Hopeful speaker upgrade

[RTexasF]

New speaks for front & rear due tomorrow on the big brown truck. I went with Kickers 6X9 rear and stuck with 5 1/4 in the front doors. The Kickers were chosen both for price and sensitivity, hope it works out.

The rears are a cinch but it's been 20 years since I popped a door panel off....and then it had roll down windows!!

I hope to report back in a few days that it helped bring the stock system up a notch.

[Windchimp]

Well, is is tomorrow yet?

I'm curious as to how the 6x9s sound - I'm looking for candidates for my baby.

So far I've checked out some Memphis and Boston Acoustics coaxes...I want to tighten up the bass a bit - the stock units are a bit mushy.

Of course I could just cram my Ampeg stack in the trunk :naughty:

[RTexasF]

Not yet!

[jermy4]

Yeah, I was looking to replace the stock ones too. I was considering the kickers and also the Alpline Type S.

You are going to run these off of the stock head unit, right?

[RTexasF]

Yeah, I was looking to replace the stock ones too. I was considering the kickers and also the Alpline Type S.

You are going to run these off of the stock head unit, right?

Yes, the stock unit is fine with me. I'll likely up watt the system later but it will do for now.

By the way the Kickers made a HUGE difference over the stock speakers. Clarity and sound stage are waaay up over the stockers. Considering the meager 30 watts per channel the Kickers do bring it alive. 100% volume (CD) yields no audible distortion where as before things got buzzy and distorted badly.

I decided to cough up the extra $$ to Crutchfield since all harness adapters, front speaker adapters, etc. comes with it. They based their EZ install kit on a USA built Accord, not a J-spec like mine, so things don't fit exactly as they should. You can only get two screws in the rear speakers because all four holes don't line up for instance. I've e-mailed them about the problem and expressed my displeasure about the ill fitting parts.

[jermy4]

That's interesting, I didn't think there were any differences between the USA and Japanese assembled Accords other than where they were assembled. I guess you learn something new everyday. You could always drill extra holes if the speakers are not secured very well with just 2 screws each.

Are these the ones you bought?
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-BnaxZEjkEyw/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=400&I=20655KS69

[RTexasF]

No, one grade lower-

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-MpeHfUQ7lIY/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?i=20605KS69&search=05KS69


These for the front -

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-utnc0uebGFk/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=51800&I=20605KS525

Drilling two more holes isn't as easy as it sounds. Due to the rear window you cant simply drill down into the metal from the top. It would have to be done from the bottom which makes allignment very difficult. Also my 56 year old 235 lb. arse is not as flexible as it once was. I'd need to hire a contortionist!

[psyshack]

All the directions I have read on speaker installs on our Accords say " drill two holes " Thats why speaker installers are usally young, skinny nimble fellors. :lmao: Old fat dudes pay the youngins for the tourture positions they can achive. Of course it wouldnt stop me if I had a fresh bottle of soma and Segrams 7 at the ready. :yes:

[RTexasF]

True, but these were supposed to be an exact replacement. The fronts require an adapter and drilling some holes which they specified.

[SSMV6]

There's no template on the box? Would using a dremel be better? I know they make a 90 degree adapter... :dunno:

[RTexasF]

Gee, I wonder why the kickers sound so much better?
:lmao:

[RTexasF]

The fronts were about the same difference as the rears but no pics of them.

[Windchimp]

By the way the Kickers made a HUGE difference over the stock speakers. Clarity and sound stage are waaay up over the stockers. Considering the meager 30 watts per channel the Kickers do bring it alive. 100% volume (CD) yields no audible distortion where as before things got buzzy and distorted badly.

OK, so these sound like the ticket. Considering that Crutch is running a sale on these now, it's very tempting. What kind of music do you listen to? I like to hear the bass guitars in the mix - so the mids have to be controlled. Judging by the size of the magnets it looks promising, as long as the cones don't allow for too much excursion (don't you hate it when a bass player starts babbling). I'm also considering Boston Acoustics and Memphis...but these Kickers sound more efficient.



I decided to cough up the extra $$ to Crutchfield since all harness adapters, front speaker adapters, etc. comes with it. They based their EZ install kit on a USA built Accord, not a J-spec like mine, so things don't fit exactly as they should. You can only get two screws in the rear speakers because all four holes don't line up for instance. I've e-mailed them about the problem and expressed my displeasure about the ill fitting parts.

