Speaker upgrade question

[cccccory]

Sorry for the noob questions but I am looking to upgrade the speakers in my SEL. I saw in other posts that the Infinity Kappa have provided good results. I know next to nothing about car audio but do appreciate the better sound. My questions would be..

 

 

1. What model number infinity speakers are your best bang for your buck?

 

2. What size speakers are they? I thought I read they were 6x8's. The reason I ask is that I live in Canada nad prices are waaaaaay more expensive here, so I would be ordering them online and having someone install them.

 

3. Are they both the same front and back?

 

3. Would an amp improve the sound considerably, or does the reciever have enough power for these speakers?

 

4. Any other reccomendations and if so, please provide the model number as mentioned before I would be ordering them and would hate to have to deal with returning an online purchase because they do not fit.

 

5. Would these be a good deal? And would an amp be needed? Any input on an amp with model number would be quite helpful. http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-New-Infinity-KAPPA-682-9CF-6x8-300-Watt-2-Way-Car-Audio-Speakers-/230754112416?pt=Car_Speakers&hash=item35ba0453a0

 

 

Thanks VERY much in advance for any help and insight provided.

[akirby]

I would start with something like these and I'd get them from crutchfield not ebay. You can get a 2nd pair for half price.

 

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_1086829CF/Infinity-Kappa-682-9cf.html?tp=93

 

Crutchfield will give you installation instructions and adapters that make the install a breeze.

 

They're all the same front and rear. Start with these, then add an amp if needed later.

[cccccory]

Thanks for the quick reply. You said add an amp if needed. How would I know? By distortion when playing loud or by the sound quality? Also what amp would you recommend? Again sorry for the basic questions but I guess everybody's gotta learn sometime.

Edited June 15, 2012 by cccccory

[Gimp]

I wouldn't worry about the amp. As akirby said "add an amp if needed later". Unless your are an audiophile I don't think you will need it. There is always someone who will try to sell it to you, but I don't think it's necessary. The factory speakers are pretty poor and even a 'good' (not even great) set of replacements from Crutchfield will make a huge difference in your sound. I had pre-ordered four speakers before my SEL was delivered late last November. I changed the two rear speakers on the day I took delivery. When I switched the balance back and forth between the front and rear speakers I was amazed at the improvement in the quality of the sound. That confirmed my decision to change all four of them.

 

I highly recommend Crutchfield. They know what fits your car and they provide the necessary wiring adapters. I didn't bother calling them but there will be a number of speaker choices so you may want to ask for their advice. They are happy to give it and people who have talked to them recommend it. They will ask you some questions about your listening preferences and steer you toward the best speakers for your likes.

 

If you have them installed, ask the shop to demonstrate the difference between the old and replacement speakers. Also, hold one in each hand and you will see the quality difference.

[akirby]

Change the speakers then see how they sound. If you're happy then stop there. If you still want better sound then start looking at an amp. There are numerous options and it really comes down to how you want it to sound and how much you want to spend.

[cccccory]

Just an FYI...As mentioned before about the crazy prices here, these speakers are $299 here at our local electronics store.

 

http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/infinity-infinity-kappa-6-x-8-2-way-component-car-speaker-system-680-9cs-680-9cs/10167636.aspx?path=dcff37698cc73e34ff1603ef7528fccden02

 

Found them on amazon for $65. Unreal.

[fishx65]

Lots of good speaker choices out there. Like said earlier, almost any aftermarket speaker will sound a ton better then the junk ford put in these Edges. You may be happy just replacing the fronts so I would start there. The 94db sensitivity of the Kappas should work very well without adding an amp.

[Davom97]

Since getting my 2011 SEL, I swapped the stock door speakers for 4 MB Quartz FKA157 speakers and added a 6" Bazooka sub, a Boss Chaos Epic 5 channel amp & a RE-Q5. Got lots of help from this forum and my progression is here:

 

http://www.fordedgeforum.com/index.php?/topic/8485-speaker-upgrade-questions/

 

http://www.fordedgeforum.com/index.php?/topic/9025-audio-upgrade-done-now-theres-a-high-pitched-noise/

 

http://www.fordedgeforum.com/index.php?/topic/10435-need-help-solving-my-amps-auto-sensing-onoff-feature/

 

I bought all my equipment from Amazon and found a local installer with a good reputation that installed equipment not bought from his shop. The installs are warrantied by him, but obviously not the equipment. I am so glad I upgraded my system. Love my Edge even more.

 

Peace,

 

DM

Edited June 16, 2012 by Davom97

[cccccory]

I had the speakers installed today and they sound great. Thanks to all that took the time to help out with replies.

[candurin]

Just finished installing my 682.9cf's in all 4 doors. Took me about 2 hours (few beer breaks) and was VERY easy to do. $160 total on amazon (speakers and adapters).