Dash Speakers

[nathan_h]

Anyone know if the connector porsche uses is a standard size, so I could go buy something like this instead of splicing into the wires. Hate to make it a permanent solder connection if there is a nice friction one.

[Jaak]

Here is my post from the DYI forum ---- Dash Speaker Replacement


Polk audio db 401

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I replaced mine yesterday with Polk Audio DB 401 that I got from Crutchfield.ca. It took me less than an hour to replace both speakers with most of the time spent on the first one.

1. Removed the speaker from car and brought it to workshop. I removed the three screws and the clip that holds the tweeter and removed them both. These are not needed as the new speaker has the cross over built in with a better tweeter.

2. I used side cutters to cut the plastic cage from the speakers as shown in the first post and I cut the speaker as shown. I also removed the speaker terminals as they are not needed; new one has the terminals already installed and used these.

3. I placed a towel around the new speaker (metal shavings) and proceeded to cut the tabs with a dremmel tool. I cut enough to ensure a tight fit as in original post.

4. I placed the new speaker in the modefied basket and screwed it to the existing grill. The basket gave the new speaker a tight fit to the grill with no chance of it vibrating. I then attaced the included speaker wire harness (VW) to the new speaker.

5. Hooked the harness to the car and tested the speaker. I then installed it in the opening and tightened down the screws. I then removed the other and did the above process to this one.

The sound is fantastic now and will get better once the speakers are broken it. Sounded better today than yesterday with FM and CD's. There is a big difference from the original ones. I would not use the tweeters in the original speakers as it's cross over blocks the tweeter in the new speakers. I would remove the old ones as well as the cross over; new ones have it built in. I have also done the rear PNP speaker upgrade years ago and with both upgrades the sound is very much improved. I may decide to upgrade the head unit with something that "looks" close to stock to keep it "low key". I had read earlier that Harmon/Karden was the one to get but I can't seem to find new units out there. Their website does not indicate that they have this line. Not interested in the booming/flashing displays and nice to have orange which is close to stock.

[rock88hard]

I installed the Alpines, and I'm not impressed. When the factory speakers weren't blown, they sounded a LOT better. Thanks for the tutorial and it's a million times better, just wish I would have tried the Polks instead.

[nathan_h]

Originally Posted by rock88hard

I installed the Alpines, and I'm not impressed. When the factory speakers weren't blown, they sounded a LOT better. Thanks for the tutorial and it's a million times better, just wish I would have tried the Polks instead.

What do you not like about the Alpines? I went with some JL Audio and they sound better than the factory speakers (even before blown) but now it's clear to get decent bass, I gotta add bigger speakers or a sub.

FYI, the Direct Circuit rings, when you learn they need to be trimmed, can fit -- unless you are a clod like me and mangle one of them while cutting them down.

I went with the ones from the UK. While the price was 3 or 4x the Direct Circuit rings, there was not cutting and they were precise fits for me speakers and dash -- including nice wiring harnesses that fit perfectly with the factory harnesses.

Note that I'm listening to an aftermarket headunit with a lot more power than the OEM headunit. That might influence the sound with aftermarket speakers which are typically half or less efficient than the OEM speakers.

[rock88hard]

Right it's exactly the bass level that's the problem. The factory set was able to output lower bass without distortion. Its a problem for me because i don't have the amp to drive the door speakers and i imagine it wouldn't be to easy to rig something. I've always had an Alpine head unit.

[nathan_h]

Originally Posted by rock88hard

Right it's exactly the bass level that's the problem. The factory set was able to output lower bass without distortion. Its a problem for me because i don't have the amp to drive the door speakers and i imagine it wouldn't be to easy to rig something. I've always had an Alpine head unit.

Interesting. Our OEM speakers sucked at bass. The main reason we notice it now is the JL Audio are so good, now it's the obvious thing missing. Frankly they can play well to 80hz which is not thumping but most instruments would sound full..... but then the whole dash shakes!