Do Boston Acoustics Sound Better Than Stock SE 6x9's? What 6x9's Should I Get Then?

[falconman515]

I have an 07' SE with just the base 4 speaker set up and i am running them on a aftermarket Kenwood DDX512.

I am not to happy with the sound but no matter what i want to run all 4 6x9's on my aftermarket Kenwood.

I have seen some Boston Acoustic 6x9's floating around ebay and am wanting to know since i am going to run these 4 speakers on the deck i dont want a power guzzling aftermarket 6x9's correct?

And if that's the case would it be good to upgrade to say the Boston Acoustics since those come with chargers and are ran on a stock stereo and dont need as much power as aftermarket 6x9's?

Basically i am looking for the best sound i can get with 4 6x9's and still run them on my Kenwood DDX512 without there being any power issues.

Will the BA sound better than my stocks?
Should i get em and replace the stocks?
Are there 6x9's out there that would be better to run but still be able to just run of my Kenwood?

Thanks for all the help on this !!!!

[falconman515]

What do you guys think? anyone have any thoughts on this?

[djv3n0m]

not sure but i took out my BA for infinity kappa's

[mattyd]

I was planning on taking out my front "stock" 6x9 speakers on the weekend to replace with some Alpine 6x9s I had laying around. It wasn't until I had taken the first speaker out that I realized I actually had the upgraded Boston Acoustics package (I just thought that the stock speakers were decent ;) ). I didn't see a huge improvement between the two (BA vs. Alpine) to be honest, so I'm guessing if you aren't happy with stock, you could grab any decent aftermarket speakers.
You may also want to check out this thread:

2008 SE, should i replace my stock 6x9 w/aftermarket one's?? (http://www.chargerforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=82348&highlight=replace+factory+speakers)

Also, when I did this on sat, I had printed the excellent write up found here (http://www.chargerforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79111&highlight=replace+factory+speakers) and it was quick and painless. Props to DynoXG for the excellent step-by-step.

[falconman515]

I am looking for just Highs no bass ( i have a sub in the trunk already for bass)

If i get a lower RMS 6x9 and just use for highs and have no bass can i use a specific aftermarket speaker to make this work for me?

[CtrlAltDel]

http://www.lxforums.com/board/images/smilies/popcorn.gif Subscribed. http://www.lxforums.com/board/images/smilies/popcorn.gif


I am interested too. I will be getting a similiar Kenwood installed this week.

[falconman515]

I have stock 6x9's on my SE and i don't care much for the sound (the highs aren't as crisp as i would like due to the fact i have the bass cut out and are just using them for the mid and highs)

I have a guy with some Boston Acoustic 6x9's... I don't want to have to cut into the wiring at all for aftermarket speakers so i am wondering if i replace my stock stuff with the Boston Acoustic ones will there be a difference in sound?

I thought about the kickers but i am running all 4 6x9's of the aftermarket Kenwood deck so i think those would take more power than my deck has to offer.

So do you think the BA would be good to get a little crisper sound out of???

Thanks...... :bigthumb:

[xtcbct]

Yes, you should....aftermarkets typically are of much better construction, so you should notice an improvement. this is on my list as well

[falconman515]

well the boston acoustics arent really aftermarket.

They are an aftermarket brand but are made for Dodge/Chrysler, they are actually factory speakers.

Upgraded sound systems have the BA, So even though they are still technically considered factory speakers for dodge would they still be better than the basic stocks that come in the SE's?

[falconman515]

I just think that aftermarket speakers will take more power than my deck has to offer, but with the stock Dodge BA's they may only need the kind of power that a stock Dodge deck pushes but would sound better.

[falconman515]

I am looking to get a pair of BA's from a guy and throw them in the front doors for a little better sound than my regular stock SE 6x9's.

In a charger that has BA are all 4 speakers the same?

Reason i ask is that the kicker set up the 6x9's arent the same for front and back.

Also i have another thread trying to see what the difference would be in soudn by going from stock to the BA's in the front... how much better would they sound running of my Kenwood deck as just highs? (i have a sub in trunk so i cut out most of the bass on all 4 6x9's)

Thanks for all your help!!!!

[falconman515]

Any Info guys would be much appreciated!!!

