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Black_Noise
03-09-2006, 02:23 AM
ok i saw the speaker swap install in the resourse room section, but what i want to know is the size of all speakers in the 03 MM

are the back 2 6x9 or 5x8

what are the door? and is that all the bigger you can go? maybe demmel a bigger hole?

just want info before swapping all the stuff from the tahoe in the MM
(thats a hell of a change huh?)

Lowell
03-09-2006, 04:19 AM
Both front and rear are 6x8.

Todd
03-09-2006, 05:23 AM
The factory size is harder to find in a really good quality speaker than I thought when I recently went to have some of my old system installed with some new speakers...


I ended up going with Boston Acoustic Pro series component sets front and rear. They are 6 1/2's with 1 inch tweeter. The only 6x8 they had was in a lower line of speakers so I just went for the components.

Post up some makers names if you find really good quality stuff in factory size...

Shora
03-09-2006, 06:09 AM
I tried fitting 6x9s in the back with no avail. I believe that some have been able to do it but I couldn't.

magindat
03-09-2006, 06:20 AM
ok i saw the speaker swap install in the resourse room section, but what i want to know is the size of all speakers in the 03 MM

are the back 2 6x9 or 5x8

what are the door? and is that all the bigger you can go? maybe demmel a bigger hole?

just want info before swapping all the stuff from the tahoe in the MM
(thats a hell of a change huh?)

They are 6x8's all around. It will be a little tougher to find a high quality speaker, however, they ARE out there. You'll find opinions on every option here. I prefer the ones in my sig (obviously).

You can also use a 6x8 - 5-1/4 adapter plate and go with a component system. There would obviously be more installation effort.

A 6x8 has more area, therefore more low mid bass response which will better couple the sound with the sub (any sub).

A higher-end 6x8 will typically have more power handling. Therefore, they will lose volume level compared with stock, but sound quality will improve. The trade-off is you will be ready for aftermarket radio or amp.

Just all depends on what you want to do and budget. If you want, PM me. I've been installing for 20 years and will be glad to help.

BTW GM uses oversize 6.5 (7) speakers. I DO NOT recommend shoe-horning these into the MM. It will take a fair amount of custom work to get them to seal up for any kind of mid bass response. You'll be mad. Both about the install and the response.

Spend the money for the 6x8's. It'll be worth the time and headache.

FWIW

fastblackmerc
03-09-2006, 06:49 AM
I replaced my factory fronts with Infinity 6x8's and did a little metal work to install 6x9's in the rear.

rookie1
03-09-2006, 07:03 AM
5x7's will fit the 6x8 openings also.

There are 3 methods to fit 6x9's in the rear.
1: bottom mount them to the underside of the rear deck using existing openings

2: spend 10 minutes with a jig/zip saw and open up the holes a little

3: use these adapters http://www.autotoys.com/x/catalog/6_x_9_SPEAKER_ADAPTER_INTO__5x 7_or_6x8_OPENING_p_1293.htmll

Remember that the stock head unit has very little bass in the signal going to the rear speakers, so if you want to get any bass response from the speakers you install an eq is required.

To put 6.5's in the front doors I like these adapters:http://www.mjmautoinnovations.com/sak68t65.htm

Separate components are nice, I like the factory look so it was 6.5's with the adapters for me.

There are not alot of quality 6x8's available. most of them are 5x7 actual size with a couple extra mounting tabs for the slightly larger holes. One pair of true 6X8's I have heard installed in a Ford sounded high quality and those were Directed Audio S680's. There may be more out there but these were the only ones I listened to actually installed in a vehicle.

Hope this helps!

