Replacing Speakers - Procedure / Opinions

[VaGT]

When replacing Speakers, are the speaker wires presently there soldered onto the speaker contacts, or is there some kind of plug or screw contact? When changing them, is soldering required?

I also want to get an opinion on just changing the speakers with stock sizes and keeping the Head Unit. I don't have any need to blast the speakers, I simply want better sound QUALITY without having to fork over $300 for a new Head Unit... and I want to keep the chimes, steering controls, etc. I am not looking for the best possible... I am just looking for a good improvement for now.

Opinions from people who have done just a speaker change with the Monsoon system are appreciated. Did you notice a good bit of improvement? If you have not done it this way, please don't reply with a "You have to get the HU dude!"

Thanks...

[grass]

when i first changed mine i did notice a difference, not a huge one, but a noticable one. later i upgraded the HU and noticed the bigger diff. you will be happy with new speakers, to change em you need some crimp connectors, they should come with the speakers you buy. if u need any questions just ask me

[VaGT]

Originally posted by grass
when i first changed mine i did notice a difference, not a huge one, but a noticable one. later i upgraded the HU and noticed the bigger diff. you will be happy with new speakers, to change em you need some crimp connectors, they should come with the speakers you buy. if u need any questions just ask me


You replaced all 4 I assume?

[grass]

i replaced all 4 at one time, then i later added the subs/HU

i'm a basshead, the stock system didnt satisy my taste, then the replaced speakers didnt either, so i added 2 solobarics :) still not happy *sigh* going for 4 12" solos :) :) then i'll be happy

[VaGT]

I am not too interested in gut pounding bass, just an improvement in the overall sound.. I think I should be able to accomplish that without replacing the HU. If I replace the speakers and see a noticeable overall improvement I will be happy. Maybe a HU will be on my list next summer. At the moment, my wife and I are planning to buy a house soon, so my toy budget is not too big, and has not been... which is why my car is basically stock.

[grass]

the stock monsoon system sounds pretty good IMO but if you want to improve it just get a line out converter and add a 10" sub

the speakers in monsoon are weird ohms is why i had to replace my HU

[GrandAmSC/T]

I realize you said you want to keep your stock sizes but since you want better sound quality, you need to go with a round speaker, up front and back. If you have everything torn apart its just as easy installing round ones as it is the factory sizes, might as well. i suggest a 5 1/4 up front in the doors probably a component set, and a 6 1/2 speaker in the rear. Round speakers have much better sound quality than a oval speaker and better midbass and much crisper highs. You will be amazed at just the difference of that. If you listen to my advice, you'll thank me later. If you do these sizes you will need a Metra Speaker Adapter plate for mounting the 5 1/4 in the front doors. The rear 6 1/2's should just screw in.

Just make sure you go with a decent line of speakers they dont have to be top dollar but if you go cheap you will hear cheap. If you go cheap i wouldn't even bother, chances are your factory speakers would sound better. Your looking at about $200 - $250 for front and rear speakers, adapters and all for some decent speakers depending on where you go. Check out mtx, pheonix gold, kove audio, lower line mb quart, ive had great results with those. Just FYI

I believe the factory speaker connectors are soldered on so just snip the wires off leaving a little slack just so you can reconnect the factorys if needed. No soldering isnt required but if you can solder them on then do it. Crimp connectors are usually used, they should come pre-attached to wire that comes with the speakers. Then you will need butt connectors to splice into the factory wiring leading to the cd player.

As for chimes, steering wheel controls, they have nothing to do with the speakers that is all the head unit.

Hope i answered all of your questions, let me know if you need anymore help.