Time to get new speakers... i think.

[d1giPhux]

Okay, i enjoyed the stock 'upgraded' subaru speakers in my 99 LGT Limited for a while.. before, they were nice, bass hit pretty low.. but now they are just starting to make an annoying buzzing type sound when the bass hits too low? Do you think this is because of my speakers.. or the underseat sub? To me.. it sounds like the speakers..

SO.. what im asking is. How hard is it / annoying is it to pull the door panels off the replace the front speakers? They are 6.5'' all the way around correct? Is it possible to hook up another sub underneath the passengers seat? Anything additional I will need to do to install aftermarket speakers?

What type of speakers do you guys reccomend in the $60-$120 price range? I'm sure this has been asked a billion times.. and im thinking about going with some pioneer (had good experiences in the past), or maybe some other types?

Also.. if were to get component speakers.. would it be a bitch to install? Would it rattle my door to hell? What type of improvement could i expect.

Wow.. lots of questions. Just hope getting new speakers will fix the 'buzz' sound im now hearing when it hits the lows. Didnt seem to be doing that before.. so its got me wondering.

and why the HELL did subaru make it such a pain in the ass to replace the speakers!

[Huffer]

Speakers are easy to replace. You've done projectors, this is just as easy.

Doors are very easy to remove. You will need to remove the tweeters, and then remove the pop-out screws near the body. Then pop off the screw cover by the door release handle.

Phillips screwdriver, then grab the underside of the door card (right down below, and pop it off. Be gentle. It might take a few tries.

Slide the door card up and then pull the door release handle out so you can slide the door card off, be mindful of the wiring harness.

If you can get a set of 02+ WRX speakers, they will bolt right in and sound pretty good.

[d1giPhux]

Speakers are easy to replace. You've done projectors, this is just as easy.

Doors are very easy to remove. You will need to remove the tweeters, and then remove the pop-out screws near the body. Then pop off the screw cover by the door release handle.

Phillips screwdriver, then grab the underside of the door card (right down below, and pop it off. Be gentle. It might take a few tries.

Slide the door card up and then pull the door release handle out so you can slide the door card off, be mindful of the wiring harness.

If you can get a set of 02+ WRX speakers, they will bolt right in and sound pretty good.

So on the door cards.. there are no annoying plastic things holding it in to mangle? Hmm, interesting. I'm wondering WHY my speakers are sounding like this now.. im not really even sure. Seems like sometimes it doesnt do it.. and other times it does... but mostly it does. Especially when the bass on the cd is a super low frequency.. just kind of sounds like its vibrating too much and sounds 'buzzing'. 6.5" speakers should bolt right up to front and back correct? Still wondering if i can hook another under-seat sub up.. maybe take care of some of the low frequency sounds a little better! Thanks!

[Huffer]

So on the door cards.. there are no annoying plastic things holding it in to mangle? Hmm, interesting.

I'm wondering WHY my speakers are sounding like this now.. im not really even sure. Seems like sometimes it doesnt do it.. and other times it does... but mostly it does. Especially when the bass on the cd is a super low frequency.. just kind of sounds like its vibrating too much and sounds 'buzzing'. 6.5" speakers should bolt right up to front and back correct? Still wondering if i can hook another under-seat sub up.. maybe take care of some of the low frequency sounds a little better! Thanks!

There are always plastic things to mangle. There are pop screws that hold the door card on.

I recommend trying removal on the door that gets opened least, in case you screw something up.

Speakers - yes, any speaker from any later model Subaru will fit in with ease.

You are probably experiencing speaker wear - buzzing - speakers have a finite life, which is accelerated by volume.

[d1giPhux]

There are always plastic things to mangle. There are pop screws that hold the door card on.

I recommend trying removal on the door that gets opened least, in case you screw something up.

Speakers - yes, any speaker from any later model Subaru will fit in with ease.

You are probably experiencing speaker wear - buzzing - speakers have a finite life, which is accelerated by volume.

