lose any legroom as I already have to squeeze to get into the S as it is. Maybe I'll go ahead and run the wire from the HU to the back of the seat and then decide later if I should go with the SPODs, behind the seat speakers, or perhaps DARKNIGHT will come up with an idea on how to implement the 06' headrest speakers into past S's.......

 

Hey Mark how's it going buddy? Well since Mark brought it up, I'll address this. Like Mark stated I'm not the biggest fan of Spods...I do however have great respect for Mark for creating something for a community and what for me anyway has become a second family. I however have rear panel speaker with Alpine SPX-137a's in them. But I think at this point Mark understands I have great respect for him. Mark

However having said that, I'm someone that has actually heard Spods in different setup's, with different speakers. I've installed them(good quality BTW) and as well rear panel speakers. But for someone of your height, rear panels aren't for you. My friend is about 6'5" and he has an S and honestly he needs very freak'n mm to fit in the car. I'm not sure your that close and I doubt your wife is but in your case Spods are for you.

Now, I'll tell you things you may have to overcome using an Spod setup. Spods are placed in a position that place them in a spot that is aimed at the back of your head... so to help repair the fact that they just natually sit very close to your head you need to have a HU that you can adjust the time control of the sound. Being able to do that allows you to control the sound better so that you don't feel like the rears are over powering the fronts. If you don't tune them correctly they will over-power the front speakers (in terms of sound getting to your ears) and they will sound louder whether they are or not.

Using Spods requires tuning, and proper power use, but in your case that's the road you need to go down to get the full sound you're looking for.

 

Hopefully there is an S-Pod owner listening who lives near you! Thanks, for the compliment. I have no problem with people who don't like the look, any product is full of compromises. I also understand personal prefrences, and budget concerns. I just want to make sure my potential customers are well informed, by people who have firsthand knoledge. Please let me know if I can answer any questions, I do my best to be un-biased, but do make my living this way. Enjoy your new system!

 

check my install out. I custom mounted components in the vent panel. link is in my sig