I"m currently looking at a 1985 Mazda GSL, and it has the premium stereo etc...

I was wondering what the speaker sizes were, and if i can just drop in "new" speakers with out having to rewire? (except for changing the speaker connectors)

i'm only asking this because my Mercury had some weird setup where 2 speakers shared a common ground, and they were 3.2 ohms (why Ford did this.. i don't know).

Thanks,
-Matt

 

premium sound or not the rear speakers are 4 ohm 6 and 1/2in. The fronts are also 4 ohm and they are 4in. There is no common ground, so don't worry Oh, and you also have a pair of 25 watt x 2 factory amplifiers underneath the rear storage compartments. HTH

 

Awesome

thanks for the info

 

What was this premium sound package? I have an 83 gsl w/ joystick and eq, is that a premium sound package?

 

yes the joystick means premium sound

 

I have a question here. I recently changed my front and rear speakers and rewired them but now that you mention those amps have 25watts is there anyway I can take some of that power to power my rear speakers seeing I already re-wired them? If so how?

 

shatteredsoul : you could, but it takes a bit of patience and wiring knowledge, if you like I can do a pictorial write-up on this, but you are probably better off just going with deck power. The deck power is more anyhow, usually about 45-55 watts per channel. If you plan on upgrading to a subwoofer, you will need an aftermarket amplifier anyhow. HTH.

Fish: I'm glad I could help you man.

All : If you have any stereo related wiring questions, just send me a PM and I'll do my best to answer them. I am a professional installer and have been dealing with stock and aftermarket car-audio systems for 13 years. I have primarily dealt with 1st Gen RX-7 adio systems for the last 8. Wish you all the best.

 

Shadowlife - I find the sound quality of the factory system in my GSL-SE is very poor. I want to keep the car pretty much original, but would like some better quality of sound (not necessarily volume). Is my most economical best bet, to upgrade the speakers to better quality ones? I really don't want to remove/replace the factory stereo/equalizer. Or will I get very little improvement out of better speakers?

Thanks.

 

I second that question--anybody know?

I have the 2nd gen stereo/cassette/eq and it still sounds like ****--but I like the black faces and the stock look.

 

I just replaced my stock speakers with Infinity Kappa series. I was worried about the stock head unit sounding like crap, but the new speakers are loud and clear. The speakers come with an in-line crossover and they work nicely. I just had to adjust the bass down a bit and I can turn up the volume to about 3/4 without distortion. Got 'em from Crutchfield on sale and they came with free harness adapters so I didn't have to cut the factory wires. Also, Infinity packed three different mounting plates with the rear speakers, so I didn't even have to drill any holes.

 

Ok... For all of you wondering if just replacing the stock speakers will improve the sound the answer is YES!!!
The factory speakers are 4ohm and rated at 15 watts rms. If you upgrade to an aftermarket speaker, the wattage it can handle is less important than its EFFICIENCY. When you are looking around at speakers find one that has a high efficiency rating, the guys at the stereo shops can tell you this if they're worth their salt Just go look around and listen to what sounds best to YOU. NOT whatever the highest priced item they're trying to shove at you. It's going into your car, so be particular. One thing I do recommend, however, is to replace all your speakers at the same time if possible, and use the same brand all around as this will provide the best sonic match. If you want really great sound, get some nice passive crossovers. These will only let in the frequency's you want and will ensure crisp clean sound. Just adding crossovers to the stock system works wonders. Lastly, for those of you wondering, you can put a clean 100 watts to the factory 6-1/2 and they will sound very decent. I hope I can help with any other questions.
Regards,

 

Upgrade Path for Mobile Audio :

1:Speakers/Crossovers
2:Amplifier(s)/Subwoofer
3:Head Unit

This is just my OPINION. Others may disagree, but I have found that this is usually the most economical/simplest way to go. You get to see where you are improving and really HEAR the difference. Lastly do not underestimate the importance of good quality wiring.

 

I have the stock Radio/EQ/Cassette in my SE, and the stock speakers were replaced with Infinity speakers. I am amazed by how great it sounds! Ain't gonna thump, but if you want to listen to MUSIC and not just a bass line, it delivers. Sounds full and rich.