I'd like to ask for some help regarding picking good speakers to replace the ones that came with my car. It has the non-Bose system. I'm thinking about keeping the stock head unit to power them (for now), and see how far do I get with no additional amps as the first step. I was thinking about using Infinity Reference series speakers.

As far as I know, the rears are 6x9 size. Is it worth to use 3-way speakers or better to go with 2-way only? Are the Reference 6952i/6953i or 9602i/9603i good choices? What other speakers are worth considering?

For the front, I definitely want to go with a set of good component speakers. The stock speakers are 6x8 (if I'm not mistaken) which is a rather odd size... there are not too many component systems available in this size and they really seem to be a 5x7 with additional mounting holes for 6x8 locations. I really would like to go with some 6 1/2 or rather 6 3/4 woofers but I don't feel like messing with constructing some mounting plates for them or eventually having to trim away metal when installing. I never made such mounting plates yet so I'm not sure how to create good ones and don't have all the tools for such stuff anyway. That's why I was thinking of using a drop-in size.
There are the Infinity Reference 6800cs speaker sets that would be a possibility... any opinions?

Or if you know separate woofers/midrange speakers and tweeters that would work with such parameters, I'd like to hear about them too.

Basically, I'm open for specific recommendations - keep in mind that the system needs to be powered by the stock head unit and I'm not looking for some crazy loud or perfect sound just decent, clean, distortion-free music. Further plans do include a subwoofer too (with a separate amp of course), but that's the next step only.

Thanks folks.

 

First, since you are using the HU to power the new speakers, i would recommend some sound proofing to reduce the noise floor. Infinity references are not bad speakers. Check out www.ikesound.com for other good prices, btw.
dont bother with 3 ways. coax's are fine. actually, you might not even need to / have to upgrade the rear speakers. They are primarily for fill anyway.

Quote:

For the front, I definitely want to go with a set of good component speakers.

Component speakers might not perform like you expect powered by the head unit. i would definately recommend an amp for them.

Quote:

The stock speakers are 6x8 (if I'm not mistaken) which is a rather odd size... there are not too many component systems available in this size and they really seem to be a 5x7 with additional mounting holes for 6x8 locations. I really would like to go with some 6 1/2 or rather 6 3/4 woofers but I don't feel like messing with constructing some mounting plates for them or eventually having to trim away metal when installing. I never made such mounting plates yet so I'm not sure how to create good ones and don't have all the tools for such stuff anyway. That's why I was thinking of using a drop-in size.

making mounting plates is very easy. use some 3/8 or maybe 1/2" MDF, cut it to the stock speaker size, and then mount the 6" driver and tweet in there. really easy. (cover with black carpeting too. )

Quote:

There are the Infinity Reference 6800cs speaker sets that would be a possibility... any opinions?

Or if you know separate woofers/midrange speakers and tweeters that would work with such parameters, I'd like to hear about them too.

Basically, I'm open for specific recommendations - keep in mind that the system needs to be powered by the stock head unit and I'm not looking for some crazy loud or perfect sound just decent, clean, distortion-free music. Further plans do include a subwoofer too (with a separate amp of course), but that's the next step only.

Thanks folks.

For decent, clean, distortion free music, i wouldn't use the stock HU. Take the money you would have spend upgrading the rear speakers, buy a smaller (maybe 50w x 2 @ 4ohms RMS) amp for the components, and have a beautiful front stage.