Be curious to hear of their response. I'd hate to have to drill holes to make "exact replacements" work. Hard to imagine that Honda would spec out different speakers for the domestic market - doesn't make sense from a design/production/tooling POV.

One more thing - how close are the magnets to the trunk torsion rods?

[RTexasF]

The music I listen to is varied.....let's put it this way - Sweet Home Alabama @ 100% volume is crystal clear. The next step will be a small 4 channel amp to take advantage of the speakers, 50-75 watts or so. Smooth jazz is also extremely clear at high levels. I'm hearing things on my own CD's that I haven't heard before.

Treble was a bit bright which I toned down at the head unit. Bass is much better but I've no doubt a powered sub would bring a whole new outlook. Time and money, one I've got, one I don't!! :yes:

Plenty of clearance around the trunk rods and I have them in the uppermost position so the trunk pops open higher when you hit the button.

Forgot to mention that Dynamat was used beneath the rear package shelf and in the front doors. It was $38 at Best Buy.

Overall I'm quite pleased with the difference over the stockers. But as Mr. Scott used to say to Capt. Kirk, "Captain! I need more power!"

[RTexasF]

There's no template on the box? Would using a dremel be better? I know they make a 90 degree adapter... :dunno:

No template due to the "exact" fit. A dremmel with a 90 adaptor & flex shaft was the ticket.

[JBrian]

When you have a chance, can walk us through the complete install process and what tools are required to pull the door panels? Also any pictures where you installed the dynamat and why.

How much for the speakers? I have a 8" powered subwoofer that I haven't used since 2000. Now how difficult is the install of the speakers (And how do they sound WITHOUT a sub) and how would I wire in a powered subwoofer into the stock system?

Overall I'm very happy with the current system, but If I can make it MUCH better for under $150 dollars.....

[RTexasF]

Since I am a pure novice at this, were I to do it again, I would pay someone! It took me almost two days to complete so loss of time and vehicle counts heavily if you want to do it yourself. I won't in the future, there are those that can do the same in about four hours and it's their livelyhood. This was one of the projects I wish I had farmed out because it was "learn as you go".

The door panels, after removing some screws, were removed with a tool from Crutchfield and it works well. Since this was a "hunt & peck" type of install I doubt that I could be very descriptive about the whole process.....the air was blue on several occassions!

Dynamat reduces road noise and vibrations/buzz from your speakers. Read about it here:

http://www.dynamat.com/

[tdbear]

Not too keen on taking off the door panels but the 6 x 9 look simpler. Will it be an improvement to just change them out or do you think it will mismatch with the fronts too much?

[RTexasF]

Glad you asked that. Once the rears were in I fired it up to see how well they worked with the stock fronts and it sounded quite good. I adjusted the bias one more notch to the front and they matched quite well.

In short, Yes it did improve the sound without the rears overshadowing the fronts.

[tdbear]

Thanks for the comments. Maybe it'll be my X-mas present to myself.

[SSMV6]

RTF, I know the stock head unit doesn't put out much power, but I'd give the new speakers a little time to break in first before blasting it. :) It looks like they're great, hefty speakers, but most audio components need about 50 listening hours to break in. It's the same deal with amps when you get around to installing that.

[RTexasF]

Thanks for the reminder, that had slipped my mind. I'll let them "flex" a bit @ full volume :naughty:

[tdbear]

Well, I broke down and spent some money. The sensitivity seemed pretty high so I thought they might work well with the stock radio.

Infinity (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-1Ip1KCTvkeT/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=400&I=1086927I)

[psyshack]

Well, I broke down and spent some money. The sensitivity seemed pretty high so I thought they might work well with the stock radio.

Infinity (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-1Ip1KCTvkeT/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=400&I=1086927I)

Thats what I would get Kappa's. Front and back with a bass link. :yes:

[RTexasF]

Assuming the front speakers are 4 ohm I hope the 2 ohm impedence of those doesn't overshadow them. That's the same as doubling the power.

Let us know how it sounds. I love Infinity products but my budget was telling me :thumbsdow

[tdbear]

I asked the Crutchfield person about it and they said they initially had concerns about it also. He said a couple of weeks ago they spoke with the tech people and also people from Infinity and there should be no problems - the head unit should handle it.

