InsaneGideon

Hello everyone, the forum had a major slow down when I tried to post this earlier... hope this doesn't double post!

I just got a '95 R1 a month or so ago. (Love the car, BTW)

I've finally gotten tired of the stock non-Bose system, and I'm looking to replace it with something more decent.. For those wondering, I'm leaning towards a Pioneer DEHP940MP head unit (or 950, if it ever comes out). I'll probably get a space/weight-conservative powered sub like the Infinity Basslink, and leave the speaker amplification to the head unit. The 940MP interests me basically because of the equalization features in a single DIN unit.

I'm planning on putting a door lock solenoid into the driver side, and figured it would be a good idea to replace the speakers while im in there. I'd like to avoid tearing the interior apart repeatedly, so I want to do both in one quick shot.

The question: What actual late model speakers, specifically, have you guys fit in the non-bose FD doors without any modifications? I'm looking for a complete bolt-in deal here.

I know this has been discussed before, but the mention of required modifications doesn't come up much in the archives... at least not with speakers that can still be purchased.

I'm considering component systems right now, but I'd appreciate any sort of input from your past experiences from any install. I'm just partial to the surface mounted Infinity tweeters in the side-mirror interior "triangles" on my previous FD (which were there when I bought the car.)

Any info will be appreciated. Thanks,
-IG

InsaneGideon

Anyone care to share their experiences installing Infinity Kappa Perfects 5.1, Kappa 50.5, or the reference 5000cs?

I dont mind cutting the speakers themselves, or using spacers, as long as they're supplied.

Thanks

DCrosby

I was looking at crutchfield's site and they had some sizes that should fit, you type in your car, and they tell you what they have that fits you...
I'm personally going with All Sony Stuff, but that's me...

DC

InsaneGideon

Thanks for the tip!

I've actually looked there before. They like to charge full retail on their stuff... which is why I've never bought anything from them before. They seem pretty reputable though.

I'm counting on going with 5.25". But if they all require modification, I might as well go 6.5"

Lately I've been cruising www.autotoys.com. I've had good luck with them in the past on alarms. They're MUCH cheaper than any local dealers or Crutchfield.

Though you gotta love the Pioneer TS-G1347's rotor-like tweeter on Crutchfield's site.

jpandes

Go with 6.5" separates and 10" sub. PM DamonB he actually makes FD Subenclosure kits that fit perfectly under he rear strut tower bar.

InsaneGideon

Strictly speaking of the front door speakers:
Know any 6.5's that'll drop in without cutting the door, or making any custom baffles? ...or 5.25"'s for that matter? I'm not worried about loosing too much mid bass by going with smaller speakers... I can later compensate that with the other speakers in the system.

That sub box is pretty sweet! Wish I had the $$$ allocated to get a whole system setup . For now, i'm just planning for the future while I have the door panels off.

Thanks,
-IG

dgeesaman

iTrader: (7)

I just went with the crutchfield recommended pieces. I think it was 5-1/4 fronts, 5x7 rears.

Front Install:
Required some minor cutting to the front mounting assembly to fit the crutchfield adapter plate. I think the factory base had some high points that interfered with the plate, but cut down the thing was real tight. The fronts also required manual connection - I just spliced in the connector from the factory speakers.

Rear:
The crutchfield-supplied connectors for the rear did not fit, so I soldered them in too. The speaker I put in had a higher profile so they rattled at first against the grille/panel. Some weatherstripping foam on the facing edge of the grille fixed that.

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S...=1&cc=01&avf=Y

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S...=1&cc=01&avf=Y

Overall, I'd say it was a pretty good installation and my sound is a little better, but I need to dampen the interior, replace the headunit, and disconnect the dash speaker before I make a real decision about sound quality. I just know 10yo paper speakers don't work and I needed to put something sturdy in there.

Dave

InsaneGideon

So I guess the RX-7 doesn't have a standard bolt configuration... at least not like the "4 corner" placement in those Polks. Many of the components I'm looking at mount the same way. My problem now is figuring out, who will include adapter plates.

I forgot about my dash speaker! I don't think mine does anything... I guess I'll have to stick my head in there and find out! Doesn't matter much anyway, since I'm replacing it with a triple gauge pod.

Thanks, Dave.

RX-7racer88

I have a 93. And I put the infinty kappas in the door and rear area. Fits in good no cuting or anyting keeps the stock grils too. But the front door is 6.5 and the rear is 5x7s. The subs I'am using is 2 12" JL W3s. There pretty loud but I wanted base so tahts what I got.

InsaneGideon

Tbanks for the info. What model of Kappas are they? Components or no?

I've found the 6.5" and 5.24" perfects for $279 and $289 respectively... I'm going to order them online, so taking them back would be a real PITA. Anyone think I'll have any problems with these, installation-wise?