[gonin60]

You should get a small 4 channel amp, and then chose the speakers that sound best to you and no one else. Everyone will give their own suggestions, however the sound of a speaker is subjective, so listen to alot of your own music and audition as many as possible. If you are on a tight budget, buy the speakers 1st then match them to an amp, you will be much happier!!!

[falconman515]

I am not buying an amp!!!!!

I know people like giving input but i am looking for an answer to a question!

I am going to run these 6x9's off the aftermarket Kenwood"DECK"

If i am doing that NOT getting an amp to run these speakers.....

How would the BA's sound over the stock one's ?????

[gonin60]

If you are talking about getting factory Bostons they will sound better than average stock speakers, however the front door speakers are not a full range driver you would need to use 2 pairs of rear speakers.

[07TorRedRoad&Track]

If your buying new I would go aftermarket. I had to replace the rear 2 in my car and the 8"sub in the rear deck. They were $60 a piece for the 6x9s and $80 for the sub. I got the BAs fron the junk yard that I got all the rest of the parts for the rear from and they gave me a real good deal. They sound the best of any factory system I have heard but since they are close to the price of a good set of aftermarket I would go aftermarket. The BAs are still the old style papercone not the Poly one and If I ever replace them I would not go back with them. That is my .02 I hope it helps.

[falconman515]

What aftermarkets would you guys recommend?

Most aftermarkets are like 50+ RMS each, and i know my deck only handles 22x4 RMS

Would it still bo ok for the deck to run a speaker like a kenwood or pioneer that requires a higher RMS?

I want to make sure i get the correct 6x9 that fits perfect with the specs of my deck.

Thanks for the help guys!

[Raven0130]

It does not really matter what speaker that you use. MOST aftermarket speakers are designed to run at much higher wattages and as soon as you turn them up they are going to distort due to lack of power. Also running off your deck works, it is no where near as clean as even a small amp would be. I know you are looking for an answer to a question but that is the way to good sound. With the kind of wattage you are wanting to put out you are not going to see any improvment by changing the speakers.

[falconman515]

So if I'm running off the Kenwood deck you telling me i wont see a difference going from my stock SE 6x9's that seem to have no crisp highs or anything to say the Dodge OEM Boston Acoustics, or even a 50watt rms kenwood 6x9?

[GUNS]

So if I'm running off the Kenwood deck you telling me i wont see a difference going from my stock SE 6x9's that seem to have no crisp highs or anything to say the Dodge OEM Boston Acoustics, or even a 50watt rms kenwood 6x9?

my thoughts, there are speakes that are sold in a 6X9 package but that are actually a 4" and a 2 inch speaker. I will try to find them to show you what I am talking about. Since you are not worried about base and you want those clean crisp highs, I recomend that you run base blockers to your 6 X 9s. It cleans up your highs and keeps them from distorting at higher volume. An RMS of 22 is not bad at all. I have run a lot of sound systems. Prob about 50 at varrying level of technical difficulty.

One of the problems is that a 6 X 9 is kinda designed to give you some punch. You dont want that so give me a little bit of time and Ill post up the other thing I was talking about.

[GUNS]

oh and how much are you willing to spend on 4 speakers?

[GUNS]

ok i couldnt find those plates I was talking about, but I would do this
get these http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?search=speaker+adapters&i=142SAC656

you can use the adapters to mount different size speakers in your 6 X 9 spaces, then get yourself a set of decent quality 5 1/4 size speakers. Something like these http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?g=51800&i=113KFC1382&tp=97

then get your self some bass blockers, these http://www.crutchfield.com/g_761/Bass-Blockers.html?search=bass+blockers&tp=3216 (im not sure which ones ud need but talk to crutchfield and they'll tell you.)

Thats what I would do if I was trying to get good quality highs out of the speakers, with no distortion, and no amp.


Total cost prob around $200



My .02.

[falconman515]

FINALLY someone throws out there something i can use!

Thanks for the write up Guns!

I think i may go that route and get a pair of 6 1/2" for the front!
i had saw these plates on ebay would these work better? - http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Parts-Accessories_Car-Audio-Electronics__6x9-to-6-Speaker-Adapter-Plates-06-07-Dodge-Charger_W0QQitemZ310050188233QQddnZPartsQ20Q26Q20A ccessoriesQQadnZCarQ20AudioQ20Q26Q20ElectronicsQQd diZ2811QQadiZ2812QQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p4506.m20. l1116

I figured they may since they are made specifically for Chargers.

