DIY 6.5 Inch Door Speakers Using OEM Baffles

[drbodzin]

Originally Posted by Tieniber

Oh man I did 6.5s with the MDF cutout last year after I got stiffed on some custom baffles. I really like this idea, I wonder if mine would sound any better done this way...

I think you would get better sound as a mid & low range speaker seems to always sound better when you have it in an enclosure. But be sure to drill the holes in the baffle to allow air to pass in and out.

[rah rah 986]

I really like the use of the original enclosure. I have never used jb weld. Does it create a good bond?

You mentioned that you installed mid range co-ax speakers. I have heard that by design, the door speakers are to provide lower, bass like sound, and that the amp only sends lower frequency signals to the door speakers.

If true, I wonder how the mid range coax speakers work out, and, is the tweeter essentially unused?

[particlewave]

Originally Posted by rah rah 986

I really like the use of the original enclosure. I have never used jb weld. Does it create a good bond?

You mentioned that you installed mid range co-ax speakers. I have heard that by design, the door speakers are to provide lower, bass like sound, and that the amp only sends lower frequency signals to the door speakers.

If true, I wonder how the mid range coax speakers work out, and, is the tweeter essentially unused?

Aftermarket stereo
Not sure if the stock stereo is set up like you said, but it wasn't much good anyway.

[drbodzin]

Originally Posted by rah rah 986

I really like the use of the original enclosure. I have never used jb weld. Does it create a good bond?

You mentioned that you installed mid range co-ax speakers. I have heard that by design, the door speakers are to provide lower, bass like sound, and that the amp only sends lower frequency signals to the door speakers.

If true, I wonder how the mid range coax speakers work out, and, is the tweeter essentially unused?

The stock amp is setup to only use "sub-woofer" or base frequencies for the door speakers. And the mid-range speakers sounded HORRIBLE with the stock amp. But once I tore that sucker out and put in the new amp, all that changed and they sound amazing!

[drbodzin]

Originally Posted by rah rah 986

I really like the use of the original enclosure. I have never used jb weld. Does it create a good bond?

You mentioned that you installed mid range co-ax speakers. I have heard that by design, the door speakers are to provide lower, bass like sound, and that the amp only sends lower frequency signals to the door speakers.

If true, I wonder how the mid range coax speakers work out, and, is the tweeter essentially unused?

Oh, and JB Weld creates a very strong bond. However, I would not recommend using it to fix your engine parts (as I've seen on the web ). But for plastic and wood bonding, great stuff.

[adc]

Wish I'd seen this post a few days ago...

I've just installed Kicker KS60 into the stock OEM door baffles. This is apparently a 6" speaker, not the customary 6.5" size. I was able to simply screw it into the stock hole locations. It didn't fit into the recessed space so it sticks out more then the OEM speaker, but the door panel fit just fine on top of it.

I'm changing the head unit tomorrow, can't wait to see your amp recommendation as I didn't have anything planned for that.

[drbodzin]

Ok, ADC, I will post some more info on the rest of the system now.



Here is the Amp installed.



This is the Sub Woofer I installed behind my seat.

[rah rah 986]

I just purchased new 6.5" door speakers. (Not coax). My intention is to replace them using the stock amp. After reading this thread, I think I may be making a mistake. As the existing door speakers sound absolutely terrible, I suspect these may not be much of an improvement if the real problem is the factory amp. I suspect a new amp may have been the first thing to replace and then the speakers. I will find out soon enough. Hope to have my new woofers installed this weekend.

[adc]

Wow, that's a nice sub. I appreciate you posting all this info, and don't mean to be a pest, but I have a few more questions if you don't mind...

Does it actually fit flat under the seat, or did you install it at an angle against the bulkhead?

Did you have to remove the seat?

Can you share some info about the wiring? I'm wondering where you grounded the sub to...

And the $$ question - where did you source the amp from?

[Miata2Boxster]

Originally Posted by adc

Wish I'd seen this post a few days ago...

I've just installed Kicker KS60 into the stock OEM door baffles. This is apparently a 6" speaker, not the customary 6.5" size. I was able to simply screw it into the stock hole locations. It didn't fit into the recessed space so it sticks out more then the OEM speaker, but the door panel fit just fine on top of it.

I'm changing the head unit tomorrow, can't wait to see your amp recommendation as I didn't have anything planned for that.

Interesting! Do the stock door grills still fit? How do they sound? Thanks

[adc]

Originally Posted by Miata2Boxster

Interesting! Do the stock door grills still fit? How do they sound? Thanks

They sound much clearer and cleaner than the stock ones, particularly midrange. Bass is less muddy, but not necessarily significantly stronger. I think the speaker size limits the amount of bass it can produce.

Anyway, my car is now sold. Unfortunately I sold it before I managed to install the last addition, a Clarion 8" powered subwoofer.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B43LKEM/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I tought it might fit behind the passenger seat, if not under the seat. I guess I'll never know now - and I can't even return it now anymore...

[Miata2Boxster]

Originally Posted by adc

They sound much clearer and cleaner than the stock ones, particularly midrange. Bass is less muddy, but not necessarily significantly stronger. I think the speaker size limits the amount of bass it can produce.

Anyway, my car is now sold. Unfortunately I sold it before I managed to install the last addition, a Clarion 8" powered subwoofer.

Amazon.com : Clarion Mobile Electronics SRV250 Powered Subwoofer : Vehicle Subwoofer Systems : Car Electronics

I tought it might fit behind the passenger seat, if not under the seat. I guess I'll never know now - and I can't even return it now anymore...

Thanks, I read a recent post suggesting that Pioneer's TS-A1675R 3-Way 6.5" speakers fit without modification as well. The poster has a 1999 986 as I recall.