What kind/size speakers to get?

VT Solo2 · 09-26-2004, 10:47 AM

Hey everyone, I'm going to be tearing out the bose in my '96 soon. I'm planning on going with an Alpine head unit and probably a new Alpine amplifier, either the one that puts out 50wx4 or 55wx4. My real questions are what to do about the speakers. I have Infinity Kappas in my other car and really like them, but I would like some opinions on what to get?

Also, what sizes will fit in the stock enclosures? I'm pretty sure I can fit a 6.5" or maybe a 6.75" in the rears, but I have no idea what I can get into the fronts. Will the 6.5" rears produce some bass? I don't have the bass turned up on the bose, the knob is pointing straight up, so I'm not really looking for a ton of bass.

Also, just one other really quick question, I was thinking about putting components in the front enclosures. What are the advantages of using components? Do they sound better?

Thanks everyone!

knewblewkorvette · 09-26-2004, 11:45 AM

Howdy,
My advice is to go with a 4-channel amp as you already mentioned. Axe the rear speaker idea, all they do IMO is screw up your imagining and front stage. Use two of the amps channels for the best componet speakers you can afford. Since you are not into obsence bass, use the remaining two channels of the amp to power a single 8" or 10" sub.
It will not take up much room and the sound quality will be much better than the 4 main speakers you speak of.
PS I have Inifinity Perfect 6.1s in the front of my 02 and I love them.

aeronautica86 · 09-27-2004, 08:03 PM

I've heard several people say to use just front speakers and not use rears, but I simply don't understand why. Can someone explain this to me? It seems to me that it would sound wierd with no sound coming from the rear....but then again I still hear this from a bunch of people...

DF · 09-27-2004, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aeronautica86

I've heard several people say to use just front speakers and not use rears, but I simply don't understand why. Can someone explain this to me? It seems to me that it would sound wierd with no sound coming from the rear....but then again I still hear this from a bunch of people...

It has to deal with the soundstage. People that do this are trying to create something that reproduces the sound as accurately as possible. Putting speakers behind you defeats this goal.

That said, do whatever sounds best to you. Don't worry about it if people tell you this is "wrong". If your stereo sounds good to you that is all that matters. Different people have different goals in mind when they are installing a stereo in their vehicle.

EatRice · 09-28-2004, 09:11 AM

Here is a good way to understand. When you go to a concert is any of the band behind you? Generally you will want to sit 10-15 rows back in the center of the room. When you try to replicate this in a car it is called producing a good/accurate sound stage. Rear speakers are generally not used because one there are no rear signals burned onto a CD and two there are no band members playing music behind you while the rest of the band is in front of you. Also in the C5 the rear speakers are closer to your head than the front speakers. That alone will through off your sound stage.

I hope this explains it a little better for you. I personally do not use rear speakers. But I do agree with DF...in the end it is your car. Good luck.

aeronautica86 · 09-28-2004, 11:02 AM

Thanks for the answers on that...and sorry VT about the minor thread jacking...

VT Solo2 · 09-28-2004, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aeronautica86

Thanks for the answers on that...and sorry VT about the minor thread jacking...

Hey no worries, I was going to ask the same exact question, you just beat me to it!

Does anyone know how much room is in the front enclosures on the later C4's? Any idea what size to get?