Man, i hate those 'pop screw' things.. they are a pain in the ass. You think subaru could have made it a little easier to access the damn speakers.. because those things ALWAYS get mangled.. unless you are super careful and have needle nose pliers and stufff.. which i will try. I wonder if i can get more of the pop screws at the dealership incase i mess some of them up.. because i KNOW some will get ruined. I hate pulling door panels off, i hope this doesnt turn into a huge head ache. I'm probably going to go with some aftermarket pioneer speakers or something.. not sure yet. Thanks for the help! Any more info on speakers to buy would be greatly appreciated.. or things to avoid door panel removal headaches.

[auspex]

check crutchfield.com to get an idea of prices. you can also see what different types of compact, powered subs will fit under your seat. whatever i found on crutchfield, i found new on ebay for 70% of the cost.

you can get a nice set of infinity, pioneer, kendwood, etc component systems for under $200, no problem.

mike

[d1giPhux]

check crutchfield.com to get an idea of prices. you can also see what different types of compact, powered subs will fit under your seat. whatever i found on crutchfield, i found new on ebay for 70% of the cost.

you can get a nice set of infinity, pioneer, kendwood, etc component systems for under $200, no problem.

mike

Will the component speakers fit? Do i need an amp to power them? What exactly is the advantage? I've heard lots about them being great sound quality.. just dont know much about them. I'm just trying to keep this sorta basic.. i dont blast my music too much. I'd rather have sound quality over amplitude.

Also.. since i have tweeters already.. should i just get 2-way, or go for the 3-ways?

[Huffer]

Man, i hate those 'pop screw' things.. they are a pain in the ass. You think subaru could have made it a little easier to access the damn speakers.. because those things ALWAYS get mangled.. unless you are super careful and have needle nose pliers and stufff.. which i will try. I wonder if i can get more of the pop screws at the dealership incase i mess some of them up.. because i KNOW some will get ruined. I hate pulling door panels off, i hope this doesnt turn into a huge head ache. I'm probably going to go with some aftermarket pioneer speakers or something.. not sure yet. Thanks for the help! Any more info on speakers to buy would be greatly appreciated.. or things to avoid door panel removal headaches.

Dude, are you serious? Unless you try and rip the door off, they just pop out with very little effort.

Just crouch by the bottom of the door, and put your fingers under the panel. You'll feel where they're clipped in, just pull firmly, don't yank.

[Huffer]

Will the component speakers fit? Do i need an amp to power them? What exactly is the advantage? I've heard lots about them being great sound quality.. just dont know much about them. I'm just trying to keep this sorta basic.. i dont blast my music too much. I'd rather have sound quality over amplitude.

Also.. since i have tweeters already.. should i just get 2-way, or go for the 3-ways?

Component speakers seperate the tweeter (tiny speaker) from the woofer (the big one). If you have tweeters installed by the mirrors, then you already have "component" speakers.

If you run aftermarket (higher wattage capacity) you will probably want a decent HU and an amp to power them. You get better clarity from components w/ good HU and powered amp.

[d1giPhux]

Man, i hate those 'pop screw' things.. they are a pain in the ass. You think subaru could have made it a little easier to access the damn speakers.. because those things ALWAYS get mangled.. unless you are super careful and have needle nose pliers and stufff.. which i will try. I wonder if i can get more of the pop screws at the dealership incase i mess some of them up.. because i KNOW some will get ruined. I hate pulling door panels off, i hope this doesnt turn into a huge head ache. I'm probably going to go with some aftermarket pioneer speakers or something.. not sure yet. Thanks for the help! Any more info on speakers to buy would be greatly appreciated.. or things to avoid door panel removal headaches.

Dude, are you serious? Unless you try and rip the door off, they just pop out with very little effort.

Just crouch by the bottom of the door, and put your fingers under the panel. You'll feel where they're clipped in, just pull firmly, don't yank.

Well i must be thinking of a different kind then.. because on honda door panels.. they are a BITCH. They are the type of ones that need needle nose pliers to be squeezed and then released.. which usually just enders up in breaking them. But.. i'll give it a go.. hoping i dont mangle the panel, or the plastic pieces!