Also to on the bass blockers they have so many whats difference between all of them and which should i go with?

And as far as the speakers it looks as if the RMS my deck handles is perfect for those kind of speakers and with the bass blockers i should get some SWEET highs !!!

Thanks so much for all of your help on this and leading me in this direction it seems as if this is the better route for me to take for the kinda highs I'm looking for.

Any more suggestions on what i can do or a brand of speaker to go with? and my price range.... Not cheap stuff but not expensive I'm wanting to stay in the more low to mid range not wanting to spend more than 50-100 bucks on speakers for the front doors.

Also what do your recommend for the rear deck? should i put the same set-up in the back? will these plates works for the back also?

Also with the adapters on and using a 3way speaker the mid and tweet dome stick out form the speaker really far will this fit when you put the door back on and not hit??

Do you recommend 5 1/4 or 6 1/2? What would be the difference for my application?

Thanks A Million For All Your Help !!!

[GUNS]

FINALLY someone throws out there something i can use!

Thanks for the write up Guns!

I think i may go that route and get a pair of 6 1/2" for the front!
i had saw these plates on ebay would these work better? - http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Parts-Accessories_Car-Audio-Electronics__6x9-to-6-Speaker-Adapter-Plates-06-07-Dodge-Charger_W0QQitemZ310050188233QQddnZPartsQ20Q26Q20A ccessoriesQQadnZCarQ20AudioQ20Q26Q20ElectronicsQQd diZ2811QQadiZ2812QQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p4506.m20. l1116

I figured they may since they are made specifically for Chargers.

Also to on the bass blockers they have so many whats difference between all of them and which should i go with?

And as far as the speakers it looks as if the RMS my deck handles is perfect for those kind of speakers and with the bass blockers i should get some SWEET highs !!!

Thanks so much for all of your help on this and leading me in this direction it seems as if this is the better route for me to take for the kinda highs I'm looking for.

Any more suggestions on what i can do or a brand of speaker to go with? and my price range.... Not cheap stuff but not expensive I'm wanting to stay in the more low to mid range not wanting to spend more than 50-100 bucks on speakers for the front doors.

Also what do your recommend for the rear deck? should i put the same set-up in the back? will these plates works for the back also?

Also with the adapters on and using a 3way speaker the mid and tweet dome stick out form the speaker really far will this fit when you put the door back on and not hit??

Do you recommend 5 1/4 or 6 1/2? What would be the difference for my application?

Thanks A Million For All Your Help !!!



hey no problem man, car audio is something I actually know about. This is my first V8 so I am still learning a lot about the performance aspects of these cars.

The difference with the bass blockers is the level of impedence. Basically to what level its going to block the bass. In all honesty what I used to do was just go into the audio shop and grab a dozen of what they had on the rack, it always worked lol. So i dont really know the ins and outs of them. I think that any that yo went with would do the job for you. But if you want the full on tech on them, shoot the people at crutchfield an email. They really know there shyt.

i would say that your looking at at least $75ish dollars for the speakers. As far as brand, any name brand will do. I have had good experiences with Kicker, Kenwood, and even some of the good Sonys. I would def get 3 ways though. dont do 2 ways, or ull lose some of the crispness in the highs.


The speakers shouldnt stick out too far because your not going to put the grill on them. Use the grill that allrady is in your door and they SHOULD fit fine. As far as the back goes I would do pretty much the same things.


The really good thing about bass blockers is that by using those you cut down on the power going to the speakers. So where as your deck might be 22 X 4, only maaybe 10-15 will actually be going into the speakers. Thats a good thing.


You never want to max out either the speaker or the head unit. Try to find speakers that roughly the middle of the suggested RMS is around 22. So a 5-50 rms speaker or something like that.

Anymore questions feel free to ask, Ill get back to you on that plate.

[GUNS]

yup i think those plate would work fine, both front and rear.

[falconman515]

Should i go with 5 1/4 or 6 1/2?

Whats the advantage to each in my kind of application?

