Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio Looking for info on speakers

Hi, I am a new contour buyer (just got a 2000 countor sport), and want to take out the pretty crappy deck and speakers. I am wondering what size the speakers are though. I had read the front is component 5.25" and the back is 6x8, is this correct?

Also, I have a limited budget (300-400), so if anyone has some suggestions on decent speakers and a decent deck I am all ears. No need for an amp or sub now, but I would be interested in getting it down the road (if that matters for speaker purchase now).

Hello and welcome to CEG!

To answer your questions. The front and rear doors on the Contour are 6x8/6x9 (depending on the manufacturer). Pioneer makes some 6x8's that are a perfect fit in our cars, although I'm sure the guru's will reccomend a cheaper likely better sounding solution.

You can pretty much pick up any brand name deck in the same price range and they will sound the same. I have a Pioneer DEH-P7400MP in mine and I love it. Plays MP3s and has a cool lookin LCD display. It also has a built in 50x4 watt max amp (around 20x4wrms). www.sounddomain.com has them for $229 + shipping, retail is over $300 if you buy it in any store.

So 6x8 or 6x9. I just was at goodguys (I know, I know...) and the guy said that the book lists it as 6x8, but that coudln't be right, they have to be 5x7. I am not planning on installing these myself. I did that with my last car, and it was a pain in the ass. Plus I never got my door fixed like it should have been again The guy said that if I buy too big, that the installer can grab smaller, and then charge a price diferential (or money back of whatever), so I will trust you guys and go with 6x8.

Unfortuantly the only 6x8 that goodguys carries are Pioneer ($79) and Kenwood ($149), so I don't have much of a choice. What exactly should I look at when buying speakers? I am a big time newb here, I dont' know much about car audio at all. Also, if I buy speakers online are there any places I can take them to get them installed?

Also, I saw you mention:

> 50x4 watt max amp (around 20x4wrms)

The deck I ended up getting (I bought it today, but decided to wait on speakers) says "Total system power: 180W peak, Power output 45Wx4". So what is rms (not as in what is rms on mine, but just in general what does it mean). If I get an amp later, would it bypass this number (I am guessing yes, but thought I would ask).

they are definately 6x8 all the way around. they fit in perfectly and is a pretty easy job to do. the rms rating of amps is the average power that the amp (head unit) will put on constantly. the max rating is like the label, max output at one instant. most places that do installs will install products that aren't bought there, they may charge more though. car audio really isn't that complicated at the basic level. you don't sound like you are planning on getting into anything too complicated. i think you'll find most your answers here.

Oh, I almost forgot. If you do it yourself, or have them install it MAKE SURE that you have the factory amp bypassed. They might tell you that it is not necessary, but the difference in the sound quality with the factory amp bypassed is amazing. The only place I know of that sells the bypass is www.crutchfield.com . For the install, if your only doing a deck and door speakers you should really do it yourself. People here can help you with just about any question you have and its really quite simple. Labor charges at those audio stores is just insane!

If you have a Best Buy in your area, they also sell factory amp bypass kits. They do not have them out on the floor but ask someone to check the intall bay, thats how I got mines.

So if I am just doing a deck and speakers, I should still get the factory amp bypassed, or is that only when I am getting a real amp installed? I am going in today to get the deck installed (they had a free install deal going, and since my friend works there, he got me a discount on the deck), so if getting the factory amp bypassed now would be a good thing. Is this something for all cars to take into consideration, or something special with the Contour.

I haven't bought speakers yet, I would love to hear your guys opinions on various speakers (whats good, and whats not). I only have like $200-$250 to spend right now however. Maybe I will try an install again, but I just had a bad experience last time installing in my Pathfinder. The doors on this look like they might be easier to get on and off however.

Definately bypass the factory amp, even without an aftermarket amp. Your deck should put out enough power to push some door speakers. The factory amp is only something like 20 watts so its pretty pointless anyways.

the speakers are 5x7...6x8 are just the same

they will both fit