So, as Christmas gets closer I am deciding whether or not to get some new front speakers (5.25"*) or some subwoofers (prabably 2 12'*). How much of a chance do a have of blowing the front speakers? I tend to like to listen to my music loud, and I have an aftermarket reciever. I'm a little afraid of popping them and having crappy sound. If I go with some subs, what kind of extras will I need, I will be able to build my own custom box out of MDS or some fiberglass resin. I would appreciate some feedback from all, and whoever has knowledge about this. Thank you in advance.

OEM GM spkrs typically are 10 ohm rather than 4 like aftermarket equipment. Unless your headunit is putting out garbage causing the front speakers to clip, I wouldn't worry about blowing them too much.

If given the choice, I would go for the sub(*). You will need some sort of enclosure but not necessarily a custom box. If you wanted to do a custtom enclosure yourself, I would suggest doing some research prior to design. There'* more to a good sounding box than just MDF and carpet. In the past, there have been some good links posted here that aid in calculations for air volume, etc.

You'll also need an amp. Everyone will give you their recommendations so take that and decide on what will be right for your application.

Hmmm.. It'* a pretty common thing to use an aftermarket deck with stock speakers, and if you have the stock components I really wouldn't worry about blowing them up with 15-20 watts. Just pay attention to when it starts to distort and you should be safe. I don't know what brand reciever you run, but a lot of units can filter out bass frequencies to the speakers specifically for use with a sub, so look into that.

Obviously I suggest getting a sub. Trust me it will make a world of difference. You will need to get a wiring kit ($20-$50) that runs at least an 8 gauge wire (preferrably 4) to the trunk. Then you will need to get an RCA cable ($10-$30) from your headunit to the trunk. After that, you just have to decide what kind of bump you want.

If you don't plan on upgrading your speakers and amp'ing them any time soon, 1 12" will work just fine. You can build a really nice setup for under $400-$500 (wiring, amp, woofer, box) if you shop smart. 2 12'* will cost more bucks, and if you are on a budget you are likelier to end up with a compromise and something you ultimately won't like to listen to for very long.

If this is your first time building a sub box, use the K.I.*.*. method and make sure you get 3/4" MDF or better. That'* all I can tell ya for now...

If I were to go with the subwoofers, I would try hooking them up to the gain slider that I have. It'* been done before and I find it to be a really nifty easy way to adjust the bass.

You will need an amp that can adjust the Bass Level, and you just remove the switch on there, and wire it to your gain slider.

I reccomend saving your money, and buying them all at the same time. I believe you have some good Pioneer 6x9'*.. correct? That'* the first step, then move onto the 3.5'*, then 5 1/4'*.. once you have all of them wired up, go for the sub[*]. You will probably want to upgrade your alternator at that point to 140/160amp unit.


-justin

does ur current cd player have built in crosovers?

I've always thought the "Premium sound" in SE'* with an EQ deck (no gain slider) speakers lasted much longer then the bose ones, or gain slider ones. They can sound good, but you gotta be careful. I still just have subs, and i had planned on doing speakers first. The only part really lacking is mid-bass area, it'* not very defined.

I blew both my front tweeters right away. The mids handle fine, but the sound is unbalanced without the tweets, obviously. It sounded so much better when my ebay 3-way 5.25"er'* were installed, and the 6x9'*!

i agree. in comparing my bose to my parents "premium sound" that was in their 98 SE, the bose gets completely blown away.

How did you do the wiring for the 5.25'* (i'm guessing you didn't go with components)? Are there two different pairs of wire like for the back speakers? If so, do I use some type of wiring harness?