Door Speaker Questions

trekfueler · Post by **trekfueler** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 3:00 am

Hello all: I recently bought an 06 Matrix with the 4 speaker setup. Want to replace all 4 speakers with 2-or-3-ways(using stock head unit), and have read the VERY excellent installation instructions by cohocarl... nice. Anyway, I think I want Kappa 652.7i fronts, Kappa 527i rears (2 ohms & 95db for more volume than stock), but not sure how much depth I have for tweeter protrusion. I want to use the stock grills! Don't feel like punching a big hole in my door panels! (yet). I can't seem to find specs for tweeter protrusion on Kappa's, and even if I did, I don't know how much room I have to work with in door panels. Any figures on how much space there is for tweeter protrusion in stock panels and/or any advise on speakers that will definately fit? Thanks for any and all help! I appreciate it.

vibe-04 · Post by **vibe-04** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 3:51 am

I do not have the information concerning the depth of the door panel but I reccomend thinking about removing the stock grill regardless. I installed four MB Quarts and was disappointed with the sound untill I cut out the door grill and installed the new grills. The stock plastic block a lot of sound. Results were startling.As for space, I doubt you would have much to work with anyway. The front door panels don't have much room. The critical distance is the backside, not the front, cause you do not want to hit the glass with the speaker. Good luck

trekfueler · Post by **trekfueler** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 4:23 am

Good point, I had not thought of the sound being muffled. That's kinda what the stock speakers sound like! I was also worried about rain and snow touching the speakers. If I decide to cut the grills, what's the best way to cut them? I have a Dremel tool, I guess a "circular sawblade" type of tip? (I don't know what to call it), then file smooth? Thanks for your quick response!

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 9:56 am

I'd also reccomend against using 2 Ohm speakers with the stock (non amplified) headunit. That headunit is designed to power 4 Ohm speakers, not 2. By using 2 Ohm speakers you stand a significant risk of damaging that radio, and any other radio you put in there until you add a 4 channel 2Ohm amplifier.

LUVROK · Post by **LUVROK** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 10:04 am

I installed Polk Audio 6.5" woofers up front and two ways in the rear behind the stock grilles. I am always throwing kayaks and gear into the vehicle and don't want something poking the speakers. I'm also not too fond of the open grille look common with many speakers today. I mounted the speakers using the brackets that Crutfield sent me. They are basically 3/16" thick plastic cut out in center for back of speaker and have a couple of sets of holes to mount the speaker to the bracket and bracket to the door sheetmetal. I didn't cut out and reuse the deep factory brackets like others did. The speakers sit close to the window when rolled down but don't contact. There is a good inch or two between the two-way's tweeter and the factory grille.EDIT: And the Polks sound wicked pissah!

trekfueler · Post by **trekfueler** » Wed Sep 06, 2006 7:51 am

OK, I did some research on 2-ohm vs. 4-ohm, and Jahntassa is right: running 2-ohms on a 4-ohm head unit could damage it. Whoda thunkit? Anyway, 2 more questions:1. Are you sure stock head unit is 4-ohm?2. What do I need to disconnect before putting speakers in? I've read that something can set off the Airbag? YIKES! What steps can I take to eliminate that possibility?Thanks!