[Huffer]

Those sound like circlips, that are used to hold on windup window handles.

[d1giPhux]

Those sound like circlips, that are used to hold on windup window handles.

hmm no..would be much easier if it was those!

edit : heres a pic of the ones im talking about..or semi close at least. :

http://www.nmcgroup.com/images/fasten28.gif

In the manual page i printed out from the FSM.. it says 'using ST, disengage the clip' ST 925580000 PULLER.... so sounds like they have some special tool for this.. aka..good fun! LOL. :roll:


and here is a pic of the puller i found :

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/


Gonna have to be careful on this one.. or just buy more clips!

[Huffer]

Kinda.

The ones in the door are inside the door card, so you're not pulling a bunch of them out.

[d1giPhux]

Kinda.

The ones in the door are inside the door card, so you're not pulling a bunch of them out.

Werd.. how many are there to pull out? What is the best method of pulling them out.. just pull lightly on it till it pops out?

[Huffer]

Exactly. It's not hard. You're making it harder than it is.

[d1giPhux]

Exactly. It's not hard. You're making it harder than it is.

I always tend to do this.. :lol:

I just dont want to mess it up really.. because then it will become more of a bitch to put back together.. i also have previous experience from working on a honda.. and the door panels never seemed to fit just right after taking them off.. but thank god i never had to do it JUST for the speakers.

So yea.. now that we have that outta the way.. speaker reccomendations, and info about 'component' speakers..! I'm looking at maybe some pioneer speakers, or possibly alpine.. as i know they both make decent speakers. What type of 'watt' range should i look for that can be powered by the stock LGT limited system? 2-way or 3-way? Any other basic information / good deal speakers would be greatly appreciated! :cool:

[Huffer]

Good place to start:
http://www.caraudiomag.com/

PS. oval speakers are loud, but they suck for clarity. Just FYI from a live sound mixer. ;)

[dodik]

speakers was one of the best upgrades i did on my old BD, i also had clarion dxz 655mp unit but that got stolen. anyhow the speakers are pretty easy to do especially the front ones the rear ones take more time because you got to take out a lot of interior t oget to them i personally didtn have time to wait for shipping and went to best buy and spent a fortune on the speakers i dont remember the model numbers but in front i had 220W each two way kenwoods and rear were sony explode three way speakers 240W each. the sound is amazing even with the stock stereo much more clear than anything factory can offer. with aftermarket unit even better. never tried throwing in a sub nor ever needed an amp... but the best mod to do especially if you need to silence that knocking valve or exhaust gasket or just some minor ratles and unwanted noises. :grin:

[d1giPhux]

speakers was one of the best upgrades i did on my old BD, i also had clarion dxz 655mp unit but that got stolen. anyhow the speakers are pretty easy to do especially the front ones the rear ones take more time because you got to take out a lot of interior t oget to them i personally didtn have time to wait for shipping and went to best buy and spent a fortune on the speakers i dont remember the model numbers but in front i had 220W each two way kenwoods and rear were sony explode three way speakers 240W each. the sound is amazing even with the stock stereo much more clear than anything factory can offer. with aftermarket unit even better. never tried throwing in a sub nor ever needed an amp... but the best mod to do especially if you need to silence that knocking valve or exhaust gasket or just some minor ratles and unwanted noises. :grin:

What were you using the amp for? Yea, i think im going to just pick up some 6.5" alpines for the front, and then do the rears later.. hell, the only ones that i listen to really are the fronts.. my passengers can deal with the inclarity in the back till later notice! Lol.

And yea, no 6x9 speakers for me.. i dont like oval speakers anyways. :lol:

[studum]

Having experience working on more than a few different cars i was weary about the Suby when I first got it, only because I was afraid of breaking something in my new baby.

I was pleasantly surprised though. With the exception of the HU removal being a pit of a PITA the car was a dream to work on. Doors panels came out no problem, nothing broke, and the whole car went back together exactly how it came apart (including the whole dash). It almost seemed too easy compared to some cars I've worked on before.

