Looking at some replacement speakers and have always heard good things about Infinity's Reference series.

http://www.hifisoundconnection.com/Shop/Control/Product/fp/vpid/3529062/vpcsid/0/SFV/30046
(reputable site?)

Are these the ones to get? $99 at Crutchfield vs $55 there Crutchfield does supply the needed adapters, but apparently, people recommend making 3/4" MDF ones yourself (which I can do np).

or
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=15357
(reputable site?)

I'll be using the factory head unit. Is the head unit be the limiting factor or the factory speakers? I'm not planning to go all out or anything, I just want some crispness, clarity, accuracy (for snares to sound like snares), etc at a budget.

Rear speakers are low in the passenger doors and I'd really like to make a rear deck setup, but I don't feel like dremeling through the steel under the cover and getting shavings all up in the car

5/22/2008 11:31:07 AM

Well, most cars are going to have absolute shit for stock speakers and something that works for a head unit. Changing the speakers will make a big difference, changing the head unit AND changing the speakers will make a slightly bigger difference (depending on what you get and what your setup is). Changing the head unit by itself is more or less a waste of money, unless you just like pretty things.

The infinity reference speakers you linked to are the same line I put into my jeep (I got em on sale for $75 at crutchfield when I got em). I got a new head unit to go with it. The speakers absolutely blow away what I had in there before. You'll be pleased with those, I think.

5/22/2008 12:04:31 PM

sweet! What kind of jeep exactly? I figure there'd be a huge difference in speakers in a wrangler vs a grand cherokee.

on second thought, there's no way I'd change the HU 'cause it's one of those custom-molded non-replaceable ones.

Yeah basically I was looking for opinions on whether or not it would be worthwhile to replace the factory speakers in a pretty-recent, pretty-upscale car with a OE head unit.

5/22/2008 12:12:36 PM

Those are good low level speakers. You will notice a big difference with just replacing the speakers, but you will notice an even bigger difference if you replace the HU as well.
Most factory HU put out 8W RMS, while aftermarket now come with 20-30W RMS. This will be a huge difference for you speakers, that can handle 80W RMS or more.

A new HU will actually make stock speakers sound substantially better than factory HU with aftermarket speakers.

Either one of those sites would be fine to order from for the speakers. The only reason you will need adaptors is because of the large mounting flange that nissan likes to use. Some cases you can just drop in the replacement speaker depending on its depth.

You may consider skipping the rear speakers and spending more on either the speakers or an amp, depending on if you have passengers often, or spend a small amount on speakers for rear fill.

An small amp would take everything to a new level.

5/22/2008 12:20:26 PM

i've got an old school Earthquake amp sitting around in the garage that'll do just the trick. too bad it's missing its cover and all the innards are exposed

5/22/2008 12:48:29 PM