Which one if i go 6 1/2" :
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?g=52000&i=113KFC1661&tp=95&tab=features_and_specs
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8695879&type=product&id=1198888991061

The only thing is that the one from best buy is a better speaker than the other but may take more power! What do you think?

[GUNS]

i would prob go with the best buy ones.

On the 6.5 vs 5.25 really for your application it doesnt make a huge difference. The size is mainly talking about the woofer and your putting bass blockers on so it doesnt really matter.

[falconman515]

Well i ordered those 6x9 to 6 1/2 adapters i had posted earlier so it looks like i will be going with the 6 1/2" Kenwood (the good ones from best buy i'm sure, if i my deck will power them good).

Also i saw on crutchfield in the bass blocker details it says:

If you like it loud, protect your speakers from bass distortion and enjoy cleaner sound with Bass Blockers. Each Bass Blocker handles up to 50 watts RMS with a 6 dB per octave roll-off. You'll find some general guidelines below for matching Bass Blockers to speaker size. For smaller speakers (3-1/2"s, 4"x6"s, 4"s), the 600 Hz Bass Blockers work well with low-powered systems, while the 800 Hz Blockers are a better choice for high-power applications.

Speaker Size Cut-off Frequency
Read More

6-1/2", 5"x7"/6"x8" — 150 Hz
5", 5-1/4" — 300 Hz
3-1/2", 4", 4"x6" — 600 Hz (low power)
3-1/2", 4", 4"x6" — 800 Hz (high power)

These models come fitted with easy-to-use quick-slide connectors that make installation a cinch. There's no splicing or crimping — just slide one of the Bass Blocker's connectors onto your Crutchfield speaker harness and the other Bass Blocker connector onto your speaker's positive terminal.

Cut-off points are at 4 ohms. If you use 8-ohm speakers, the cut-off point is half the listed frequency.


So i take it for the 6 1/2 i should get the 150 hz correct?

Thanks so much for all your help!!!

[GUNS]

Well i ordered those 6x9 to 6 1/2 adapters i had posted earlier so it looks like i will be going with the 6 1/2" Kenwood (the good ones from best buy i'm sure, if i my deck will power them good).

Also i saw on crutchfield in the bass blocker details it says:

If you like it loud, protect your speakers from bass distortion and enjoy cleaner sound with Bass Blockers. Each Bass Blocker handles up to 50 watts RMS with a 6 dB per octave roll-off. You'll find some general guidelines below for matching Bass Blockers to speaker size. For smaller speakers (3-1/2"s, 4"x6"s, 4"s), the 600 Hz Bass Blockers work well with low-powered systems, while the 800 Hz Blockers are a better choice for high-power applications.

Speaker Size Cut-off Frequency
Read More

6-1/2", 5"x7"/6"x8" — 150 Hz
5", 5-1/4" — 300 Hz
3-1/2", 4", 4"x6" — 600 Hz (low power)
3-1/2", 4", 4"x6" — 800 Hz (high power)

These models come fitted with easy-to-use quick-slide connectors that make installation a cinch. There's no splicing or crimping — just slide one of the Bass Blocker's connectors onto your Crutchfield speaker harness and the other Bass Blocker connector onto your speaker's positive terminal.

Cut-off points are at 4 ohms. If you use 8-ohm speakers, the cut-off point is half the listed frequency.


So i take it for the 6 1/2 i should get the 150 hz correct?

Thanks so much for all your help!!!


yup, it looks like that would do it for you. Be sure to post results man.

[sco_pet]

boston acoustics would be the route to go

[falconman515]

Well that helps !!!

Why?

I think Guns has got this all figured out for me, the 6 1/2"s will be a perfect fit for me!

Are you saying that go BA for new aftermarket speakers of the Dodge oem speakers?

Gotta be more specific when trying to help someone!

[gonin60]

Falcon, you need to really look at how efficient the speaker is, as you will not be using an amplifier. Then as I stated before if you can go to the store, demo several speakers to see which ones you like the sound of, also if you don't haul many backseat passengers then forget the rears and spend more money on a better pair of front speakers!! Now as far as using bass blockers keep in mind that if your sub plays up to 80hz and your 6.5's play down to 150hz you will be missing music between 80-150hz, just some food for thought.

[falconman515]

Thanks for the advice Gonin60!

