Are Two Speakers Enough???? - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

jmcummings · 06-04-2008, 10:28 PM

Trusted Advisors!

I have searched the forum but can't find a clear answer / indication if replacing my Radio 9 with a decent head (thinking about the Pioneer) and swapping the two factory speakers will be "good enough? "

Or do I need to add the two additional speakers and a sub to get a decent sound?

The data for your consideration:

1) A 6 mile round trip commute - about 10 - 15 minutes each way
2) Weekend trips of about 40 to 70 miles round trip for car shows and photo-ops in SF with my fellow Smarters

3) Listen to NPR/PRI (talk) 30% / KFOG the other 70%
4) Have an iPod and will use it from time to time, but not much
5) Will utilize Bluetooth
6) Used to be, but no longer

Thanks for your thoughts!!

jefferios · 06-04-2008, 10:39 PM

I put some ifinity kappas 62.9 in mine to replace the stock speakers. I reccomend doing that first, then replace the head unit.

Napoleon12 · 06-04-2008, 10:39 PM

it will help a ton. don't put a cheap $99 head unit in there. put a good pair of speakers in there and u are good to go. u won't get a ton of bass unless u put a sub in it. it does help to round out the sound.

curtis · 06-04-2008, 11:05 PM

I am going to install a DVD in mine as soon as it comes in the mail but it's funny since I listen to Talk AM radio 99% of the time so I am going to skip the new speakers and Sub since I don''t need alot of bass. i Donno why I am installing the DVD player, kinda stupid I guess but I really just don't like the display on the stock radio, looks very 90's gameboy-esque.

runner33 · 06-04-2008, 11:37 PM

For me the two upgraded door speakers (polk db651) was all I needed to improved the sound+bass quality. small interior=great sound quality.

Smart Car Geek · 06-04-2008, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmcummings

do I need to add the two additional speakers and a sub to get a decent sound?

This is like asking is pizza better than hamburgers. There simply are too many variables. If you like bass heavy music then yes, you'll need a sub. If you listen to talk radio then you won't. Another variable is how much power you're running and how 'clean' the amp is. Your age and how you listen to music will also play a part. Different brands of speakers will also have different results. Four speakers from wal-mart won't sound as good as two good speakers from Pioneer. The best way to approach this is to buy two good speakers and take it from there, just make sure that YOU actually listen to the speakers. Don't let someone else tell you which ones sound best, because they don't have your ears. You can save money by buying them on the net, just make sure that you audition them first ;)

blackbeagle · 06-05-2008, 12:34 AM

OK...after doing some research on here and other sites, I've decided on this system. I would like to hear some opinions if you already have some of this same set up.

Pioneer VH P4000 DVD 6.1"
Ipod adapter (purchased separately)
Pioneer Bluetooth CD-btb200 (sold separately)
Pioneer backup camera ND-BC2

Infinity Kappa 60.9 CS 6.5"

I have the Smart subwoofer installed currently underneath the driver's seat so I don't think I'll need to replace it. I don't anticipate getting an amp either being I'm only doing two speakers.

My only question is the same as the original post: Would it be a good idea to get a 2nd pair of speakers in the back? Would the sound quality be much better than two?

wrumbarger · 06-05-2008, 08:37 AM

Howdy all.
When I am driving my cabrio with the top down (on the highway) I realize that what is really needed are speakers in the headrests.
At any highway speed, you can't hear anything from the speakers down by your knees?