I searched about, but couldn't find any real concensus on the whole "can I just replace the speakers" kind of thing. And for every post about a decent set of speakers to swap out, there was always some footnote about how "it didn't fit quite right".

I'm wondering if anyone's come across any speakers in particular that a) sound good and b) fit easily.

I ask because I'm not an audiophile, and I've never played with car audio systems before. But in my Aztek, the factory-built AC Delco 6-disc changer with the 10-speaker Pioneers sounded really good, and the Bose in my '8, even to my non-audiophile ears, sounds much less "rich", I guess.

There seems to be some agreement that the Bose system is definitely lacking in the range needed for that "rich" sound ("No highs, no lows, must be Bose..." ), but it also seems like it's really the speakers that are the weak point in the system, moreso than the head unit.

Since I don't want to trash the head unit (yet... ), I'm wondering if there are any really convenient replacement speakers out there that "even an idiot like myself" could install with minimal fuss...

...Paul

 

The rockford fozgate 6x9 two ways fit perfectly in the rear deck for 6x9's. It makes your rear speakers audible finally, and increases the highs by adding a set of 2" coaxials. This was a 10 minute swap out and increased the sound perfectly.

The only thing different is that only two of the four screw holes lined up perfectly. But they just happened to be the two screw holes diagonal across from one another. Needless to say, my 6x9's only have two screws holding them in place.

They sound great.

 

Polk Audios drop right in. Also you can use the existing screws Did my deck 6/9s from the bottom wasn't to hard. Just got to be careful with the screw driver. Lots of dyi threads are to be had also.

 

These two replacements were in the Bose system? Also, 10 minutes to replace, so that means you could get to the rear speakers without taking out the rear seats?

 

This is definitely interesting... which Polks are we talking about?

 

Just went to the polk web site, and they have a "fit guide" for the RX8:

http://www.polkaudio.com/car/toolbox...&trim=Standard

It sounds like I could pick up the db690 for rear 6x9, and two pairs of db650 6 1/2 inch for door speakers. Sounds like a fine drop-in replacement if I don't want to mess with wireing amp and sub.

Anyone have first hand experience with those speakers?

 

I would be leary about replaceing the door speakers with 6 1/2's, I'm sure they will fit, depth wise, but the stock door speakers are 9" subs (sortof). Replacing them will remove a LOT of the lows from the car. Now, if you were to replace them and then add a small single 10" sub or something to replace the lows, that would be alright, but that is not what this thread was talking about. I think maybe the only real things this stereo needs is a small sub to bring out the lows, and possible replaceing the tweets with some slightly higher ranged ones.

 

I'm still trying to avoid wiring from trunk to front (which is required to add a sub and amp). Maybe then better 6x9 might give it more life?

 

No they're not. They are mid-bass speakers, and replacing them with subs will leave a huge gap in frequency response. Don't just go by the size of a driver.

---jps

 

I was not implying replaceing the door speakers at all. I know they are mid-bass speakers, but they produce more bass than any other part of the system... which is just not a lot. Which is why I (along with many other owners) have decided to add some small subs to polish off the frequency response of the system.