Stereo Upgrade suggestions from Crutchfield.com

Vibe2009 · Post by **Vibe2009** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 2:58 am

A rookie trying to upgrade my 09 vibe's stereo, so here it goes....I haven't done any stereo install and want to avoid cutting up any wires on my new vibe... My plan is to upgrade the head unit and replace the speaker without doing much rewiring...I wanted to get the Alpine Type R speaker and was hoping the 50w per channel offer by typical pioneer head unit will drive it... Well, that idea is now shot after a call to Crutchfield, as they told me the 50w per channel are peak power only, not RMS~ Type R speak are rated 100w RMS...They basically told me to stay away unless I am willing to wire up a amp for the speaker... beside, the Type R will not fit directly on my vibe, the best are Alpine Type S... still is 80w RMSThan I ask the rep from crutchfield which speaker will work best without adding a amp. They refer the Kenwood KFC-1662S 3-way 6-1/2"http://www.crutchfield.com/p_1...tp=95# 6-1/2"/6-3/4" 3-way car speakers (pair)# injection-molded polypropylene (IMPP) woofer with cloth surround# 1-3/8" PEI balanced-dome midrange# 1/2" ceramic piezo tweeter# grilles included# power range: 2-35 watts RMS (180 watts peak power)# frequency response: 35-22,000 Hz# sensitivity: 92 dB# top-mount depth: 1-11/16"Should I even brother upgrading with these speakers?? Are they much better than factory speakers? It doesn't require a amp, so that's really nice...Opinion will be appreciated! Another speaker option for my need?

Wolfman213 · Post by **Wolfman213** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 3:07 am

It would hard hard to find an after market speakers that's not better than factory. AFA the Kenwood's go, I've used Kenwoods in several cars before and have always thought they we an excellent band for the buck. I've thought mine were an excellent midgrade speaker and still had money left over. I can't speak of those particular speakers, but I'd recommend them based on my past experience.

cptnsolo77 · Post by **cptnsolo77** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 5:06 am

I was looking at those exact speakers (KFC-1662S) for $49 I cant see to much wrong. I really want to buy the Polk DB651 but was looking to the Kenwoods as a cheaper alternative, although they dropped the Polks to $69.....

Vibe2009 · Post by **Vibe2009** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 7:34 am

Quote, originally posted by cptnsolo77 Â»I was looking at those exact speakers (KFC-1662S) for $49 I cant see to much wrong. I really want to buy the Polk DB651 but was looking to the Kenwoods as a cheaper alternative, although they dropped the Polks to $69.....I see some post where they install it on there vibe and sounds great!I have pretty much narrow down the choice for head unit to be Pioneer DEH-P6100BT and is rated at 14w RMS per channel.The plan is to use the head unit to drive the speakers. Trying to avoid having to add an external amp to drive the new speakers... Dont want to take my car apart in the process...Here are some speaker choice that I like:1. Polk DB651power range: 6-60 watts RMS (180 watts peak power)frequency response: 35-22,000 Hzsensitivity: 92 dB2. Pioneer TS-A1673Rpower range: 2-35 watts RMS (220 watts peak power)frequency response: 37-25,000 Hzsensitivity: 91 dB3. Kenwood KFC-1662Spower range: 2-35 watts RMS (180 watts peak power)frequency response: 35-22,000 Hzsensitivity: 92 dB4. Pioneer TS-A1683Rpower range: 2-50 watts RMS (280 watts peak power)frequency response: 36-28,000 Hzsensitivity: 91 dBWhich one should I pick and why?

cptnsolo77 · Post by **cptnsolo77** » Sat Jul 04, 2009 4:36 am

I would choose the Polks I havent really read anything bad about them. Try reading the reviews on Crutchfeild, thats what I did. Also do a seach on this site for Polk.I tend to pick speakers with a rubber surround over cloth & foam. Im sure there are other members that have more expertise than I do that can chime in.