Ya i am gonna look around a bit.... I am wanting to get 3 ways but really good speakers but it seem like the higher end 6.5's are all 2 way (like the Infinity Reference for instance)

If i got a premium 3 way for 70, would the sound be better if i got a Infinity Reference 2-way? Here are the ones i'm talking about:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8695879&type=product&id=1198888991061
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8210955&type=product&id=1166234894507

I would be willing to spend the extra 40 if they are Alot better than the Kenwood 3 ways.
But if they are only 2 ways wouldnt the sound range be not as good?

Keep in mind i'm not looking for a competition sound system just something that sounds clean and good, so if the infinity is overkill for my needs please let me know. I'm thinking the Kenwood will work great for the kind of stereo system i am looking for!

ALSO: Is there a write up here somewhere that shows how to take the door off to install new speakers and also the back deck for later reference when i do them as well? Thanks.

[gonin60]

A 2 way is always a better choice, when a company uses a 3 way they now have 2 drivers ( the tweeters ) reproducing the same frequencies which can degrade the sound quality. Also 2 other set-ups to think about would be buying a component set, separate mid and tweeter, or adding a set of 3.5" in the dash. I would vote for the components and then you will be ready to add an amplifier in the future if you decide to, if not they will sound the best of any design.

[Raven0130]

I would agree with gonein60. Component sets come with a small passive cross-over that will remove the need to bass block and will give you much better range of sound. Since dodge was kind enough to put speaker ports on the dash you can put the tweeter of the component set up on your dash and they will give you the "crisp" sound you are looking for. With the door location most of your sound is fired into the seat and away from your ears. If you can point your tweeters toward you it will sound 100x better.

[GUNS]

I would agree with gonein60. Component sets come with a small passive cross-over that will remove the need to bass block and will give you much better range of sound. Since dodge was kind enough to put speaker ports on the dash you can put the tweeter of the component set up on your dash and they will give you the "crisp" sound you are looking for. With the door location most of your sound is fired into the seat and away from your ears. If you can point your tweeters toward you it will sound 100x better.

he has the four speaker system

[Raven0130]

he has the four speaker system

He has the same dash as everyone else, so the dash pods for the speakers are there. He would just need to run the tweeter from the set to the dash pod and there you go. If you are installing speakers you can put them were ever you want to. The dash for the tweets are just a better solution for sound imaging.

[falconman515]

Not wanting to spend 100+ bucks on speakers!

I want good sound, really i just a little better highs than my stock 6x9's, ans to spend a bunch of money on a component set and have to have tweeters put in the dash i think is out of the price range.

I think a descent 2 or 3 way 6.5" would work just perfect for me.

I just need to know what speaker to get, not sure if i should go a 2 or 3 way and what brand?

[gonin60]

2 way for sure, as far as brand, again listen to many and buy one. You are the one that will live with your choice, so if I say brand x and you don't like the way they sound, then I look like an ass. Most brands make several levels of speakers so find a brand you like the sound of, then purchase what you can afford! Happy shopping!!!

[falconman515]

How about these for the front door?

They are component speakers and dont take alot of power and are in my price range!

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-eFd2Vh03f78/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?i=500SPS600C&s=0&cc=01

They have the built in cross-over so i think i wont need the bass blockers and will give me from what i read better sound being that they are component speakers?
Also i was going to order the spekaer harness which was 10 bucks, the bass blockers which were 10 bucks and the adapter plate comes with it also which is 10 i think. So thats 30 bucks which would make this in my pocket book a $100 dollar component system since when you order these speakers it comes with built in crossover (dont need the BB now) the speaker harness, and the adapter plate for FREE. This may be the way to go.

What do you guys think?

[GUNS]

where u gonna put the tweeters?

[GUNS]

He has the same dash as everyone else, so the dash pods for the speakers are there. He would just need to run the tweeter from the set to the dash pod and there you go. If you are installing speakers you can put them were ever you want to. The dash for the tweets are just a better solution for sound imaging.


good point, i didnt think of that

[falconman515]

I have moved this since its know off the main topic and there are questions i would like to know from other members. You guys have been a huge help so far and GUNS you have got me going on this route and i hope it pays off.

http://www.chargerforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84746

Please post remainder of this thread in new thread.