Speaker replacement questions ('95 ST, 4-speaker system), a little lost... Options

[deadwolfbones]

Hey guys,

First time poster, long-time reader, etc etc...

I recently replaced the head unit in my '95 ST Liftback (with a JVC XR810--love it) and it's made me realize just how inadequate the factory speakers are. I'm looking to replace all four. I have the base speaker package—2 in the front doors, 2 in the back seats.

I've done a lot of reading on this forum and from what I understand, the front speakers are 8", and not many manufacturers make 8" units these days (except for marine purposes). I've seen a lot of how-to's regarding cutting the cones out of the factory speakers and using the carcasses to mount 6.5" aftermarket speakers, but I'm looking for the easiest, most hassle-free install possible. I'm not very mechanically minded and I don't want to be doing a lot of custom work. I'd prefer to stick to coax or triax speakers and not venture into the component realm right now.

So... what are my best options for replacing the factory gear?

[d3ath2009]

the stock speakers are all 6.5" all around... i have/had the base system too. the door speakers are 6.5" but the cutout is made for the 8" woofer in the premium sound package. best bet is to buy 6.5" all around and the rear are basically just an easy swap. the front require some work. i used the stocks as a guide and made a cutout from that laminate fake hardwood flooring. then i just used the new ones for a template on the inside. u just have to have everything lined up exactly and trace the new, then cut out the inside to get the adapter frame needed for the 6.5" to fit. i havent replaced my rear speakers, but i have looked at them and they ARE 6.5" and SHOULD be direct swap. the frames for the front took about an hour to make and install once i figured out what to do

[deadwolfbones]

Thanks very much. That's exactly the kind of info I was looking for.

Any suggestions for good, balanced speakers? All four under $300 would be ideal.

[SwissFerdi]

First, go to Crutchfield.com, you'll get a list of speakers/subs/receivers/dead hookers (maybe not) that fit into your exact vehicle. Even if you don't buy from there, it's nice to see what's available. I do recommend them though, even if they're a little more 'spensive, because you get great tech support and installation guides. For my front speaker install, I used 6.5's and an ebay adapter. Not sure if they're still around, but both adapters were around 20 and they fit perfectly. Easiest solution in my opinion.

[deadwolfbones]

Thanks again.

Is the adapter I'm looking for a 6.5" -> 8" one, then?

[deadwolfbones]

Looks like from Crutchfield my three best options are:

JL Audio TR650-CXiL: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_136TR650CX/JL...-TR650-CXi.html ($300 for 4)
Boston Acoustics S65: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_065S65/Boston...ustics-S65.html ($220 for 4)
Kenwood KFC-C1739ie: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113KFC1739/Ke...FC-C1739ie.html ($105 for 4)

Can someone who knows more about speaker specs, etc, give me some pros and cons (beyond the price) for each?

Should I be using the same kind of speaker for all four locations, or should the fronts be different from the rears, etc?

Are the stock speakers in the 4-speaker config all full-range?

Questions questions questions!

[njccmd2002]

most hassle free

http://cgi.ebay.com/6-Speaker-Adapters-Toy...=item483a7bef46

[d3ath2009]

i definitely suggest those ebay adapters. wish i would have had em when i did mine. and as far as price goes, if u want cheap but better than stock, go to walmart. just get two pairs of pioneer 6.5" speaker. theyre like $40 a pair and way better than stock; not the best in the world, but better than stock. i have a friend that had top of the line kenwood's installed in the doors of his truck, just the 2 cost him like $350 after install. all together for all four speakers and those ebay adapters, your lookin at right around $100 plus about 1-3 hours for install. the speakers are plug and play, so its not that bad

[deadwolfbones]

most hassle free

http://cgi.ebay.com/6-Speaker-Adapters-Toy...=item483a7bef46

Thanks!

[deadwolfbones]

Looks like from Crutchfield my three best options are:

JL Audio TR650-CXiL: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_136TR650CX/JL...-TR650-CXi.html ($300 for 4)
Boston Acoustics S65: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_065S65/Boston...ustics-S65.html ($220 for 4)
Kenwood KFC-C1739ie: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113KFC1739/Ke...FC-C1739ie.html ($105 for 4)

Can someone who knows more about speaker specs, etc, give me some pros and cons (beyond the price) for each?

Should I be using the same kind of speaker for all four locations, or should the fronts be different from the rears, etc?

Are the stock speakers in the 4-speaker config all full-range?

Questions questions questions!

Anyone have some insight here?

[96stgreendemon]

I have no idea if this is just my car or affects some other ST's but when i pulled the door panel off i had 6.5 in speakers in a 6.5 in hole, no 8 inch adapter needed, but then again my ST is like base base model, no power anything lol

[d3ath2009]

I have no idea if this is just my car or affects some other ST's but when i pulled the door panel off i had 6.5 in speakers in a 6.5 in hole, no 8 inch adapter needed, but then again my ST is like base base model, no power anything lol

u r talkin about the hole at the bottom of the dorr panel, right?.. there is an adapter built around the speaker. that spot is made for 8" woofer, if u measure the speaker cover, its 8". the only way u have the same size speaker as the cover is if u have the 8" woofer in there. i also have an ST, and had to make an adapter for a new set of 6.5" to fit

[deadwolfbones]

Nobody's got an opinion on those three speakers?