MR2 Roadster Owners Club

The Workshop => Audio / Security / Electrical => Topic started by: Gibla on October 1, 2022, 08:48

Title: Front Speaker Upgrades
Post by: Gibla on October 1, 2022, 08:48
I'm sure this topic has been done to death in years gone by, but maybe my question isn't fully addressed in those posts.

I am looking to spend a max of £150 on either new or second-hand units.

Could folks suggest Manufacturers + even better a specific product they make, that would be a significant improvement over stock?   

This will be powered by a JVC KW-DB93BT Double DIN CD Receiver with Digital Radio (DAB+) < originally a modestly costly unit, but now a  reinstallation from one of the cars I have recently sold.

ok for at least 50% of the time I would far prefer to listen to the engine, but a reasonable sound system does add much to the pleasure derived from the car (especially if doing circa 8-10k miles pa)

I plan to use Kilmat sound deadening 'stuff' to aid the effectiveness of the speaker upgrades https://kilmat.com/
Title: Re: Front Speaker Upgrades
Post by: Gibla on October 1, 2022, 09:29
^^ Maybe a modest budget, but I cannot justify spending mega money, as my hearing is far from perfect (a combo of old-age and a period of time in my life in an incredibly noisy environment)
Title: Re: Front Speaker Upgrades
Post by: puma2 on October 1, 2022, 09:30
:) try focal many have :)  :)
Title: Re: Front Speaker Upgrades
Post by: Gibla on October 1, 2022, 09:47
Good call @puma2

I had dug out these on Fb previously that are Focals but unsure if they would fit

Focal Access 130AC 13cm 5.25" 2 Way Coaxial Car Speakers 100w inc grills

Could *anyone* out there tell me if these would fit ???

Title: Re: Front Speaker Upgrades
Post by: s12vea on October 1, 2022, 09:59
16cm door speakers fit. I've fitted focals in mine and soundproofed doors and I have to say amazing sound. I also used vibe 60.4 amp and I would say it's hard to beat
Title: Re: Front Speaker Upgrades
Post by: Gibla on October 1, 2022, 10:05
Quote from: s12vea on October  1, 2022, 09:5916cm door speakers fit. I've fitted focals in mine and soundproofed doors and I have to say amazing sound. I also used vibe 60.4 amp and I would say it's hard to beat

Cheers sir

Just located these for a decent price, << Focal PC165 6.5" coaxial speakers 16.5cm 
or these
Vibe Black Air 6.5" Component Speakers
Title: Re: Front Speaker Upgrades
Post by: s12vea on October 1, 2022, 12:32
Quote from: Gibla on October  1, 2022, 10:05Cheers sir

Just located these for a decent price, << Focal PC165 6.5" coaxial speakers 16.5cm 
or these
Vibe Black Air 6.5" Component Speakers
I've had both in the past and focal have much better sound quality
Title: Re: Front Speaker Upgrades
Post by: Gibla on October 1, 2022, 14:43
Advice taken @s12vea Focal Component system ordered.

 reviewed here https://www.crutchfield.com/S-XaS8duVXLcB/p_091165AS/Reviews/Focal-Performance-165AS.html?fbclid=IwAR024pFIYnH6FHwOOBGQAjxbHCJSd-8gWCsudMkFkWOgtNLkjPVbwlo7Les
Title: Re: Front Speaker Upgrades
Post by: Dev on October 2, 2022, 21:33

You did well. The most important thing with speakers especially if you run it without an external amp is its sensitivity otherwise they can sound lifeless.
91.3 dB is good.
 
 If you want to get the best out of them get a small external amp with 50 watts X2 RMS and let them sing. Its not about being louder it will sound tremendously better even at lower volumes.



Title: Re: Front Speaker Upgrades
Post by: Gibla on October 2, 2022, 22:06
Quote from: Dev on October  2, 2022, 21:33You did well. The most important thing with speakers especially if you run it without an external amp is its sensitivity otherwise they can sound lifeless.
91.3 dB is good.
 
 If you want to get the best out of them get a small external amp with 50 watts X2 RMS and let them sing. Its not about being louder it will sound tremendously better even at lower volumes.
****
This seems to fit the bill well .....Alpine BBX-T600 Amplifier 2 Channel Class AB Bridgeable Stereo Car Amp 140w RMS < this fits in with your suggested spec ie 50 watts x2 RMS
Fitting kit? https://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/stinger-ssk8-8ga-600w-complete-wiring-kit.html
Would that just about do it?






Title: Re: Front Speaker Upgrades
Post by: Dev on October 2, 2022, 22:23
Alpine makes reliable amps. It should work well in that system at its price point to get the most value out of your upgrade. Just make sure to set the gains correctly to maximize the sound output even if you listen at a lower volume. No need to spend a lot in RCA cables but get ones that are quality as far as being made durable for an automobile environment.  That fitting kit should be fine. Stinger makes quality stuff.
 It should sound nice. I also have a JVC unit KW-M855BW that I like but wished it had a parametric EQ.
Title: Re: Front Speaker Upgrades
Post by: s12vea on October 3, 2022, 08:43
https://www.carelectronicsnottingham.co.uk/vibe-powerbox-654m-amp-compact-micro-class-d-4-channel-car-stereo-amplifier?gclid=Cj0KCQjwkOqZBhDNARIsAACsbfKy-8tfZ0Mpih4m8Pe3uE1orm1zJrBoV1Td1BktnZyJybSFkm4mEWMaAhg8EALw_wcB

I've used this amp for a number of year it plugs in between iso connection on back of headunit and really adds some power to the front speakers and not additional / separate wiring compared to adding a traditional amp
Title: Re: Front Speaker Upgrades
Post by: Dev on October 3, 2022, 16:41
Quote from: s12vea on October  3, 2022, 08:43https://www.carelectronicsnottingham.co.uk/vibe-powerbox-654m-amp-compact-micro-class-d-4-channel-car-stereo-amplifier?gclid=Cj0KCQjwkOqZBhDNARIsAACsbfKy-8tfZ0Mpih4m8Pe3uE1orm1zJrBoV1Td1BktnZyJybSFkm4mEWMaAhg8EALw_wcB

I've used this amp for a number of year it plugs in between iso connection on back of headunit and really adds some power to the front speakers and not additional / separate wiring compared to adding a traditional amp

That should be a good amp. I have a Vibe Lightbox GH class amp.
 I would personally run a separate power and ground for this amp even with its class D design considering the wiring harness used in our cars is puny and is probably degraded with age. It probably works better with newer cars as they have thicker gauge wiring for its harness for OEM double din NAV units.