InsaneGideon

Well... at least, I'm *thinking* of ordering them. I'm still trying to decide what to get

RX-7racer88

There just the regular ones. I've been thinking of going to componts here some time. If you want a good componet system I would say look at the boston acusticks. They sound good and you get a good sound qualty for a fair price. Or if you really want to go all out go with MB quarts. They sound great too but really pricy is all.

ijneb

Does anyone know the mounting depth of the door speakers?
It is bose now, but im taking the amp and everything out.
Thanks,
Ben

InsaneGideon

I've noticed some of the FD drivers complaining of the Quarts' harsh high end. Any time I've ever seen a pic of the components, the tweeter is tethered to the woofer by the speaker cable... almost like MB Quart wants to encourage proper placement (closer to woofer).

Anyone know of an online dealer that sells Bostons? Or do they only sell through installers only (that never seem to get door trim back on the way it was)?

Thanks,
-IG

RX-7racer88

I would think you can maybe order stuff from there web site. think its like bostonacustics.com. I duno if they sale stuff on there site or not.

pitzfat

im confused. on the crutchfield site you can choose what vehicle you have and they will tell you what size speakers you have in the front and rear, as well as show you which speakers will fit.

it says 5-1/4" in the front door panels , but not an 'EZ fit' which means it requires some modifications. however some of you are talking about 6.5" speakers dropping in there with no modifications.

also the rear are 6" x 8" or 5" x 7". what speakers should i get? if what RX-7racer88 is saying is true, i would get some infinity's. i am looking for the easiest fit with little to no modifications.

and what's up with that center console? what can i stick in there?

InsaneGideon

Hey pitzfat... looks like we're in the same boat. I got a PM from someone telling me some minor cutting of the plastic speaker baffle was required for some infinity 6.5's.

As for the center speaker... I'm going with a gauge pod on that one . When my Defi gauges arrive and i get the time to install them, I'll grab a pic for ya when I rip it out.

I've seen walk-through installs online for replacing the front bose speakers. There's a giant removable plastic baffle back there.

But what are the non-bose front speakers mounted too? A different plastic enclosure? A bracket? Is the door metal itself different?

I don't want to have to rip the door trim to find out, only to have to do it again later to install the speakers.

Thanks,
-IG

InsaneGideon

I don't mean to shamelessly bump this thread, but I need to make a speaker purchase soon, so I can get them in while I have the door panels off....

I'm looking at some kappa 5.25" components for the FD front speakers. Has anyone found these to be a relatively easy, non-invasive install (little cutting of speaker mounting)?

Thanks.

jpandes

I had my Diamond 6.5" separate professionally installed. It did not look easy.

maxcooper

Shallow 6.5" speakers will fit best. The stock speakers are 6.5". The FSM says 6.3", but they look just like your average dual cone 6.5" speakers. I put Eclipse 2-way 6.5" speakers in my doors and they were an easy install. The only thing I had to do was cut the center out of the plastic speaker holder (very easy) to clear the magnet on the replacement speakers I selected.

I have heard that 2.5" depth will fit, and that is the depth that I measured, but it seems very likely that they will hit the window if you use the full 2.5" depth, especially of the magnet structure has a large diameter. I would seek speakers that are no more than 2.25" deep or perhaps plan to use some spacers.

The rear speakers are 6x8", but 5x7" will also fit fine. I wrote up my experience of replacing my rear speakers:
http://www.maxcooper.com/rx7/how-to/...ers/index.html

-Max

Flyrx7

iTrader: (1)

6.5 boston pro's fit, just a little time with a dremel on the stock speaker housing. Piece of cake really. The Pro's are 2.5 deep too, I believe.
As for your gauge pod, have you checked this one out?
http://hometown.aol.com/flyrx7/Rx7-Gauge-Pod.html

Frank

InsaneGideon

Great! You guys are really helping me out here! Thanks!

Frank, I already have your gauge pod! It's a work of art! Absolute top notch quality... I was seriously blown away, especially since I was expecting something on par with Autometer's pods. I'm still waiting for my Defi gauges to arrive from the distributer. Should be any day now...

Thanks again!
-IG

Flyrx7

iTrader: (1)

Well, hot damn then! It's hard to keep track of people between forum ID's, email addresses, and Paypal names, it's hard telling who's who.

But back on topic, the Boston Pro 6.5 drivers are 2-3/8" deep (60mm). I would think that you could fit 2-1/2" no problem, maybe with a little spacer plate if necessary.

Frank

InsaneGideon

I've found a shop that carries Boston and Diamond Audio. Diamond's 6.5 speakers (the one's I've check online anyway) have 2-1/8" mounting depths. I'll take a look a a few days and see how big the magnets are and such. Their speakers have neodymium mags so, hopefully they'll be small enough.

Frank, have you gotten a center speaker to fit in one of the pod mounts yet?

Thanks,
-IG

Thanks,
-IG

Flyrx7

iTrader: (1)

I trial fitted one of my Boston tweets in there, withthe housing and grill, but didn't pursue it much further. It wouldn't be hard though, I think anyone could "hodge-podge" something easily enough. When I'm done with the shop and actually "have time" again I'm going to do something along those lines.

Regards,
Frank