Frozen Speakers
 

Although I'm still running the stock head unit (muddy signal and all), I'm pretty sure the Kenwood Exceleron 6.5" fronts I've been running are pretty crappy. Besides not being able to handle mid-bass at all, they crackle when they get really cold. So most mornings, they sound even worse. Is this common with speakers in this climate? I just want to make sure that when I replace them, the new speakers don't "freeze" as well.

I've been through a lot of speakers, and I've never heard them crackle just when it's cold. I've got some used Boston coaxials I'm not using if you want to try and replace them. Or you could borrow them to troubleshoot, then buy new ones if you need them.

Cool, are they component speakers? I think that's what you call speakers with remote tweeters.

Nope, coaxial = tweeter in center of woofer. I've got a set of components laying around too I think, but you've probably never heard of the company.

That's right, now I remember. I really appreciate the offer, but honestly, I'm ready for a new pair anyway and I want component. I'm glad to hear that this issue isn't somthing I have to worry about when shopping for new speakers.

I really liked the Cerwin Vega's I had in my old car but I never hear anything about them in Imprezas, maybe because they're too deep for our doors. I'm running really thick spacers but I still doubt they'd fit. I think my spacers are compatible with Eclypse 6.5" component speakers IIRC...not that I couldn't redrill into them again.

Any suggestions? I run a JL Audio 300/4 amp...

What's your budget? And are you OK with web shopping or do you want to buy local?

If your spacer is 3/4" thick you can fit most decent component sets in there. I don't know how into stereo stuff you are, but are you using the stock tweeter location?

And if you need new spacers, I have a template already and can make you a set in a few minutes.

Yes on the stock tweeter location. I'm no audiophile but I know my current setup has pretty crappy sound and it's mainly due to the stock HU I think. My budget is, I'm a cheap bastard. I don't mind shopping online.

Well, to me cheap bastard means under $200. Sound OK, or will that put you on a ramen noodle diet for too long?

Here's a few good sets. Now is a good time to buy, new models are coming out so there's good sales going on.

Pioneer $170
http://www.cardomain.com/item/PIOTSC160R
Polk $170
http://www.cardomain.com/item/POLDB6500
Alpine $150
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-sbkcTe5...0&I=500SPS171A

I've heard nice things about these sets, and they are all on sale for $170 or less. You can get them cheaper as well, but Cardomain and Crutchfield offer a factory warranty.

If you don't care about the warranty, I'd try these out. They are $200 most places.

JBL $120
http://ikesound.com/product-product_id/4766

I can do $200.

Edit: Thanks for the suggestions!

I just edited the above post again, sorry. If you need help installing or making new spacers I'd be happy to help. I've been into car audio way longer than Subarus, so feel free to ask if you need anything.

Thanks Khail.

I need to replace ALL of my stock location speakers... They sound like SHIT! :lol:

I just did that in the F-250 w/ 4 Infinity Reference coaxial speakers. I have to say, those Infinities are nothing special, but they're certainly better than the stock Ford junk. At least they were only $135 for all 4 speakers.

So what's the hot setup on stock location replacements for an 05 STi? Will do spacers if needed. Under $500 per pair please.

Under $500 you have tons of options. Rainbow Germaniums, DLS Ultimates or Iridiums, Boston Z6, JL Audio ZR series, Image Dynamics Chameleons, there's just too many to choose from. If you are going to spend that much coin, I'd recommend going to a few shops and listening to as many as you can. What sounds good is very subjective, so it's hard to shop for speakers without trying them out.

Did you fix the cursed speakers?

The one that was broken, is BROKEN. Even if I glued it back on, there's crap in the cone...

Cory, same applies to you as Cody. If you need speakers I have a few extra sets laying around.

I may have to take you up on that! ...soon as my wallet recovers from Christmas/shitty pay period...

Meh, at least you got one good speaker. Bobby, the speakers aren't cursed, but the L may have been.

For what its worth, in my old car I used to have cheap stock paper cone speakers that would crackle when it was cold out. I've never had that problem, though, with plastic cone aftermarket speakers.

Sorry for the derail.
I don't have to spend that much. I just don't want to spend more than that much. I generally look at the dolar/performance value then go up a step or two. $300-$350 is more like what I was thinking.
It needs to almost drop in without too much custom work. Rings and minor trimming are as much work as I want to do.

No wallet required my friend. I'm sure I still owe you for something. Your car takes 6.5" speakers all around, doesn't it?

Around that range I'd go with the Boston Pro60 set. You'll need a spacer and that's about it I think. They have a fairly low mounting depth, and the tweeters can mount on the woofer or separately as well. They run around $300 shipped on eBay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Boston-Acoustic-...QQcmdZViewItem

Another good set in that range is the Alpine Type-X comps. Actually, more like $200 for those. The tweeter is mellower than the Bostons, depends on what you like. I think the mids are a bit deeper as well, so you might have to trim the door panel a bit. That's easy though, only takes a few minutes.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ALPINE-SPX-177R-...QQcmdZViewItem