MikeC

I would like to replace my factory rear speakers (the right rear is blown) from my 94 "L" Coupe with an aftermarket speaker, while retaining the factory head unit. Has anyone upgraded their rear speakers (for that matter front speakers as well) with an aftermarket brand? If so, which mfg did you use and did it drop in without any cutting into the factory location?

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

MikeC

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QB175

From what I've noticed, no after-market speakers fit perfectly. MB Quart comes damn close. The screw holes dont match exactly to the plastic, but you can jimmy-rig them to fit. The best way that i have found is to remove the plastic and manipulate the speaker to match the holes as close as you can.

94LCoupe

My advice from an SQ point of view, would be to not use rear fill...Just run front speakers...

MikeC

Thanks for the reply... Which model MB Quart did you install?

MikeC

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MikeC

Which Aftermarket speaker would you recommend for the front, using the stock head unit? Please provide model / part number/

Thanks,

MikeC

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commuter

People who are really into car audio SQ typically run high powered speakers just in the front and a subwoofer in the back. They best way to do it is to put the front speakers down in the kick panels with custom enclosures. The problem is, to really get good sound, you can't use just your head unit's power. You would need an external amplifier and probably a set of component speakers (tweeters are separate from the drivers and an external crossover is needed). You'll also need some sort of sub-woofer in the trunk for the lows. This will need to be amplified as well.

I've had systems like the one described above and the SQ is REALLY good. It costs a lot of money though, and it takes a lot of tweaking to get just right. It can be frustrating until you've found the right mix of components for your particular car.

When I got my '89 Legend Sedan recently, I replaced the factory cassette deck with my 3 year old Eclipse CD player. Then, I replaced the factory front speakers with a set of Eclipse 8263 coax speakers (6.5 inch) that I had from a while ago. In the back, I put in a set of old Boston Acoustics 767 Coax speakers (again, 6.5 inch). Every thing was VERY easy to install, no external amplifiers and no running power cables to the trunk and RCA cables from the front to the back, etc.... And also, no subwoofer. This setup sounds GREAT. I listen to it for at least an hour a day while commuting.

You can't get the speakers I listed above anymore, they're pretty old now. But I know both companies (Boston Acoustics and Eclipse) still make reasonably priced coax speakers in many sizes. MB Quarts are good too. Just remember, if you plan on using speakers that are only going to be powered by your factory head unit, you don't want high powered speakers (100 or 200 watts). Find some that are 30 to 40 watts RMS and maybe 100 watts max.

Good luck.

Steve

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1989 Legend L Sedan
156K

MikeC

Steve,

Thanks for the info and advice... Even though it was my rear speaker that went bad, I am willing to replace all factory speakers with aftermarket as long as they drop right in with very little modification and they allow me to use the factory head unit.

MikeC

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ChrisK

The front's are easy. Any 6.5" will work up front. Depth can matter but all you need to do is cut out the back of the plastic mounting basket and you will have more then enough depth to accomodate almost every 6.5" speaker. Yes, it is true that the mounting holes will not line up with most aftermarket speakers. Not a problem. Use some LB weld or similar epoxy and simply fill in all the holes and hollow areas around the stock plastic mounting basket. Now just drill your own holes.

For the rear, You just need to measure the maximum depth the rear can take and find a speaker that will fit. Better yet, buy a matching set of 6.5" as the front, make a flat moutning plat to cover the 6X9 opening (This will mount to the stock 6X9 mounting trim), then cut a hole in the center for the matching 6.5" speaker. You probably would be better over all sound anyway. I would also line the underside of the 6X9 with some sound dampaning material to creat a somewhat sealed enclosure. That will definately help in the low end response.

Any 4 ohm aftermarket speaker will work with the L model 2200 deck you have.

kostas86

Kenwood speakers should easily fit in without cutting and I would recommend you take a look at them at Best Buy. I have installed Alpine speakers in my Legend and they also easily fit in.

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"At the feast of ego everyone leaves hungry"
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94LCoupe

A lot of people like the Infinity (6002i) Reference Series 6-1/2" Speakers...The only complaint I have with them is that the midbass is a little lacking, and the tweets can get a bit bright...But they sound nice with deck power...

claus44

the pioneer 6x9s that i had in my L sedan fitted perfectly.... even the screw holes lined up.

Yes, for best SQ and staging it is best to run just the 2 front speakers. However, most people will feel that the music is "dry" with this kind of setup. The best way to compensate this will then be pushing the fronts with high power amps and run the rears with the build in amp of the headunit. Or, you can simply use the fade.

If you are willing to spend the money and are looking for a deal, thezeb.com has the CDT EF-61 for only $167 right now. That's a crazy discount from the regular price!! If you don't plan to run an aftermarket amp right now, then just get the CL-6X.

If you want to spend even more, ask Graeme and he'll tell you who can get you some DynAudio speakers

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MikeC

ChrisK, thanks for your reply... If I cut out the back of the mounting basket, will that change the sound coming from the speakers? I'm guessing since they would be hooked up to the factory deck, it wouldn't matter.

MikeC

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MikeC

Thanks for the recommendations...

kostas86: Are you referring to front speakers or rear speakers. Do you have the part / model numbers for the Kenwood and Alpine?

94LCoupe: Did the Infinity Reference Speakers drop right in or did you have to cut out the back of the basket?

MikeC

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MikeC

Brian: Do you remember what the part / model number of the Pioneers were? Since I will not be running a high powered amp (I just want to replace the factory speakers with aftermarket speakers that will be powered from the factory head unit) I will probably go with the CDT's CL-6X.

Thanks,

MikeC

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94LCoupe

Depth isn't a problem...Those speakers are 2.56 inches deep...I managed to fit JL XR mids which are 2.81 inches deep without a problem...