I'm thinking about upgrading my door speakers in my 98 GS. I'm looking at the JL Audio C5 series componets in the front and coaxels in the rear. Should I go 6.5 or stick with 5 1/4. Any feedback will be great.

Is there a big sound difference between 5 1/4 and 6.5

Is 5 1/4 less of a hassle/cost to install?

Thanks

 

Check the mounting depth. I've seen some very deep 5.25 inch speakers. They should be no more than 2 3/8ths. Some have gotten deeper with a different baffle. Also, you'll need a spacer ring.

I'd go 6.5 - I already have 7 inch Dyns in my doors. The extra midbass is worth it!

 

Thanks for the reply.
The mounting depth for the 5 1/4 jl's are

fronts 2.23 and 2.50 for the rears

the 6.5 are fronts 2.54 and 2.44 rear

 

The rears you have plenty of room. The fronts - depending on how you make the baffle, it might be close.

 

Percy,
Are you refering to the 5 1/4 or 6.5?

Would I have to get custom baffles made for either or? If thats the case then 6.5 would be worth it. The only reason I would go with 5 1/4 would be to save some $$ on the install.

 

5 1/4 will fit the fronts nicely with the proper spacer ring. The 6.5 is a bit tougher. I was lucky with the Dyns since they're only 2 3/8ths.

You'll have to custom make a baffle.

 

Go with 6.5". You'll appreciate the ability to extend lower. Plus you generally get less distortion per volume (relative to the 5.25") because you're not working it as hard.

I'm using 3/4" baffle + 1/8" spacer ring for my 6.5". My speakers have a mounting depth of 2.75" and they clear no problem.

 

If you're upgrading you might as well go for the 6.5"s. I have also the Dynaudio's MW160's on all 4 of my doors.

 

Thanks for the help, I've decided to go with the 6.5

 

Go with the 6.5, you can find the pre-made mdf mounts on ebay that fit perfectly

 

asked this question via PM to some members but never got a reply -

Did any of you guys cut the door panels right where the speaker grill is? My concern is mostly for rear doors - stock opening is a tiny 4" and i have 6.5 sitting there.....or it wont matter in terms of sound quality?

 

Baffle. Spacer ring. Plenty of mounting depth for the rears. Go for the 6.5 - HUGE difference vs the 4 inch.

 

Would you recommend going with components in the rear? I was thinking of going with coaxels for a simpler install. If the sound quality is better with separates I would rather do that.


Thanks

 

I would go for separates.