New Stereo, Phase I
I started the improvement of my 2004 Marauder's stereo today. The first step was to have the awful stock speakers removed and replaced with the Infinity Kappa 572.5's I pulled from my Lincoln LS.
At the same time, I had the installer install Dynamat (I think) sound deadening sheets on the doors. While I expected a subtle effect from these, I was astounded. Earlier in the week, I noticed quite a bit of noise from the winter road pebbles bouncing against the car. With the Dynamats in place, it is virtually unnoticable. Road noise seems to be down a great deal as well.
The speakers sound good in the car, but clearly I will need to replace the head unit soon. The only bad news was that the installer inadvertantly broke one of the clips off the drivers side window/lock/side mirror control panel, but had no problem paying for the replacement.
If you are thinking of new speakers, or just want a reduction in road noise, try the sound deadening material.
2004 Marauder--DTR
Infinity Kappa 572.5 speakers all four corners
Wheel widening by Lidio
Nitto 305's
Metco control arms and Watt's link
2004 Trek 5200 Project one--as black as possible--lots lighter than the MM, but powered by a lot less HP
1960 Austin Healey 3000 BT7