can you just...

The Engineer · 03-27-2005, 08:20 PM

replace the factory speakers with aftermarket ones without running into any problems? I am an audiophile but with the wife and now a newborn, I don't exactly have the budget to go re-purchasing installing my preferred Zapco or Xtant external amps and Focal or CDT comps.... I just want to, for now, replace the factory paper crap with something like BA coaxials.

I have the non-RF system, and fully intend to keep the 6CD changer, if you need to know that. I do have a pair of JL 10w3v2's that are going in with LOC and amp (which I know itself will help ths system sound 1000% better), but what really worries me is the main speakers. I am itchin' to get a decent system back since I sold my old system when I sold my previous car.

I have indeed searched, because yes I know forum etiquette, but no one has definitively said they replaced their factory speakers WITHOUT adding an amp.

Can anyone help me out here? Anyone done this and is pleased with the turnout? Otherwise I will just add the subs for now and save for another amp... the wife is really gonna love me when I tell her this...

Sammy Sandbag · 03-27-2005, 08:27 PM

The oem speakers are 2ohm, so no. And the factory system probably wouldn't have enough power to push anything decent, even your lower end aftermarket speakers. I don't know about the non-RF systems, but my oem speakers are not paper cone, but plastic of some sort.

BLWedge09 · 03-27-2005, 08:40 PM

As you've probably already seen since you said you searched prior to posting you will need to fashion a mounting plate from something like MDF to mount them properly. Actually, if you replace the front 6x9's with aftermarket 6x9's you can re-use the mount from the original speakers with some aftermarkets. They worked fine with my Memphis Audio 6x9's. Anyway, aside from that you "can" replace only the speakers but since they are 2 ohm and the factory headunit is so lo powered you won't be satisfied with the results. I actually did this with mine, except I had the single CD double din unit (same speakers and probably the same or very comparable power output as the non RF 6 disk). I only left it this way a few days while waiting for my aftermarket headunit to arrive. It actually sounded worse than before. I don't really know what your target system is here and I am admittedly not an audiophile. I just wanted something significantly better than stock. I accomplished this rather cheaply with my Memphis 6x9's in front, Memphis 6.5's in the back and a Clarion 45 watt X 4 headunit. I'll probably add a sub later but for now I'm satisfied.

Basically, if you don't want to replace the indash 6 disk, you're probably better off leaving the door speakers alone until you're ready to do so. Just my opinion though. Trust me, there are much worse factory systems out there.

HitNWakes · 03-28-2005, 01:28 AM

Thats because if you measure electrically the stock headunit outputs, front and rear have different EQs. So they are tunned to that spacific speaker. If you want to start totally flat you will have to invest in a new aftermarket head unit & start flat with aftermarket speakers. So even if you did find some 2ohm speakers, they'd still be tuned/EQd to the other speakers if your still using the factory head unit.

jburson250 · 03-28-2005, 05:45 AM

I installed a pair of Polk DB 690's in the front doors of my LE CC. One of the OEM's had developed a nasty buzz. The Polks mounted right where the OEM's were. I put foam baffles behind them. Eventhough these are 4 ohm and the OEMs are 2 ohm, they integrete seamlessly with the remainder of the RF system. I know the audiophiles here will tell you that's not possible, or that the OEM amp hasn't the power to drive the new speakers, or that the EQ won't allow the speaker to perform properly.
The Polks, along with my addition of polyfill in the subwoofer box provided a nice enhancement to the marginal RF system.

sbo76 · 03-28-2005, 10:10 AM

The answer is no, you can’t add a good set of aftermarket speakers to the stock headunit. I have added a set of alpine type r's waiting for the rest of my system to go in. They sound like s*&t with the stock HU. This thing pushes like 10w's at 2ohm, so I’m sure that its under 5 at 4ohms. The R's normally sound as smooth as silk, but with no power they sound like ***. I can’t turn the HU over 1/2 way before it distorts.

The Engineer · 03-28-2005, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbo76

The answer is no, you can’t add a good set of aftermarket speakers to the stock headunit. I have added a set of alpine type r's waiting for the rest of my system to go in. They sound like s*&t with the stock HU. This thing pushes like 10w's at 2ohm, so I’m sure that its under 5 at 4ohms. The R's normally sound as smooth as silk, but with no power they sound like ***. I can’t turn the HU over 1/2 way before it distorts.

Thanks for all the replies gang. Am I correct in assuming that if I use dual LOC's and feed a 4 ch. amp to new speakers then it will be ok or do I totally have to dump the factory headunit?

Sammy Sandbag · 03-28-2005, 07:04 PM

Just get a 4channel LOC and you'll be good to go.

eakes · 03-28-2005, 07:04 PM

No, you do not have to dump the factory HU. LOCs on the HU to feed a 4-ch amp plus new speakers will result in a very good system. The main problem with the factory HU is lack of power, this will be cured with the LOCs and new amp.

When you set out to do this purchase the connector kits that will allow easy integration with the factory HU. There is one adapter that plugs into the HU and another that plugs into the wiring harness. Using these two adapters allows easy access to the outputs of the HU and factory wiring to the existing speaker locations, one does not have to cut or splice into the factory wiring harness. Most of the wiring can be done at your work bench, not curled into or under the dash.

The Engineer · 03-28-2005, 07:16 PM

thanks guys, I really appreciate it.