What are the best speakers to replace Radio 9 factory speakers with?

[mnext02]

and can we trust best buy or someone similar to replace them properly without damaging the car? I think the door panels need to be removed to install the speakers?

Also, will this improve the sound quality dramatically or should I get an amp also?

[mnext02]

bump.......

[jefferios]

Hey I went to bestbuy and tested a few 6.5" out. I like their sony's the best thus far.

I heard that changing the speakers is simple, all that needs to be done is some additional cutting in the insulation foam.

Somewhere on this forum there is a link to instructions on how to change out the speakers and remove the door panels.

Hey Mnext-2 if we are going to do the same thing on our smarts lets team up on this project?!?

[gipsyviking]

You can take a look here in the Audio and Video forum.
Door Speaker Recommendations???
and this one offers an informative discussion:
After market speakers for base model stereo

I have begun the process of aural testing different brands.
I can't seem to find a local store where I can do side by side comparison of the three brands that I am interested in replacing the stock speakers.
The door speakers can be replaced with 165mm or 6-1/2" speakers.
I plan on buying component speakers w/sep. tweeters, powered sub., rear spkrs. & CD receivers. Blaupunkt, Infinity, Polk are on my list so far.

[lowndex]

Best Buy has teenagers with little training before they start working on cars. Experienced car stereo technicians tend to work at long standing, reputable stereo shops (also rare). So, do your homework.

Replacing speakers is quite simply and can be done anywhere. BUT, an a good stereo shop will ensure the mounts are free of vibration and possibly use soft foam speaker enclosures for door speakers. Soft foam speakers enclosures keep dust and water off speakers but do not interfere with the speaker operation (recoil effect of the midrange speaker cone).

Also, an experienced shop will help demonstrate the benefits of crossovers, amplifiers and better quality speakers. In the end, you get what you pay for - both parts and installation quality.

[lowndex]

Originally Posted by gipsyviking

You can take a look here in the Audio and Video forum.
Door Speaker Recommendations???
and this one offers an informative discussion:
After market speakers for base model stereo

I have begun the process of aural testing different brands.
I can't seem to find a local store where I can do side by side comparison of the three brands that I am interested in replacing the stock speakers.
The door speakers can be replaced with 165mm or 6-1/2" speakers.
I plan on buying component speakers w/sep. tweeters, powered sub., rear spkrs. & CD receivers. Blaupunkt, Infinity, Polk are on my list so far.

Car Stereo magazine (or similar source) will contains ratings of components and which items matter most in a car stereo install. I have all separate components with two amplifiers (one for tweeters and mids; one for sub enclosure). In the Smart, a single six channel amp should suffice.

If you are the ambitious type with lots of spare time (single), I highly suggest you purchase Dynomat and install in both doors and the entire floor bay - all the way to the rear). This is laborious and requires removal and re-installing the seats, door panels and carpeting. But damn, what a tremendous reduction in road noise in the cabin. Else, expect to pay a stereo shop a minimum of 10.0 hrs labor @ $75.00 / hr. for such a job. Plus, you will still need to buy the Dynomat at $350.00.

I know, I know, you are thinking I am crazy for suggesting $300 - 1000.00 (depending on how much surface area you apply Dynomat) for noise reduction. This is only for people who value a much quieter ride for driving and stereo use and have the funds to pay for the choice.

[sato7]

your best bet is to write down all the speakers the large chains like best buys carry... and DONT buy those... spend a little more on some good separates. the mids in the original hole and some good tweeters up near the ac vents angled somewhat towards the middle. you will have better separation of frequencies and later add a SMALL sub. you will have a killer system that will impress young and old.

[chrisdfw]

I had Earmark Car Audio here in Plano TX replace the front speakers with Boston Acoustics 6.5inch speakers for around $250. I loved it and it was a 500% improvement over stock speakers.

Then I decided I wanted just a little extra thump to the bass and had them do a custom box for a 6 inch subwoofer above the passenger's foot area and add a seperate amp under the passenger seat. That cost another $700 but I don't regret it at all. I intend to drive this little car quite alot for as long as it will last so I want to enjoy a good sounding system. I didn't want bass the neighbor's would hear but I didn't want to miss any low notes either.

It all looks stock too and I use the original radio 9 head unit. Thanks to the web glitch I didn't get to order the alarm so I want the inside of my car to look as stock as possible to deter break-ins.

[mnext02]

Originally Posted by chrisdfw

I had Earmark Car Audio here in Plano TX replace the front speakers with Boston Acoustics 6.5inch speakers for around $250. I loved it and it was a 500% improvement over stock speakers.

Then I decided I wanted just a little extra thump to the bass and had them do a custom box for a 6 inch subwoofer above the passenger's foot area and add a seperate amp under the passenger seat. That cost another $700 but I don't regret it at all. I intend to drive this little car quite alot for as long as it will last so I want to enjoy a good sounding system. I didn't want bass the neighbor's would hear but I didn't want to miss any low notes either.

It all looks stock too and I use the original radio 9 head unit. Thanks to the web glitch I didn't get to order the alarm so I want the inside of my car to look as stock as possible to deter break-ins.

did you get any amp?

[mnext02]

Originally Posted by jefferios

Hey I went to bestbuy and tested a few 6.5" out. I like their sony's the best thus far.

I heard that changing the speakers is simple, all that needs to be done is some additional cutting in the insulation foam.

Somewhere on this forum there is a link to instructions on how to change out the speakers and remove the door panels.

Hey Mnext-2 if we are going to do the same thing on our smarts lets team up on this project?!?

yeah sounds good. I saw some nice infinitis on crutchfied.com