8 speaker set up, need advice Options

[zfjohnson07]

I just bought the door panels that make my car a 8 speaker set up, I'm trying to find good quality 4 inch speakers, and then the 8 inch speakers as well. if you could advise me on what might be good. I read the article at the top of the folder and the guy mentions the kicker resolution series but i think thye dont make them anymore. I just dont want to get a set of 4 inches that sticks out too far so i thought i would see if anyone else has updated theirs. Let me know!

[Xander_X]

Working at an aftermarket shop installing sound systems is what put me through junior college. Unfortunately, many of the the great brands back then really aren't with us anymore or have sold their company and are now made cheaply (i.e. Kicker, Alpine) Stick with JBL ... you can't go wrong. The factory JBL premium system sounds awesome for stock. I've since upgraded to newer, higher end JBL speakers all around and they're amazing. I've used all kinds of high end brands from Infinity, Polk, Massive, ECLIPSE, Boston, JL and JBL is probably my favorite (though completely an opinion). Stick with high end ... most audiophiles do not consider brands like Kicker, Alpine, Sony, etc. high end ... even some of the lower end series from the "higher end" brands aren't that great. A good rule of thumb, specifically for speakers, to me is, if you can buy it in a store, it's crap (in comparison). Even most aftermarket shops now only showcase crap. This is because they're a business trying to stay afloat. Most people who come in there just want a better sound than they have by replacing their old worn out speakers. So these shops sell the low to mid end series or brands because that's what sells. The thing is, if you know what to look for in a good quality speaker, you can find them the same or near the same price online as these shops sell their crap.

So yeah, stick with JBL. You won't be disappointed. Seeing as your going to need to power all these added speakers with a separate amp ... might as well do it right and go with components as apposed to your standard coaxial.

This post has been edited by Xander_X: Nov 8, 2012 - 11:57 AM

[chucho]

Depends on what price range your looking at. I had dynaudio three way setup in my celica. Three way component sets are pretty pricey though.

[sandusky1977]

I've had great luck with my Polk audio speakers, I've got two sets of components and a pair of 12" subs. All are weather proof marine rated, so if they get wet in the doors they keep working.

[zfjohnson07]

I got money just want good freaking sound. Anyone put subs in the door, and does it sound good?

This post has been edited by zfjohnson07: Nov 8, 2012 - 1:21 PM

[azian_advanced]

it sounds good but you'll definitely have rattling problems you'd need to solve.

[Xander_X]

Subs in the 8" holes would be fine, just dynomat the **** out of the doors and door panel.

Let me ask you this to help direct you more properly:

1. Approximate Budget? Don't go crazy, be honest with yourself.
2. What is your definition of "good freaking sound"?
3. Are you using an aftermarket deck, and if so what is it?
4. What speaker set up did the car come with originally?

This post has been edited by Xander_X: Nov 8, 2012 - 2:20 PM

[Makabra]

I also have premium door panels in my car. I bought used set of Hertz HSK163. Cost was about 150$ a year ago



Sounds greate and fits right. Only problem is with hightones as they are bigger than oem ones and wont fit in plastic covers with oem bracket.

Midtone:



Behind the scenes



This post has been edited by Makabra: Nov 8, 2012 - 2:46 PM

[zfjohnson07]

Well I try to go cheap incase I sell my car to make a profit but probably I want to spend 100

[Xander_X]

Well I try to go cheap incase I sell my car to make a profit but probably I want to spend 100

Oh ... I was gonna suggest a low cost FULL set up:


2 – 8” JBL GTO804 Shallow-Mount Subwoofers
2 – 4” JBL GTO429 2-Way Coaxial speakers
2 – ¾” JBL GTO19T Tweaters
2 – 6 ½” JBL GTO638 3-Way Coaxial Speakers
1 – JBL GT5A3011 Four-Channel Amp

- Use your head unit to power the rear speakers (GTO638), the upper door 4” speakers (GTO429) [use the connector that would normally go to the lower 6 ½” speaker], and the tweeters (GTO19T)
- Mount the amp (GT5A3011) under either seat and use it to power the 8” subs (GTO804)

You could probably do all this for around $400 - $500 if you price shop online. (Not including Dynomat door kits ranging from $50 - $100 plus shipping per door) And this is a SUPER cheap set up that will sound AMAZING!

Even if you JUST buy and add 4" speakers, your going to need a separate amp to power 2 of the eight speakers.

[trdproven]

i had 8" kicker shallow subs on the door, yea theres more bass, but theres lack of mids. I ended up converting my 8" back to a 6.5", better choice, you get a better mid-high range. cus why put subs when you already could put subs in the rear.

[Xander_X]

^ Yes, but you get a lot more mid and high with the added 4" mids and 3-ways in the back which are closer to your ears than the lower door speakers.

[k-weaver]

I've got the same panels in mine. I ended up running 6.5 in 8" hole. All my bass will come from the subs in the trunk. Mids/highs from the doors and rear. If you want a good setup go to a real shop. What my ears like yours may not. The brands I prefer in order:

1.) Focal
2.) Hertz
3.) Polk Audio

I've ran Alpine, Pioneer, kicker, MTX. In a side by side comparison I prefer the top three over anything else. Again, i would strongly suggest you go to an authorized dealer and ask to listen to a variety of different brands with YOUR music.

[zfjohnson07]

ended up sellng them to special_ed , i plan to sell the car so i thought id give the goodies to someone who would enjoy them more than a clueless joe.

[Special_Edy]

Lol I didnt see this until now, but yeah I got 8" subs in the doors with an amp under the driver-seat and the factory 4" mids.

I must say the 4" mid delivers a much crisper sound than the 6.5, but the 8" subs really give it volume.