Originally posted by timd:
What took so long? Like I said, denial. 
"... It doesn't suck, it doesn't suck ..."
Hahaha
I don't really have a budget in mind, to be
honest, but I guess it's likely low in that
I don't have much interest in any terribly
high-end stuff, I just want to get things to
the point where it sounds nice, no distortion
with bass or volume, better separation, with
more (uh, any) clarity in the highs.
So I guess budget-wise I have a budget to get
a half-decent set of 6x8s for the fronts, and
maybe the rears... and maybe a mid-range head
unit. I must admit The Car Audio Thing isn't
a big deal for me, but... acceptable sound is
a must regardless!
Well, a good pair of 6x8s or 6x9s would cost what, about $100? The 2-way Pioneers run about $70 or $80 at Best Buy? For simply improving the high end clarity, adding some tweeters to the stock speakers can do wonders. I would honestly add a crosssover and tweeters to the factorty door speakers and a DIY sub. I didn't want to take up much trunk room so I built in into the rear deck. I'm sure the $50 driver I got would do even better in a small sealed box.
Dnewma04 has heard my current setup and was quite impressed for what little I did. I added a pair of $14 surface mount tweeters to the front and an 8" woofer in the rear deck. I'm upgrading now, but for the cost of about $160 including amp, it's excellent, better response than replacing with Pioneers all around.
I had thought the best immediate improvement
would be to swap out the el cheapo Ford stock
speakers with new, better ones... and thought
I might swap the head unit later on. Maybe it
should be done in reverse... or all at once.
BTW, I've since been told Crutchfield sells a
connector that will plug into a Ford plug and
can be spliced/soldered to new speakers. Yay.
I'd try adding some tweeters with crossovers. The crossovers are $4.88 each and tweeteres run start at $8/pr. You can browse here:
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showprod.cfm?&DID=7&CATID=35&ObjectGroup_ID=51 (Use the part number quick search)
Yesterday I ordered #265-344 which are not surface mount, though. I think I've got the 269-610 now, at least by specs. Those I'll move them to the back with my current upgrade.
For surface mount, I recommend #269-612. Fluch mount (you'll have to drill your panels) go for #265-344. While you're ordering get a box of 3M spicers #082-100 so you'll only have to use plyers.
Oh, crossover is #269-668, which I also order 4 of for myself. If you need spekaer wire, PE has it too. I can find it if you'd like.
The stock speakers play pretty well from about 100Hz-5000Hz fine, with clean power. I'm replacing my fronts with some 6.5" speakers, about $32 each.
Wow, that was not a good post. Well, let's just say that for about $200 to get (4) 6.5" drivers, 2 pair of tweeters, and those passive crossovers you'd really have a system that sounds better than just about any 6x8/9 coaxial speaker. A little more work than just buying conenctors, but I think it's far worth the effort.
Aaron