Sublimewind · Post by **Sublimewind** » Sun Jul 05, 2009 2:46 am

I would chose the Polks personally... out of the group, That would be my pic.. AFA the power ratings... don't put much into it... They are nominal ratings... You will be fine running them on deck power.. AFA 3-4way speakers... you would be FAR better off with a simple 2 way like the Polks... a 3-4way speaker has more tweeters basically... which really doesn't do much for sound... in fact, it can degrade the sound over a simple 2way, trying to divide power up the power to the various to each speaker, well you end up spreading it too thin,...Have a look at Phenix Gold RSD speakers as well... it's a well reviewed, proven, budget speaker.. (even over the polks and for LESS money.. )

cptnsolo77 · Post by **cptnsolo77** » Sun Jul 05, 2009 10:58 pm

Thx Sublime! Just looked up the specs on that speaker.....very nice!RSd 6-1/2" 2-way Component Speakers System Power Handling: Peak: 240 watts per set / 120 watts each side RMS: 120 watts per set / 60 watts each side Injection Molded, Aluminum Plated Polypropylene Cone woofer Butyl Rubber Surround Rigid Powder Coated Steel Frame Interwoven Tinsel Leads Optimized Magnet/Motor Structure Sensitivity: 88 dB Frequency Response: 45 Hz - 20 kHz

Vibe2009 · Post by **Vibe2009** » Mon Jul 06, 2009 9:25 am

Quote, originally posted by Sublimewind Â»I would chose the Polks personally... out of the group, That would be my pic.. AFA the power ratings... don't put much into it... They are nominal ratings... You will be fine running them on deck power.. AFA 3-4way speakers... you would be FAR better off with a simple 2 way like the Polks... a 3-4way speaker has more tweeters basically... which really doesn't do much for sound... in fact, it can degrade the sound over a simple 2way, trying to divide power up the power to the various to each speaker, well you end up spreading it too thin,...Have a look at Phenix Gold RSD speakers as well... it's a well reviewed, proven, budget speaker.. (even over the polks and for LESS money.. )Thanks for the advice!I have change my mind as for the head unit and getting Alpine CDA-9886 instead.... This unit has 18w RMS per channel, slightly better than the pioneer I had in mind before.You are saying that a head unit such as the Alpine CDA-9886 can drive the Polk speaker. How loud can I get with this setup? Is it acceptable?Also, what's the different between db651 and db651s? Which one is preferable for 09 vibe?

cptnsolo77 · Post by **cptnsolo77** » Mon Jul 06, 2009 10:51 pm

The 651S is a shallow mount speaker, but crutchfeild says the 651 fits in the front & rear.

Sublimewind · Post by **Sublimewind** » Thu Jul 09, 2009 12:32 am

The 9886 is a great HU... good choice.. It should have plenty of power to run the speakers, how loudly, well, who knows... my idea of loud is easily different that your idea of loud... it would be better than stock FOR SURE... If you wanted Alpine speakers, we recommend the Type-S coax/components a lot on my other forum..

cptnsolo77 · Post by **cptnsolo77** » Thu Jul 09, 2009 1:52 am

If you decide to go with the Polks be sure to post, those speakers have been on my list to buy. Would be great to hear some feedback from someone who has a Vibe!

Sublimewind · Post by **Sublimewind** » Thu Jul 09, 2009 4:45 am

Quote, originally posted by cptnsolo77 Â»If you decide to go with the Polks be sure to post, those speakers have been on my list to buy. Would be great to hear some feedback from someone who has a Vibe!I've been using Polk in my cars for years now... If it means anything, I doubt you would be disappointed..

cptnsolo77 · Post by **cptnsolo77** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 12:14 am

Sounds good to me! Never heard ANYTHING bad about Polk & Im impressed with the specs for the price. I just want a quality replacement speaker for my stock head unit. Just a simple remove/replace.....

Stereo Upgrade suggestions from Crutchfield.com

Stereo Upgrade suggestions from Crutchfield.com

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