I have read a lot of threads on speaker replacement in the past and I'm still a little unsure of what my best option is.

I'm keeping the stock head unit and just want to swap out the junk speakers. I like mostly hard guitar-driven rock (Ozzy, Motley Crue, The Cult, etc.) and like bright highs.

I've read the the Sony X-plod are relatively inexpensive, sound good, and fit without having to cut. I checked Crutchfield and there are 3 options XSV1621 3-way, XSF1621 2-way, and XSV1631 3-way (2 5/16 top mount depth, maybe too deep). What's better for our car 2 way or 3 way?

Also, I saw the Polk EX6029 2 way for around the same price. Which are better? I don't mind spending a little more for better quality.

I'd like to order the speakers within the next week and will take a shot at installing them myself. Any of your opinions or experiences are appreciated.

 

1st off, lets hear a round of applause for me getting to 1st gear on the forums! Woo hoo!!! Anyways, I just installed the XSV-1631s and the ROCK!!!!!! I'm no expert on stereo stuff @all or car modification but I got it done in less that 1 hour!! *yay* I had the benefit of 2 friends using the 1631s, and the 1621s and the 31s are better (personally.) They were louder and had more response to an amp. For the $20 more they cost, it is well worth it. Can't tell ya anything else though. Best of luck to ya!!

 

For the most part, 3-ways are almost always better than 2-ways. I installed the 1631's (see my webpage), and you'll have to cut a portion of the basket rear to get it to fit. It's an easy install, really, and the sound difference over stock is exceptional.

 

Well... actually, that's not necessarily true. Actually, to dispell all quarrel, it's purely subjective.

3-way speakers are NOT "always" better. Not even "almost always." In fact, many great installers will disagree entirely, favoring 2-ways in most situations. At least, when a subwoofer is present. The theory being that with a tweeter, midrange and subwoofer, all frequencies are covered. If you put a 3-way system in a car with a sub, the woofer addition can actually take away from the bass response. Although, again, it's subjective.

If you're NOT going to install a subwoofer though, in my opinion, 3-ways may be a good bet. If you promise to install the midrange and tweeter in nice kick panels, lest I find you and kill you. 3-ways can be a very good idea for a limited-space car like the S2000, where subwoofer(s) may not be added.

 

What can I say, he wanted a quick fix, and replacing one speaker with another is the quickest (i.e., no subwoofer)...might as well go for the full range 3-ways than try and recreate everything with a 2-way. I haven't found a 2-way that can match an equivalently-priced 3-way, but thought I would leave myself an out by saying "almost always", just in case

 

Hey no prob, like I said, it's all subjective.

-S2-

 

Hey!

We're all highly-opinionated high-maintenance car nuts... let's not worry too much about semantics! "Almost always"... "always"... blah blah blah.

I chose 3-way components so I could put my midrange in the dash to get imagining higher... but I am probably technically wrong!

Hey what do I know, I've gone through two dashboards!

Just keeping it light... I didn't want you guys facing off over "wording"...

 

Hi!

I installed a pair of Kenwood 6.5" 2-ways in the doors, a legacy (yes, I know it's crap) line-level converter, a mobile authority (aka Hot Shots HS-400) 400W amp, and a 12" polk audio sub with Stinger wiring front to back. Total cost was about $600Cdn (about $400USD). Now I've got louder clearer mids, highs, and thumping bass.

No spare, no rear deck. It pounds, and it's loud, and it's reasonably clear. A lot of people are shocked when they see it's a factory deck.

If you want, I can take pics.

Peace,

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by 1badride
[B]Hi!

I installed a pair of Kenwood 6.5" 2-ways in the doors, a legacy (yes, I know it's crap) line-level converter, a mobile authority (aka Hot Shots HS-400) 400W amp, and a 12" polk audio sub with Stinger wiring front to back.

 

Are there any Head-Units out there that you can install that will still take advantage of the audio controls to the left of the steering wheel?

Michael
00' Formula Red S2k