Black_Noise
03-10-2006, 12:42 AM
anyone have pics of thier front components, i have (out of my old tahoe)

alpine 6 1/2 components
alpine 6 1/2 mid ranges
mtx 6x9s
and two 15 mtx subs

i dont think the subs will go in but some of the others and an amp or two maybe will

magindat
03-10-2006, 06:00 AM
If it was me, I'd do the components in the front and mids in the rear with adapter plates. The tweet can mount above and forward of the dot matrix panel on the door or surface mount on the plastic 'triangle' by the pillar. Make sure the adapter plate is FLAT. There's very little clearance front and rear of the front speaker.

However, I still believe in using a good set of 6x8's.

If using the factory radio, adding the subs will require a balanced to unbalanced line converter.

If you want to use the 2x 15's I can design you and isobaric enlosure to take up less space!

Todd
03-10-2006, 08:29 AM
If it was me, I'd do the components in the front and mids in the rear with adapter plates. The tweet can mount above and forward of the dot matrix panel on the door or surface mount on the plastic 'triangle' by the pillar. Make sure the adapter plate is FLAT. There's very little clearance front and rear of the front speaker.

However, I still believe in using a good set of 6x8's.

If using the factory radio, adding the subs will require a balanced to unbalanced line converter.

If you want to use the 2x 15's I can design you and isobaric enlosure to take up less space!


I had my tweeters in the front mounted on that triangle piece you mentioned on the door where the side view mirror is. It is the same location most factory cars have theirs mounted when equipped with higher end systems.

The tweeters in the rear deck are mounted in a co-axial mount on the 6.5 speaker. That bracket is provided with the Boston Pro component sets.


For the sub I mounted a Boston Acoustic pre-made sub box with 1 10inch sub and 1 10inch passive radiator. It mounts on the shelf where the factory sub was. Amps were all mounted on the wal behind the rear seat. Xtant 604x and Xtant 121m.

Shora
03-10-2006, 08:45 AM
Attempting to delete because I posted twice. Sorry. By the way, how do you delete?

Shora
03-10-2006, 08:46 AM
If it was me, I'd do the components in the front and mids in the rear with adapter plates. The tweet can mount above and forward of the dot matrix panel on the door or surface mount on the plastic 'triangle' by the pillar. Make sure the adapter plate is FLAT. There's very little clearance front and rear of the front speaker.

However, I still believe in using a good set of 6x8's.

If using the factory radio, adding the subs will require a balanced to unbalanced line converter.

If you want to use the 2x 15's I can design you and isobaric enlosure to take up less space!

From all these threads, I guess that it is to be uderstood that one cannot simply buy a good set of 6x8s, a subwoofer that will fit in place of the existing sub, and call it a day while still using the factory head unit and amp?

I don't want to make anything custom, just replace the OEM speakers and Sub which Rattle.

magindat
03-10-2006, 09:37 AM
From all these threads, I guess that it is to be uderstood that one cannot simply buy a good set of 6x8s, a subwoofer that will fit in place of the existing sub, and call it a day while still using the factory head unit and amp?

I don't want to make anything custom, just replace the OEM speakers and Sub which Rattle.

Replace the OEM speakers. No Problem. They are easy. Just know what to expect. Slightly reduced volume, big time increase in quality.

For the OEM sub, to reduce rattle, get about 2' of that black foam pipe insulation and zip tie it around the trunk spring. It wont STOP the rattling, but will reduce it. Also, you can drop the sub (4 bolts) and take the piece of black foam out of it. That helps, too.

Shora
03-10-2006, 10:34 AM
Also, you can drop the sub (4 bolts) and take the piece of black foam out of it. That helps, too.

If you are refering to the "shipping foam" I already removed it. I think that it made the rattles worse or at the very least the stayed the same.

So it is not the speaker itself that rattles? I thought of just replacing it but if there is a sure way to fix it and end these rattles I would prefer that.

magindat
03-10-2006, 11:40 AM
If you are refering to the "shipping foam" I already removed it. I think that it made the rattles worse or at the very least the stayed the same.

So it is not the speaker itself that rattles? I thought of just replacing it but if there is a sure way to fix it and end these rattles I would prefer that.

