Author Topic: Stereo Speakers 5 1/4 (Read 3835 times)

madman mike · « **on:** September 26, 2007, 04:17:49 PM »

so I've scrubbed around the list, but really haven't seen anything that answers the mail.

Wondering what people's experience is with speaker combos. I'd like to run 5 1/4 to fit the stock holes, but am not opposed to other options if reasonable.

I'm considering Blaupunkt's GTx542 in the rear and GTc542 up front. Also considering Infinity Reference 5010cs.

Any experience/feedback would be appreciated.

Oh, I'm running a Kenwood KRC535 without an amp.
thanks

Shift_Now · « **Reply #1 on:** September 26, 2007, 05:30:54 PM »

Well right now I'm running Alpine Type-S 5-1/4 speakers all around in the stock locations. they are good for about 35 watts RMS if I remember and 175 peak. I love them becasue tehy sound very good adn they produce a very realistic sound. Plus tehy were reasonably priced.

D. Clay · « **Reply #2 on:** September 26, 2007, 06:28:40 PM »

I have 4 Infinity 5.25" in kick panels and in the rear using the OEM package shelf housings. Sound is good for a noisy car without subs, etc, If I could do it over I wouldn't bother with the front because it's not really a "housing" and the location isn't so good either. There's really no difference in the Infinity's and the OEM speakers because of that.

christophbmw · « **Reply #3 on:** September 26, 2007, 07:15:48 PM »

alpine type-r components W/amp, i made a custom housing for the front kickpanels (i carpeted the stock plastic kick panels with bmw oem carpet from the new 3 series, and cut a hole in them to adapt the type-r grills, it looks sweet!) i will post pics tonight.

KenC · « **Reply #4 on:** September 26, 2007, 07:58:46 PM »

Quote from: christophbmw;34413

alpine type-r components W/amp, i made a custom housing for the front kickpanels (i carpeted the stock plastic kick panels with bmw oem carpet from the new 3 series, and cut a hole in them to adapt the type-r grills, it looks sweet!) i will post pics tonight.

PICS PLEASE!

I'm running a pair of Exile (small company based out of Portland, OR - couple guys who started Phoenix Gold) 5.25" components in the stock locations. I modded the tweeter pods to fit the Exile Tweeters. I'm running them biwired to an a/d/s/ PQ10.

kowalski · « **Reply #5 on:** September 26, 2007, 10:52:37 PM »

6.5" in the front stock holes. only problem is you can't put the covers over, but you can cut a new hole in the old panels. rear i had to do a little grinding but i put 6x9's in the rear.

madman mike · « **Reply #6 on:** September 27, 2007, 10:46:26 AM »

thanks for the info so far. Good to know that 6 1/2s can be jammed up front without having to cut metal. I'm all for the stock look, but also suspect that the 5 1/4's can be limited in performance...and that's why I was putting out a feeler. However, I think anything's gotta be better than the stock tired speakers that I'm trying to push. Rears are strong, but fronts are washed out...just wondering if fronts should be bigger.

P. Kennedy · « **Reply #7 on:** September 27, 2007, 11:23:28 AM »

Pelican Parts has a write-up on their site about fitting 6 1/2" speakers in E30 front doors, bypassing the God-forsaken 5 1/4's in the kick panels. The 6.5's end up just above the door pockets in the door itself with some re-routed wiring. I have some leftover Focal 6.5's that I think I'll try this with. I also have some Boston Acoustic 5.25's for the rear deck. I am also currently creating a backseat passthrough for a single Boston sub.

christophbmw · « **Reply #8 on:** September 27, 2007, 07:20:44 PM »

....ill post pics of my setup tonight. Also, you can get better sound quality out of the factory kick panel location. I used some thick sound insulation ( 1/4") wraped around the inner edge (had problems with it interfearing with the dome light switch at first) of the speaker hole, added some dynamat to the back of the hole on the sheat metal, isolated the wiring, and made a seal where the speaker seats into the hole, and the sound was AWSOME. I know its still in the kickpanel so its not as good as being in the door, but i like my map pockets, and a factory look, so its good enough for me.

as for the back speakers, i sealed of all the openings into the trunk near the speaker holes, and added some sound insulation (no more than a pound), so my 10" sub wouldnt push onto the back off the speakers (they are type-r components also), the sound quility is AMAZING. Keep in mind ALOT of planning, and experience with sound dynamics went into my build, i will post pics tonight to give a visual.

.

pmcinema · « **Reply #9 on:** September 28, 2007, 10:45:11 AM »

I have actually just purchased the Infinity Reference 5010cs from Crunchfield and they should get to me soon hopefully. Will keep you updated.

individualist · « **Reply #10 on:** September 29, 2007, 05:02:05 AM »

Look at Diamond D6's with component tweeters. 5 1\4 all the way around with a good sub and amps. You will not be disappointed.