[BDS23420]

Hey guys i have the stock Alpine radio set up in my 2011 and my 6x9's are blown and crackle a lot I am looking for the best speakers to put in with the stock radio. Im not going to be adding anything else I just want to get the rear speakers not sounding like crap again.

I tried adding in the Infinity Kappa 693.9I and there wasnt enough power from my stock radio.

any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[iamstubb]

Do you have those Kappa's in now? Are they just lower volume? They have a 2 Ohm impedance so they should be louder than the stock speakers, which I have measured at 3.7 Ohm. Then again the stock speakers are just mid-range without a tweeter, so with the 963's you are adding two more voice coils. Were the stock you replaced the paper or blue plastic cone speakers?

The reason why you may have blown the stock speakers is cranking the stereo. The low power would clip the amp and the low power-rated speakers would not handle that and suffer damage. Although you don't want to, I would consider adding an aftermarket amp. That would be very easy with the battery in the back. Otherwise, just adding expensive speakers won't help that much. My guess is you have speakers in the front doors and rear deck, right? You could cover that with a 4 channel aftermarket amp that takes speaker-level inputs. Lots of options these days.

 

[BDS23420]

They were the Blue Plastic ones. Would the amp be able to hook up to the factory stereo if i went that route?

 

[iamstubb]

Yes, a lot of newer amps take speaker-level inputs so you can run the speaker wire from your stock setup into the amp and run new wire to the speakers. Like most, our stock systems do not have low-level pre-amp RCA outputs to go to an amp, but amps now have hi-level inputs/speaker level input capability. Because of all the on board computer stuff, it is often hard to replace a head unit outright and audio companies have adapted by including this.

There is no end to the things you can do, so my advice would be to change one thing at a time. I wrote up my experience here:

Amplifier upgrade, thoughts and info-2nd gen

 

[BDS23420]

what would you suggest me get for an amp and speakers?

thanks,
BDS

 

[iamstubb]

I would stick with the Kappa's if you have those. Those are about as good as you can get without going nuts. I went with Infinity/JBL because the speakers are 2 Ohm so you get a little more power from the stock amp. I am happy with them. If you are just doing the back and want to power the two rear deck, go with a good quality 2 channel amp, like the new JBL A602 or A604 to also power the fronts. They will take a speaker level input. If you can get the older GTO 504 like I have then go for it. That is a very good and flexible amp. Anything equivalent will do. Look for CE2006 certified. I got my amp installation kit from Sonicelectronix. The NVX house brand is actually high quality stuff and will have everything you need.

 

[BDS23420]

Would this be a good setup???

http://www.jbl.com/estore/jbl/us/pr...earchMode=regularProductOnly&sCatId=cat170049

 

[iamstubb]

Yes, but try these. Basically the same speaker and the Infinity might be a little beefier. Infinity/JBL/Harman Kardon/AKG are the same company and share a lot of tech.

 

[BDS23420]

OK thanks!

would this be easy to do a self install or should i go to someplace like Best Buy and have them do it?

 

[iamstubb]

I did my own and I wrote that up here but I can give you more details if needed.

http://www.chargerforums.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-161343.html

If you are comfortable working on your car you can get it done in a couple hours. Speakers alone are pretty easy, but the rear screws can be a pain. You can get direct harness adapters that let you clip right in to the existing wiring. An amp would be another couple-hour job. I fastened mine to the rear seats and that was secure, and the wiring is very simple due to the fact that the battery is in the trunk. There are lots of resources for info so unless you are pressed for time or struggle with changing oil or tires, I recommend doing it yourself and using the money saved on better equipment.

 

[tobe1onfire]

Kenwood has a pair of excellent 7" speakers that fit the 6x9 . They sound much better than kappas! I have kappas in my truck with JL sub on a 1200 watt amp and I like the Kenwood


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

[iamstubb]

It is a good idea to test out a few. It's hard to get the perfect speaker but overall I recommend coaxial over three-way (less interfering electronics) and a well-made name brand over a budget brand. There will be differences but your personal preference will guide you.

 

[BDS23420]

thanks guys!