Not getting much of a responce in the "Electronics" form so I thought I would post this here since most of you all hang out here.

Which way should I go for replacing speakers in my '02 S:
Just replace the front ones for these:
http://lucidautomotive.com/cgi-bin/merchan...ct_Code=kfc1677

Or just add these to the rear:
http://lucidautomotive.com/cgi-bin/merchan...t_Code=visonik5

I have to do either / or because I can't really afford to do both.
I feel I would benifit more by adding the rears and then having 6 speakers in the car instead of 4. But I'll save $100 by just replacing the fronts with MUCH better speakers.

Yes, I'm torn....

 

Rob

These question reflect your current short term goals. Do have any long term goals when it comes to your sound system that might weight in one direction or the other?

My system has grown and changed over the past year, and I assume yours might as well. But the most "Bang for your buck" seams to be to add rears. This seams to be the opinion of the owners how have just added rears and changed nothing else. Since I knew I was going to change the Headunit (wanted MP3) so I started by changing the fronts, then I changed the headunit , then added rears, then sub with amp. The single biggest change in the volume of sound came when the rears were added. This made driving at speed with the top down more enjoyable.

 

Buy an amp, and add just one speaker to your trunk. JL's Stealthbox is a nice choice. See how you like that.

If you have no intention of adding an amp the rear speakers are a great way to go.

I have a pair of practically new Polk dx4's that would be perfect for the rear speakers. $50 shipped if you are interested. New they sold for $100

 

I really only plan on putting in different or adding speakers. I'm not concerned about changing the head unit or adding amps. I just want a fairly inexpesive upgrade that will improve and balance the tones plus let me hear it with the top down without distortion.
I want to put 5.25" in the rear for more bass. But thanks for the offer Hondafan.

 

Just for reference. I had Kenwood XR-600's 6.5" mounted in the rear pannels. Polk dx4's blow them away. Not much if any difference in bass response from 4" & 5.25" speakers. Best bet is to get an efficient high quality speaker for the rear pannels. Good Luck.

 

Ron,

First I have added an amp so my opinion may be different than those without an amp. It is amazing how the rears add to the system. I have Boston RX47 in the rear panel and I really like the sound that comes out of them.

If you are only looking to improve the sound quality I highly recommend the rear speaker addition. I think it rounds out the system well. If you are not going to add an amp or headunit I would leave the fronts alone. I'm assuming that you have a 02 or 03 car since you state you have four speakers.

There are all kinds of opinions on the rear speakers weather they are good or not. Most seem to think it does improve the sound quality of the car.

 

"xor"...even better, "or but not and"

 

Yeah, I have done a search and it does seem like most people say the addition of rears is the better way to go. So I think that's what I'll do.

 

Like you I was looking to upgrade my sound without spending a fortune. I replace the front speakers with Kenwood 3 way speakers and I put in rear speakers (Kenwood 3 ways)from Lucid. The biggest improvement came from the rear speakers. I now have "more" sound and "better" sound. I don't think the front speakers made that much of a difference.

If I had it to do again I'd probably only put in the rear speakers.