Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio The last factory speaker replacement post, I promise...

Ok, my thoughts have been spread out over several different posts, and this is what It's come down to:

posted November 26, 2001 07:20 PM
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For drop-in simplicity, I'd go with these Audiobahn plate components for $100. Very efficient with external, switchable crossovers.
Audiobahn 6x8 Plate Components

[img]http://store6.yimg.com/I/competitiondirect_1657_57261245[/img]



The Crystal 5x7s from http://www.carmedia1.com/crys.htm

for $69 (1 pairs)

Crystal 5x7s with external crossovers





or last but not least a pair of cerwin vegas, dropped in price on crutchfield to $80:



I apologize in advance for everyone who has listened to my questions about speakers for the last week, I just like to know exactly what I want before I buy it. My HU has EQ settings to focus on front passengers, I assume it cranks front speakers. If I go crystal I could stretch out 2 pairs, while everyone talks about front sound stage, my system with only HU and speakers would crank louder with 4 real speakers than 2 real and 2 ford, correct? I think this post is going to help out a lot of people cause despite using the search function till I wanna puke I am still left with ?'s which I see reoccuring in other posts...


1.) Audiobahn - $100

2.) Crystal - $69 (could stretch 2 pairs)

3.) Cerwin Vega - $80

Many of you that are actually knowledgable in car stereo and am probably sick of me asking just reply with 1,2, or 3. This vote will help me a lot. Thanx!

2-very good company
Go with which ever pair sound best to you and will be usefull in any future upgrades.

I am looking to get speakers as well and kinda like the crystal's but there is no way I could test them. Since I don't plan on getting a subwoofer, I was thinking of getting the pioneers instead, as they go lower than the crystal's (only based on the frequency range). If someone would say otherwise please let me know.

I say otherwise. Take it from me. The Crystals rock....

Get out and listen to them!!!

That should make your decision simple. Everyone has got different ears.

Call around to your local shops and see if they've got 'em set up for an audition.

Just to throw something else out there, I really love my Focals.

What model in focals, and how much do they cost?

You can get a 6.5" component set from www.zalytron.com for 129.00. The only drawback is you have to assemble the crossovers. Great speakers though.

From this page?
http://www.zalytron.com/autosale.htm

looking there I have no idea which one is the 6.5" component set, but could I use the built in crossover in my HU? Does the cross over just filter out lower frequencies, cause my HU can do that...

Is this what you are talking about:

"Do to the great response to the Focal car audio systems listed below, we would like to offer an upgraded system. The Focal 165ZLT is the woofer used in the 165E2 system, we will add a TN46(better) tweeter and a Focal 12db crossover and sell this system for $129.00. When you call ask for the upgrade special.
"

Can anyone translate this into english for me

Can you drop in the 6.5" in the door panel, then mount the tweeter where you want, or do you have to build a wood plate to fit the 6.5. I am by no means a car audio guru, I am in the process of searching thru focal posts so please help me.

If they all sound the same, go with the cheapest. But I have heard great things about the Audiobahn line, their new subs and amps are frickin amazing. You may want to expand later and it would suck if your fronts were cheap. However, I would go with bigger speakers than those AB plate speakers, see if they have a 5x7 or 6.5 coaxes, or 6.5 separates if they got it.

warmonger

This is what Dave was talking about. In laymens terms, ask for the upgrade special if you want the Focal set for $129.

As for the crossover, your HU one isn't the right one. The HU one is just for sub vs. rest, like around 80-100Hz range. The crossover w/ the kit (or any components) splits the correct signals to the tweeter and the mid-range supplied. If you do not want to build the crossover in this kit with the supplied caps & inductors, then these can be used.

No, the Focals will not simply drop in. An adapter must be used from the 6x8 to 6.5" round. Most people make their own, but some use a Metra adapter.