The toughest part for me was getting a good deal on speakers that would clear the windows in the doors as there isn't a whole lot of space for a magnet and very little space behind the door panel to build a speaker baffle out. The older body style may be a bit different though.

[d1giPhux]

Having experience working on more than a few different cars i was weary about the Suby when I first got it, only because I was afraid of breaking something in my new baby.

I was pleasantly surprised though. With the exception of the HU removal being a pit of a PITA the car was a dream to work on. Doors panels came out no problem, nothing broke, and the whole car went back together exactly how it came apart (including the whole dash). It almost seemed too easy compared to some cars I've worked on before.

The toughest part for me was getting a good deal on speakers that would clear the windows in the doors as there isn't a whole lot of space for a magnet and very little space behind the door panel to build a speaker baffle out. The older body style may be a bit different though.

Yea, i dont want to get any speakers that are too tall.. does anyone know if pioneer speakers / alpine speakers will work? I'm assuming component speakers might need some modding to fit.. so i dont think i wil go with those.. maybe just some nice 6.5" speakers =]

[AussieDan]

I installed a pair of Infinity 6012i speakers in my GT. They have a 2 1/4" mounting depth and required a spacer to clear the window.

I used 3/4" mdf to make spacers, bolted to the door via the original mounting holes, then screwed the speakers to them.

If you go with a shallower speaker, like the 6012si with a 1 15/16" mounting depth, you should be able to mount them without needing a spacer.

[d1giPhux]

I installed a pair of Infinity 6012i speakers in my GT. They have a 2 1/4" mounting depth and required a spacer to clear the window.

I used 3/4" mdf to make spacers, bolted to the door via the original mounting holes, then screwed the speakers to them.

If you go with a shallower speaker, like the 6012si with a 1 15/16" mounting depth, you should be able to mount them without needing a spacer.

When you say 'clear the window' what do you mean? Most 6.5" speakers should be the proper depth correct? Or what should i be looking for in terms of a 'closest' to OEM fit?

[LegacyRob]

I just started getting a buzzing noise in my speakers this morning :-( so this is a great thread. What is the difference between a 2 way and 3 way speaker??

[d1giPhux]

I just started getting a buzzing noise in my speakers this morning :-( so this is a great thread. What is the difference between a 2 way and 3 way speaker??

I think 2 way speakers do mid/some low frequencies.. 3-way have tweeters built onto them as well.. ive also seen 4-way.. but in my opinion, if you already have tweeters.. 3-ways are probably good enough. Pretty much it just splits the frequencies into the different speakers / tweeters that are built onto the speakers themselves. Here is what crutchfield says about it :

A 2-way speaker's crossover splits the frequency band into two ranges: bass frequencies go to the woofer, and treble frequencies go to the tweeter. In a 3-way system, the frequency band is divided into three ranges. The middle frequencies are sent to a third driver commonly referred to as the midrange.

I think im going to get 3-ways.. since i already have tweeters.. but i wonder if 3 way speakers really do split the mid frequencies better. I think 3 ways are probably good enough, as it would do a sufficient job in splitting the low / mid / high frequencies up decently.

If anyone wants to throw in more word on this..that'd be great.

[d1giPhux]

wow.. so upon looking further at my audio components.. looks like the underseat woofer is the one making the horrible noise! Cant believe i didnt notice that till now.. but for now its unplugged. Anyone got one for sale.. or know someone who might have one for a decent price? Which is the best one i can get outta the subaru series of cars.. wrx, legacy? or they all the same?

[d1giPhux]

So i took the sub apart.. since that was what was causing the sound issues. Here are some pics of it.. just so that you can see what the inside of the 80W subaru stock subwoofer / amp looks like.

http://www.designlabx.com/subaru/electrical/subwoofer/sub1.jpg

http://www.designlabx.com/subaru/electrical/subwoofer/sub2.jpg

http://www.designlabx.com/subaru/electrical/subwoofer/sub3.jpg