Need help choosing speakers

[alhammer]

Hey guys/gals

 

I have a 2009 SE. I really enjoy it so far... had it for a month or so now. I have the stock radio with mp3. Im interested in getting better sound quality. I heard I can just change the factory speakers with better aftermarket ones and achieve a big boost in quality without going through the hassle and expense of changing the headunit and adding amps. I would like the best bang for my buck. So far, all I know is that I need 4 6x8 speakers. I have read that 4-way speakers are ideal, but 2-way speakers provide more bass. I am looking for a very rich sound but also some bump. Would it be wise to but 4-ways in the front and 2-ways in the back? Im a total novice when it comes to audio so if im completely off-track please set me straight! Could anyone provide examples of a good speaker to buy? Also, has anyone had any luck with installing a touch screen system with navigation? Just a thought in the back of my mind right now. Thanks in advance for your help folks!

 

Austin

[baum]

Any speakers will give you a different sound over the stock.

 

Alot of times when you change out the stock speakers there is a big drop off in the low end sound (bass). Even when you go and listen to speakers it will sound different than it will in your vehicle. I would actually recommend a set of components. I was able to fit a 6.5" set with the tweeters in the factory location in the front doors

 

now as for speakers, just go to different audio shops i prefer the smaller ma-pa type. usually more knowledgeable and a little higher end equipment (im a hi-fi guy so i done buy cheap).

Edited December 20, 2010 by baum

[BlackenedEdge]

Hey guys/gals

 

I have a 2009 SE. I really enjoy it so far... had it for a month or so now. I have the stock radio with mp3. Im interested in getting better sound quality. I heard I can just change the factory speakers with better aftermarket ones and achieve a big boost in quality without going through the hassle and expense of changing the headunit and adding amps. I would like the best bang for my buck. So far, all I know is that I need 4 6x8 speakers. I have read that 4-way speakers are ideal, but 2-way speakers provide more bass. I am looking for a very rich sound but also some bump. Would it be wise to but 4-ways in the front and 2-ways in the back? Im a total novice when it comes to audio so if im completely off-track please set me straight! Could anyone provide examples of a good speaker to buy? Also, has anyone had any luck with installing a touch screen system with navigation? Just a thought in the back of my mind right now. Thanks in advance for your help folks!

 

Austin

 

There isn't a 4way speaker on the market that isnt junk and there's no difference in bass reproduction in 2way, 3way, 4way speakers of the same size/manafacturer.

 

2way coaxial (tweeter permanently mounted to midbass) or 2way component set (seperate tweeter and midbass driver and a crossover network) are the way to go.

If you are keeping the factory head unit and staying within a budget then a pair of coaxials for the front and another for the rear are sufficient.

You could go with components in the front if you like but dont waste any money on the rears, in fact you would be just fine keeping the factory rears intact and spending the money saved on better front stage speakers.

 

I'm waiting for my 2011 to be delivered in Feb and will be dumping $4k+ in audio gear in it (I'm not a basshead, I'm into SQ and drive all day every day) If you need any more help let me know, I've been out of the loop for a few years but have been doing this for 30 years.

[alhammer]

Sounds like components are the way to go. How would the install go on an Edge? Where would i put the tweeter? I dont really want to modify much as I may trade this vehicle in a couple years and I dont want to do anything that would lower its resale value.

[Big Sam]

Sounds like components are the way to go. How would the install go on an Edge? Where would i put the tweeter? I dont really want to modify much as I may trade this vehicle in a couple years and I dont want to do anything that would lower its resale value.

 

Good luck with those speakers. Here is a quick tip. Ford speakers use a plug to attach to the wiring harness. A plug which you will have to cut when attaching new speakers directly to the wires. The plug inputs will be labeled 1 and 2. But your replacement speakers will be labeled + and -, leaving you scratching your head. Go to google and get a ford speaker wiring diagram with color codes to solve this problem. I forget the exact search terms I used but its not that difficult to look for it.

Enjoy your upgrades but be careful because they are addictive. Replacing one component will show you the limitations of your other components. I ended up removing the stock system from my SE and replaced everything. Now I have a Sony head unit, JL Audio coax speakers, and a JL Audio amp and I love it. It also cost 1300 dollars, so let your conscience be your guide...

[akirby]

Good luck with those speakers. Here is a quick tip. Ford speakers use a plug to attach to the wiring harness. A plug which you will have to cut when attaching new speakers directly to the wires. The plug inputs will be labeled 1 and 2. But your replacement speakers will be labeled + and -, leaving you scratching your head. Go to google and get a ford speaker wiring diagram with color codes to solve this problem. I forget the exact search terms I used but its not that difficult to look for it.

Enjoy your upgrades but be careful because they are addictive. Replacing one component will show you the limitations of your other components. I ended up removing the stock system from my SE and replaced everything. Now I have a Sony head unit, JL Audio coax speakers, and a JL Audio amp and I love it. It also cost 1300 dollars, so let your conscience be your guide...

 

Or you can by adapters from Crutchfield or elsewhere that you don't have to cut and they're labeled +/- like the speakers IIRC. It also lets you reinstall the oem speakers easily if necessary.