I know it's not the speaker. I have pulled it and played it by itself. It's something in the car.

After the stock sub I had a 1000W amp and a 15". The same rattles abounded. This is when I closed myslef in the trunk 'til I found rattles. One was the backs of 6x8's, so I baffled them. This obviously isn't the prob with the stock sub. I also found the trunk spring to be a helluva noise maker! Try the pipe foam trick.

Since I was already past the stock sub, this is as far as I can go with the rattling suggestions. However, I have been trough 4-10"s, 2-15'"s and have settled on a custom 8" bandpass. Still no rattles....

GreekGod
03-10-2006, 12:59 PM
First I heard of the "springs" making noise. I'm sure you are referring to the torsion bar springs that hold open the trunk lid.

Did the baffles on the 6x8's amount to OEM style cardboard and fibre caps on the backside of the speakers?

I never thought of getting in the trunk with the lid closed. Wonder if I can trust my neighbor to help.....?

magindat
03-10-2006, 01:02 PM
They're polyuerethane foam available from Crutchfield, parts Express or the like. Your trunk has an emergency pull inside. Plus, you could take a remote with you and just pop it.:beatnik:

You gotta buy 6x9 baffles. They squeeze right in.

Yes, the torsion bars.

fastblackmerc
03-10-2006, 03:19 PM
First I heard of the "springs" making noise. I'm sure you are referring to the torsion bar springs that hold open the trunk lid.

Did the baffles on the 6x8's amount to OEM style cardboard and fibre caps on the backside of the speakers?

I never thought of getting in the trunk with the lid closed. Wonder if I can trust my neighbor to help.....?
You don't have to trust your neighboors.... just bring your extra remote key fob and there is also a federally mandated release handle near the trunk latch.

GreekGod
03-10-2006, 03:53 PM
I always live in fear of the neighborhood gang known as Murphy's Law.

Shora
03-10-2006, 09:22 PM
and have settled on a custom 8" bandpass. Still no rattles....

I saw your sweet set up at the picnic. WOW!!! The OEM sound in my car is so bad that I don't even listen to music (forced to listen to talk radio). I'm used to such a sweet sound with my after market set up on my previous Explorer that I can't listen to all these rattles. Will try your suggestions. Thanks for all your input.

Also, can you suggest the best speakers (6x8s) to use with the stock head unit and amp and any suggestions on fitting 6x9s back there?

magindat
03-11-2006, 11:56 AM
Don't bother with 6x9. The only thing gained is wider selection of speakers. There's plenty good 6x8's out there. I prefer Pioneer as a brand. Check pioneerelectronics.com. Stay away from the bule cone speakers. Use the REV series or the tan color IMPP.

Shora, If you are in FL, you may want to think about coming over for a stereo weekend and we'll build ya something. Of course, you'll have to invest sweat equity and pay for all material!

Shora
03-11-2006, 11:05 PM
Don't bother with 6x9. The only thing gained is wider selection of speakers. There's plenty good 6x8's out there. I prefer Pioneer as a brand. Check pioneerelectronics.com. Stay away from the bule cone speakers. Use the REV series or the tan color IMPP.

Shora, If you are in FL, you may want to think about coming over for a stereo weekend and we'll build ya something. Of course, you'll have to invest sweat equity and pay for all material!

Sounds more than fair. We should talk. Maybe at the next SSM Tower Shops meet?

Shora
03-11-2006, 11:07 PM
Don't bother with 6x9. The only thing gained is wider selection of speakers. There's plenty good 6x8's out there. I prefer Pioneer as a brand. Check pioneerelectronics.com. Stay away from the bule cone speakers. Use the REV series or the tan color IMPP.

Shora, If you are in FL, you may want to think about coming over for a stereo weekend and we'll build ya something. Of course, you'll have to invest sweat equity and pay for all material!

Can someone please tell me who to delete a message when I double post? Sorry (again).