The only reason I spent so much was since I wasn't buying front speakers I figured might as well go with these. Funny - considering the CD player for my Miata was $20 on ebay. :)

[RTexasF]

Once again, let us know how it turns out, please.

[HonestAbe]

So has anyone installed the Kicker 6x9s on a US-built 7th gen Accord? I'd really like to order a pair, but not if I have to drill holes in my car. If it's a simple swap, then its a done deal.

[tdbear]

Finally got them installed last night - took awhile because I couldn't get the screws lined up correctly in the new speakers. Those OEM speakers don't have much of a magnet, do they?

The speakers sound great - had to adjust the fade to neutral (I usually have +2 to the rear speakers). Can definitely tell the difference as music seems more "clear." However, probably should have been smart like RTexasF and bought a whole set (f&r) of Kickers.

[RTexasF]

Now that I've had some time with the Kickers I am more pleased than ever. They beg for more power but for an econo upgrade to the meagerly powered stock head unit I'm very happy with my choice.

Highs are much more accented than with the stockers but not to the point that they are shrill. Base is much improved, not outrageous, but considerably better.
I can say now with authority that this is a worthwhile upgrade for a reasonable amount of ca$hola.

As time and money permits I will have to go for more power but even with the stock unit music is much more pleasurable to listen to.

[fusionx21]

ok, I also just install the kicker 6x9 in the rear and the 5 1/4 in front on my 06 accord. My rear speakers hole did not match up with the kicker perfectly you either bult the speakers down with two bolt or you will have to do some drilling. as for the front speakers crutchfield provided the bracket and I had to drill 3 holes to mount the bracket and everthing else fell into place. I was really impress with how the sound with the stock headunit and no amp. Cleaner sound and tigher bass. I really like ot.

[cjolly]

Anybody installed any Boston Scoustics speakers??? Trying to decide excatly which one to get. The ones I'm looking at are the Boston Acoustics S Series (http://www.bostonacoustics.com/car/car_product.aspx?category_id=14&family_id=23) but not sure what to do exactly. I have the 06' Accord with the 6 point sound system. There are 2 tweeters I'm guessing in the dash then not sure what is in the doors. Anybody know if there are woofers in the doors or midrange? Should I get a component set to replace the doors and dash and then midrange for the rear deck? Not looking for a lot of bass just good clear sound. Obviously willing to pay more for quality.

[Windchimp]

Anybody installed any Boston Scoustics speakers???

Yes, that would be me. :wave:



Trying to decide excatly which one to get. The ones I'm looking at are the Boston Acoustics S Series (http://www.bostonacoustics.com/car/car_product.aspx?category_id=14&family_id=23) but not sure what to do exactly. I have the 06' Accord with the 6 point sound system. There are 2 tweeters I'm guessing in the dash then not sure what is in the doors. Anybody know if there are woofers in the doors or midrange? Should I get a component set to replace the doors and dash and then midrange for the rear deck? Not looking for a lot of bass just good clear sound. Obviously willing to pay more for quality.

I just went with the S95's in the rear which made a MAJOR difference. I can crank up some Who or Steely Dan and leave the bass flat (0) and the treble at +1 or 2 and it kicks. The stock 6x9's are really whimpy "dual cone" with no low end and very thin mids. The Bostons solve all that, and the tweeters are a bonus. I was going to put the S65rc's in the doors, but I honestly don't think it's necessary. Try replacing the rears first (they drop right in - perfect fit) and see what you think. The Bostons are also very efficient - the stock head unit provides plenty of power for them, and they can handle an amp if you feel it's necessary (I don't).

(BTW, you want the bass to come from the rear speakers - the trunk space acts as a "baffle" for the bass - you don't want deep bass in the doors, no baffle space, and too much stuff to rattle around. Tweets on the dash and rear deck will use the glass as a reflex surface; mids and tweets in the doors to balance the mix)

Cheers! :thmsup:

[cjolly]

Awesome so that's it then gonna order those from Crutchfield even though I feel they are over priced but will get the speaker connectors so I can leave the factory ones alone. Those were the exact ones I was trying to decide on and you helped me. Thanks a bunch and will let you know how these turn out.