maxcooper

I installed some Eclipse SE8262 in the front of my FD today (base model -- no Bose). They fit in without too much hassle, the were relatively inexpensive, they are efficient (loud), and I think they sound great.

You'll need to cut out the center of the back of the speaker housing, but it is pretty simple to do and it will be clear what to do when you get in there. I also had to use some larger screws to grip the holes in the speaker housing (the stock speakers use the "outer" holes, but you'll need to use the bigger "inner" holes). It was a pretty easy install.

I got them for $119 at a local shop. The frequency range is listed at 90-20K Hz, which would suggest that they don't have a lot of bass, but I chose them by listening to a bunch of speakers and these actually seemed to have a stronger bottom end than the other 6.5" speakers I was comparing them to. The efficiency is 96 or 97 dB, which means they play loud without requiring a lot of power. That is a good thing if you don't want to install an amp, but rather just run them off your head unit.

Anyway, they sound great in the car and I am very happy with my purchase.

-Max

Brentis

Good insight! Are they overly bright or are the high's smooth?

maxcooper

They seem pretty smooth to me as I currently have the tone settings. I did turn down the treble a few notches from how I had it set for the stock dual cone speakers. I think I am +1 on treble and +3 on bass, with 0 midrange adjustment. I don't think my hearing is quite perfect after driving loud cars and listening to loud music for a while, though. I wouldn't be surprised to hear someone call them bright, but they don't hurt your ears like the cheaper speakers do.

I suggest finding an Eclipse dealer and listening to them before buying. I went in there expecting to get some Bostons, but I liked these better. They were listed at $149, too, but they gave me a break at $119. They definitely have more treble than the Bostons and aren't quite as smooth on the midrange, but they also seemed to have deeper bass despite their frequency response specs. Overall, I liked the Eclipse better, so I bought them. There are certainly better sounding speakers available, but I liked these and they seemed like a good match for my needs (efficient, relatively shallow, coaxial).

Go listen to a bunch of speakers and see what you like. We all have different tastes. I guess the value of my post is mainly that these fit well. And they sound good to me.

-Max

Brentis

That is good to know. Like you, I want a good base (not bass) system (I've been there done that with the over the top stuff). I want something that is reasonably sounding without introducing weight into my car.

So I will likely change out all the base components with stock fitting replacements. Personally, I like BA and MB Quart. Eclipse may sound good with the type of music I like (Industrial & Dance - early 90's). The issue with speakers that are too bright , from my perspective, is they tire your ears.




BTW, Great site.

Coulthard Fan

Did you need a dremel for this or just some heavy duty clippers?

I assume you need 4 screws each side - what size?

Sorry about the detailed questions, I just want to make sure that when I do this I have everything I need before I start.

p.s. Kudos on the site. I've referred to it many times.

maxcooper

I used a combination drill bit / roto-cutter bit in a cordless drill. I drilled a bunch of holes and then connected them. You basically just cut out a half-circle of plastic to clear the deeper magnet of the new speakers. You don't have to do any guess work, because you just cut out the center of the half-cover for the basket/magnet.

I think the screws were 5/8" #10, but my memory may be faulty on that one. Do the passenger side first so you can drive to the hardware store if you need to. You need three screws per speaker -- a total of six screws.

-Max